Carnival Cruise Line has announced that New Orleans chef and restauranteur Emeril Lagasse will serve as its Chief Culinary Officer.

A restaurant concept created by Lagasse, Emeril’s Bistro, is already popular on two of Carnival’s newest ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, and now the chef’s culinary talents will be utilized fleetwide. Carnival also announced that Carnival Jubilee will feature an Emeril’s Bistro when it arrives in Galveston in December 2023.

“Food is key to the fun of a Carnival cruise,” said CCL president Christine Duffy. “Emeril’s restaurants on our two new ships have been a great addition to our dining offerings and guests rave about the food, which will also be on Carnival Jubilee come next December.”

As Chief Culinary Officer, Lagasse will support Carnival’s skilled chefs with guidance on food trends and techniques as well as advise on future menu items and dining concepts. Guests will see his input on the menus of main dining rooms fleetwide, including entrées designated as “Emeril recommends” picks.

“I’ve been creating and operating restaurants for many years but developing my restaurants with Carnival and learning about the cruise industry has been an exhilarating experience. I love Carnival’s focus on food and fun and the many great dining options they offer their guests. I’m looking forward to building on our success at sea with Carnival’s exceptional culinary team,” said Lagasse.

Lagasse is a James Beard Award winner, known for his mastery of Creole and Cajun cuisines. In addition to his acclaimed restaurants across the country, he has been welcomed into homes nationwide for decades through his popular cookbooks and television cooking shows, including his current show “Emeril Cooks,” which debuted on Roku earlier this year.

Carnival also has a partnership with Food Network star Guy Fieri. Guy’s Burgers are a popular item across the fleet and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse is offered on newer ships.