Onboard dining is a fun and delicious aspect of any cruise, and cruise line culinary programs are always striving to reach new heights of innovation and excellence. Here are some of the tasty developments we’ve heard about in cruise ship dining.
Fans of Crystal Cruises will be thrilled to know the brand is relaunching this summer with two refurbished, ocean-going ships and the return of a favorite onboard restaurant, UMI UMA. Created by Michelin-starred chef Nobu Matsuhisa, this specialty restaurant features his unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Menu highlights include the chef’s signature black cod in miso as well as dishes that feature Wagyu beef and Chilean sea bass.
To accommodate guests who follow vegan diets, Windstar Cruises will introduce a new whole-food, plant-based menu this summer on all its ships. These dishes will be minimally processed and prepared without added salt, oil, or sugar. Tempting choices include baked cauliflower croquettes with salsa verde, penne pasta with espelette pepper sauce, and tahini brownies with strawberries. Windstar ships will continue to serve dishes for vegetarians and omnivores as well.
Oceania’s newest ship, the Vista, has a dozen dining options, and the culinary staff gives just as much attention to the onboard beverage menu. A new molecular mixology program uses naturally sourced ingredients to make reductions and syrups that add aromatic flavor to cocktails and other drinks. Specialty beverage carts like the Bubbly Bar (serving Champagne cocktails) and the Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar roam the decks. You can also make a reservation for a three-course Champagne experience that pairs bubbly from Moët & Chandon with tastes like sea bass tartare, duck foie gras terrine, and cured beef tenderloin.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas won’t launch until 2024, but the cruise line has already announced that the ship will have more than 20 different dining experiences. These include Royal Caribbean’s first food hall, the Aqua Dome Market. Casual bites will include sweet and savory crepes at Crème de la Crepe; macaroni and cheese with a variety of toppings from Mac’s; pitas and bowls from Feta Mediterranean; favorites like Korean beef and broccoli at GNGR; and fresh sandwiches and salads from Toast and Garden. For an elegant dinner, visit the Empire Supper Club, where an eight-course menu will begin with caviar and proceed through expertly prepared Wagyu beef and other dishes.
Talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor, about experiencing these and other mouthwatering options at sea.
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