CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver is to team up with the latest cruise liner to be based in the port of Southampton.

Royal Caribbean International has announced that it will open the first Jamie Oliver eaterie at sea. The company’s most innovative resort ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will feature a Jamie’s Italian.

Anthem of the Seas will open to guests during spring 2015 and sail from Southampton whilst Quantum of the Seas will open to guests during autumn 2014 and sail from New York.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Royal Caribbean, a brand that continually pushes the limits of what’s possible, to debut my very first restaurants at sea onboard the new Quantum-class ships,” said Jamie.

“Royal Caribbean shares my approach to food and dining, which is to serve simple, fresh ingredients in a warm, inviting ambience. I couldn’t be more excited to bring my love of Italian cooking to their guests with Jamie’s Italian. It’s going to be brilliant!”

The addition of Jamie’s Italian to the restaurant portfolio aboard the Royal Caribbean ships, says the cruise company, reflects plans to completely reimagine dining at sea. Smaller, flexible and personalised main restaurants and a collection of smaller, modern and distinct eateries such as Jamie’s Italian and experiential restaurant ‘Wonderland’ will cater for a full spectrum of food lover.

The new approach to dining will feature exclusively on Royal Caribbean International ships Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas replacing the Captain’s Table style dining usually associated with the cruise holiday experience.

Since opening its first restaurant in Oxford in May 2008, Jamie’s Italian has become one of the biggest success stories in high street eating. The quality of the food and service, coupled with the affordability of the food, has meant that customers return time and time again. The casual dining experience is based on offering tasty and simple Italian food, using only the best fresh ingredients. All produce used in Jamie’s Italian is higher welfare and the restaurants aboard the Royal Caribbean ships will be no different.