Culinary at Sea: Luxury Dining with an Ocean View

Travelers can say “bon voyage” to traditional cruise cuisine in exchange for some seriously divine dining options aboard these five ships. Menus created by celebrity chefs, legendary food magazines and world-class cooking schools are sure to tantalize passengers’ taste buds for luxury.

Seabourn

Seabourn is getting major hype for their wide selection of gourmet dining onboard. Guests can enjoy fresh-rolled sushi, premium wine, in-suite service and more. But the real reason Seabourn is getting the attention of so many foodies is for their partnership with world-renowned chef and mastermind behind three Michelin-starred restaurants, Thomas Keller. While Keller advises on various aspects of Seabourn’s culinary operation, guests should visit The Grill for the full Keller experience. The menu at The Grill by Thomas Keller features an array of dishes, many of which are prepared tableside. Steak, seafood, chicken and more, travelers are sure to find something to tempt their appetite. Don’t forget to save room for dessert;, rumor has it that the dark chocolate cake is to die for.

Crystal Serenity

After some recent renovations, the Crystal Serenity is fully equipped to offer travelers the best in culinary cruising. In addition to 11 dining options, the ship’s main restaurant, Crystal Dining Room, conquers intricate meal prep while rarely repeating menus. Passengers love Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, an upscale Japanese restaurant featuring the cuisine of chef “Nobu” Matsuhisa. Another hotspot on deck is Palm Court, a laid-back open air area designated for afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Silversea Silver Spirit

This Italian-based cruise liner takes cuisine very seriously. Not only are there 10 designated luxury dining options onboard, Silversea also takes major inspiration from approaching destinations with menus offering great variety and ultra-fresh ingredients. One of travelers’ favorite luxury dining experiences on the Silversea Silver Spirit is La Dame. Named after “La Dame de Paris,” aka the Eiffel Tower, La Dame serves fine French cuisine in an elegant setting.

Oceania Cruises Marina

The Marina prides itself on being the perfect blend of sophistication with a contemporary flair. One popular spot onboard is La Reserve by Wine Spectator where guests can sample indulgent wine and food pairings. Whether guests prefer jammy reds or zesty whites, the Marina’s got it. If travelers are feeling especially crafty they can hit up the Culinary Center where they can take part in a class at one of the only hands-on cooking school at sea. In addition to these fabulous options, the Marina has a jaw-dropping total of 13 dining choices, one of which is room service.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer

When it comes to luxury on the open seas, one cannot forget about Regent. Regent’s newest addition to the fleet, the Seven Seas Explorer, takes the luxury experience a step further with six extravagant restaurants and a Gourmet Explorer Tour option where guests can dine at Michelin-starred restaurants ashore. Spain, France, Belize and many, many more destinations, the Gourmet Explorer Tour definitely sets the Seven Seas Explorer a step above the rest. Onboard, guests enjoy visiting the Compass Rose, a Regent classic, for a laid-back take on breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a ritzy dining experience, travelers won’t want to miss Prime 7, where they can indulge in steakhouse fare in a sophisticated setting.