Did you know that the major cruise lines all have highly recognized, well known executive chefs? We recently sailed on the Oceania Regatta when their executive chef, Jacques Pepin and his associate and friend, Jean Claude, were onboard. They did cooking demos, gave autographs and fielded questions from those in attendance. We also sailed on Celebrity’s Mercury when their then executive chef, Michel Roux, was on board. During a very recent group cruise on the NCL Dawn we had a private cooking demo presented by two of the ship’s chefs.
You’ve undoubtedly heard that the food is outstanding on board most cruise ships. Would you believe that you can actually kick it up a notch? Want to really experience some outrageous food? Try a specialty restaurant aboard a cruise ship. Here’s what you can expect.
Specialty Restaurants
Most mass market, premium and deluxe cruise lines have specialty restaurants. Each of these restaurants usually focuses on a particular cuisine such as French, Italian, Asian and a Steak House. Some cruise lines may levy a modest surcharge for dining in some of the specialty restaurants while others don’t. Most of these restaurants serve outstanding meals. In addition to being open and serving fantastic bills of fare for dinner, some of the specialty restaurants open for lunch on sea days while others open for wine tastings/pairings, private breakfasts and lunches.
Cruise lines having outstanding specialty restaurants are:
Oceania Cruises - Executive Chef – Jacques Pepin
Polo Grill
In Polo you will enjoy the finest cuts of dry-aged prime beef; chops and fresh seafood. This classic steakhouse features floor-to-ceiling windows affording views of passing seascapes and is warmly decorated with dark woods and elegant furnishings, however, it accommodates only 96 guests so make reservations early in your cruise.
Toscana
This comfortable 90-seat restaurant captures the flair and essence of Tuscany with+-+Lamb+Chops.gif)
an intimate yet romantic and whimsical ambiance. The savory gourmet cuisine reflects the very best of Italy in dishes representative of its many regions. As does the Polo Grill, nearly every table is adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows for soaring views of sea and sky.
There is no extra charge for Specialty Restaurants on Oceania.
Azamara Cruises - Culinary team leader - Jacques van Staden
Reap some very delicious rewards at Azamara’s two specialty venues, Aqualina and Prime C. Every guest gets one dinner in one of the two alternative restaurants as part of the cruise fare (suite guests get two). After that, it's $25 per person for Prime C (tip included) and $20 per person for Aqualina.
Aqualina
You’ve undoubtedly heard that the food is outstanding on board most cruise ships. Would you believe that you can actually kick it up a notch? Want to really experience some outrageous food? Try a specialty restaurant aboard a cruise ship. Here’s what you can expect.
Specialty Restaurants
Most mass market, premium and deluxe cruise lines have specialty restaurants. Each of these restaurants usually focuses on a particular cuisine such as French, Italian, Asian and a Steak House. Some cruise lines may levy a modest surcharge for dining in some of the specialty restaurants while others don’t. Most of these restaurants serve outstanding meals. In addition to being open and serving fantastic bills of fare for dinner, some of the specialty restaurants open for lunch on sea days while others open for wine tastings/pairings, private breakfasts and lunches.
Cruise lines having outstanding specialty restaurants are:
Oceania Cruises - Executive Chef – Jacques Pepin
Polo Grill
In Polo you will enjoy the finest cuts of dry-aged prime beef; chops and fresh seafood. This classic steakhouse features floor-to-ceiling windows affording views of passing seascapes and is warmly decorated with dark woods and elegant furnishings, however, it accommodates only 96 guests so make reservations early in your cruise.
Toscana
This comfortable 90-seat restaurant captures the flair and essence of Tuscany with
+-+Lamb+Chops.gif)
an intimate yet romantic and whimsical ambiance. The savory gourmet cuisine reflects the very best of Italy in dishes representative of its many regions. As does the Polo Grill, nearly every table is adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows for soaring views of sea and sky.There is no extra charge for Specialty Restaurants on Oceania.
Azamara Cruises - Culinary team leader - Jacques van Staden
Reap some very delicious rewards at Azamara’s two specialty venues, Aqualina and Prime C. Every guest gets one dinner in one of the two alternative restaurants as part of the cruise fare (suite guests get two). After that, it's $25 per person for Prime C (tip included) and $20 per person for Aqualina.
Aqualina
The fare of Aqualina is a fusion of Mediterranean flavors Inspired by the coastal cuisines of Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and northern Africa. You can savor dishes drawn from the abundance of the region’s seas, simply prepared yet exceedingly delicious. The ambiance is every bit as tasteful, with accents of silver, cream and blue, all surrounded by breathtaking ocean views.
Prime C
At Prime C, you will find tender cuts of prime beef and fresh seafood that have been transformed into epicurean works of art served in an ambiance of handsome dark woods, warm lighting and soft leather chairs. While dining in Prime C you can relax, sip your favorite wine and enjoy a superior dining experience.
Disney Cruise Line
Palo
We were greatly surprised to be able to delight in delicious Northern Italian cuisine at this elegant, world-class restaurant for adults only, where a romantic candlelit dinner lives on as a treasured memory. All this and Disney too.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL features up to five specialty restaurants on each of their ships. We’ve commented on just a few.
Le Bistro
Le Bistro, NCL’s signature restaurant, is offered on all of their ships. Start with the traditional French Onion Soup or Escargots in Garlic Butter. Your entrées can be selected from a delectable selection of beef, seafood, and poultry. After savoring all of that, how about a Chocolate Fondue, Crème Brule or the Grand Mariner Soufflé? We couldn’t resist
Cagney’s Steakhouse
Looking for beef done just right? Cagney’s Rib Eye Steaks, slow roasted Prime Ribs or New York Strips are just what you’re looking for. Non-steak lovers will delight in a selection of chicken and fish dishes. Their Sinful Chocolate Obsession for desert is to die for.
Teppanyaki
This will be a meal to remember. You’ll be seated at a Teppanyaki table for 10 surrounding a large cooking surface. The word "teppanyaki" is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled. Whether you’re seated with new faces or familiar faces is up to you. When the chef arrives, the fun begins. Your meal will be prepared right before your eyes. Be sure to bring your appetite. This is a total dining experience and lots of fun!
Prime C
At Prime C, you will find tender cuts of prime beef and fresh seafood that have been transformed into epicurean works of art served in an ambiance of handsome dark woods, warm lighting and soft leather chairs. While dining in Prime C you can relax, sip your favorite wine and enjoy a superior dining experience.
Disney Cruise Line
Palo
We were greatly surprised to be able to delight in delicious Northern Italian cuisine at this elegant, world-class restaurant for adults only, where a romantic candlelit dinner lives on as a treasured memory. All this and Disney too.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL features up to five specialty restaurants on each of their ships. We’ve commented on just a few.
Le Bistro
Le Bistro, NCL’s signature restaurant, is offered on all of their ships. Start with the traditional French Onion Soup or Escargots in Garlic Butter. Your entrées can be selected from a delectable selection of beef, seafood, and poultry. After savoring all of that, how about a Chocolate Fondue, Crème Brule or the Grand Mariner Soufflé? We couldn’t resist
Cagney’s Steakhouse
Looking for beef done just right? Cagney’s Rib Eye Steaks, slow roasted Prime Ribs or New York Strips are just what you’re looking for. Non-steak lovers will delight in a selection of chicken and fish dishes. Their Sinful Chocolate Obsession for desert is to die for.
Teppanyaki
This will be a meal to remember. You’ll be seated at a Teppanyaki table for 10 surrounding a large cooking surface. The word "teppanyaki" is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled. Whether you’re seated with new faces or familiar faces is up to you. When the chef arrives, the fun begins. Your meal will be prepared right before your eyes. Be sure to bring your appetite. This is a total dining experience and lots of fun!
These three NCL restaurants require a surcharge and reservations are highly recommended.
Holland America Line - Master Chef Rudi Sodamin
The Pinnacle Grill
Holland America Line - Master Chef Rudi Sodamin
The Pinnacle Grill
These beautifully appointed alternative-dining venues on all Holland America Line ships are ideal for a romantic dinner for two or an elegant dining spot for a group celebration. Featuring Pacific Northwest specialties including selected cuts of Sterling Silver beef and superb seafood 
items, as well as carefully selected wines from renowned Pacific Northwest vineyards, expect a delicious experience. Entrees may include Pan-Seared Rosemary Chicken with Cranberry Chutney, Grilled Sea Scallops with Marjoram Pomodoro Coulis, served on curried Hollandaise spinach with fried capers, or Lamb Rack Chops with Drizzled Mint Sauce. Top a selection of these with Warm Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake, Lemon Berry Angel Shortcake, and Not-so-Classic Baked Alaska. Open for dinner only by reservation, guests pay a modest surcharge of $30 per person for dinner and for lunch.
Princess Cruise Line - Master Corporate Chef Alfredo Marzi
Sabatini's
Princess offers several Specialty Dining options for you to choose from on every ship. We have chosen one upon which to comment. Sabatini's serves an authentic Italian dining experience in a remarkable eight-course meal. The stellar menu features both local seafood specialties and other regional favorites. Cover charge applies.
In Your Own Sweet Way
Here’s the ultimate in Specialty Dining. On Princess you can order up a very special dinner consisting of lobster and champagne and all the fixings served right there on your stateroom balcony. Now that is truly SPECIAL!
items, as well as carefully selected wines from renowned Pacific Northwest vineyards, expect a delicious experience. Entrees may include Pan-Seared Rosemary Chicken with Cranberry Chutney, Grilled Sea Scallops with Marjoram Pomodoro Coulis, served on curried Hollandaise spinach with fried capers, or Lamb Rack Chops with Drizzled Mint Sauce. Top a selection of these with Warm Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake, Lemon Berry Angel Shortcake, and Not-so-Classic Baked Alaska. Open for dinner only by reservation, guests pay a modest surcharge of $30 per person for dinner and for lunch.Princess Cruise Line - Master Corporate Chef Alfredo Marzi
Sabatini's
Princess offers several Specialty Dining options for you to choose from on every ship. We have chosen one upon which to comment. Sabatini's serves an authentic Italian dining experience in a remarkable eight-course meal. The stellar menu features both local seafood specialties and other regional favorites. Cover charge applies.In Your Own Sweet Way
Here’s the ultimate in Specialty Dining. On Princess you can order up a very special dinner consisting of lobster and champagne and all the fixings served right there on your stateroom balcony. Now that is truly SPECIAL!Interested in Food and Wine? Look for future Blogs on Culinary Cruises, Wine Cruising and River Cruising.
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