Forget heading to foodie hotspots around the world, if you want to dine on some of the best cuisine being created right now there’s a new place to unfurl your napkin – cruise ships.
Experts say the elevation of dining at sea which has been ramping up over the past few years is now complete
Forget the classic buffet, there’s much more delicious dishes to discover from the world’s best chefs, cruising expert and advisor, Adam Crossman from Travel Associates shares.
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“Cruise dining has undergone a major transformation in recent years, shifting from traditional buffet-style offerings and repetitive menus to restaurant-led experiences that are genuinely destination-worthy in their own right,” Adam, who has sailed to more than 42 countries over 33 years, tells 9Travel.
“These elevated food experiences mean cruise lines are now able to compete with premium land-based holidays and hotels, not just other cruises.”
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Spots at sea to aspire to dine are many.
One example is aboard ultra-lux ship Scenic Eclipse. It might hold less than 250 passengers but it has ten places to eat.
VP Hotel Operations, Oceans for Scenic, Tom Goetter says the options on board its ships show cruising has “become a playground for culinary creativity, not a compromise.”
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Main restaurant Elements has invitation-only degustation Chef’s Table where highlights include a foie gras lollipop on candy floss.
You can even try street food with a high end twist at Night Market.
“I like to think high-end dining doesn’t have to be formal to be exceptional and our guests love the chance to try street dishes in a more refined environment,” he tells 9Travel.
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Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux’s restaurant aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne is another place to experience top-notch dining.
The renowned chef also boards the ships for residencies.
Meanwhile, Oceania Cruises claims to offer “the finest cuisine at sea,” with the expertise of chef Jacques Pépin.
Crystal Cruises’ Umi Uma by Chef Nobu is the world’s first branch of acclaimed restaurant Nobu at sea.
Another mega yacht, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has Michelin-chef partnerships and bespoke menus from big name chefs.
But it’s not just high-end cruises stepping it up in the kitchen.
Other lines are adding speciality restaurants and experiences to offer sailors something enticing.
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Princess Cruises has seafood specialist The Catch by Rudi and romantic spot Love by Britto on some ships as well as seven course immersive dining experience, 360.
Royal Caribbean offers Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine for “dishes to tantalise your taste buds and present a visual feast.”
It also has an experience on a ‘train’, Royal Railway Utopia Station on Utopia of the Seas.
Cruisers on Celebrity can enjoy an evening with Le Petit Chef – for dinner and a show.
Virgin Voyages has done away with the classic cruise ship dining room altogether, and only offers speciality restaurants to impress foodies.
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