Hosted by one of Australia’s most popular comedians, Peter Helliar, Chefs Ahoy is a high-seas culinary adventure that takes the cream of Australia’s chefs out of their comfort zones and into the heat of a kitchen aboard a Princess Cruise ship.
Over four spectacular episodes in Greece, Japan, Spain and Korea, celebrated chefs including Dan Hong, Miguel Maestre, Mark LaBrooy, Khanh Ong, Courtney Roulston, Minoli De Silva, Vincent Yeow Lim and Alice Zaslavsky go head to head in a competition inspired by each destination. After exploring the local culture, meeting local chefs and tasting the flavours of each port, the chefs return to the ship to create a signature dish that captures the essence of their journey.
But creating the dish is only the beginning. Working alongside the ship’s skilled culinary crew, the chefs must transform their idea into a meal worthy of being served to up to 4,000 hungry passengers who will decide their fate at “The Captain’s Dinner”. With limited time, unfamiliar kitchens and professional reputations on the line, the pressure quickly reaches boiling point.
Bringing his trademark humour to every triumph, disaster and unexpected twist, Peter Helliar follows the chefs from port to plate before the passengers deliver the final verdict.
Combining spectacular travel, extraordinary food, fascinating cultures and fierce but friendly competition, Chefs Ahoy is a delicious voyage around the world, where only one chef in each destination can sail away victorious.
Chefs Ahoy is an original Rawkus production in association with Princess Cruises for the 9Network.
EPISODE 1 – GREECE
Wednesday, September 30, at 8.45pm on Channel 9 and 9Now
EPISODE 2 – JAPAN
Wednesday, October 7, at 8.45pm on Channel 9 and 9Now
EPISODE 3 – SPAIN
Wednesday, October 14, at 8.45pm on Channel 9 and 9Now
EPISODE 4 – KOREA
Wednesday, October 21, at 8.45pm on Channel 9 and 9Now
PETER HELLIAR
For 30 years, Peter Helliar has stood as a beloved powerhouse of Australian comedy – a gifted multi-hyphenate who makes crafting big laughs look completely effortless. He has been one of the country’s favourite television personalities since he first hit our screens, winning audiences over with his sharp wit, natural charm, and incredible versatility.
Pete has performed in festivals, theatres and comedy rooms Australia-wide and is a regular fan favourite on our small screens, appearing in season three of Taskmaster Australia and as a competitor on The Amazing Race Australia. He has also appeared on Spicks and Specks, Thank God You’re Here, Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee and Have You Been Paying Attention?
Pete co-produced two series of the award winning It’s A Date and wrote, directed, and starred in all three seasons of the dramedy How to Stay Married. Not content with being a star on stage and screen, he created and hosts the cinema podcast You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet and is the author of the children’s book series Frankie Fish and Herman Crab. Now he can add the honour of hosting Chefs Ahoy.
“We’ve seen hundreds of studio based cooking shows over the years but never before have culinary wars broken out on the high seas… until now! Amazing food, spectacular locations, I think I just discovered the perfect gig.” - Peter Helliar
MINOLI DE SILVA
Minoli De Silva is an acclaimed Australian-Sri Lankan chef, author and television presenter, celebrated for bringing Sri Lankan flavours to Australia with warmth, authenticity and modern flair.
First captivating audiences on screen across back-to-back seasons of MasterChef Australia, Minoli quickly established herself as a standout culinary talent and fan favourite, and has since appeared on The Cook Up with Adam Liaw.
Raised in Melbourne in a Sri Lankan household, Minoli’s cooking is rooted in family tradition, bold spices and generous hospitality. Her food reflects a contemporary approach to Sri Lankan cuisine, honouring heritage while adapting flavours for modern kitchens and shared tables.
Passionate about storytelling through food, Minoli uses cooking to celebrate culture, connection and community through her award-winning restaurant Ella in Darwin. Whether cooking on screen or sharing recipes inspired by her heritage, she brings heart, confidence and unmistakable flavour to every dish, which she will draw from in her with her approach on Chefs Ahoy.
“I live for service. This is why I’ve got a restaurant. And it’s so hard but that’s what makes it so worthwhile. I cannot believe we’ve cooked for 4000 people. It would take me months to cook for that many people in my restaurant. Amazing!” - Minoli De Silva
COURTNEY ROULSTON
Courtney Roulston is one of Australia’s most recognisable and relatable chefs, known for her fresh, seasonal cooking, warm on-screen presence and passion for bringing people together over food.
Courtney captured the nation’s attention as a finalist on MasterChef Australia, where her natural talent, calm confidence and modern flavour combinations made her a fan favourite. Since then she has become a familiar face on television as the host of Farm to Fork, Signature Dish with Courtney Roulston, The Cook’s Christmas Pantry and Cooking with Coles, while appearing on cooking segments on Today and The Morning Show.
With a background in both professional kitchens and food media, Courtney specialises in vibrant, produce-driven dishes that celebrate quality ingredients without overcomplicating the process.
Her cooking style is approachable yet refined, designed to inspire home cooks while delivering restaurant-level flavour and presentation.
Beyond television, Courtney is a food ambassador, recipe developer and culinary consultant, working with leading Australian brands and producers. She has two cookbooks out, Salads in a Jar and The Salad Kitchen, and advocates sustainable cooking, reducing food waste and championing local suppliers, core values in her creations.
Confident in the kitchen and effortless on camera, Courtney brings energy, warmth and credibility to every culinary setting, whether cooking for a crowd, developing new dishes or bringing her produce-driven cooking style to Chefs Ahoy.
“My plan to win is you’ve got to pick a dish that everyone is going to love and something that I want to order on the menu. This is Crete on a plate.” - Courtney Roulston
MIGUEL MAESTRE
Born in Murcia, Spain, Miguel Maestre is an acclaimed chef, television presenter and author who has made Sydney his home. Known for his infectious energy, he brings Spanish flavours and cooking traditions to Australian audiences.
Miguel became a household name as co-host of Network 10’s Logie-winning The Living Room. His television credits include I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which he won in 2020, and Ready Steady Cook Australia, which he began hosting in 2024.
He is the founder of Maestre Enterprises, author of several bestselling cookbooks, and a supporter of OzHarvest, R U OK? and CARE Australia. Miguel has received Spain’s prestigious Order of Civil Merit for his contribution to the nation through the Australian media. Ready for a new test of his culinary skill, he embraces the scale and pressure of cooking on board Chefs Ahoy.
“This is a real challenge - not just a TV challenge, these are real people that we are cooking for so I have to create something amazing.” - Miguel Maestre
DANIEL HONG
Daniel Hong is one of Australia’s most respected and influential chefs, renowned for his bold flavours, refined technique and modern approach to Asian-inspired cuisine.
Born in Australia to Vietnamese heritage, Dan trained extensively in top kitchens locally and internationally before establishing himself as a force in Sydney’s dining scene. He is the
co-founder and executive chef behind several acclaimed restaurants, including Mr Wong, MuMu, Queen Chow and Good Luck, each celebrated for their energy and distinctive culinary identity.
His cooking is defined by precision, creativity and respect for flavour, drawing inspiration from Chinese, Southeast Asian and global influences. His restaurants have consistently received critical acclaim and are recognised for setting benchmarks in contemporary Australian dining.
A familiar face on television, Dan has appeared as a judge and guest chef on a range of food programs, earning a reputation for his calm authority, sharp palate and mentorship. Whether leading a high-pressure kitchen or taking on open-sea service on Chefs Ahoy, Dan brings intelligence, discipline and passion to every plate.
“When the captain tries my dish he is going to be blown away!” - Daniel Hong
KHANH ONG
Khanh Ong is a celebrated Australian chef, restaurateur, author and TV presenter, known for his bold flavours, fearless creativity and striking on-screen presence.
Khanh’s cooking is shaped by his Southeast Asian heritage and a love of big, expressive flavours. His food blends traditional influences with a modern, playful edge, reflecting his belief that cooking should be joyful, personal and unapologetically delicious.
Khanh rose to prominence on MasterChef Australia, where his talent, charisma and distinctive voice made him a fan favourite. He has since appeared on several television programs, including MasterChef Australia: Fans & Favourites and Celebrity MasterChef Australia. He is the author of the bestselling cookbook A Gay Guy’s Guide to Life, Love, Food and another book soon to be released.
In the kitchen or on-screen, Khanh brings warmth, honesty and an infectious personality to everything he does. His ability to connect through food makes him a standout figure in Australia’s culinary landscape, a quality he leverages as he tackles the mammoth scale of Chefs Ahoy.
“Having my dish at the Captains dinner is a really cool experience…pretty up there right? But doing it for 4 thousand people, that’s daunting. I’ve done service for maybe 500 max. 4000 is crazy!” - Khanh Ong
MARK LABROOY
Mark LaBrooy is an accomplished Australian chef, restaurateur and television personality, with his confident cooking style, refined technique and charm.
Trained in some of Australia’s top kitchens, such as Tetsuya’s, Mark has a name for creating bold, flavour-driven food with a contemporary edge. His cooking draws on classic foundations while embracing modern influences, resulting in the excellent dishes served in the hugely successful joint venture Three Blue Ducks, which he created with fellow chefs Darren Robertson and Andy Allen.
Mark has appeared as a guest chef on MasterChef Australia, where he showcased his skill, creativity and calm authority under pressure. His experience in hospitality and the media has won respect for his professionalism, adaptability and passion for food. Mark’s interest in wild-game hunting and foraging has recently culminated in his latest project, Barney’s, Australia’s first
wild-game butcher and pizza shop specialising in wild-game pizzas and products.
Whether in a fast-paced kitchen or navigating the high seas on Chefs Ahoy, Mark brings focus, warmth and a strong competitive spirit to every task, making him a strong, confident presence in any culinary challenge.
“It’s bloody solid. I’ve done some big events and big wedding functions, but not like 4000 people. Like it’s wild.” - Mark LaBrooy
ALICE ZASLAVSKY
Alice Zaslavsky is one of our most popular food educators, writers and television presenters, celebrated for her joyful approach to cooking, seasonal produce and sustainable eating.
Born in Georgia and raised in Australia, Alice brings a unique global perspective to her food philosophy. She is known for championing vegetables, flavour-forward home cooking, reducing food waste, and making good food accessible and fun for cooks of all levels.
Alice is the author of multiple best-selling cookbooks, including In Praise of Veg, Salad for Days, and Weeknights with Alice, and a familiar face on television through appearances on MasterChef Australia, Good Food Kitchen, Postcards and The Cook Up, as well as being host of Kitchen Whiz, Crunch Time and her latest show, A Bite to Eat with Alice. Her on-screen presence is energetic, insightful and engaging, blending practical knowledge with warmth and humour which has drawn huge fans such as Nigella Lawson, Rick Stein and Yotam Ottolenghi.
A keen advocate for farmers, producers and mindful eating, Alice connects audiences to food in a way that is educational, inspiring and deliciously human. On Chefs Ahoy, she balances her deep culinary knowledge with the fast-paced demands of feeding thousands on board.
“I’m thinking about how all of these elements, the people that I have to feed, 3000 people, the ingredients I have to use, the flavours of Busan that I need to bring into this dish. It’s a lot of pressure, and - I really want to beat Vincent.” - Alice Zaslavsky
VINCENT YEOW LIM
Vincent Yeow Lim is an acclaimed Australian chef known also for his refined technique, thoughtful storytelling through food and modern interpretation of Asian-inspired cuisine. With over 7 million followers and more than 1 billion views across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, Vincent has built a massive global audience captivated by his culinary craft and magnetic screen presence.
Vincent moved with his family from the USA to Malaysia then Perth, opening restaurants along the way, as he grew up in their kitchens. His cooking reflects a strong connection to his heritage combined with classical training and contemporary flair. He has built a reputation for dishes that balance precision, restraint and bold flavour, drawing inspiration from Southeast Asian traditions and Australian produce.
Vincent has worked in some of Australia’s best kitchens and championed a number of highly regarded dining concepts, earning praise for his leadership style and meticulous approach to his craft. His food is recognised for its elegance and emotional connection, with each dish designed to tell a personal and cultural story.
From intimate fine-dining settings to the large-scale service environment of Chefs Ahoy, Vincent’s discipline, creativity and quiet confidence make him a leading figure among his peers and a riveting presence on screen.
“Cooking for 3000 people is very different from cooking for your family or a restaurant where it seats a hundred people. And to get it on the plate every single time exactly the same, that is going to be the hardest part.” - Vincent Yeow Lim
PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess Cruises is one of the world’s best-known premium cruise lines, offering guests the opportunity to see more of the world while enjoying an exceptional holiday experience both on board and ashore.
For more than 60 years, Princess has been bringing travellers closer to the destinations they visit, combining thoughtfully designed itineraries with warm, attentive service and an extensive choice of experiences. From Australia and New Zealand to Alaska, Asia, Europe and beyond, Princess voyages connect guests with some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, cultures and cities.
At the heart of the Princess experience is the belief that a great holiday is about more than where you go – it is about how you spend your time along the way. Guests can enjoy a diverse range of dining experiences, from expertly prepared international cuisine and specialty restaurants to relaxed casual dining, alongside live entertainment, enriching activities, wellness and time to simply unwind. Princess’ dining offering includes signature venues such as Crown Grill and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and experiences across the fleet.
Technology also plays a role in creating a more personalised experience. The Princess MedallionClass® experience helps guests move seamlessly around the ship, connect with services and make the most of their time on board, while still retaining the personal service for which Princess is known.
Australia is an important market for Princess, having called Australia home for 50 years. Princess has cruises departing from ports including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Adelaide. The line offers journeys ranging from short Australian escapes to longer voyages exploring New Zealand, the South Pacific and destinations across Asia.
Whether discovering a new destination, sharing a memorable meal, meeting new people or simply enjoying time together, Princess Cruises is about creating holidays filled with experiences worth remembering – and stories worth sharing.
PRINCESS CRUISES SHIPS
DIAMOND PRINCESS (JAPAN & SOUTH KOREA)
Diamond Princess brings together the renowned Princess Cruises experience with the distinctive warmth and hospitality of Japan. Purpose-built for cruising in the region, she offers guests an inviting blend of exceptional dining, attentive service, enriching experiences and comfortable accommodation. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment and activities, complemented by thoughtful touches inspired by Japanese culture. From exploring Japan’s ancient temples and vibrant cities to discovering breathtaking coastal landscapes and neighbouring destinations, Diamond Princess offers an immersive way to experience Asia. With her elegant design and relaxed atmosphere, she provides the perfect setting to discover more, connect and create lasting memories.
Diamond Princess welcomes up to approximately 3,100 guests and weighs 115,875 gross tonnes.
SUN PRINCESS (GREECE & SPAIN)
Sun Princess marks a new generation of Princess Cruises, combining the line’s signature service with innovative design, elevated dining and an extraordinary choice of experiences. As the largest ship ever built for Princess, she welcomes guests into beautifully designed spaces that make the most of every moment at sea. Highlights include the spectacular Dome entertainment venue, a world-class theatre, more than 30 restaurants, bars and food experiences, and a range of accommodation designed for relaxation and connection. From sunrise at sea to unforgettable evenings onboard, Sun Princess offers a fresh, contemporary way to experience cruising, with something for every traveller.
Sun Princess welcomes up to approximately 4,300 guests and weighs 177,500 gross tonnes.
