Ahoy, chocolate lovers, everywhere! Thanks to a partnership between Santa Clarita, Calif.-based Princess Cruises and master chocolatier and pastry chef Norman Love, your ship has finally come in.

Beginning this fall, the new Regal Princess will offer “Chocolate Journeys,” as part of her inaugural Caribbean season.  The new onboard chocolate experience will entice guests with an impressive array of onboard chocolate offerings — among which are custom-crafted desserts, chocolate and wine pairings, and exquisite chocolate bites created by one of the top names in artisan chocolate.  Princess Cruises will continue to roll out Chocolate Journeys for the rest of the Princess fleet throughout next year. 

Norman Love

"Around the world there's incredible passion for chocolate, as evidenced by ever-growing consumption and the plethora of specialty varieties," says Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. "So we're excited to partner  with one of the best chocolatiers in the world to bring some additional moments of decadence and delight to our guests with truly amazing chocolate experiences that we know they'll love!"

Swartz adds that she believes the partnership with Norman Love was meant to be, because of the line's close association with the iconic TV show "The Love Boat" and Princess' reputation for romance. "Based on his name alone this is a perfect match," she said.

In a recent national survey conducted by the cruise line about people's passion for chocolate, Princess found that 58 percent of women would choose chocolate over sex; 69 percent surveyed have frequent chocolate cravings; 53 percent surveyed would turn to chocolate over a friend when feeling sad;  two thirds surveyed (67 percent) eat chocolate more often when they're happy than when they're stressed; 81 percent agree that chocolate improves their mood; and 84 percent would like to receive chocolate as a gift.

"One thing is for certain, chocolate makes people happy," says Love. "So what I create and what Princess Cruises offers its guests are quite similar – what could make people smile more than savoring decadent chocolate creations while enjoying their cruise vacation?  I think we have a winning combination."

Love has personally trained Princess Cruises' pastry team to deliver this unprecedented chocolate experience across the company's fleet of ships.

"Chocolate Journeys" will offer Princess' guests the following sweet experiences:

Decadent Desserts: Norman Love has produced 15 chocolate dessert designs for Princess Cruises that will be offered on a rotational basis in the ships' main dining rooms, specialty restaurants (Sabatini's and Crown Grill) and Chef's Table experience. Examples of the desserts include a Chocolate Tart with Vanilla Mousse and Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Pistachio Dome with Almond and Pistachio Nougatine, and a truly unique Chocolate Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cream and Espresso Gelato that shouldn't be missed. (Complimentary in main dining rooms. Specialty restaurants carry a cover charge.)

Chocolate & Wine Pairings: In Vines, Princess' signature wine bar, wine and chocolate enthusiasts alike can sample Norman Love's Black Single Origin Dark chocolates paired with specific wine varietals designed to enhance the tasting experience, all selected by Love. (Extra charge)

Captain's Welcome Reception Treats: Guests will be able to toast the start of their cruise with a glass of bubbly along with "Chocolate Love Pop" truffles created by Love, at the signature welcome reception hosted by the Captain. (Complimentary)

Chocolate Libations: Throughout the ships' lounges and bars, guests can splurge on a number of decadent chocolate drinks including a Chocolate Salted Caramel Hard Shake, Chocolate Bacon Bourbon Bliss or a Chocolate Chile Margarita. (Extra charge)

Chocolate Dessert Demonstrations: Princess pastry chefs will treat guests to entertaining and informative demonstrations so they can learn some simple tips for creating tasty chocolate treats for their family and friends back home. (Complimentary)

Chocolate Petits Fours at Formal Night: Chocolate bites designed by Love will accompany the dessert menu presented to guests following the formal night dinner, for guests to enjoy as they peruse the evening's sweet endings.

Norman Love Renowned Boxed Chocolates Available for Purchase: Passengers wishing to bring some of Norman Love's exquisite chocolate confections home to family or friends (or to enjoy themselves during the cruise) will be able to purchase these extraordinary creations in the onboard shops.

Chocolate Spa Treatments: Because chocolate is not only for eating, the ship's Lotus Spa will offer guests the opportunity to relax with the aroma of pure bliss by offering a Chocolate Indulgence Body Treatment combining a chocolate renewal scrub, whipped chocolate body mask and chocolate massage oil. (Extra charge)