Food Network's Popular Series Features a 'Dinner: Impossible' Challenge Aboard Sapphire Princess

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In one of his first challenges for the third season of Food Network's popular series "Dinner: Impossible," Chef Robert Irvine accepted a "gastronomic dare" by Sapphire Princess' culinary team, the results of which will be revealed Wednesday, January 16 at 10 pm ET/PT. Viewers can tune in to see if the noted chef was successful with his surprise challenge to cook for the 2,900 passengers who were aboard the ship during an Alaska cruise this past summer.

The "Dinner: Impossible" episode promises to be one of the show's best, with many twists and turns -- and even some tears. Aboard Sapphire Princess, Chef Irvine receives a culinary curveball from Princess' food and beverage team headed by the line's Master Corporate Chef Alfredo Marzi. In Ketchikan, Alaska, Chef Irvine receives his largest challenge -- creating a buffet of hors d'oeuvres for a 2,900 passenger sailaway party that will take place in seven-and-a-half hours. Chef Irvine, assisted by the Sapphire Princess culinary team, must figure out a way to solve the challenge before time runs out.

"We are so thrilled our talented food and beverage team had the opportunity to welcome aboard 'Dinner: Impossible,' and showcase their culinary talents and the ship's multi-faceted galley operations," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president. "Food Network is one of the most-watched cable networks, and we know from the response of our passengers aboard Sapphire Princess during the filming that they are huge fans of Chef Robert Irvine."

"When I first started working as a chef, I spent a lot of time on cruise ships," said Chef Irvine, "so I was excited about the challenge of revisiting the experience. Part of the success of the Princess culinary operation is the precision of their planning all the dining opportunities for passengers onboard. When I came onboard and started creating a party for the passengers from scratch, that's where it got interesting .... and nerve-wracking! This is a great episode and one I hope all our fans will watch."

About "Dinner: Impossible"

If you could combine James Bond with MacGyver, you would get Robert Irvine, a real life chef extraordinaire and the host of "Dinner: Impossible." Every Wednesday at 10 pm ET/PT, Robert is thrown a new culinary curveball and the team must figure out a way to solve their challenge before time runs out. From making dinner for 150 passengers aboard a luxury locomotive to recreating an authentic 18th century meal, will he succeed or will it truly be, "Dinner: Impossible?"

For more details about the show and the Food Network, visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/.

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc .

Princess Cruises is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

News, background information and photography are available 24/7 at http://www.princess.com/news.