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January 10, 2025

A gentle breeze sweeps across the deck of Costa Toscana, the sun shines over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean even in November, and a delicate scent of chocolate fills the air. Welcome aboard the ChocoCruise, a culinary voyage that seduces both the senses and the palate.

Here, maritime elegance meets the world of Haute Pâtisserie—an experience that couldn’t be sweeter. With World Pastry Star Riccardo Bellaera, the creative mastermind behind Costa’s extraordinary desserts, this cruise takes guests on a fascinating journey into the world of chocolate.

Seven days, seven ports, seven world-class desserts, and countless gastronomic moments that make every gourmet’s heart beat faster. With an exclusive selection of dishes and desserts crafted by Europe’s finest pastry chefs, this cruise is a true feast for food lovers. Who hasn’t dreamed of indulging in delicacies made by exceptional chefs while gazing at the boundless beauty of the Mediterranean? But the ChocoCruise is more than just a culinary journey—it’s an immersion into the secrets of chocolate. In exclusive masterclasses, the world’s top chocolatiers and chefs reveal their secrets. The perfect ganache, the fluffiest sponge, the magic of a flawless glaze—here, it’s not just about watching, but about getting hands-on.

In this article, I will also share some of the exclusive recipes from this extraordinary journey—a true delight for all chocolate lovers seeking inspiration. Are you ready to dive into this sweet world? Then get ready for an unforgettable experience, as indulgent as that first bite of a heavenly dessert.

Costa Toscana – The Stage for Chocolate Art

For the third time, Costa Toscana, the flagship of the fleet, transformed into a paradise for chocolate lovers. Aboard the ChocoCruise, passengers not only enjoyed the comforts of a modern cruise ship but also immersed themselves in the world of sweet temptation.

The heart of this chocolate journey was the Food Lab, where renowned pastry chefs like Riccardo Bellaera and Angelo Musa showcased their mastery. Through workshops and live demonstrations, they unveiled the secrets of working with chocolate. But passengers weren’t just spectators—they had the opportunity to join free workshops and create their own sweet masterpieces.

In the evening, the Colosseo, the ship’s stunning central event space, became the stage for spectacular chocolate presentations. Under the futuristic LED dome, master chocolatiers unveiled their creations in a breathtaking show that engaged all the senses.

The Masters of Chocolate

The ChocoCruise would not be the same without its extraordinary pastry chefs and exceptional chefs—a team that, thanks to talent, creativity, and passion, has redefined the art of chocolate-making. Their biographies are as fascinating as their creations:

– Riccardo Bellaera: One of the most renowned pastry chefs in Europe and a World Pastry Star, who, as Corporate Pastry & Bakery Chef for the Costa fleet, has revolutionized pastry-making at sea. With over 12,000 creations per day, he sets new standards in quality and innovation. Bellaera, ambassador of Italian pastry (A.P.E.I.), was trained by Iginio Massari, who is still his mentor and friend today. His work blends tradition with modern trends, defining Haute Pâtisserie aboard Costa ships. In December 2024, Bellaera will appear on a new TV show with renowned Italian pastry chefs.

– Angelo Musa: An undisputed master in his field and winner of numerous awards. Angelo Musa, Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) and World Pastry Champion, has made an indelible mark on French pastry. In his desserts, he combines classic elegance with modern techniques, establishing himself as an icon in the industry. His creations, the result of craftsmanship perfection and boundless creativity, are admired worldwide.

– Alberto Simionato: Director of the Chocolate Academy in Milan and founder of Chocolate for Family, Alberto Simionato is a pioneer in modern chocolate processing. Thanks to his passion for technology and precision, he has revolutionized the art of chocolate-making. His workshops and creations, celebrated for their innovation and creativity, set new benchmarks in the world of chocolaterie.

– Miquel Guarro: The Spanish Miquel Guarro is known for his avant-garde approach to the art of chocolate. A former director of the Hofmann School in Barcelona and winner of international competitions, he has redefined standards in both design and taste. Guarro merges innovative, clean forms with surprising flavors, captivating both chocolatiers and food lovers around the world.

– Alexandre Bourdeaux: A Belgian Maître Chocolatier and former pastry chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Alexandre Bourdeaux is synonymous with perfection and innovation in the art of chocolate. Thanks to his extensive experience, he develops new techniques and creations that delight both the eyes and the palate. His mastery makes him one of the leading figures in the world of Haute Pâtisserie.

– Luigi Carotenuto: A master of culinary art at sea. Luigi Carotenuto, Corporate Executive Chef of the Costa fleet, wows with extraordinary creations that blend his Italian roots with international experience. As head chef of Costa cruises, he combines traditional recipes with modern techniques, creating dishes that transport passengers to new worlds of flavor.

– Diego Poli: A teacher at the Chocolate Academy and a chocolate technology expert, Diego Poli combines artisan precision with a unique creative signature. His specialty is perfecting textures and flavors, elements that shine through in every creation. Trained by Michelin-starred chefs, Poli is not only a technical genius but also an inspiration for the new generation of chocolatiers and chefs specializing in savory dishes.

The Creators of ChocoCruise: Alberto Simionato and Riccardo Bellaera

The ChocoCruise was born from a shared vision: a love for excellent ingredients and the desire to experience chocolate in all its facets. Alberto Simionato and Riccardo Bellaera not only share their artisanal mastery, but also a deep passion for extraordinary gastronomic experiences. Both firmly believe that chocolate is not just an ingredient, but a true art form, to be created with care, precision, and inspiration.

For the ChocoCruise, they conceived a culinary journey that combines learning and pleasure at the highest level. Their vision? To offer passengers a platform to discover the extraordinary variety of chocolate, from the cultivation of cocoa beans to its most refined processing. With the ChocoCruise, they created more than just a gastronomic cruise: an experience that captivates both gourmets and chocolate lovers, setting new standards in the culture of taste.

Irene Colombo: The Host of ChocoCruise and Ambassador of Italian Pastry

Irene Colombo is the leading presenter in the world of Italian pastry and a central figure in the most important gastronomic events in Italy. With her charismatic presence and expertise, she has earned a prominent place in an industry that holds deep cultural and artistic value in Italy. She began her career as a singer, performing internationally and lending her voice to numerous advertising jingles. Today, she masterfully combines her passions for music, communication, and gastronomy. She is the face of Byoblu, the “citizen TV”, where she stands out for her courage in presenting alternative and unconventional information. Additionally, she is the presenter and official voice of culinary events and television programs.

On December 5, 2024, Irene will be featured, alongside Iginio Massari and the APEI Masters, on the new show Sweet Home on the Discovery Channel. This program, which celebrates the art and pleasure of pastry, underscores her role as an ambassador of Italian pastry culture. Riccardo Bellaera, Master and Corporate Pastry & Bakery Chef of the Costa fleet, will also be her guest on TV. Her work not only expresses her passion for pastry but also showcases her extraordinary ability to inspire people through authentic stories and experiences.

The Evening Desserts of ChocoCruise: World-Class Haute Pâtisserie at Sea

With Riccardo Bellaera and his team, every evening aboard Costa, excellent desserts are served. But on the ChocoCruise, the art of pastry reaches even greater heights. Guests can enjoy a unique experience with a selection of creations made by the world’s best pastry chefs. “Goloso” seduces with hazelnut and caramel, while “ChocoApricot” harmoniously combines milk chocolate and apricot. “Rosa” refreshes with coconut, raspberry, and lime, and “Cheesecake Mousse” with fig jelly pampers the palate. “Caprese al Cioccolato e Mandorla” reinterprets the classic Italian dessert, while “Amuri” brings the flavors of the south with Sicilian chocolate and mandarin. “Karamell und Pfirsich” completes the experience with caramel, blood orange, and corn-raisin biscuit. Every dessert is a masterpiece that impresses not only with its taste but also with its artistic presentation and high-quality ingredients.

The Evening Dishes – Haute Cuisine Aboard Costa Toscana

The ChocoCruise aboard Costa Toscana delighted guests with exceptional evening menus that expertly integrated chocolate into savory dishes. The talented chefs created culinary masterpieces such as ravioli with octopus and white chocolate, cod in milk with chickpea cream and white chocolate sauce, and fusilloni in cacao broth with oxtail ragù. Also featured on the menu were chicken terrine with milk chocolate sauce, orzotto with pumpkin and Gold chocolate coffee sauce, soccarrat with Ruby chocolate mayonnaise, and pulled pork with dark chocolate. Each dish demonstrated the perfect combination of chocolate and intense flavors, enhancing the art of creative cooking with surprising and innovative pairings.

A Look to the Future: ChocoCruise 2025

After the great success of this year’s ChocoCruise, chocolate lovers and gourmets can already look forward to a new edition. Scheduled for November 2025, Costa Toscana will once again transform into a floating stage dedicated to Haute Pâtisserie and culinary excellence. For one week, everything will revolve around the art of chocolate: from exquisite desserts to savory creations, and even inspiring masterclasses with the best experts in the field. Other gastronomic cruises by Costa are planned for 2025.

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Tanja Neumann

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