This is just one of the enrichment experiences that Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer clients as part of their all-singing, all-dancing, ultra-luxury all-inclusive offering. "The clients we have on board can afford to dine in the finest restaurants in London, book the best seats at the West End shows, and go anywhere they desire, so we have to match their expectations" says Regent's Managing Director, Graham Sadler. "But we want to do more than that. At Regent we want to exceed them."
I am learning to cook 'Fish in Crazy Water', a light sea bass dish that, despite my best efforts, still manages to taste delicious. Chef Kelly chats about the ingredients, telling stories of how this was the favourite dish of some Mediterranean royalty that she used to cook for, and shows us effortlessly what to do. Back at my professional kitchen station, everything is awaiting me, as is a flute of Champagne. It calms the nerves about making a mistake in front of Chef Kelly. "Put the parfait back on and give it another minute" she instructs me. "Yes chef!", as I diligently stare at the second hand on my watch. She is spot on, of course, and the dish is delicious - the finest ingredients perfectly brought together to produce a stunning result. A little bit like the RSSC Explorer really. The finest restaurants, spa, suites, entertainment and impeccable service are all joined by more than sprinkling of exceptional experiences.
Talking of which, we are making Pan Perdu for dessert. It is a fancy name for what is essentially eggy bread, and again the chef guides us expertly through every step so that all 18 of us end up with a fabulous dish to enjoy, washed down by more Champagne.
"Good job" says Chef Kelly at the end of the wonderful session - perhaps she isn't so scary after all. As I leave the kitchen and head towards the swimming pool, I open the Explorer app to sign up for tomorrow's class. This time it will include a shore excursion to the local market to first buy the actual ingredients - something I'd never have got to experience otherwise. And that is exactly what Regent pride themselves on offering: experiences of a lifetime.
Contact us to book yourself on the 'world's most luxurious cruise ship', the Explorer. A range of exciting itineraries include Copenhagen to Reykjavik, Oslo to Stockholm, Sydney to Bali and around Japan.