Cruise Ship Food & Drink Ratings and Reviews | Porthole Cruise

Princess Cruise Announces Exclusive Partnership with Butcher Dario Cecchini

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:45:00 +0000

Princess Cruises has announced its exciting new partnership with renowned butcher, Dario Cecchini! This groundbreaking partnership will introduce an exceptional on-board dining experience, The Butcher’s Block by Dario, exclusively available aboard Sun Princess, scheduled to launch in February 2024.

Sun Princess will debut February 2024, and feature a variety of specialty options, including the Butcher’s Block by Dario, boasting a communal family-style table, to the signature steakhouse, the Crown Grill, and the contemporary Kai Sushi bar, there is no shortage of specialty options available to cater to every palate.

“Princess is dedicated to creating the finest experiences for guests spanning all cultures, tastes and preferences,” said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises. “From fine dining to casual and from indulgent to healthy, guests will love what the Sun Princess brings to the table.”

Additional Sun Princess features include luxurious staterooms, Horizon, the three-story high main dining room,the Dome, a transformational entertainment venue, and the Arena, a technologically advanced theater.

Inaugural 2024 sailings for Sun Princess are now on sale. For more information and to book, please visit Princess Cruise website today! Will you be sailing aboard Sun Princess? Let us know in the comments!

by Kashaf Rashid

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Holland America Line Brings Fresh Fish Program To Sea

Julie Bouchner — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:06:20 +0000

Holland America Line is elevating their dining experience by unveiling a new Fresh Fish Program that extends beyond the plate! This groundbreaking project sources 80 varieties of fresh fish from a global network of 60 ports, ensuring that guests at all of their restaurants can enjoy seafood that was caught less than 48 hours prior.

Guests can savor local specialties and destination-specific menus made from ingredients native to the regions visited, bringing the story of each itinerary to life through the cuisine!

“We know fresh fish is part of our guests’ daily lifestyle, and when they come on board, we are excited to expand their options beyond what they have access to at home,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “The ability to source and prepare so many types of fish globally is a testament to our outstanding culinary team. From yellowtail snapper in the Caribbean to barramundi in Australia, the variety of fresh fish we offer is unrivaled in the cruise industry.”

FRESH FISH PROGRAM

The program offers daily fresh fish specials and an upcoming expansion of the “Savor My Catch” activity, where guests can catch their fish and have it prepared by chefs onboard.
Holland America Line has enlisted the expertise of Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a world-renowned culinary figure who will serve as the “Fresh Fish Ambassador.”
Chef Morimoto will apply his distinct style to create curated dishes served in the Dining Rooms this fall and a new pop-up restaurant available on all ships by early 2024.
All seafood dishes, including those crafted by Chef Morimoto, will be part of the global fresh fish program, ensuring guests savor the freshest and highest quality seafood available.

“Embarking on this type of culinary journey at sea is a first for me, and I am excited to bring my passion for fresh fish and fresh ingredients onto Holland America Line’s fleet,” said Chef Morimoto. “I chose to partner with Holland America Line because we share a commitment and passion for fresh and regionally inspired foods, and you will see that come to life in the special dishes and pop-up experience we’ve created together.”

Starting this week, Chef Morimoto is creating new dishes for the main Dining Room menus on the cruise line, which will be available fleetwide for an additional cost by October. The newly-added dishes, such as “Fresh Black Cod Yuzu,” “Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails,” and “Fresh Halibut,” are just a few of the many mouth-watering options that guests can enjoy on their voyage.

MORIMOTO BY SEA

Starting in November, Holland America Line will feature an immersive dining experience for its guests with the exclusive pop-up restaurant “Morimoto by Sea,” available on every ship in the fleet.
Vegetarian and vegan options will be available for guests with dietary requests.
For a cover charge of $55 per person, this culinary experience will be a must-try for every food enthusiast onboard.

Chef Morimoto Dining Room Dishes (examples starting in late September with the remainder of the fleet rollout in October):

Fresh Black Cod Yuzu with yogurt miso pickle vegetables, kimchi eggplant, fried rice, and garlic soy.
Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails with lemon foam, seasonal vegetables, and Morimoto Epice.
Fresh Halibut XO with Asian vegetables, dried shrimp, and scallop XO sauce.

Sample Menu Items

Appetizers

Sushi Plate: (Vegetarian can be requested.) Nigiri with salmon, hamachi, hotate, maki with ebi tempura, Dungeness California, salmon shikai maki.
Morimoto Fresh Tuna Pizza: Anchovy aioli, kalamata olive, red onion, jalapeno.
Tempura Calamari Salad: (Can be served without calamari on request.) Quinoa two ways, white miso dressing.
Pork Gyoza Dumpling: Ginger-scallion sauce.
Tori Paitan Ramen Noodles Soup: Soy egg, bamboo shoot, hot creamy broth poured at the table.

MORIMOTO SAMPLE MENU

Main Courses

Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish: Sweet, spicy chili sauce, pickle vegetables.
Ishiyaki Buri Bop: Fresh Pacific yellowtail on rice, cooked at the tableside in a hot stone bowl.
Shrimp Three Way “Morimoto Style:” Tempura, panko, are-age, tartar, tonkatsu and gochujang sauce.
Angry Lobster Pad Thai: Maine lobster, rice noodles, Thai red curry sauce.
Broiled Beef Tenderloin steak: Japanese-style mushroom sauce.
Jidori Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Oyster Yakitori: Shichimi togarashi.
Japanese Vegetables Curry: Tofu steak, seasonal vegetables.

Side Dishes

House fried rice, steamed rice, or brown rice.
Wasabi mashed potato.
Wok seared bok choy.
Basket steamed vegetables.

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Sphere: Ganache, marshmallow, milk, hot chocolate sauce.
Tofu Cheesecake: Mango passion, pineapple salsa.
White Chocolate Lime Ganache: Coconut foam, mango sorbet, rice pudding.
Sorbet and Ice cream or Trio: Chef’s seasonal selection.

Alcoholic Beverages (by bottle & glass):

Morimoto Brut Rosé.
Morimoto Grgich Hills Chardonnay.
Morimoto Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sake Junmai Morimoto.
Sake Junmai Ginjo Morimoto.
Sake Junmai Daiginjo Morimoto.
Sake Sparkling Nigori.

“We are excited to have his refined skills and celebrate his culinary style on board,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food and beverage at Holland America Line. “Chef Morimoto brings his mastery and excellence to Holland America Line and is a great partner to bring this port-to-plate program to life.”

Introducing our Global Fresh Fish Program and Fresh Fish Ambassador @chef_morimoto as we share a common commitment to fresh ingredients! With 80 kinds of fresh fish worldwide, these fresh fish dishes tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine. https://t.co/68kYEGYAyY
— Holland America Line (@HALcruises) September 20, 2023

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Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Vegan Dining Menus

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:38:36 +0000

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing new vegan menus for Carnival Freedom and Carnival Horizon!

The new vegan menus promise to provide guests with choices in appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The cruise line’s chefs have created recipes with entirely animal-product free ingredients.

“Plant-based food options are a rising preference on our ships just as they are on land, and so the new dishes we’re introducing are a direct response to that shift,” said Richard Morse, senior vice president of food and beverage at Carnival Cruise Line. “Our skilled chefs work to accommodate all dietary needs and preferences but building on our vegan offerings and emphasizing them with specific menus will help to make ordering easier in the dining room and preparation more efficient in the galley.

The new menus will be introduced during the fall season. Carnival will also continue to add dozens of new items to its regular dining menus fleetwide. The vegan menus and additional items are part of Carnival’s ongoing effort to bring more variety to its dining room offerings, which include dishes curated by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse and Carnival chefs.

Glimpse Into New Vegan Menus

Appetizers:

Hawaiian Salmon Poke is a refreshing starter dish with plant-based salmon, edamame, mango, and cucumber.
Stuffed Mushrooms come with four fried mushrooms, stuffed with delicious plant-based cheeses and spinach.
Spaghetti Carbonara features vegan bacon, onion and garlic, this dish can be ordered as a starter or entrée.

Entrees:

Grilled Tofu Steak with savory ingredients such as honey barbecue sauce, accompanied by a Hasselback potato and mixed vegetables.
Baked Vegetable Au Gratin will include a medley of mixed vegetables, combined with vol-au-vent and sprinkled with melted plant-based cheeses.
Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana is covered in savory vegan mozzarella, topped with pesto and basil leaves.

Desserts:

Key Lime Velvet Cake is a fruity spin on the classic key lime pie, combining citrus with raspberry and strawberry.
Dutch Double Chocolate Pave alternates layers of cake and buttercream frosting.
Cappuccino Pot de Créme is a coffee lover’s favorite with surrounding cinnamon crème chantilly.

Will you be dining aboard Carnival Cruises to taste all new vegan dishes? Let us know in the comments below!

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur Culinary Team Prepares New Dining Experiences

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:21:02 +0000

As Regent Seven Seas Cruises prepares to debut Seven Seas Grandeur this November, the cruise line focuses on curating its most mouth watering culinary venture to date. Bernhard Klotz, Vice President of Food and Beverage, has created over 130 new dishes along with his culinary team. These recipes and other elevated guest favorites will delight diners in aroma, texture, flavor, and presentation.

“For over 30 years we have provided our guests with the highest standards in luxury travel, from personalized on-board service and immersive destination experiences, to perfecting epicurean offerings across the world’s most luxurious fleet,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “As a celebration of Regent’s heritage, Seven Seas Grandeur has been stunningly reimagined for the future, enhancing the eclectic culinary experiences found on board through delightfully refined menus and beautifully reimagined specialty restaurants.”

Dive into Delicious Dining Options

Sette Mari at La Veranda: The Regent culinary team made a special visit in recent years to Puglia, Italy, to develop dishes for this italian restaurant. Authentic recipes from Italy’s Masserias such as sformato di ricotta, cozze alla marinara e pepperoncino, and zucchine Ripiene are just a few of the options that guests will be able to choose from.
Pacific Rim: The zen-inspired atmosphere of this restaurant is sure to bring guests into a state of tranquility. Dishes will excite those with diverse taste palettes with options to choose from such as a duck confit adobo accompanied by adlai risotto, XO sauce, foie gras and shimeji mushrooms, and a plant-based Pacific Rim poke salad comprising of vegetable crudité, tofu, avocado, wakame, miso and sesame.
Compass Rose: Guests will be able to design their own menu options at Compass Rose. They will have the opportunity to indulge in completely unique flavor combinations in pastas, main features, side dishes and more!
Prime 7 – The Signature Steakhouse: Francis Mallman’s Los Fuegos restaurant inspires this steakhouse with dishes like Galician chorizo and New Zealand lamb chops.
Chartreuse: The French inspired restaurant will feature 13 new dishes, many of which are crafted to emulate an experience at 3-star Michelin restaurant L’Auberge du Vieux Puits in Narbonne, France. Gerard Bertrand wines will be found on the menu such as Heritage Kosmos, a full-bodied organic red blended with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grape varieties.

Will you be tasting the new culinary delights Seven Seas Grandeur has to offer this November? Let us know in the comments below!

By Adalyn Dugas

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The Top 5 Luxury Concierge Services At Sea

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:44:00 +0000

Booking a butler service on a luxury cruise sets concierge guests apart from other passengers. If you’re seeking an elevated experience, consider reserving a concierge suite. Butlers tailor their services to each guest, ensuring that every experience is unique. From planning cocktail parties to handling the packing and unpacking of guests’ luggage, your concierge is there for you from the moment you reserve your vacation. A butler alleviates the usual stresses of vacation planning, like booking shore and land excursions, making dinner reservations, and reserving separate amenity packages. To discover our top 5 picks for the best concierge services available on the high seas, presented in no particular order, continue reading!

Regent Seven Seas

Who Gets A Butler: Penthouse Suite (category B) or higher.

What’s Included:

A butler service.
Free pre-cruise luxury hotel package (includes ground transfers, breakfast, and porterage) for 1 night.
Unlimited WiFi (includes up to 4 logins per suite).
L’Occitane toiletries.
A welcome bottle of champagne with fruit basket.
Illy Espresso machine.
Priority booking for shore excursions and dining reservations.
24-hour room service.
Cashmere blankets, plush bathrobes, and slippers.
Shoe shining service.

Standout Amenity: Free 15 minutes of ship-to-shore phone calls.

For more suite amenities, please visit Regent Seven Seas’ website.

Silversea Cruises

Who Gets A Butler: All guests are provided with a butler service.

What’s Included:

A butler service in every suite.
Silver Shore Concierge (includes tours, private cars, and special events).
1 free shore excursion per port.
Chauffeur service (from domestic airport and back).
All beverages are complimentary.
Gratuities.
White tablecloth in-suite dining services.
In-suite bar with top-shelf options catered to each guest’s favorites.
Shoe shining.
Gourmet dining.

Standout Amenity: Complimentary flights (including international and domestic roundtrip flights as necessary for the itinerary). In cases where a flight is unavailable, Silversea will provide airline credit.

For more information about Silversea Cruises, please visit their website.

Seabourn

Who Gets A Butler: All guests with oceanview suites and above.

What’s Included:

Suite host and attendant (provides the same services as a butler).
Walk-in closets with plush terry robes and slippers.
Marble bath with a full tub and shower, double vanities and toiletries by Molton Brown, London.
In-suite bar stocked with guest’s favorite beverages.
Broadcast TV.
The PressReader app which allows guests to access their preferred newspapers and magazines on their devices.
Personalized turn down service.
Expedition ships offer guests Swarovski Optik binoculars for private use during their journey.

Standout Amenity: All suites have a breathtaking ocean view.

To learn more about Seabourn and what they have to offer, check out their website.

Oceania cRUISES

Who Gets A Butler: Guests aboard the Marina and Riviera in Owner’s, Vista, and Penthouse Suites. Guests aboard the Regatta, Nautica, and Insignia in Owner’s and Vista Suites.

What’s Included:

A 24-hour butler service.
Garment pressing.
Unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace.
Evening canapé delivery.
White tablecloth in-suite dining with course-by-course specialty dining options.
Included laundry service (up to 3 bags per suite).
Priority embarkation and luggage delivery.
Welcome bottle of champagne.
Free iPad for use during stay.
Onboard the Marina and Riviera, guests can access a private Executive Lounge that offers complimentary coffees, snacks, and beverages.

Standout Amenity: Oceania’s butlers are trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers and possess extensive knowledge of food, wine, and guest interactions.

To book your next Oceania voyage, click here.

Cunard

Who Gets A Butler: Guests aboard the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria in Queen’s Grill (Q4 – Q1) suites.

What’s Included:

24-hour butler service.
Private steward.
Meal delivery.
Your choice of 2 bottles of complimentary liquor or wine per suite (soft drinks, beers, and mixers included).
Pre-dinner canapé delivery.
Access to specialty dining restaurants, such as Queen’s Grill or Princess Grill
Priority embarkation and debarkation.
Pillow concierge service.
Arranging guest’s favorite flowers.
In-suite bar stocked with guest’s favorite beverages.
Turndown service.

Standout Amenity: Guests are provided with a pager or a speed dial phone number to contact their butler (or a stand-in) after hours, ensuring round-the-clock service.

To check out the offerings aboard a Cunard vessel, please visit their website.

When you book a butler aboard any of these cruise lines, rest assured that every desire and necessity will be expertly catered to, allowing your worries to dissolve. Butlers eliminate the stresses of vacationing, guaranteeing that guests experience uninterrupted luxury. From in-suite high tea to private chauffeur services, booking a concierge suite is an excellent way to maximize the enjoyment of your vacation.

Have you booked a butler service? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

By Danielle Morris

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Exciting Culinary Experiences Await Aboard Celebrity Ascent

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:32:09 +0000

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled the culinary and beverage program details for its upcoming ship, Celebrity Ascent, the fourth vessel in the cruise line’s Edge Series. The vessel promises many experiences, including redesigned restaurants, an immersive dinner encounter, expanded food and cocktail menus, a new whiskey-tasting venture, and a plant-based multi-course dinner.

“The memories we make with family and friends while sharing food and drink has long been one of the most memorable parts of travel, and with Celebrity Ascent, we sought every opportunity to make these experiences richer and even more exciting for our guests,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ President. “Onboard Ascent, there is something to delight every guest, whether it is the fine dining connoisseur with a palate for the world’s best wines, the couple looking for an intimate and romantic night out, the family that desires to bond with their kids over a fun and high-energy experience, or the wellness-minded traveler desiring more plant-based, healthy options.”

CHEF DANIEL BOULUD’S LE VOYAGE

Celebrity Ascent welcomes the addition of Le Voyage, a restaurant by chef Daniel Boulud, serving as Celebrity Cruises’ Global Culinary Ambassador. The restaurant will feature a fresh design, offering a global menu inspired by Chef Boulud’s personal travels and favorite destinations. Guests can reserve the Chef’s Table for a multi-course tasting dinner with wine pairings, followed by Chef Boulud’s signature madeleines.

PLANT-BASED CUISINE AT EDEN

Eden, one of the venues on Edge Series ships, showcases a seven-course plant-based tasting menu on Celebrity Ascent. The menu will highlight fresh and seasonal ingredients sourced from their places of origin, presenting a natural culinary experience. Diners can enjoy the menu as a tasting or opt for organic and vegan wine pairings.

MAIN DINING ROOMS AND COSMOPOLITAN RESTAURANT

The main dining rooms on Celebrity Ascent will offer a choice of four restaurants with New American, Mediterranean, French Contemporary, and Italian cuisines. The Cosmopolitan restaurant will feature a redesigned layout inspired by the culture of champagne.

SPECIALTY DINING UPGRADES

Specialty dining venues on Celebrity Ascent will also undergo updates. Le Petit Chef, known for its animations depicting a chef describing each dish, will present a four-course dining show with a fairytale theme. Fine Cut Steakhouse will introduce a new dish, the Lemon Poached Lobster Tail, while Aqua Class guests can enjoy dining al fresco on Blu‘s outdoor terrace.

NEW DRINK OFFERINGS

For beverage enthusiasts, Celebrity Cruises has upgraded its spirits tasting program on Celebrity Ascent with an exclusive partnership with WhistlePig Whiskey. The ship will feature two hand-selected barrels made exclusively for Celebrity Cruises, offering guests an extraordinary whiskey experience.

Wine lovers will also be pleased as Celebrity Ascent boasts a unique wine selection, including three venues recognized with Wine Spectator Awards. Guests can indulge in extensive wine lists, expert sommeliers, wine-tasting seminars, and world tour experiences.

The heart of Celebrity Ascent, The Grand Plaza, will feature an expanded Martini Bar menu, offering classic martinis, fruit-infused creations, and delectable dessert martinis. Guests can enjoy the iconic Flair Bartender Shows, where skilled mixologists put on a performance crafting a tower of martinis.

ABOUT CELEBRITY ASCENT

Celebrity Ascent will embark on its inaugural Caribbean season with various preview sailings in November 2023. Travelers can experience the ship’s amenities and culinary offerings by joining one of the Taste of Luxury preview sailings or the 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Maiden Voyage in December 2023.

Are you excited about Celebrity Ascent’s new culinary experiences? Let us know in the comments!

By Ethan Leckie

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Holland America Line Announces AARP Onboard Credit Offer

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:21:43 +0000

Holland America Line has revealed an onboard credit offer for AARP members! The credit offer allows members to enjoy various amenities during their cruise, such as shore excursions, spa services, specialty dining, beverages, gift shop purchases, and more.

MORE ABOUT THE ONBOARD CREDIT PROGRAM

AARP members can book a Holland America Line cruise through their travel advisor or directly with the cruise line. The amount of onboard credit varies depending on the type of stateroom and the length of the voyage, ranging from $50 to $200 per stateroom. It is important to note that this credit can be combined with other special offers and fares.

“Holland America Line is thrilled to extend this offer to AARP members, who are avid travelers and a key demographic for our brand,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer of Holland America Line. “We look forward to enticing AARP members to join us for a cruise to one of the many incredible destinations we explore.”

AARP members can embark on Holland America Line cruises that take them to locations such as:

Alaska
Antarctica
Asia
Australia
Canada/New England
the Caribbean
Europe
the Mediterranean
Mexico
South America and beyond.

The eligible cruises range from weeklong getaways to longer “Legendary Voyages” lasting up to 59 days.

“Holland America Line cruises open the world to AARP members, allowing them to visit other regions and experience different cultures with ease and comfort,” said Victoria Borton, vice president of lifestyle products and services for AARP Services. “Members appreciate the cruising experience and level of premium service that’s synonymous with Holland America Line.”

The onboard credit offer applies to all voyages except Grand Voyages, Grand Voyage segments, and trips lasting less than five days. Additionally, AARP members can take advantage of Holland America Line’s “Have It All” package, which includes a variety of amenities like shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. The offer may also be combinable with other shipboard credits for which the guest may be eligible.

If you are an AARP member, how will you use your onboard credits with Holland America Line? Let us know in the comments!

By Ethan Leckie

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic And FOOD & WINE Unveil Wine-Focused Sailings On Columbia And Snake Rivers

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:30:00 +0000

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, the industry leader in remote expedition travel, is collaborating with FOOD & WINE for a new set of culinary expeditions!

During the immersive eight-day Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey, presented by FOOD & WINE, enthusiasts of fine wines and delectable cuisine will be able to join aboard National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion. As they cruise along the picturesque Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, guests will be treated to a multifaceted experience. They will delve into the area’s captivating history, bountiful harvests, and stunning landscapes while savoring the region’s culinary delights and sampling its world-renowned wines.

“The bountiful diversity in the Columbia and Snake Rivers region is every chef’s dream! With the opportunity to source fresh ingredients directly from farmers along the way, this new itinerary perfectly captures the best culinary delicacies of the region,” said Vice President of Hotel Operations at Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Ana Esteves. “The immensity of the canyons and gorges with miles of wheat fields and grains paired with the most stunning orchards in central Washington, the fresh wild-caught seafood of the coast, and the lush Oregon forests where our partners forage mushrooms, all make this one of my favorite culinary itineraries and a place on Earth that every food lover should visit.”

Guests not out on excursions will enjoy a selection of locally-inspired menus curated with ingredients sourced from within 250 miles of the itinerary’s destination. In addition, a wine list curated by Esteves in collaboration with FOOD & WINE’s Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle, featuring more than 40 regional bottles, will be available along with nightly onboard wine tastings.

“The expedition follows the Columbia River through some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful wine country—Oregon and Washington regions such as the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, and others,” said Isle. “It’s been an adventure in itself choosing the wines for this series of exclusive expeditions and being able to taste them while in the heart of the landscape they come from should be an extraordinary experience for anyone on the trip.”

Designed for agility, dependability, and an intimate atmosphere, National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion stand out with their modest size and remarkable capabilities. With a limited capacity of only 31 outside cabins and suites, these vessels were specifically constructed and meticulously planned to maneuver through narrow and shallow waterways. This unique feature enables guests to explore more remote and inaccessible destinations, surpassing the boundaries of larger ships.

Embarking from Portland, Oregon, on March 31, 2024, the highly anticipated inaugural expedition, known as the Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey, Presented by FOOD & WINE, will commence its voyage aboard the esteemed National Geographic Sea Bird. This remarkable journey will feature the presence of Isle, a distinguished special guest, as well as additional captivating programming that will be unveiled soon.

Will you be sailing on National Geographic Sea Bird or Sea Lion? Let us know in the comments!

By Ethan Leckie

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New Dining Options Announced for Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Fri, 26 May 2023 14:43:37 +0000

More than 20 new dining options have been added to Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas! Guests can choose from upscale dining options, quick bites, and venues made for families with children. Dining options will range from walk-up windows to upscale experiences found in all eight of Icon’s neighborhoods.

Icon of the Seas will come with the usual restaurants found across the Royal Caribbean fleet, but will also have brand-new dining experiences:

Empire Supper Club, an eight-course experience serving American cuisine accompanied by live music from a three-piece band.
AquaDome Market, the cruise line’s first food hall.
Izumi in the Park, an all-day window serving Japanese-inspired street food, fresh sushi, and more.

“The experiences had over great food are at the heart of so many shared memories that we could all use more of in our day-to-day. We’ve designed Icon of the Seas to offer every guest, no matter their tastes, age, and mood or the occasion, a variety of ways they can easily make those moments their way every day while on vacation,” said the Vice President of Food and Beverage for Royal Caribbean International Linken D’Souza.

Elevated Dining Experiences

Empire Supper Club – Located in the Central Park neighborhood, this upscale experience gives guests an eight-course menu of American cuisine. A drink is paired with each dish, and a three-piece band will play covers of modern favorites.
Celebration Table – This venue is a 12-seat private experience overlooking the ocean from the AquaDome for special occasions and milestones. Guests will choose American, Italian, Asian, and seafood menus and the option to include additional amenities and upgrades.
The returning favorites – Central Park’s American steakhouse Chops Grille and Trellis Bar, the three-level Dining Room serving three courses, Hooked Seafood in AquaDome, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Bar in Royal Promenade, the now two-level Coastal Kitchen in the Suite Neighborhood, and Chef’s Table experience.

Quick Bites

AquaDome Market – Royal Caribbean’s first food hall contains five different stalls and a selection of beer and wine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From crepes at Creme de la Crepe to macaroni and cheese with a twist at Mac’s, to pitas and bowls at Feta Mediterranean, Asian-inspired dishes such as Korean beef and broccoli at GNGR, and sandwiches and salads at Toast and Garden.
Izumi in the Park – This all-day window will make its debut next to the classic Izumi restaurant in Central Park, serving fresh Japanese-inspired street food and sushi.
The Pearl Cafe – For bites day and night, such as made-to-order sandwiches and salads, the venue will be between The Pearl in Royal Promenade.
Basecamp – For refueling between exploring the attractions, the restaurant serves drinks and snacks including pretzel bites with cheese and crispy shrimp bao buns. Nearby is Desserted, a new milkshake bar with unique options, including alcohol-infused creations.
The Grove – A new al fresco restaurant located on the sun deck in the Suite Neighborhood not far from the private pool, whirlpool, and lounging areas.
Returning favorites – Central Park’s Park cafe- now open for evening tapas- El Loco Fresh, a grab-and-go spot for Mexican food in Chill Island, Sorrento’s pizza in Royal Promenade, and the Windjammer buffet offering an expansive menu of cuisine from around the world along with a section for kids.

Family and Kid-Centered Options

Surfside Eatery – A new buffet for families in Surfside, the neighborhood designed for young families, has options for kid-approved breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including adult options.
Pier 7 – an all-day brunch venue in Surfside serving up California-esque dishes including surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict, and plates for sharing.
Surfside Bites – Surfside’s walk-up window with snacks such as burgers, popcorn chicken, and cinnamon-sugar donut holes.
The Asian-inspired fare at Izumi, cooked by hibachi chefs; Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for games and bar bites, and Sprinkles for ice cream day and night, all return to Royal Caribbean’s newest ship.

These new and returning locations join the bars and nightlife recently announced, including The Lemon Post in Surfside, with menus for adults and kids; and Dueling Pianos in Royal Promenade, the cruise line’s first dueling pianos bar.

Icon of the Seas will set sail in January 2024, with year-round, seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami visiting destinations including:

The award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Cozumel, Mexico
Roatan, Honduras

More details regarding Icon will be available in the coming months. Travelers can learn more about Icon of the Seas at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon.

Are you excited about the new dining experiences on Icon of the Seas? Let us know in the comments!

By Ethan Leckie

The best memories are made over meals. #IconoftheSeas

With over 20 dining options to choose from, there’s more to taste than ever before. Tap the to learn more: https://t.co/vnvNJJFgJg pic.twitter.com/ZTTHWxQiD0
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) May 25, 2023

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Emerald Cruises And Chef Ben Robinson Partner For Culinary Yacht Sailings

Porthole Cruise and Travel — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:30:00 +0000

Emerald Cruises and Chef Ben Robinson have partnered for two culinary sailings on the Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara.

Chef Robinson, known for his work as an executive private yacht chef from TV’s Below Deck, will offer his culinary expertise onboard Emerald Cruises’ Coastal Gems of Italy and Croatia sailing and the Hidden Charms of the Caribbean sailing. Chef Robinson has been featured on The Food Network and has years of restaurant experience, and he will be sharing his masterful skill on the Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara.

Travelers on Emerald Cruises’ 100-guest yachts will enjoy Chef Robinson’s cuisine while learning from his superb culinary skills. From participating in cooking demonstrations to enjoying signature cocktails, guests will have plenty of opportunities to interact with Chef Robinson. He will also customize three dinner menus for travelers in La Cucina dining room during sailings.

“I look forward to sharing my passion for food with the guests and exploring the culinary traditions of these regions together,” Chef Robinson said.

Sailings:

The Coastal Gems of Italy and Croatia is an eight-day sailing on Emerald Azurra, departing from Venice on October 28, 2023. The yacht calls on two Croatian ports, Šibenik and Dubrovnik, and then proceeds to Brindisi, Gallipoli, Messina, Naples, and Rome. The itinerary includes exciting excursions such as a private concert in the old city theater in Dubrovnik and a tour of Pompeii.

The Hidden Charms of the Caribbean sailing is an eight-day cruise aboard the Emerald Sakara, departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 2, 2024. The yacht will call on ports at Culebra and Vieques Islands in Puerto Rico, St. John, USVI and Jost Van Dyke in the BVI, St. Barthes and St. Kitts, and St. John’s Antigua. Guests can expect incredible experiences like kayaking in the bioluminescent bay in Vieques and snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Emerald Cruises’ Luxury Yachts:

The Emerald Azzurra was the line’s first ocean-going vessel, debuting in March 2022. It is a 100-guest luxury yacht, and it was named Best New Luxury Ship in Cruise Critic’s 2022 Editors’ Picks Awards.

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises’ second luxury yacht, will launch in 2023.

Will you be traveling with Emerald Cruises? Let us know in the comments!

By Lily Ogburn

Our state-of-the-art luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra, offers unparalleled comfort and style with world-class amenities & breathtaking views of stunning coastlines. From gourmet dining to exclusive excursions, our experts will ensure that every moment on board is unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/f8ZAfV59j6
— Emerald Cruises (@Emerald_Cruises) March 16, 2023

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