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CRUISE DINING & FOOD

Palate pleasing culinary crusade.

If you’re craving delicious food, we have an entire fleet filled with foodie favorites.

Indulge in an authentic taste of Italy with homemade pastas and Old World-inspired entrees at the newly reimagined Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen. Set out on an epicurean adventure east with exotic Asian flavors and tasty teppanyaki prepared tableside at Izumi. Savor captivating and creative culinary delights designed to spirit you away with every bite at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Or taste your way around the world with global goodness served buffet-style at the Windjammer. From top-notch free cruise dining included in your fare, to specialty cruise restaurants that dish up plenty of delicious flavor, we go bolder than any other cruise line when it comes to the best food onboard. 

DINING OPTIONS FOR EVERY DAY AND NIGHT

When you cruise with us, the dining options are as diverse as the flavors you’ll find on each menu. From casual bites to elevated dinner and cocktail spots that raise the bar, you’ll find something onboard for every craving and occasion during your cruise.

CASUAL DINING

Great flavor doesn’t need to come with lots of fuss. Enjoy grab-and-go goodness and amazing eats at casual, laid-back dining options — like the complimentary Windjammer, El Loco Fresh℠, Café Promenade, Dog House, and Sorrento’s Pizza.

SPECIALTY DINING

Dial up dinner at upscale specialty cruise restaurants like Chops Grille℠ and Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen, go all out on an exclusive culinary journey at Chef’s Table, or savor global flavors one complimentary course at a time in the Main Dining Room.

No matter what you’re in the mood for — and when — room service onboard our cruise ships delivers all your favorite cruise foods right to your stateroom, from juicy burgers, fresh salads and tasty sandwiches, to breakfast in bed with a couple of refreshing mimosas.

BARS & LOUNGES

If you’re craving cocktails, we offer amazing bars onboard our cruises where the vibe is always right and the drinks are always delicious. Like R Bar, known for its classic cocktails and retro vibes, or Boleros, where every sip comes paired with live salsa beats.

DINING PACKAGES

BEVERAGE PACKAGES

TOP-RATED RESTAURANTS

Each cruise ship in our fleet is home to world class dining options that will take you from Tuscany to Tokyo — and plenty of culinary capitals in between. From fresh-caught fish and New England style dishes at Hooked Seafood℠, to izakaya-style appetizers at Izumi and Old-World flavors at Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen, these are the top-rated restaurants onboard. 

ITALIAN KITCHEN

Chop's Grille

150 CENTRAL PARK

Hooked Seafood

Main Dining Room

Jamie's Italian

ALL INCLUDED COMPLIMENTARY DINING 

MINI BITES      

El Loco Fresh

Splashaway Café

Solarium Bistro Restaurant

Café Promenade

Sorrento's Pizza

Coastal Kitchen

The Café @ Two70

Vitality Café

Surfside Eatery & Surfside Bites

OUR UNIQUE SPECIALTY DINING VENUES 

Chef's Table     

Café Latte-tudes

Samba Grill

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen 

Portside BBQ

Johnny Rockets

Fish & Ships

Chops Grille

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Room Service

La Patisserie

Cupcake Cupboard

Sugar Beach

Sichuan Red

Giovanni's Table

Johnny Rockets Express

Coffee & Tea Shop

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

150 Central Park

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

The Mason Jar

DIG INTO LATE-NIGHT BITES

Nightlife is a big part of any cruise vacation, and we offer endless ways to play after dark no matter which ship you’re sailing on. Once you’ve worked up an appetite on the dance floor, satisfy your cravings with delicious bites available late at night. Like cheesy, oven-baked perfection by the slice at Sorrento’s Pizza, and shareable apps, sandwiches, and sweet treats at the always-buzzing Café Promenade, stocked 24-7 with snacks that hit the spot.

After a night living it up on deck, there’s nothing more satisfying than a great slice of pizza — and Sorrento’s serves up the best at sea even after all the bars have closed. If you’re a traditionalist, go for a slice of classic cheese or Margherita. Or mix things up with a specialty pie, like the bacon and BBQ-infused Caribbean Dream.

CAFÉ PROMENADE

Café Promenade is open around the clock, which means you can enjoy shareable apps and savory snacks that hit the spot as late as you like. From fried artichoke and perfectly cooked meatballs to spicy marinated cheese and decadent desserts, there’s no curfew for your cravings at this free hotspot.

SIPS THAT RAISE THE BAR 

Schooner Bar  

Trellis Bar 

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade 

The Lime and Coconut

North Star Bar 

Diamond Lounge 

Rising Tide Bar 

Solarium Bar 

Suite Lounge 

Pool Bar & Sand Bar 

Sunshine Bar 

Viking Crown Lounge

English Pub

Wipe Out Bar

The Bamboo Room

Cantina Fresca℠

The Lemon Post℠ Bar

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Everything you need to know about cruise dining onboard.

Great flavor isn’t the only thing that has we earned a reputation as one of the best cruise lines for delicious food. It’s also the incredible diversity of dining options you’ll find on every ship. Whether you’re looking to level up your night out with elevated cuisine and white tablecloth service at Chops Grille℠ or Chef’s Table, help yourself to fresh global flavors and tranquil vibes at the Solarium Bistro, or kick back poolside with casual, no-frills noshing at El Loco Fresh℠ and Windjammer, the options to satisfy your cravings are endless. You can even treat yourself to breakfast in bed or a date night dinner in with delicious dishes delivered straight to your stateroom by our staff via room service. For additional information please see our  FAQ  section.

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KIDS CHOICE A SWEET SURPRISE

Treat your sweet tooth to every candy under the sun — plus a few sugarcoated surprises. Sugar Beach℠ is stocked to max candy capacity with more than 200 tantalizing confections and all kinds of creamy, dreamy ice cream flavors. From epic sundaes piled high with all your favorite toppings, to fluffy freshly baked cupcakes you can decorate yourself, Sugar Beach℠ is hands-down the sweetest spot at sea.

Portside BBQ℠    

Johnny Rockets®

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

Fish & Ships℠

Johnny Rockets® Express

EXPLORE MORE  

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You've got a foodie in you — everyone does! Awaken and delight yours on a Carnival cruise with delicious main dishes, tempting desserts and general yumminess everywhere you look.

A FEW OF OUR TOP DINING CHOICES

Carnival Kitchen

A fun vacation is the perfect time to learn something new… like how delicious picking up culinary skills can be!

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Premium cuts and seafood are the centerpiece to this evening dining experience.

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Guy's Burger Joint

Take a big juicy bite of one of the best burgers at sea, brought to you by none other than celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

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Deliciousness with a Side of Sea Breeze.

• About Freestyle Dining
• Complimentary Dining
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CRUISE SHIP DINING

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Enjoy a four-course meal and a great bottle of wine. Or grab a burger hot off the grill. Dress up. Dress down. Sit with your friends or make new ones. Dine inside or Oceanside along The Waterfront. Only Norwegian offers the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Dining, which means no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating. So follow your mood, not a timetable .

Enjoy a Wide Variety of COMPLIMENTARY DINING

All of our ships offer beautifully crafted menus in up to three Main Dining Rooms, a Buffet and a variety of casual eateries. With our chef's original dishes made with the finest ingredients, your dining can be as fine or as fun as you want.

Main Dining Rooms

Choose from up to three main dining rooms serving a wide variety of delicious cuisine. Enjoy specially curated modern and classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

Beyond Buffets

Our quintessential buffet is a crowd favourite for a reason. Available during breakfast, lunch and dinner, feel free to enjoy our meat carving station, made-to-order omelettes, pasta and more. Best part, it's complimentary.

24 Hour Eatery

Classic pub fare offered in a relaxed atmosphere. With popular dishes like the Reuben Sandwich and Fish n' Chips, this eatery has all your favourite comfort foods!

Indulge in Norwegian Exclusive SPECIALITY DINING

When you want a unique culinary experience, our speciality restaurants offer a variety of tastes for every palate. Now through The Norwegian Edge we are bringing an even higher standard of excellence to our dining with upgraded menus and new exciting venues. Whether you're indulging in succulent meats at Moderno Churrascaria, savouring French cuisine in Le Bistro, or enjoying fresh Mexican flavours at Los Lobos, you'll be sure to discover menus as fresh as the ingredients and cuisine that looks almost too good to eat.

• Brazilian Steakhouse
• Global Cuisine

Dig into some authentic Texas BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse. All our smoked meats are infused with delicious flavours and come with all the traditional sides.

Our authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar, but save room for skewers of slow-roasted meats carved tableside by our Pasadores.

A contemporary take on classic French cuisine. Surround yourself in chic décor and rich fare plates. Perfect for a romantic night out for the deux of you.

This delicious Asian-Latin fusion cuisine served tapas style is perfect for sharing. Food Republic is open for lunch on sea days and dinner nightly.

Dine on Italian classics prepared using the finest ingredients at La Cucina. Or explore a new wave of flavour with a fresh take on old-world fare at Onda by Scarpetta.

Gather around a shared table as a skillful chef perfectly prepares steak, chicken and seafood on a large steel grill at Teppanyaki. In the mood for sushi? Pull up a chair at any one of our sushi bars for some traditional Japanese fare, including Nama, our new contemporary sushi house offering upscale sushi and sashimi prepared by master chefs.

Bienvenido a Los Lobos, a premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavours with a modern twist. Chefs serve up new favourites like Carne Asada marinated in guajillo chiles and tequila or Tres Leches Cake with Coconut Cream.

Indulge in our newest seafood concept, Palomar, featuring flavourful Mediterranean inspired dishes and an exclusive eco-friendly wine list. Dive into an ocean of flavour with other incredible seafood options like Ocean Blue, Bayamo and The Raw Bar, serving some of the finest and freshest ingredients at sea with perfectly paired wine selections and cocktails.

Enjoy a taste of Spain's cuisine at this lively tapas bar. Sip on delicious sangria as you savour an array of small plates, like Manchego Cheese and Iberico Ham, or Cod Croquettes and Garlic Shrimp.

An American-style steakhouse where succulent choice cuts of Angus beef are incredibly flavourful and perfectly prepared. Make sure to order our famous Parmesan truffle fries.

Experience the all-new Sukhothai. Relish a stylish and warm atmosphere as the aroma of authentic Thai cuisine gently trails through the lush dining room.

Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent treats such as French macarons, chocolate bonbons and gourmet cupcakes at Coco's, Dolce Gelato, or The Bake Shop.

See What We Offer for FAMILY DINING

Freestyle Dining provides dining choices that satisfy even the pickiest eater in the family. Grab a burger hot off the grill or sit down for a four-course meal. Dress up. Dress down. You'll find more dining options than days of your cruise, and you're free to enjoy them all on your own timetable .

Things to Know:

Must try speciality restaurant dishes.

BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS FOR FOODIES

MUST TRY WINE PAIRINGS

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Inside the main dining room Silhouette on Celebrity Equinox.

Beginner's guide to dining on a cruise

Anytime dining is on the upswing as diners look for casual experiences.

Cruiseable team

On a cruise ship

CruiseClout score: 95.0

In the old days, cruise ship dining was an elegant affair taking place three meals a day plus an option for an afternoon snack served during tea time. No more.

Today, modern ships offer a wide array of dining options, from basic meal service all the way up to luxury specialty dining experiences. And, unlike land vacations, your meals are included in your fare. 

If you're new to cruising, here's a Beginner's   guide to dining options on a cruise , with eight key takeaways.

Sheri from CruiseTipsTV offers some helpful tips about dining on a cruise. 

Where you will eat

Main restaurant:  Nearly all cruise lines have a main dining room available for sit-down service during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Typically, you'll find that the venue offers a range of traditional American and Continental dishes served in a large, banquet-style room where you may have to share a table with other passengers.

Satellite restaurants: Many ships offer less formal dining venues that serve casual fare. On board you might find a self-service buffet, pizzeria, poolside grill or even a New York style hot dog cart.

In your room: Most cruise lines offer complimentary room service (although this is not an option on some river cruise ships), though Norwegian and Royal Caribbean charge a small service fee for orders delivered between midnight and 5 am. In our experience, the menu is often limited and the food often so-so. 

Specialty restaurants: A new trend in the cruise industry is the addition of specialty restaurants , also known as alternative restaurants. Specialty restaurants generally provide superior service, better food and sometimes dazzling decor. Examples include Carnival's steakhouses, Holland America's Pinnacle Grill, Princess's Crown Grill and Sabatini's, and Disney's Remy and Palo. Tip : Dine at a specialty restaurant on the first night, when it tends to be less crowded. 

$$$: How much it costs to dine

For the vast majority of luxury and premium cruise lines — Crystal Cruises, Oceania , Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas , Windstar — the cost of the main restaurant and s pecialty restaurants is included in your fare. (See All about specialty restaurants  and our roundup of the best cruise ship restaurants .)

For mainstream (mass market) cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Holland America, dining in the main restaurants on board is included in your fare, while it costs extra to dine in a specialty restaurant (although Royal in particular sometimes adds surcharges to certain items on the menu in the main dining room). 

Also, remember that the mainstream cruise lines charge for bottles of water, soda and specialty coffee drinks that you order outside of the main dining room. 

Assigned seating vs. open seating

A lot of first-time cruisers wonder, Will I be forced to eat with a lot of strangers? In general, no. Here's how it works: 

Traditional assigned seating

Many larger cruise lines maintain the tradition of two dinner seatings each evening: at 6 pm and 8 or 8:30 pm. When booking, you'll be asked which you prefer. You may want to choose the earlier seating if you plan to go to a lot of shows, and you can request a small or large table or a seat near a window, but there's no guarantee it will be honored. Early seating is often fa­vored by those cruising with kids and some se­niors.

You generally don't get to choose your table mates with assigned seating. Upon embarkation , the first thing many veteran cruisers do is to check out their table assignment; sometimes you can make changes once on board. One upside of assigned seating is that your server gets to know your tastes and preferences when you return on subsequent nights. Cruise lines offering assigned seating in the main dining room for dinner include Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, Disney, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Princess and Royal Caribbean.

Open seating

A big trend on cruise ships is the prevalence of Anytime dining or what Norwegian calls Freestyle Cruising . This is the rule, rather than the exception, on nearly all luxury cruise lines and it's becoming the norm on some mainstream cruise lines.

Open seating — an option that lets you eat when you want and with whom you want — has been around for a long time on luxury and smaller ships (including Star Clippers ). Several years ago Norwegian Cruise Line introduced Freestyle Dining to its ships, to positive results. More recently, Royal Caribbean introduced the concept of dynamic dining — no set dining times, no assigned seats, no required formal nights — to mixed results on its Quantum class of ships. Note that with open seating, you sometimes have to wait for a ta­ble or make a reser­va­tion each night. 

Our advice: Go ahead and socialize, at least on some nights! Part of the excitement of cruising is the potential to meet interesting new people — perhaps even people with diverse backgrounds, cultural identities or political beliefs. You can scurry off with your companion to a specialty restaurant or a casual satellite dining spot on one or two nights while mingling with strangers at a table for 6, 8, or 10 people on other nights. 

Cruise lines that offer open seating in the main dining room include Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Hurtigruten, Norwegian, Oceania, Paul Gauguin, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, SeaDream, Star Clippers, Uniworld, Viking, Windstar and the luxury lines. Note that some cruise lines offer both assigned seating and open seating.

Breakfast and lunch are usually open seating. Note that several of the cruise lines listed above — Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean — offer both assigned seating and open seating. 

Making reservations

If you opt for open seating, in some cases you'll need to make a reservation to reserve your spot. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line. 

There's a certain amount of decorum expected on cruise ships during dinner. That means, no swimsuits, tank tops, flip-flops, casual shorts and sleeveless tops. If you're in the mood for casual, head to the smaller informal restaurant near the pool. 

Dress codes on cruise ships vary by cruise line and by evening – many cruises feature one or more formal nights. Some cruise lines enforce the dress code and may offer to bring out a suit jacket for the gentleman. Others apply the dress code only sporadically, though some upscale cruise lines will turn you away from dinner if your attire is not up to snuff .  On most nights, "resort casual" is the rule. (See Cruise outfits: What to wear on each cruise line .)

Formal dining 

Formal dining has given way to casual dining on most cruise lines in recent years. Traditionally, cruise lines set aside one evening on a 7-night cruise for a formal night, when people dress in evening wear. On lines such as Princess, Cunard, Crystal, Seabourn and Silversea, you'll see quite a few men don tuxedoes on formal night, while most wear dress slacks and a sport coat. If you wear slacks and a dress shirt you'll be OK. 

Al fresco dining  

If you've ever enjoyed al fresco dining on a cruise ship — having breakfast, lunch or dinner on deck on a sunny day — you know what a glorious treat it is. On cruise lines such as SeaDream , Silversea ,  Viking , Ponant , Seabourn , Azamara and Windstar , you'll likely have a chance to indulge. 

Dining options you'll find on board

The dining options below are available on most of the mainstream cruise lines. So check to see which of these are included on the cruise you're considering: 

• Sit-down meals served by wait staff in the main dining room
• Formal dining, often on one night of the cruise on many ships (but you have the option to skip it)
• 24-hour dining venue (available on some ships)
• Room service (note that some ships charge a fee for delivery after midnight)
• Outdoor dining at night around the pool deck during poolside parties (Azamara and Holland America Line, for example)
• Dining under the stars (Silversea's Hot Rocks or Tastes on Crystal Cruises, for example)
• Balcony dining (a hallmark on Princess Cruises especially)
• Special dining with the chef events (Princess, Seabourn, etc.)
• Special wine-pairing dinners in "vintage rooms" (Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, MSC Cruises)
• Rotational dining, where the room literally moves, as on Disney Cruise Line
• Alternative dining venues (Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, et al.)
• Coffee bar (regular coffee and pastries included, specialty coffees at nominal extra charge) 

What's not included 

Here are some items that are typically not included with the cruise fare: alcoholic drinks, soft drinks (on some cruise lines — soda is included in the price on Disney sailings) and dining at specialty restaurants. Special packages are often available for guests to purchase that include alcoholic drinks, soft drinks or specialty restaurants. This will vary by cruise line, so check for your cruise line’s policy or ask your travel agent.

For Bahamian and Caribbean cruises that stop at the cruise line’s private island, such as Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, dining on the island is also included in the cruise fare.

Do everything in moderation

Don't forget: Even though you can order two entrees and three desserts or help yourself to a midnight buffet or wolf down double cheese bacon burgers, resist the temptation (but go ahead and order a couple of decadent desserts). We know friends who put on 5 pounds during a weeklong cruise — because they don't pace themselves and they don't exercise. Stay active on your cruise: Go on long walks on shore. Hit the gym or spa. And show some restraint. 

In our series: Cruise Food & Drink

• 10 best cruise ship restaurants

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Cruiseable team The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

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• Global Tastemakers

10 Top Cruises for Food and Drinks, According to the Experts

Dining at sea is more adventurous than ever with highly curated cruise ship concepts and menus, onboard culinary classes, and shore excursions.

Dining while cruising has never tasted better. Onboard restaurants can match land-based eateries in sophistication and style, with chefs as driven by seasonal ingredients as their peers ashore. The 2024 Global Tastemakers, selected by food and travel journalists this year, favor luxury ocean lines, which invest heavily in food and wine, yet also embrace expedition ships and riverboats. All operate small vessels by today’s standards; kitchen crews can more readily cook with artistry and ingenuity for fewer passengers. 

These Tastemakers share passion and vision; they’re reshaping shipboard norms by introducing dining venues and cuisines rarely spotlighted at sea, such as Virgin Voyages, with a Korean barbecue restaurant among 20 complimentary eateries. Global Tastemakers are also offering more adventurous culinary classes and shore excursions. Silversea, the winner, scores for its multifaceted S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, devoted to the sailing region’s food and beverages. Crystal (formerly Crystal Cruises) reclaims its stellar reputation from its prior incarnation, including a renewed partnership with iconic chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuted a glam new ship and elevated menus fleetwide, with novel dishes inspired by the culinary team’s extensive research trips. As this year unfolds, expect even more allures: On HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), local chefs on some itineraries may hop onboard to cook regional specialties. Oceania Cruises debuts both a Culinary Masters Cruise hosted by two Master Chefs of France, and the highly anticipated Editor’s Cruise, with Hunter Lewis, Food + Wine ’s editor-in-chief. These are the best cruises for food and drinks.

Winner: Silversea

Silversea’s impactful S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program secures the luxury line’s winning spot. S.A.L.T. Kitchen devotes an entire ever-changing menu to reflect sailing itineraries. S.A.L.T. Lab’s cooking instructors share regional cultural and culinary history with passengers during hands-on classes. In S.A.L.T. Bar, passengers sip locally inspired mixologists’ cocktails. S.A.L.T. shore excursions range from foraging in Puglia to lunching at a hyper-local Lisbon tinned-fish eatery and exploring a Patagonian organic farm. S.A.L.T. outings have proven so successful, Silversea is adding selections.

Crystal Cruises

The brand relaunch of luxurious Crystal Cruises (acquired by A&K Travel Group) now sails as Crystal , with two beautifully remodeled ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Eight distinctive restaurants include Umi Uma, showcasing the inimitable Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine of Crystal partner, legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa . Osteria d’Ovidio, named for Crystal’s Italian owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, presents poetic plates anchored in simplicity and  primo ingredients, such as lobster in tomato essence with basil olive oil.

Oceania Cruises

This line pursues compelling culinary exploits onboard and ashore, like cooking demonstrations at a Venetian master chef’s private villa or a Latvian “farm to table” experience in which guests shop at a market with the Culinary Center chef before cooking and consuming a Latvian lunch on board. Shipboard chefs are so ingredient-obsessed, they even order custom-milled French flour. Among updates, Oceania has reimagined numerous dishes, highlighting local sourcing. On Marina, Riviera, and Vista, a must-try six-course menu with a Dom Pérignon pairing perpetually marvels.

This luxe line debuted modern Mediterranean restaurant Solis on Seabourn Quest as an inspired replacement to Thomas Keller’s Grill, before Seabourn Encore, Ovation, and Sojourn rollouts. Seabourn restaurants may differ stylistically fleetwide, yet never vary in quality. Exemplary venues include Sushi for primo fish; the Restaurant with intricate entrees like carved lamb loin with crisp lamb spring roll; and Earth & Ocean for fine dining al fresco. Consider complimentary caviar and 24-hour in-suite service as bonuses.

Hurtigruten/HX

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal) and HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) ships explore the world, including polar regions, the Galápagos, the Caribbean, and of course, Norway. Both HX and Hurtigruten aim to serve cuisine as compelling as adventures ashore and feature menus reflecting their Norwegian heritage. Supporting local communities, Hurtigruten relies on some 50 suppliers along the Coastal Express route for about 80% of ingredients, while more than 75% of HX’s ingredients used on Antarctica and Alaska routes are local.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This luxury line’s six ships deliver exemplary dining, with its three newest ships (Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor, and Explorer) exhibiting boundless flair. Among venues, Prime 7’s juicy steaks, Chartreuse’s French plates, and Pacific Rim’s pan-Asian dishes particularly dazzle. Beyond dining, the hands-on cooking school and Regent’s chef-led Epicurean Explorer Tours are part of the draw. Passengers may market-shop for a paella cooking class and feast on the famed rice-based dish at a seaside eatery in Valencia, Spain.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s six small ships possess yacht-like vibes, with a culinary direction to match. Chefs eagerly source fresh sustainable ingredients in ports to prepare imaginative dishes. On Star Plus class all-suite ships, Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso packs a modern Spanish punch while Star Grill by Steven Raichlen dishes up aromatic barbecue deckside. Windstar’s James Beard Foundation partnership ensures guest chefs board for demonstrations and dinners; the line also features their recipes on fleet eateries.

Viking Cruises

Viking commands attention on all waters, with riverboats, ocean liners, and expedition ships plying every continent. So many touches sum up Viking’s willingness for menus to reflect itineraries, and regional dishes and wines are a given. Flourishing herb gardens allow riverboat chefs to pluck the freshest herbs to grace dishes daily. On ocean-going vessels, specialty restaurant Manfredi’s excels in Italian cuisine (bistecca alla Fiorentina is legendary), and Mamsen’s triumphs the line’s Nordic heritage — all bow to the signature waffles.

Virgin Voyages

With 20 complimentary eateries, Virgin Voyages allows a younger, perhaps less-traveled, cruiser to sample so many cuisines. This line eschews food halls and buffets, preferring to showcase intimate boîtes, instead. Each possesses an oversized personality and emboldened plates, such as Razzle Dazzle for dishes like black garlic bowtie pasta with fennel braised pork and chanterelles, and Gunbae, knocking it out of the foodpark with complimentary soju shots and Korean barbecue.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has taken food and wine seriously since its 2002 inception. The line, inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, finds its culinary cues in its riverboats’ itineraries, selecting local ingredients and intriguing wines like Rieslings from Austria’s Wachau Valley. AmaWaterways ’ wine-themed voyages, like Flavors of Burgundy with excursions to Beaune and Mâcon, win consistent praise. Onboard gastronomic pinnacles include the Chef’s Table, a small-group dining adventure where a chef prepares wine-paired multi-course meals before passengers.

Plus one: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Exuding an exclusive boutique hotel aura, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection consists of superyacht Evrima, and in September, Ilma debuts, with Luminara arriving in 2025. This line lavishes passengers with attention, elegant design, and superb dining with an international spin. Each yacht offers five restaurants, 24-hour in-suite dining, and six lounges. The wine vault features more than 200 wine labels, with many exclusive red wines and vintages on a private reserve list.

Global Tastemakers is a celebration of the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. We asked more than 180 food and travel journalists to vote on their favorites, including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. We then entrusted those results to an expert panel of judges to determine each category’s winners. In many categories, we’ve included a Plus One, hand-selected by our expert panel, to shout out more culinary destinations we don’t want our readers to miss. See all the winners at foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers .

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From the Test Kitchen and our lively Korean BBQ, to our red hot Mexican and our incredible food market — all our eateries are included.

Menus by Michelin-starred chefs

World-class chefs like Brad Farmerie (of PUBLIC in NYC) and Sohui Kim (of Gage & Tollner and Insa in NYC) are a few of the minds behind our menus.

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 always bringing fresh ingredients and made-to-order cooking to the table, our foodie-approved eateries offer everything from food truck faves to ten-course feasts — perfect for crushing any craving..

Steak & Seafood

The Wake brings a modern twist to the classic chophouses of the mid-20th century. Once you've made your way down the grand staircase, you'll enter a world that harks back to the old steakhouse, three-martini-lunch days of Madison Avenue ad men. But, thankfully, with gender equality now and, you know, no cigar smoke.

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Upscale Mexican

Inspired by Mexico’s red-hot culture and sexy food scene, the experience at Pink Agave goes far beyond the usual taco. Shareable, social, and spicy — it transports you to the vibrant streets of Mexico City on an immersive odyssey of local cuisine. With the largest selection of tequila and mezcal at sea, and DJ beats to amp up the energy, we won’t judge if you order one of everything… and end up dancing on tables by the end of the night.

Lively Korean BBQ

If you're into hands-on meat grilling and soju drinking, our Korean BBQ is *the* perfect spot to do all that. Every meal at Gunbae begins with a Korean drinking game that includes a complimentary shot of soju. And since we all have that one friend who insists on being the meat master, this is the time to roast the master while the master roasts the meat. GUNBAE!

IRRESISTIBLY ITALIAN

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Wait, there’s (a lot) more.

We’ve replaced the traditional single dining hall with an array of mouthwatering eateries always included.

The Test Kitchen

Inspired by Escoffier's Ma Cuisine, its evolving, chef-driven tasting menus are presented as an ingredient list — but the cooking techniques, presentation, and flavors are explored in ways you've never seen. With innovative and experiential classes like Mixology and coffee labs, you’ll try different methods and components for unique results.

Lick Me Till… Ice Cream

With six home (er... ship) made flavors to choose from, our scoop shop is the perfect stop for a mid-day or late-night snack. Vegan? Don't worry — we got you covered.

Featuring the same Mediterranean-inspired menu as its indoor counterpart. The Dock brings you the ultimate in lounging with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.

The Dock House

An effortlessly elegant yet cozy counterpart to the view-focused scene outside. The Dock House delivers bright flavors with live acoustic sounds. Enjoy some flame-grilled skewers or bites like house-made pita and dips from the roving Mezze cart.

The Pizza Place

Here you have complete control over your pie — from the dough to the cheese, a little cracked pepper, a little ricotta, and any other topping you want… Or you can just choose from the class menu and lounge on the hammocks outside.

The Social Club

From fairground staples like pretzels and hotdogs to modern takes on milkshakes and floats, The Social Club is perfect for playing a good game of air hockey, shuffleboard, foosball, and more.

Your go-to for a quick bite, meal, or pick-me-up throughout the day. Featuring a mix of shops and food-truck-style carts. The Galley boasts a dedicated bakery and pastry shop, a panini shop, a burger grill, a taco shack, a sushi bar with bento boxes, a noodle bar, a soup and salad stand, and a 24-hour American diner.

Noodle Around

Richly-flavored masterpieces for which Chinatown’s Shinka has won several awards, they found a new home in The Galley, snuggled between the udon soup specials on Noddle Around’s slurp-worthy menu.

Reviews as spectacular as life on board tastes

From novice cruiser to loyal customer.

The food, the choices, and the availability were amazing. As a solo traveler, sit-down dining wasn't a priority. And the options are endless.

Tremendous experience!

The food, and variety of choices were exquisite. The choices of restaurants such as the Test Kitchen, Razzle Dazzle, the Wake, Dock House, and The Galley are so many choices for healthy, vegan, fish, or meat lovers.

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Michelin-star restaurants and great quality food. From the minute you step on the ship, it’s a party - but a first-class party!

Not just your ordinary cruise

The best food I’ve ever had on a cruise ship, and all the wonderful people we met. The ship offers so many different things to do, eat, and drink unlike any other cruise line I’ve seen.

No frills, just mouthwatering videos with a side of epic views

No stomach left behind, the solution for midnight cravings. or 3 am cravings. whenever you get them, really., everything you need to know about our dining experiences, the stirring places for all your pour decisions.

Where world-class libations meet untamed inspiration for a delicious, palate-provoking experience never seen at sea (or land).

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Eat & Drink On Edge

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The best dining experience at sea—period.

World-class restaurants that open your world. We’ve designed Celebrity Edge® to change the way you experience the world, and our culinary philosophy follows the same line of thinking. We’ve turned our focus to the destinations we visit, bringing the flavors of the world to you—right on board. 29 unique food and beverage experiences crafted by a Michelin-starred chef speak to all of your senses in distinctly different ways.

You won’t find another dining experience like this at sea – or on land for that matter. Discover each of our restaurant and bar venues in more detail below, and satisfy your appetite for adventure by booking an exceptional cruise onboard Celebrity Edge.

Main Dining

Our goal to open your world through the culinary experiences we provide comes to life on Celebrity Edge. We rethought everything when we designed Edge—including our main dining experience. Choose from not one, but four complimentary, main restaurants, each with a distinctive design and ambience inspired by a specific region of the world.

Specialty Dining

We wanted to expand our global culinary expertise even further on Celebrity Edge. To open the world—and palates—of our savvy travelers even more, we designed exciting new specialty restaurants found nowhere else at sea. Take your onboard dining experience to new heights at our seven specialty dining venues and see how we’ve elevated specialty dining to a true art form.

Complimentary Dining

We’ve expanded the dining options in main dining with four new restaurants, and we’ve extended the complimentary dining selection across Celebrity Edge, as well. From the new Eden Café to the popular Oceanview Café and Mast Grill, there’s every opportunity to please your palate morning, noon, and night.

Bars & Lounges on Edge

There’s so much to say about the new dining experiences aboard Celebrity Edge ® , but we haven’t forgotten some of the tried-and-true favorites, including Café al Bacio, the Pool Bar, the Casino Bar, and the ever-popular Sunset Bar. They’re all here, ready to serve up hand-crafted cocktails and ice cold craft brews, or healthy snacks and juices you need to refuel and refresh after a day at the spa or pool.

Featured Bars

The martini bar.

Behind an inviting, attention-getting bar, flair bartenders dazzle with gravity-defying skill as they craft creative cocktails. Pull up a chair, raise a glass, and say, “Cheers” to new friends and new experiences.

The Magic Carpet

The Magic Carpet is designed with comfortable seating, a full bar, and space for live music performances, so it truly is a destination itself on Celebrity Edge ® .

The Retreat Lounge

Exclusive to guests of The Retreat ® , and open 24/7 for beverages, gourmet bites and live entertainment.

The Retreat Pool Bar

Guests of The Retreat enjoy exclusive access to the indulgent, inviting Pool Bar with private cabanas and plush loungers.

Café Al Bacio

Settle into comfortable seating underneath a stunning glass art installation, and refuel with delicious specialty coffees and treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Keep the party going late into the night at The Club. Dance to your heart’s content and lounge in a sumptuous, modern seating area.

Il Secondo Bacio

Specialty coffees and freshly squeezed juices located within the Oceanview Café.

Your senses are in for a tantalizing new treat. At Eden Bar, the Library of Plants is a living wall where fresh ingredients and garnishes are hand-picked for artisanal cocktails. It’s all a part of the chillful, playful, sinful Eden experience.

The Sunset Bar

Watch the world go by with a cocktail in hand as live pop and folk tunes play. With a casual country club atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to soak in spectacular views.

The Pool Bar

Enjoy refreshing drinks poolside and be mesmerized by an ever-changing mirror installation that shines day and night.

The Casino Bar

Raise a glass as you roll the dice during an exhilarating night at the casino onboard Celebrity Edge.

Alternative Dining Options

Room service.

Turn your stateroom into a private dining room with one phone call. Whether you crave a gourmet breakfast in bed, a leisurely lunch, an intimate dinner, or even a late-night snack, our dedicated staff is at your service. We completely understand why you wouldn’t want to leave your stateroom, so immerse yourself in the luxury of enjoying a carefully crafted menu delivered right to your door. 

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Good Food Show at Sea

We know good cuisine is at the heart of every cruise experience, which is why we're bringing you the ultimate culinary voyage - the Good Food Show at Sea. Fall in love with food on this voyage of discovery on board Sky Princess, where celebrity guests like John Torode, Lisa Faulkner, Gennaro Contaldo and Rachel Allen headline an esteemed line-up of culinary stars bringing the Good Food Show to life. Partake in food tastings, cocktail masterclasses, interactive workshops and more, as well as exploring iconic foodie destinations like Lisbon and Bilbao.

Culinary Talent

This 14-night Spain and Portugal cruise departs from Southampton on 2 Nov 2024 and it’s the perfect holiday if you’re looking to indulge in a gastronomic extravaganza. Sample exclusive menus created by our Good Food partners, witness awe-inspiring demos by celebrity chefs and the talented Good Food team and get the chance to ask your burning cooking questions during intimate meet and greets. Now, meet the esteemed guest line-up who will bring this unforgettable voyage to life.

John Torode MBE

John Torode MBE is a renowned UK chef best known as the straight-talking co-host and judge of BBC's MasterChef. He also co-hosts John & Lisa's Weekend Kitchen with his wife, Lisa Faulkner. An influential culinary figure, Torode has run successful restaurants, authored acclaimed cookbooks, and received an MBE for services to food, broadcasting, and charity.

Lisa Faulkner

Lisa Faulkner is an acclaimed actress turned celebrity cook, best known as the winner of BBC's Celebrity MasterChef in 2010. She co-hosts the popular weekend cooking show John & Lisa's Weekend Kitchen alongside her husband, John Torode, inspiring audiences with her culinary skills. Faulkner has authored a bestselling cookbook and frequently appears at food events and on TV shows.

Gennaro Contaldo

Amalfi Coast native Gennaro Contaldo is the Italian legend who taught Jamie Oliver all he knows about his homeland’s national cuisine. Contaldo’s TV credits include Jamie Cooks Italy and BBC2’s Two Greedy Italians alongside the late, great Antonio Carluccio. He’s also the Italian food expert and main guest chef on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and Channel 4’s Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast and Jamie’s Christmas.

Rachel Allen

Rachel Allen is a renowned Irish chef, cookbook author, and teacher at the prestigious Ballymaloe Cookery School. After studying and working at Ballymaloe, she gained global recognition through her bestselling cookbooks, popular TV shows showcasing her cooking expertise, and live culinary demonstrations.

Cyrus Todiwala OBE, DL

Cyrus Todiwala OBE, DL is a highly acclaimed Indian chef, TV personality, author, and restaurateur. He co-owns the renowned Café Spice Namasté in London with his wife Pervin, regularly appears on shows like BBC's Saturday Kitchen, and champions causes like sustainability and healthy eating. Todiwala has been honoured with an MBE for services to education and training and an OBE for his contributions to the hospitality industry.

Andy Clarke

Andy Clarke is a prominent British food and drink personality, acclaimed as one of the UK's most exciting voices in the industry. He has developed and produced popular TV shows like Saturday Kitchen Live, James Martin's Culinary Adventures, and Gordon, Gino & Fred: Road Trip. Clarke regularly appears as a food, wine, and cocktail expert on shows like This Morning, Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, and the documentary Britain's Favourite Cheese at Christmas.

Greg Rutherford

Greg Rutherford is an Olympic Gold, World and European Athletics Champion medallist. After retiring from athletics, he has gone on to appear on BBC Two’s The Pilgrimage and Celebrity MasterChef, which he won in 2019. In the same year, he also appeared on Sink or Swim for Channel 4, swimming the Channel in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. Greg also previously donned his sequins and appeared on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing Series 14.

Maunika Gowardhan

Maunika Gowardhan is an Indian chef and bestselling cookbook author, with a career that stems from her love for authentic flavours, cooking techniques and being able to share a fresh perspective on the cuisine. Through her work in food, she creates and shares traditional Indian dishes with exciting flavours and ingredients that are reflective of her heritage and upbringing in Mumbai.

Chris Baber

Chris has a passion for home-cooked family-style food and is on a mission to make cooking easier, more accessible, and delicious. His passion for seasonal food makes it all the more cost effective too. He worked under Atul Kochhar at his Michelin-starred restaurant, but his real passion is inspiring others and making home cooking accessible for everyone.

Meet your Good Food Show hosts

Barney desmazery.

Good Food's longest serving member, Barney has written thousands of recipes and worked with top British chefs. He trained alongside Jamie Oliver and worked at top restaurants before transitioning to test kitchens. At Good Food, he’s brought his expertise in sourdough, foraging, seasonal ingredients, and more to his Next Level series, which shows him updating classic recipes. He’ll be hosting some unmissable demos and tastings on board Sky Princess.

Cassie Best

Cassie is the Food Director at Good Food. A Leiths-trained chef, she begun her career at Good Food with an internship. Over her 10 year tenure with the Good Food team, she’s created hundreds of recipes. She has a passion for creating easy family meals that everyone can cook and enjoy, and she also loves to bake.

Samuel Goldsmith

Samuel Goldsmith is Good Food’s food copy editor, with over a decade of experience working in the food and drink industry as an editor, writer, educator and cook. After teaching food and nutrition in secondary schools, Samuel moved into food journalism. He first worked as a freelance food writer and food stylist and then in magazine editorial as a food editor for lifestyle and home magazines. Samuel is also currently Vice Chair of the Guild of Food Writers.

9 Cruise Lines With the Best Food

T aking a cruise vacation transports you to coveted destinations in places around the world. For many people, though, it's all about the culinary experience, especially for those who return time and again to dine at their favorite onboard venues – many of which rival the best restaurants you'll find on land. While most cruise lines still offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style venues, some also feature next-level culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs at the helm, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive food and beverage programs.

If you're a foodie looking for the cruise lines with the best food, U.S. News has compiled this list of cruise lines focused on delivering an extraordinary dining experience, based on expert opinion and reviews. We've also highlighted two of the venues on each line that receive accolades for outstanding food and service.

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Luxury cruise lines

Oceania cruises.

Oceania Cruises' culinary program has long been regarded as one of the best of any cruise line – and the company has even trademarked the term "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." Jacques Pépin, the renowned French master chef, has been the executive culinary director since 2003; he has inspired the menus and cuisine on board the line's seven small luxury ships since that time, including the newest vessel, Vista . Oceania is also committed to sourcing the best ingredients from destinations around the world. In addition, the line has a high ratio of culinary staff to guests, and the ship's galleys are outfitted with equipment you'd typically see in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Guests can book exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours on two of the ships, Marina and Riviera . Hone your culinary skills or learn to prepare new types of cuisine at The Culinary Center, found on Marina, Riviera and Vista. You'll also find special wine-tasting and Champagne events in partnership with La Reserve by Wine Spectator. In addition, the line has just announced its first Culinary Masters' Cruise featuring Oceania's two French master chefs aboard Marina in October 2024.

Most of the dining venues are complimentary on Oceania Cruises (except for Privée and La Reserve), and options run the gamut from French and Asian cuisine to Italian fare and steakhouse specialties. There are also new culinary concepts on board Vista – including Ember, which features American classics, as well as Aquamar Kitchen, a venue focused on healthy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Here are two of Oceania's best restaurants:

• Red Ginger: Red Ginger's colorful red and gold interiors, designed with feng shui in mind, draw guests in when they enter the restaurant, but it's the bold Asian flavors that keep them coming back for more. With Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese specialties to choose from, diners will enjoy selections such as caramelized tiger prawns, crispy ginger calamari, red and green curries, and bulgogi rib-eye steak. Red Ginger is available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista.
• Toscana: The hearty cuisine inspired by Tuscan and northern Italian flavors at Toscana is served on Versace china that's custom designed for the restaurant. Diners should come with an appetite to enjoy several courses before the main event, including a hot or cold antipasti or soup, a selection of pastas, and a classic version of Caesar salad prepared tableside. Traditional main dish favorites include osso buco alla Milanese, veal scaloppini, lobster fra diavolo and Dover sole. Toscana is available on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Book an  Oceania Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is another cruise line known for its culinary excellence. Guests will find a selection of international venues featuring Italian, Asian and French cuisine on board the line's fleet of 12 ships.

S.A.L.T., an immersive dining experience that stands for "Sea and Land Taste," is available on Silver Nova , Silver Moon and Silver Dawn . The S.A.L.T. program was created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine and three-time James Beard journalism award winner. The innovative program invites guests to experience the destination and local food culture through on-board hands-on activities, including making local recipes in the S.A.L.T. Lab. You can also attend cooking demonstrations and lectures, or book in-depth culinary excursions to working organic farms, Sicilian pasticcerias (where you'll learn how to make pastries) and vineyards in destinations around the world.

The all-inclusive luxury line's restaurant venues are complimentary with the following exceptions: French fine dining restaurant La Dame; the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table experience available on Silver Nova; Seishin Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion dishes on Silver Spirit; and Kaiseki, the Japanese, sushi and teppanyaki venue available on five Silversea ships.

These are two standout dining venues on Silversea:

• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: S.A.L.T. Kitchen's menu changes daily inspired by the destination, but diners will also find a "Voyage" menu that reflects the influences from the overall region of the itinerary. The daily "Terrain" menu in Italy might include dishes likes prawns cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and parsley or a classic risotto with clams topped with a pan-fried filet of sole. The "Voyage" menu on an Eastern Mediterranean sailing would feature dishes from Greece, Croatia and Italy. The immersive dining experience is available on Silver Ray, Moon, Dawn and Nova.
• La Dame: The curated menu at La Dame was created by Silversea's top chefs and is served in an elegant contemporary space with white-glove table service. The cuisine pays homage to classic French gastronomy along with modern techniques and flair. Guests can expect to dine on traditional French dishes such as seared duck foie gras, French onion soup, lobster bisque, Dover sole and souffles for dessert. La Dame is available on all the line's ships, except for Silver Origin.

Find a  Silversea Cruise  on GoToSea.

Explora Journeys

MSC Group's new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, features a top-notch culinary program with a team of international chefs at the helm. Acclaimed chef Franck Garanger, the line's head of culinary, has been recognized as a French master chef since 2008; he has also overseen the culinary programs for both Silversea and Oceania cruises before joining Explora.

According to Garanger, Explora Journeys has one of the highest chef-to-guest ratios and food costs of any cruise line, which is why you'll see offerings like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, ceviche, free range and organic chicken, made-to-order grilled fish, and other freshly prepared items in Emporium Marketplace, Explora's globally inspired all-day dining venue. There's also a large focus on plant-based dishes, wellness and healthy menu selections in venues across the ship.

The first of six 922-guest superyacht-style vessels, Explora I, offers guests a choice of six restaurant venues, including the French-inspired Fil Rouge; Marble & Co. Grill, an elegant European steakhouse; and Med Yacht Club, which features delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Guests will also enjoy boutique international and regional wines; try a glass of Moët & Chandon, Explora's "house" Champagne.

During your "journey," you can also attend cooking classes at the Chef's Kitchen, a private dining and culinary school with lead enrichment chef Jean-Louis Dumonet at the helm. Another world-class chef, Dumonet received the distinction of becoming a French master chef in 1994 and has had a very successful culinary career, including achieving his first Michelin star at age 28.

Explore these standouts in Explora's culinary program:

• Sakura: This beautiful Pan-Asian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bright and airy design features cherry blossoms suspended from the ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. The authentic dining experience also boasts an open kitchen and a sushi bar with many ingredients sourced from Japan, and the venue has outdoor seating and indoor tables with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Begin your evening with an Asian-inspired cocktail and a starter of crispy duck leg confit, wagyu beef tataki or soft-shell crab tempura. Main dish highlights include a miso black cod fillet, 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef panang and an addictive lobster pad Thai.
• Anthology: The innovative concept at Anthology "is imagined as a unique culinary stage showcasing global cooking talents and cuisines, provenance and rare ingredients along with wines by highly coveted winemakers." The tasting menus are curated by a rotation of top chefs that changes throughout the year. The first chef who opened the new ship, Mauro Uliassi, has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. The second chef (through April 2024) is Swedish-born Emma Bengtsson, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aquavit in New York. Anthology is the only dining venue on Explora I that comes at an additional cost. There's also an optional wine pairing.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas' culinary program, "Epicurean Indulgence," features top-notch dining experiences on board the luxury line's six ships. Guests will also find educational hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen and Epicurean Explorer tours focused on the wines, spirits and regional foods in destinations around the world. Regents' all-inclusive cruise fares include as many as seven dining venues (depending on the ship), that feature French, Italian, Pan-Asian and steakhouse restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service. You can also enjoy fine wines and spirits in all the restaurants, bar and lounges.

Regent Seven Seas boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, but here are two top options:

• Pacific Rim: The entrance to Pacific Rim is just as impressive as its food with the floor-to-ceiling bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel that sits just outside the venue. Inside, your evening experience in this beautiful zen-like space begins with a signature cocktail and a difficult decision of which Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Vietnamese dishes to order for dinner. Begin your meal with a selection of sushi and sashimi, then sample pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For a main dish, don't miss elevated dishes like miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura or aromatic duck.
• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is the largest specialty restaurant on Regent's ships, and you'll find the elegant venue across the fleet. The menu features classic favorites and dishes that are always available, including foie gras, escargot, Alaskan crab salad, black Angus cuts of beef, New Zealand lamb chops and a daily choice of pasta. The additional chef's gourmet menu changes daily. If you prefer lighter fare, choose one of the healthy Serene Spa & Wellness selections. Guests can also customize their dining preferences and order from any of the menus.

Explore  Regent Seven Seas  deals on GoToSea.

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Viking's nine 930-guest and adults-only ocean-going ships offer destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisine and local specialties. In addition, cruisers will find their favorite classic dishes (some with a twist), such as a Norwegian baby shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and linguine with clams in The Restaurant, Viking's main dining venue.

Other dining options include an open kitchen and international fare at World Café, which also has a large alfresco dining area called Aquavit Terrace. For more casual fare, head to Mamsen's, a favorite spot for Norwegian specialties, or stop by the Pool Grill, where you'll find made-to-order burgers and light bites. All of these venues – plus two specialty restaurants, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table – are included in the cruise fare.

Guests on board Viking's ships are also treated to a daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled space located next to the main pool. If you're interested in learning more about destination-focused cuisine, reserve a spot in one of the hands-on cooking classes at The Kitchen Table to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. These special excursions and culinary classes begin with a visit to a local market and end with an evening of cooking (or watching the dinner preparation) – plus multiple courses of food and wine pairings. There is a fee for the class.

The two specialty restaurants provide an exceptional experience with Viking :

• Manfredi's: Plan to make a reservation at Manfredi's, Viking's Italian restaurant. It features an impressive menu of Italian specialties, including dishes with influence from Tuscany and Rome. Start the evening with a selection of antipasti for two and pasta e fagioli or crème of porcini soup. Then, choose between traditional offerings like osso bucco alla Milanese, rosemary parmesan-crusted lamb or the Tuscan favorite dish bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak). There are also wonderful fresh pasta dishes and several types of risotto.
• The Chef's Table: The Chef's Table menu changes several times throughout the cruise, allowing guests to sample a variety of multicourse tasting menus that highlight international and regional specialties. The beautiful venue is perfect for a special evening and a "food journey" where you'll savor a selection of Asian, Norwegian, French or other cuisines paired with wines by the ship's master sommelier.

Book a  Viking Ocean Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Mainstream cruise lines

Holland america line.

Holland America's master chef and creative culinary artist, Rudi Sodamin, has been with the line for around 20 years. He also heads up the Culinary Council, a group of well-known chefs who will be on board for culinary cruises scheduled throughout the year. During these special voyages, guests can attend cooking demonstrations and coffee chats and make reservations for exclusive chef-hosted dinners and events throughout the cruise.

Holland America also has a new initiative with Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef and TV personality Masaharu Morimoto (you'll recognize him from "Iron Chef"). The Global Fresh Fish program affords the line the ability to source more than 80 varieties of fresh fish in destinations around the world. In addition, you'll find certified sustainable Alaskan seafood on the menu during Alaska cruises .

Wine aficionados can look for wine tastings and wine blending sessions on board the ship and excursions to wine regions ashore, some in partnership with Food & Wine magazine. Rudi's Sel De Mer is an excellent choice for a fine dining evening, but the French brasserie-inspired venue is only available on three ships.

Here are two of Holland America's top specialty restaurants:

• Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse, is a specialty restaurant (with an additional fee) that's available on all of the line's 11 ships. It's a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and features classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, filet mignon, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops. Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Be sure to save room for a twist on a timeless dessert – the not-so-classic baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.
• Tamarind: Tamarind's elegant atmosphere and flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine make this another top pick for Holland American cruisers. The specialty restaurant is available on four ships (for an additional fee) and features dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Appetizers include specialties like crispy duck with a steamed bao bun, shrimp tempura and Chinese five-spice baby back ribs. For the main course, choose from several types of curries, sample Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, or feast on wok-seared shrimp and lobster. Plan to come early to Tamarind Bar to enjoy a cocktail such as a saketini while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Find a  Holland America  cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers excellent family-friendly dining options with over-the-top Disney- and movie-themed venues with live character performances and shows. The ships also have upscale adults-only lounges, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a romantic date night. Disney Cruise Line 's unique rotational family dining concept allows guests to experience three different restaurants while having the same dedicated servers every one of those evenings, so the service is personalized throughout your voyage.

Guests on board Disney Wish can dine in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The "Frozen"-themed evening includes Nordic-inspired dishes, musical performances by the characters and even singalongs for the audience. On Disney Wonder , guests are treated to a night filled with New Orleans-style jazz and street parties plus Southern-influenced fare at Tiana's Place. You can also meet Princess Tiana from Disney's animated feature "The Princess and the Frog."

Other top dining venues on Disney Cruise Line include:

Palo: This adults-only Venetian-inspired venue is an upscale spot ideal for a quiet evening without the kids (who will be very happy to spend time at the onboard kids club). The fine dining experience features northern Italian cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views from nearly every perspective. The specialty restaurant also serves brunch on longer cruises. The prix fixe (or "prezzo fisso") menu includes four courses, or you can opt to choose from the regular menu with a selection of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta and main dishes that are individually priced. Guests will find Palo on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

On Disney Wish, there's an updated version of the dining concept, Palo Steakhouse. The modern steakhouse and Italian restaurant – inspired by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from "Beauty and the Beast" – offers cuts of Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as delightful Italian cuisine and spectacular ocean views. Be sure to splurge on a cocktail at The Rose before dinner if you're dining at Palo Steakhouse. Note that meals at Palo and Palo Steakhouse come with an additional charge.

Remy: The exquisite dining experience at Remy is a collaboration between French chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise (a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France) and Walt Disney World Resort 's chef Scott Hunnel from the renowned restaurant Victoria & Albert's. Your leisurely evening of fine wines and a tasting menu of French fare begins with a signature Taittinger Champagne cocktail prepared tableside.

Special touches in the "Ratatouille"-inspired venue include Frette linens, Christofle silverware, exclusive Bernadaud china made for Remy, Riedel glassware, tableside international cheese service and decanting stations for wines. A Champagne brunch is served on sea days and select port days. There is an additional charge to dine at the restaurant, which is available on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' creative approach to cruising can be found in nearly every aspect of the line's three ships, including its adults-only vibe and fresh approach to dining. Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room – and there's no onboard buffet or large dining halls. What you will find is more than 20 eateries with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs that are included in the cruise fare. These smaller and more intimate venues include The Galley, a food court-style spot for casual and grab-and-go fare like bento boxes, tacos, salads, sushi, burgers, noodle bowls and desserts.

Meat lovers and vegetarians will love the veggie-forward dishes and indulgent pork or chicken specialties at boldly designed Razzle Dazzle. At Extra Virgin, sample trattoria-style Italian fare like crispy artichokes, seafood pasta, grilled Mediterranean sea bass and a special tableside preparation of affogato for dessert. For a Korean barbecue experience, head over to Gunbae, a fun spot where your evening begins with a shot of soju – Korea's national drink and the best-selling liquor in the world. The Wake is the largest venue on board and the closest restaurant to a main dining room; it sits at the back of the ship and features a raw bar in addition to a selection of steaks and seafood (some offerings come with an upcharge).

There are many excellent options for dinner, but these are two cruiser-favorite venues:

• The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Auguste Escoffier's "Ma Cuisine," The Test Kitchen is a favorite spot for its laboratory-like eatery and cooking school. The interior decor features metal furniture, beakers and test tubes to get diners in the mood for the exploratory culinary evening. Menus at this innovative venue are presented as a list of ingredients, and guests get to watch the chef combine the selected ingredients of the day for the six-course tasting menu. The upscale experience takes about 2.5 hours. Wine, beer or cocktail pairings come at an additional fee.
• Pink Agave: Virgin's stylish Mexican dining venue, Pink Agave, was inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City – and the restaurant features what the line calls the most extensive selection of mezcal and tequila at sea. The menu offerings include small, medium and large plates plus desserts. To begin the evening, order a few small bites to share, including esquites (a grilled corn dish) and aguachile, which is a ceviche made with raw tuna, avocado and jicama. Then, for the main course, choose between options like roasted duck or chicken, achiote marinated pork, or a vegetarian stuffed poblano pepper.

Compare  Virgin Voyages  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's selection and quality of restaurant venues – and attentive service – have made the line a favorite for food-focused cruisers for many years. If you're sailing on one of the Celebrity Edge-class ships ( Ascent , Beyond , Apex or Edge ), you'll have up to 32 restaurants to choose from with globally inspired menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher.

You can also look for special culinary cruises and onboard events designed in partnership with renowned Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud, the line's global culinary brand ambassador. Some of the onboard programs include wine-blending classes, whiskey and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and food and wine pairing workshops.

With so many complimentary dining and specialty options on Celebrity ships (making it hard to choose where to dine), here are two of the unique experiences not to be missed:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud: Daniel Boulud's first signature restaurant at sea is inspired by the chef's global travels. The interior of the specialty restaurant, designed by the Parisian architect-design team of Jouin Manku, is as much of an experience as the meal with its intimate decor and banquette seating. Guests can choose between a standard dinner menu, a regular five-course tasting menu or a plant-based tasting menu. Le Voyage is available on the new Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond and costs an additional fee.
• Le Petit Chef: The innovative and fantastical 3D dining experience at Le Petit Chef is one of the most unique ways to spend an evening at sea. The immersive meal, which is either served in the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, will delight cruisers of all ages, especially younger children. The tiny, animated chef (think about the size of your hand) entertains guests while preparing each dish. You may see him firing up a grill to sear a steak, picking fresh vegetables from a garden or even going on a fishing adventure in search of lobster. After each dish is prepared by "the chef," waiters will arrive with the actual dish. The 1.5-hour-long experience is an additional cost.

Explore  Celebrity Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• All-Inclusive Resorts With the Best Food
• The Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.

• Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas  in January.
• My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar.
• I've yet to see most of the amenities on my list on other cruise ships.

There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings .

The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting.

But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Take a look at what made the cut.

1. The six-slide waterpark

It wouldn't be a roundup of Icon of the Seas' best amenities without a mention of its waterpark.

Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft.

However, if you don't like the feeling of your stomach dropping, I'd advise skipping the 46-foot-tall drop slide.

2. The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs. As a kid-fearing adult, I loved the grown-ups-only suspended infinity pool.

I spent my time there perched at one of its in-water loungers, contently splashing my legs around the water, wondering if I actually hated cruises.

While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

3. The Crown’s Edge thrill 'ride'

There's no need to grab coffee before harnessing up for the part-zipling, part-agility Crown's Edge course. You'll be jolted awake when the floor drops from beneath your feet, leaving you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before the zipline kicks in.

Unfortunately, it comes with two costs: $49 and a spike of anxiety.

4. The 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Aqua Action!' shows

If you hate cruise shows, Icon of the Seas could make you change your mind.

The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

For something less traditional, the semi-circle AquaDome theater hosts a compelling multi-disciplinary swim, dive, and aerial show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites.

5. The live jazz bar

Ya like jazz? So do I.

Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

6. The customizable Mediterranean-style wrap at the five-stall food hall

The mega-ship's food hall wasn't nearly as diverse or exciting as the one on Norwegian Prima .

But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent.

The Cava -like meal was balanced, succulent, and filling. Ending it with a strawberry nutella crepe from one of the vendors didn't hurt either.

7. The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

Everyone takes a picture inside the Pearl . But few people know that the best part about the glittering structure isn't what's inside it — it's what's behind it: the Pearl Café.

Admittedly, the food wasn't standout.

But it's 2024. In this era, we don't dine for food. We dine for vibes . And the Pearl Café was definitely "serving" (even with its mediocre sandwiches).

At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. It turns out it's a great place to get some work done.

8. The lounging pods that tower above passerbys

Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome.

If you want to feel like you're drinking in a nest atop a tree, bring your coffee-infused cocktail from nearby Rye and Bean to one of the elevated pods. .

Just don't drink too much. What goes up must come down. And to get down from the pods, you'll have to take the stairs.

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THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Moscow-City

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A far cry from the buffets of old: Cruises are catering to foodies

“I’m changing the menu for tomorrow,” Joseph Kalynuik, executive chef of Windstar Star Legend, said as we walked through the Mercato delle Vettovaglie in Livorno, Italy. “I’m looking for local charcuterie, cheeses, truffles, lavender, limoncello. Look at all this!”

We were on the “Market Tour with the Chef,” a popular excursion offered on Windstar cruises. The market is beautiful, located in an historic 19th-century building, designed by the Italian architect Angiolo Badaloni, and modeled after Les Halles, the central market in Paris.

But this was more than a look-see through the historic 1894 market. Chef Kalynuik was on a buying mission, looking for the best local ingredients to include in the ship’s restaurant dishes.

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“Va bene!,” a cheese vendor said to our small group, offering us slivers of pecorino sardo al tartufo. It was aged, firm and salty, laced with the earthy taste of truffles. Kalynuik bought a kilo of the cheese, along with links of local sausages.

We trailed Kalynuik through the market, tasting and buying along the way: disks of creamy camembert, bags of fresh Meyer lemons, a variety of salumi, marinated peppers, olives and anchovies, truffle chips, and honey.

The next day the fruits of our labor were in full view. Lunch at Veranda, one of the restaurants aboard Star Legend, featured a bountiful charcuterie table, filled with the market finds. Also, on the menu were sausages with peppers and onions, truffle risotto, Bolognese fettuccine flavored with local meats and spices, and a shrimp and crab dish in a limoncello-flavored beurre blanc. Later that evening at Windstar’s Amphora restaurant, we enjoyed a warm camembert appetizer, topped with a lemon-flavored fig jam, drizzled with honey.

“Our guests are keen on trying new and adventurous dishes, predominantly local, authentic foods,” Kalynuik said. “It’s about experiencing the local culture through food.”

We’d joined a recent seven-day Barcelona to Rome Mediterranean cruise aboard Windstar’s Star Legend to check out its updated culinary offerings. Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation , and the official cruise line for the National Health Association. On our cruise, we not only went to market with Kalynuik, but also joined his cooking class to learn how to make chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent (“Remember to coddle the cream!” Kalynuik advised) and Italian seafood chowder. We had lunch at the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, cookbook author, TV host, and founder of Barbecue University, where we dined on bourbon-brined turkey breast, tender smoked pork shoulder, and burnt ends.

Lunch and dinner menus in the main restaurants included dishes from James Beard-winning chefs, like Annie Pettry’s glazed wild shrimp and Spanish chorizo dish, Paul Berglund’s roasted rack of lamb with preserved green and red tomatoes, Duskie Estes’s prosciutto and watermelon salad, Amy Brandwein’s grilled filet of branzino, and Irene Li’s coconut dashi clam chowder. A James Beard award-winning chef was not aboard our cruise, but Windstar has already hosted 48 James Beard award-winning chefs on board, and will host chefs Omar Anani, Tanya Holland, and Loryn Nalic on upcoming 2024 culinary cruises. They’ll conduct on-board cooking demonstrations, lead market tours, host a special multicourse dinner, and provide multiple recipes to be featured on Windstar’s menus on all its cruises.

“Not only will you get to eat their food — you’ll get to know them,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “You may even learn a few tips and tricks for being a better cook yourself, and you’ll definitely have a richer and deeper travel experience because of it.”

If we were on a gluten-free diet or committed to only healthy eating (sadly, we’re not!), there were plenty of options. Windstar, in partnership with the National Health Association, offers whole foods, plant-based, SOS (salt, oil, and sugar free) and gluten-free appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts in all its main dining venues.

Windstar showcases what’s happening throughout the cruise industry: an across-the-board effort to upgrade culinary offerings.

“Cruise clients, particularly more seasoned and discerning sailors, are seeking a more personalized experience and elevated culinary excellence, delivered in a more comfortable ‘country club’ atmosphere,” says Elizabeth Cincotta, founder and luxury travel designer of Rising Tide Travel, which specializes in luxury cruises.

Kristin Karst, cofounder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways, agrees, “Delving into regional food and wine specialties has become an important part of how travelers experience a destination,” she says. “A heightened culinary focus enables our guests to develop a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for a country, its history, culture, and people.”

Major cruise lines have responded in a big way to the demands of a more discerning and food-wise clientele. Today, it’s not uncommon for cruise lines to offer celebrity chef tie-ins, cooking classes, local market excursions, specialty restaurants, and a variety of healthy options. For example, Silversea has a new culinary program called S.A.L.T. (sea and land tours), that includes food excursions, cooking classes, chef’s tables, and an evolving restaurant that adapts to each port. Oceania, with celebrity chef Jacques Pepin as its executive culinary director, has a state-of-the-art Culinary Center, offering classes from international master chefs, immersive culinary tours (e.g., an Argentine dinner at a local’s residence, traditional Irish bread making in Belfast, or a Paella workshop in Alicante), and a host of specialty restaurants, including Toscana’s serving authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Red Ginger’s Asian flavors, French country cuisine at Jacques, and the Dom Perignon Experience at La Reserve. Regent Seven Seas has introduced its new Epicurean Perfection programming, including specialty restaurants, special tastings, deck-top regional barbecues, on-shore culinary, wine, and spirits tours, hands-on cooking classes in its state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen, and specially curated Spotlight Voyages designed around specific culinary interests. AmaWaterways, the first river cruise line member of the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, offers at least one wine or culinary-focused excursion on all its itineraries, while others, like Essence of Burgundy & Provence and Taste of Bordeaux, include six tours designed to showcase the culinary experiences in these regions. In 2024, the cruise line will offer more than 70 wine-focused cruises.

Our winter Mediterranean cruise began in Barcelona. But it wasn’t until the final day onboard, docked in Rome, that we were able to snag a seat at Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, touted as one of the world’s youngest Michelin-starred chefs. It’s an intimate, 40-person-or-so restaurant with an open kitchen and warm, inviting vibe. We enjoyed glasses of house-made sangria and plates of Jamón Ibérico, Cantabrian anchovies and marinated olives, poached cod, and romesco pork belly. It was a far cry from the grand ballroom dinners and buffets of old.

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Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]

Celebrity Cruises food guide: A look at all the restaurants and dining options on board

It's amazing how Celebrity Cruises ' food has changed over the years!

My first Celebrity cruise was on Zenith, the line's second purpose-built ship. It carried fewer than 2,000 passengers. Breakfast and lunch were served in the ship's buffet area, and dinner was served at set times in the main dining room. That was it. There were no specialty restaurants.

Today, Celebrity Cruises ships are much larger — with the smallest being almost twice the gross tonnage Zenith had (91,000 gross tonnes versus 47,000 gross tonnes) — and have far more space devoted to food.

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Choices on current Celebrity ships range from complimentary offerings that your cruise fare covers to higher-quality food that comes at an extra cost. With different venues on different ships, all those choices can get confusing. Which Celebrity restaurants will be on your next cruise?

Whether you've cruised with Celebrity recently or are new to the line, you need a food guide to keep up with what's available on which ship. Knowing which food choices each ship has might be a deciding factor in which ship you book.

You might be surprised to learn that food choices can play a big role in which cabin category you choose on Celebrity, as certain cabins and suites grant access to exclusive restaurants and complimentary room service or offer priority seating in specialty venues.

Our Celebrity food guide starts with a list of all the eateries, along with which ships they are found on. After that, you'll find some of the most-asked questions about Celebrity food. Note: Our guide does not cover the Galapagos expedition ships, but you can expect an indoor dining room and a multipurpose alfresco option on each of those ships.

Included for AquaClass guests, space-available basis for Retreat guests; breakfast and dinner

Guests who book an AquaClass spa cabin can access the exclusive restaurant, Blu, for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is a delight, with fresh fruit smoothies included every day. The dinner menu changes daily, plus you can order from the main dining room menu if you'd prefer.

The cruise line's descriptions of Blu make it sound like it serves spa or healthy food. While there are healthy choices on the menu, I found the menu overall to be more akin to a main dining room's — but with higher-quality food.

For example, breakfast offerings include fresh fruit smoothies each day — nothing fancy with additives like greens or chia seeds similar to what you can purchase at the Spa Cafe, just tasty fruit in a glass. The atmosphere and service are more like a specialty restaurant. Social media posts are filled with cruisers who book AquaClass rooms specifically for the privilege of dining in Blu.

Available : Fleetwide

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Brunch or Dinner on the Edge

Fixed price; brunch and dinner on select days

These two options are alfresco food experiences, rather than separate restaurants. They are scheduled events that take place on the Magic Carpet elevator positioned on the side of the ship. For these events, the Magic Carpet is stationed next to the pool deck (aka resort deck). The dinner menu includes seafood and chateaubriand.

Available on : Celebrity Apex , Ascent, Beyond and Edge

Cabana food

Included and a la carte; all-day dining

If you rent a deck cabana on the Edge Class ships or an Alcove on the Solstice Class ships, you will be presented with an exclusive food menu. The list includes fruit skewers, snacks and sandwiches.

Available on : Celebrity Apex, Ascent , Beyond, Eclipse, Edge, Equinox, Reflection, Silhouette and Solstice

Cafe al Bacio

Included and a la carte; snacks

Expect typical coffee shop fare, including pastries, cakes, tarts and cookies. A few of these are the same as you would find in the buffet at the Oceanview Cafe, but I found that most are exclusive to Cafe al Bacio. On a recent cruise, I enjoyed eclairs, sugar donuts and a slice of luscious red velvet cake. There are typically three or more cookie choices, while the ice cream area in Oceanview typically only has one.

The baked goods are complimentary; coffee and specialty teas are priced a la carte but are included in both the Classic and Premium beverage packages. A gelato counter is found next to or across from the coffee and snack counter. Unlike the ice cream counter in the buffet area, this gelato comes with an added charge. Captain's Club members receive a free scoop per cruise starting after you earn 2 cruise points or complete your first cruise.

Celebrity Edge Class and Solstice Class ships have a second Cafe al Bacio (called Il Segundo Bacio) located in the Oceanview Cafe buffet area. The menu of drinks (extra charge) matches what you'd find in the main Bacio location on board, which makes it a convenient spot to grab a specialty coffee or glass of wine to accompany your casual meal. Just don't expect the specialty snacks found at the main location; you can pick up snacks at the buffet instead.

Cosmopolitan Restaurant

Included and a la carte; breakfast, lunch on sea days and dinner

This is the point at which Celebrity food choices become confusing. In an effort to break away from the traditional main dining room experience, Celebrity Edge Class ships split the main dining room into four distinctly decorated restaurants, each with a menu that is made up of basics available in all four, plus selections that are exclusive to that restaurant. Guests are assigned to one of the four but may opt to dine at any of the other three at any time they choose.

Cosmopolitan, serving daily breakfast and lunch on sea days, is the one most closely resembling a standard main dining room. The dinner menu changes nightly but includes some items that are always available. There are also premium selections of filet mignon and broiled lobster tail that come with an added charge.

Available on : Celebrity Apex, Ascent, Beyond and Edge

Craft Social

A la carte; all-day dining

They had me at "Mac 'n' Brie." Craft Social is a bar, but it has a somewhat secret bar food menu. It's really only a secret if you don't typically go there to drink. Everyone who frequents the place knows about the good eats.

Cyprus Restaurant

Included and a la carte; dinner

Cyprus is one of the four main dining rooms on Edge Class ships. It features a basic menu that is available in all four dining rooms, plus an exclusive menu of Mediterranean offerings (think: lamb kabobs or coq au vin).

Included; breakfast and lunch

Celebrity offers breakfast and lunch counter service at Eden Cafe during limited hours. It is near the popular specialty dining venue, Eden Restaurant, but the food served at the cafe is complimentary. Specialty coffees and teas like those served at Cafe al Bacio, plus grab-and-go food and lighter fare like soups and salads come with an added charge.

Eden Restaurant

Fixed price; dinner

This is fine dining with an earthy menu featuring seafood, lamb, beef and chicken entrees. Three different dining experiences are available: the main menu, a seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings and a seven-course vegan tasting menu with optional organic wine pairings. The dress code is smart casual, so no need to get all dolled up for a meal here.

Fine Cut Steakhouse

Celebrity's version of the American steakhouse features everything you'd expect from a high-end, land-based steakhouse. The menu includes grilled seafood, steaks, chicken and lamb, as well as prime rib. Topping choices range from bearnaise to blue cheese to black truffle butter. Additional entrees come with an extra charge, as do dry-aged beef cuts.

Related: The best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants

Lawn Club Grill

Fixed price; lunch and dinner

Celebrity puts a twist on backyard barbecue with the Lawn Club Grill. At this grill restaurant, you can sit back and enjoy the view of the ocean beyond the only real grass yard at sea while you wait to be served. The menu includes a full salad bar, custom flatbread pizza appetizers and a list of desserts that makes me want to keep going back until I've tried them all. At the top of my list is the warm chocolate chip cookie, which is not a cookie at all but rather cookie dough baked in a 4-inch ramekin until crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside; it's served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Available on : Celebrity Reflection and Silhouette

Le Grande Bistro

Fixed price; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Imagine a French sidewalk cafe at sea serving warm croissants with Nutella at breakfast and a daily special that ranges from baked ham sandwiches on French baguettes to pan-seared Dover sole.

Le Petit Chef

The experience at Le Petit Chef goes far beyond the food on the plate. That's because the entire table comes to life with an animated show throughout the meal. The menu is broken into two options: Le Menu Extraordinaire and "The Other Menu." The first features chicken, while the "other" choice is a filet mignon. Both lean toward rich French cuisine.

Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Included for Retreat guests; breakfast, lunch on sea days and dinner

Expect food that is a notch above even some of the specialty dining options on board. Service is designed to cater to your every need. Breakfast offers a choice of staples, while the lunch and dinner menus rotate daily.

Main dining room

Each non-Edge Class ship in the fleet has a single, multistory main dining room. The main dining room has a different name on each ship. The food is complimentary, except for extra a la carte options available each night. The menu changes daily and is available in the Celebrity app, on your cabin's interactive TV and posted near the dining room.

All Celebrity ships, except the expedition vessels, have the option to choose traditional early and late dining where you sit at the same table at the same time with the same people and the same set of servers each night.

Alternatively, guests can select the line's flexible dining option, called Celebrity Select Anytime Dining. You will be assigned to a specific floor of the dining room (or a specific dining room on Edge Class ships). You can make reservations for specific times each day, which gets you seated quickly and often with the added benefit of dining with the same servers each night. If you do not make reservations, you can show up when you're ready and wait for an available table. Without reservations, you might have to wait a while to be seated. Diners on the flexible plan can ask to try different tables and different servers throughout the week.

Available on : Non-Edge Class ships

Magic Carpet restaurant

A la carte; lunch and dinner

The Magic Carpet is the elevator-style platform attached to the side of all Edge Class ships. When the platform is positioned next to Raw on 5, it features a menu that includes favorites from the Raw on 5 menu but with extras. For example, the lunch menu includes a turkey club sandwich and a lobster roll, as well as fish and chips.

Related: 12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

Included; lunch and dinner

The Mast Grill is your go-to spot for poolside burgers and hot dogs along with all the toppings, fries and onion rings. It's ideal for a quick alfresco bite before or after a port excursion.

Murano serves French cuisine in a fine dining setting. Guests have the choice of the five-course tasting menu called "Five Senses" or their own starter and entree, among a broad selection of meat, poultry and fish options. Caviar is available at market price.

Available on : Celebrity Eclipse, Equinox, Reflection, Silhouette, Solstice and Summit

Normandie Restaurant

If you can't get enough French-inspired food or you like it but not enough to splurge on it in a specialty restaurant, you can dine at this French-inspired main dining room for free. You can choose from the basics served in all main dining rooms or opt for the Normandie exclusives, such as sirloin en croute or duck confit.

Oceanview Cafe

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Oceanview Cafe is the ship's buffet eatery. Expect a full range of globally inspired foods at every meal. Cooked-to-order egg, pancake and waffle stations are the center of breakfast choices. At lunch, look for meat-carving stations, salads, sandwich-making bars and a fresh pizza station. Plus, there's ice cream by the scoop. Dinner includes pizza, pasta and salad stations, plus cook-to-order stir fry and grilling stations.

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

As the name suggests, Raw on 5 is the spot to get your sushi (or even your oyster) fix on Edge Class ships. The menu goes beyond just sushi with a modern Japanese menu that includes cooked dishes like chicken teriyaki and pan-seared rib-eye medallions.

Rooftop Garden Grill

Start with spicy wings and work your way through a choice of burgers, pizza, kabobs or ribs at this alfresco, top-of-ship restaurant. Imagine summer backyard party food to get a sense of what to expect.

Included and a la carte; breakfast and lunch

The solarium is the spot to seek out healthy alternatives to heavy cruise food. Fruit and yogurt cups, salads, light sandwiches, wraps and granola are yours for the taking each day. Smoothies and fresh juices are available for an extra charge or come included if you purchase a drink package.

Sushi on Five

With a more limited menu than its Edge Class cousin, Sushi on Five features traditional sushi and sashimi with only a few non-seafood options. The Kobe Beef Ramen Slider might be the perfect secret menu item for that stubborn travel companion who just doesn't do sushi.

Available on : Celebrity Constellation, Eclipse, Equinox, Infinity, Millennium and Reflection

The Porch Seafood Restaurant

Picture yourself at a seaside resort in the Hamptons noshing on lobster rolls or a basket of blackened mahi-mahi tacos. Oh wait, you're not really in the Hamptons; you're cruising on one of only two ships in the Celebrity fleet with this unique semi-enclosed restaurant on Deck 15. Opening hours are weather dependent — high winds would be the main cause for a closure. The venue has limited seating, so you'll need reservations.

The Retreat Lounge

Included for Retreat guests; lunch and snacks

The Retreat Lounge serves up bar bites, gourmet snacks and even gourmet burgers on occasion. Check with servers for what's available to munch on each day.

Tuscan Grill

Combine all things Italian with a classic steakhouse, and you'll find yourself in Tuscan Grill. The menu is extensive enough for you to dine here multiple times. From soup to pasta and pizza to entrees featuring beef, chicken or seafood, you can't really go wrong with this choice.

Available on : Celebrity Constellation, Equinox, Infinity, Millennium, Reflection, Silhouette, Solstice and Summit

Tuscan Restaurant

Not to be confused with the Tuscan Grill, the fourth and final main dining room choice on Edge Class ships is inspired by Italy. Traditional options are still available, or go all in on the exclusives, such as slow-roasted pork chops or roasted chicken with Asiago cheese sauce.

Frequently asked Celebrity food questions

How does the main dining room work.

At booking, you are offered a choice between traditional times, designated as early or late, or flexible dining called Celebrity Select Anytime Dining.

Do I need reservations for dinner in a specialty restaurant?

Waiter-served, extra-fee restaurants — whether fixed price or a la carte — typically require reservations. Popular choices with limited seating might fill all available time slots as soon as reservations open. As such, it's better to make a reservation to ensure you get the time slot you prefer.

What do 'a la carte' and 'fixed price' mean?

A la carte pricing refers to restaurants where the food is priced per item. You only pay for what you order. An entire menu might be individually priced, as in Raw on 5, or you might only see a few items with prices on an otherwise complimentary menu, as in the main dining room.

Fixed price indicates that dining at the restaurant has a single cover charge for the full meal. Many of Celebrity's fixed-price restaurants have more than one cover charge option. For example, you might select a tasting menu that will have a higher fixed price.

Most also have a la carte choices that are an extra price over and above the cover price. Examples of that are the aged beef options at Fine Cut Steakhouse.

Beverages other than tea, coffee and water are an added charge at fixed-price restaurants unless specifically stated as being included or part of a beverage package.

Which beverages are included with my cruise fare?

Drip coffee, tap water, hot and iced tea, milk and one or more flavored drinks like fruit punch or lemonade dispensed from drink machines are included in the cost of your cruise. All other beverages can be purchased individually, or you can buy a beverage package to pay for unlimited drinks in advance (fine print applies). Read our guide to Celebrity Cruises drink packages for details.

Is there room service, and what does it cost?

Room service is available in all cabins. Continental breakfast is available at no charge; choices include coffee, pastries, fruit and cold cereal. Hot breakfast, lunch, dinner and all snacks incur a delivery charge of $9.95 plus 20% gratuity. The food itself is mostly complimentary, but select items are priced a la carte.

How do specialty dining packages work?

To lower your specialty dining costs, you can buy a multinight package or an unlimited dining package. These are all available for purchase in the cruise planner before sailing. The unlimited package allows you to dine at any specialty restaurant each night of your cruise, plus enjoy lunches when they are available.

Does Celebrity charge extra for lobster?

Lobster tails may be ordered any night of the cruise for an extra charge in the main dining room. If complimentary lobster is served in the dining room as part of the menu, only one lobster tail is included. Additional lobsters are charged to your bill.

Do Captain's Club members have access to Blu or Luminae?

No. Only guests staying in The Retreat suites may enjoy Luminae, and Blu is primarily for AquaClass cabin guests. Retreat passengers may dine in Blu if there is space available.

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