CULINARY CRUISE | Q&A WITH ROBERT KELLERHALS, CULINARY DIRECTOR OF AMAWATERWAYS
Culinary director of AmaWaterways, Robert Kellerhals, received a gold medal from Best of Gastronomie in 2021. As Culinary Director, he combines his knowledge and passion for food into designing new dishes for guests to enjoy. In our Q&A, he shares his background, career highlights and love of travel.

Q: HOW DID YOU BECOME A CHEF?
I grew up in Switzerland with an older brother who was a chef. When I was seven, I stood spellbound in a professional kitchen watching the team prepare the food, fascinated by the scents, heat, white jackets and discipline. My professional career started aged 15 while studying at a culinary school in Switzerland. I then received practical education at Lindenhofkeller restaurant, which was rated 14 points by Gault & Millau in Zurich’s Old Town. I’ve also worked in various Gault & Millau and Michelin-starred restaurants in Switzerland.

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR WORK WITH THE CRUISE LINE.
Being a chef on an AmaWaterways river cruise ship is never dull. Our chefs prepare every meal with passion and love going ashore to buy seasonal ingredients from all the countries we sail through. I enjoy cooking in different places and learning more about taste from our guests from around the world and, as culinary director, I get to put that knowledge into designing new menus.

Q: WHAT’S BEEN A HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER ON A CULINARY CRUISE?
In early 2021, I was awarded a Gold Medal by Best of Gastronomie and was appointed as the association’s First Secretary for Romania, now my home. I was also invited to join the prestigious French association Tables et Auberges de France, which recognizes culinary excellence. It’s important for me to evolve and grow in my profession, and I’m proud that this hard work has been recognized by these associations — an honor I’m able to extend to our ships. I’m also proud to have been recognized as a professional member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Q: WHERE DO YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL?
I love cruising the Lower Danube through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania on AmaWaterways’ Gems of Southeast Europe and Grand Danube cruises. Great wines are produced in this region and it’s incredible to introduce our guests to them. I also really enjoy sailing through the smaller German villages along the Moselle River — they too have delicious wines.
by Guest Contributor
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