In 2008, the trend continues to turn cruise ships into dining destinations. Here are some of the latest trends and developments.
World-class master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu"Matsuhisa (pictured) will travel aboard the award-winning
Crystal Symphony this spring to officiate the opening of two new restaurants. Silk Road and The Sushi Bar were conceived in partnership with luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises and will feature the coveted cuisine of this legendary chef.
In response to a growing public health trend, Crystal Cruises has
banned trans-fats altogether on its ships.
Crystal also boasts perhaps the most extravagant alternative dining at sea -- the Vintage Room, where meals paired with
rare wines have gone for more than $1,000 per person.
For somewhat less,
Princess Cruises Chef's Table provides both a behind-the-scenes look at the galley during its busiest time (dinner) and a special dining experience for up to 10 passengers per evening. The cost is $75 per person.
Holland America Line's Eurodam will feature three alternative dining venues, including a new pan-Asian restaurant on deck 10 with panoramic sea views.
Celebrity Cruises recently inked a deal with Elizabeth Blau, credited for transforming Las Vegas from all-you-can-eat buffets to the dining mecca it is today. Blau and her team are bringing a whole new taste to Celebrity and indeed to the smaller Azamara Cruises brand, which features open-seating in the main dining room and two alternative dining restaurants (Prime C for beef-lovers and Aqualina for Italian fare) on each of its two ships.
Spa Cuisine: Celebrity will feature optional spa cuisine on its newest ship -- in Blu, a 130-seat restaurant where dining is complimentary to guests booked in Solstices new AquaClass veranda accommodations.
