The dining options on cruise ships have evolved significantly from the classic, formal dining rooms that were once standard. Present-day cruise lines provide a wide range of gastronomic experiences that can compete with the finest restaurants on land. The era of monotonous buffet offerings and set dining schedules is a thing of the past. Contemporary cruise ships present a diverse selection of dining spots, each with its own distinct ambience and creative menus crafted to meet the preferences of every guest. Here are some key aspects of this transformation:
PRACTICE YOUR SKILLS
Courtesy of RSSC
When it comes to fabulous culinary learning experiences, it’s hard to beat Regent Seven Seas’ Culinary Arts Kitchen. Created by world traveller, executive chef and director of culinary enrichment, Kathryn Kelly, the programs offered on board Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer ships are hands-on and immersive, offering instruction from top-notch chefs and a true taste of the local culture. Most often, classes, which start at as little as $89, begin with a chef-led shore excursion that takes guests to local markets, farms, greenhouses or even restaurants and then culminates in a cooking extravaganza in the ship’s Culinary Arts Kitchen.
Courtesy of RSSC
There, pairs of guests cook together at professional workstations equipped with a sink, cooktop and an array of top-quality knives, pans and cooking equipment that would make Gordon Ramsay jealous. Of course, the all-inclusive options on all Regent’s ships are spectacular, from French to American Steakhouse to lighter al fresco fare. Brunch on the breezy aft deck at La Veranda, for example, is a perfect way to start your morning. rssc.com
GO GASTRONOMIC
Courtesy of AMAWaterways
La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is a prestigious international gastronomic society dedicated to fine cuisine and membership is open only to those possessing world-class culinary skill and knowledge. AmaWaterways and President Rudi Schreiner are, of course, members as are all AmaWaterways ships in Europe. As a result, Ama guests enjoy a culinary experience second to none, complimented by carefully selected wines, with different vintages offered every day, enabling guests to sample all the favourites of the sommelier.
Courtesy of AMAWaterways
Courtesy of AMAWaterways
And because there’s nothing better for a true food enthusiast than a seat at a chef ’s table, AmaWaterways welcomes guests on its European and Egyptian itineraries to its very own Chef’s Table, an outstanding experience in an intimate environment that turns the satellite kitchen into the evening’s entertainment, as a multi-course meal is prepared just steps away.
amawaterways.ca
ADD A LITTLE SALT
S.A.L.T. is more than just a seasoning on board Silversea ships. An acronym for Sea And Land Taste, it’s a culinary program designed by Adam Sachs, former editor-in- chief of Saveur Magazine, to enable guests aboard Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and Silver Nova, to engage with local food culture through both immersive shore excursions and creative on-board dining.
From learning to make pastry at a Sicilian pasticceria to touring vineyards in Wales, S.A.L.T. brings guests into the very heart of each destination’s food scene. Back on board, in addition to the incredible food experiences created by the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, master mixologists are on hand in the S.A.L.T.
Bar, ready to teach guests to let rich, local whiskies permeate their senses or savour the unique blend of flavours in a handcrafted cocktail. silversea.com
SAVOUR AT SEA
Night Market @ Koko’s
Elements – Scenic Eclipse II
Whether you sail on the Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Spirit or one of the Scenic Space-Ships, you’ll be treated to multi-cultural gastronomic adventures at every opportunity. You’ll love the contrast between the contemporary French fine dining at Lumière restaurant and Champagne Bar, the elegant Elements main restaurant, the more casual Yacht Club and the authentic cuisine on offer at the Night Market @Koko’s where you must try the sushi! Graze all day at Azure Bar and Café, enjoying specialty coffees, handmade pizzas, macarons, biscotti and even brandy, port and more. Everything is all-inclusive – both meals and beverages. Perhaps you’d enjoy a private dining experience with a select group of your friends in one of several secluded areas. Love to cook? Book a Scenic Epicuré culinary masterclass! scenic.ca
BONUS! Set sail for Fiji with Jann Arden
It may not be about food, but if music be the food of love…How much fun would it be to sail with the Canadian musician across Fiji and the South Pacific? Book the nine-day, October 2024 “Cultures of Fiji and the South Pacific with Jann Arden” itinerary aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, a 6-star ultra-luxury, all-inclusive discovery yacht, add a one-night pre-cruise stay in Lautoka, Fiji, and choose air-inclusive packages. Wouldn’t it be insensitive not to? Book at scenic.ca/jannarden
