MSC Cruises Transforms Buffet Restaurants on Select Ships

MSC Cruises Redesigned Buffet Area and menu

MSC Cruises’ has transformed the buffet restaurants on board MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia and MSC Poesia.

With the help of famous Italian food designer Paolo Barichella from food and lifestyle designers Enocultura, the buffet area has been restyled around new concepts of presentation and service, offering guests a sensational casual dining experience morning, noon and night.

The buffet is the most visited dining area on board, particularly during breakfast and lunch, and continually enhancing this area is a priority for a company which prides itself on making each cruise a culinary voyage of discovery.

“The idea behind the new buffet was not only to increase the quality of service and variety of fresh choices but also to create a real culinary experience and reshape the way we present food on board,” said Enrico Borniotto, general manager of MSC Italcatering. “Guests can now enjoy watching our skilled chefs prepare a range of fresh dishes, from MSC’s signature authentic Italian pizzas and breads to perfect sautéed pasta and tasty cuts of meat.”

“Aside from redesigning the area in terms of decor, we tried to bring on board the concept of the visible kitchen,” he continued. “Some guests cannot imagine that most of the food is fresh on such big ships and that pasta, pizza, bread and desserts are handmade. This is an extraordinary added value to be proudly presented to guests.”
  
“Restyling the buffet areas of the MSC fleet was an exciting project for me,” said food designer Barichella. “I am used to working with restaurants and chefs from all over the world, but this was my first experience with a cruise company. This restyled area will enable guests to discover MSC’s high quality, fresh products in a holistic way.”

The redesigned buffet now includes many different specialty corners, arranged with a more intuitive feel for guests trying to decide what delicious dishes to select. 

======================================================= 

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    
Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter

Royal Caribbean Expands Culinary Experiences To More Ships

Royal Caribbean Expands Culinary Offerings

Royal Caribbean International continues to provide its guests with the ultimate vacation experience by enhancing its onboard dining options with the addition of Oasis-class amenities to even more ships. Next in line is Serenade of the Seas, which is scheduled for an extensive revitalization this fall.
Serenade of the Seas will wow guests in December when she re-emerges from her dry dock with a new lineup of specialty restaurants, which will include Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, Izumi Asian cuisine and the intimate Chef’s Table dining experience, as well as dining packages for guests to enjoy all of them at incredible value. Guests will have the option of choosing the Royal Choice Dining Package, which includes dinner at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi for $55 per guest, or the Chef’s Table Dining Package for $130 per guest, which includes all of the specialty restaurants as well as the Chef’s Table.

Serenade of the Seas also will offer additional dining deals at Giovanni’s Table. Groups of four or more can take advantage of the Celebration Dining Deal, which is valid for the first two nights of each sailing and allows groups of four or more to enjoy a delicious meal plus a $30 beverage credit at a cost of $20 per person. Groups of eight or more can opt for the Set Sail Dining Deal which includes dinner on the first night of their cruise for $14 per guest.

Further enhancing its onboard culinary offerings Royal Caribbean is expanding its partnership with renowned wine producer Domaines Barons de Rothschild by offering the exclusive Lafite Wine Tasting Experience onboard. Available for $23 to $25 per person, depending upon ship and itinerary, the experience, which was first introduced onboard Allure of the Seas, offers guests a unique tasting showcasing the renowned vintages from France’s Bordeaux region.

Developed in conjunction with Château Lafite Rothschild, the premier estate under the Rothschild name, and Master Sommelier John Blazon, the Lafite Wine Experience aims to expand guests’ understanding of growing regions within Bordeaux. A Royal Caribbean cellar master leads the tasting, sharing details about the wines and the winemakers and the history and suggestions for food pairings.  A souvenir packet allows guests to take a piece of the experience home with winemakers’ notes, recipes and more.

The Lafite Wine Tasting Experience is now available for pre-booking on select ships, including Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas.

Guests can book the Serenade of the Seas dining packages or the Lafite Wine Tasting Experience online at www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

=======================================================

 Check Out Our Other Sites

NYCruiseInfo.com Website   
NortheastCruiseGuide.com    

Blog on Cruises From New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk & the Northeast
Free Cruise Newsletter 

.

Dining Options Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze

Dining Options Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze

Dining is a highlight of the Carnival vacation experience and the 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze will feature a huge array of culinary choices when it enters service June 3. Two new offerings will include Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, and an open-air barbecue venue called Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ.

        Here’s a look at the Carnival Breeze’s many different tantalizing dining choices:

    Bonsai Sushi – Carnival’s first full-service sushi restaurant, Bonsai Sushi offers a wide variety of Asian-inspired delicacies with a contemporary decor featuring artwork by world-renowned graffiti artist Erni Vales, colorful koi kites flown during impromptu celebrations, and, of course, several Bonsai trees. Located along Promenade Deck, Bonsai Sushi includes a number of varieties of sushi, sashimi, and rolls along with bento boxes and the venue’s own interpretation of a sushi boat – in this case, a sushi “ship” – with prices ranging from $1 for appetizer-sized portions to $15 for a sushi ship for two.

    Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ – Reminiscent of a backyard barbecue, this complimentary open-air dining venue located on Promenade Deck offers a mouth-watering array of grilled favorites, including barbecued chicken breast, kielbasa, Italian sausage, and Fat Jimmy’s signature item, pulled pork sandwiches, along with traditional sides like baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and mini-corn muffins.

    Guy’s Burger Joint – fresh-made burgers, hand-cut fries and innovative toppings created in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri.

    BlueIguana Cantina – offering authentic tacos and burritos that can be personalized by diners at an extensive salsa and toppings bar.

    The Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez – featuring hilarious comedic performances and an extensive menu of brunch-time favorites.

    Fahrenheit 555 – a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and other gourmet fare with impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet).

    Cucina del Capitano – a family-style restaurant reminiscent of a cozy Italian home with dishes such as Piatto della Nonna, inspired by the grandma of Carnival Breeze Captain Vincenzo Alcaras with penne pasta, crispy shrimp and prosciutto in a vodka cream sauce  (venue will serve as a free lunch-time pasta bar during the day with a nominal charge for dinner).

    Lido Marketplace – a casual poolside eatery offering an array of international favorites, from paninis and 24-hour pizza to Indian Tandoori and a Mongolian Wok station and just about everything in between.

    “The Comfort Kitchen” – new venue located within Lido Marketplace offering American-style “comfort food.”

     Ocean Plaza – an indoor/outdoor café serving cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos as well as pastries and other confections.

    RedFrog Pub – an island-themed pub where guests can nosh on Caribbean-inspired fare while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance.

    Serenity – salads, sandwiches, wraps and other light fare available at the ship’s exclusive adults-only retreat.

     The Taste Bar – complimentary bite-size offerings inspired by popular Carnival dining venues, along with a signature cocktail tied to that eatery’s particular theme available for purchase.

    Sea Dogs – a hot dog-shaped cart within the SportSquare outdoor recreation area offering all-beef franks and traditional toppings (debuts on Carnival Breeze in November).

The Carnival Breeze will be delivered to Carnival Cruises on June 2nd, 2012.


------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Nick's Cruise Corner Blog

MSC Cruises MSC Divina Dining Options

MSC Cruises MSC Divina Dining Options

The divine dining experience awaiting guests of MSC Cruises’ newest ship will be celebrated in appropriate style at MSC Divina’s christening ceremony in Marseilles, France, on May 26, when renowned French Chef Christian Constant will delight guests with two signature menus created especially for the event.

Chef Constant, who is also a favorite on the European version of the popular Top Chef program, runs three stylish Parisian restaurants, each known for its individual style, ambiance and menu.

A sneak preview of Chef Constant’s christening menus reveals culinary gems such as Medallion of Spiny Lobster accompanied by diced Niçoise vegetables flavored with horseradish, and Crispy Supreme of Mediterranean Sea-Bass with almonds accompanied by caper Ravigote sauce and a salad of spinach sprouts.

An impressive selection of France’s best wines has been carefully chosen to accompany the menu, and for dessert guests will savor the delicious Christian Constant mille-feuille Divina with half-salted butter caramel.

MSC Cruises wholeheartedly believes that delicious, authentic cuisine lies at the heart of a wonderful vacation and that a cruise should always be a gastronomic tour of discovery. MSC Cruises also knows that for guests to make the most of MSC Divina’s fabulous design, innovative new features and breathtakingly beautiful ports of call, they must be nourished with the finest dishes made from the freshest, best quality, ethically sourced, and locally inspired ingredients.

That’s why, when the christening ends and guests board the ship, they will be dazzled by the multiple dining options available and by MSC Divina’s ability to provide something delectable to meet all tastes and moods.

New and unique to MSC Divina and a highlight for many guests will be Galaxy, a fashionable new panoramic restaurant in the disco. Based on the style of famous 1950s Italian nightclubs such as La Capannina and Forte dei Marmi, Galaxy takes La Dolce Vita and the theme of light as its inspiration and appeals to all of the five senses.

Galaxy’s theme of light also means that the overall space has been created around specially designed lamps. Refined, elegant and reflecting modern minimalism, the stylish black, grey and Bordeaux color scheme means that the fabulous cuisine will look, as well as taste, wonderful whatever time of day.

Providing a fabulous brunch menu for late risers, including the delectable eggs Benedict, savory croissants and tasty Parma ham, a selection of fresh juices, and the “bubbles” menu including spumante, champagne and rosé, Galaxy will be the perfect kick-start to a day on board or on shore.

In the evening, diners will indulge in fabulous Mediterranean fusion cuisine such as roasted scallops on a cream of courgette and basil soup with porcini mushrooms and fried leeks, or succulent sea bass tartare with fresh goat cheese, crispy sesame seed wafers and liquorice sensation.

The emphasis is on sampling the food, enjoying the music in red, grey and black surroundings, while watching the stars and sipping a Galaxy cocktail or a high quality wine from the sommelier selection, which can be purchased by the glass.

It could be difficult to come back to earth after tasting one of Galaxy’s delightful meals, but luckily MSC Divina’s six other restaurants, including the exclusive MSC Yacht Club restaurant
Le Muse, the Sacramento Tex Mex and the Sacramento Hamburger House, offer a whole range of exciting and sumptuous dining options to keep guests’ taste buds entertained for the whole length of their cruise.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Nick's Cruise Corner Blog

Holland America Offer Alternative Vegetarian Menu

Holland America to Offer Alternative Vegetarian Menu

Holland America Line has introduced a new alternative, vegetarian-only menu, as well as 30 new vegetarian dishes to their main dining room menu, furthering the line's commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences for all guests. 

Holland America Line’s award-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has designed an exclusive 22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu that highlights vegetables and other naturally healthy ingredients in vibrant, flavorful culinary selections. The alternative menu includes a full range of appetizers, salads, soups and main entrées, and is available upon request at no extra cost for lunch and dinner in the main dining room aboard all 15 ships in the fleet.

"Many more people are choosing a vegetarian culinary experience, yet the options can be limited," said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. "By offering a complete vegetarian-only menu and the largest vegetarian selection at sea, we are ensuring that all guests can take part in an exceptional dining experience while cruising with Holland America Line.”

The savory collection of dishes on the new vegetarian-only menu include Portobello Mushroom and Chipotle Quesadillas, Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls, Curried Vegetable Empanadas, Spicy Lentil and Garbanzo Salad, Sweet and Sour Vegetable Tempura, Vegetable Jambalaya, Grilled Vegetable and Tofu Kebobs, and Baked Cheese Polenta with Mushrooms and Artichoke Hearts.

In addition to the new vegetarian-only menu, 30 new vegetarian dishes will be added to the main dining room menu. These offerings also will be featured as a second vegetarian option in the casual Lido buffet during lunch. Additionally, every dinner menu will now offer guests the option of one appetizer, one soup or salad, and at least one vegetarian entrée each evening, increasing the total number of vegetarian options on board to 52 delectable dishes. 

Some of the newly expanded vegetarian selections on the main dining room menu include Corn and Zucchini Pancakes served with Southwest-style cous cous salad, Asparagus and Zucchini Torte with wild rice and sun-dried tomato coulees, Carrot and Parmesan Risotto topped with a lemony arugula salad and crispy carrot ribbons, and Grilled Eggplant and Bell Pepper Masala braised in yogurt with Indian spices and served with coconut-pistachio basmati rice. 

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Holland America Line vacation. Aboard each cruise, guests can choose from an array of dining options -- from gourmet-quality fare served in the elegant Pinnacle Grill to casual food favorites served buffet-style in the relaxing Lido Restaurant.

For a full listing of Holland America Line’s culinary offerings, visit  http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Dining.action. 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Nick's Cruise Corner Blog

Princess Cruises Announces New Dining Option On New Royal Princess

Princess Cruises revealed more details about several of the main dining room and specialty restaurant options that will be available aboard Royal Princess when the cruise ship debuts in June 2013, including new special venues and experiences, plus fresh twists on some Princess favorites.

Among the new options are several distinct dining spaces, including a special Chef’s Table Lumiere surrounded by a curtain of light to take the Chef’s Table experience to a new level, as well as wine cellar-inspired private dining spaces in the main dining rooms.

The ship will offer a larger Horizon Court buffet with a brand-new layout, new action stations, intriguing new bistro options – such as a crab shack and fondue restaurant – and even a dedicated pastry shop, an industry first.

For a full evening experience, several restaurants and lounges have been located together, including the Crown Grill which has been combined with the Wheelhouse Bar, and Sabatini’s Italian restaurant which is now adjacent to Vines wine bar.

“These evolutions of our dining program will offer some exciting new options, as well as showcase our signature features which have become passenger favorites,” said Jan Swartz, executive vice president for Princess Cruises. “Royal Princess certainly will take our dining options to the next level.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Nick's Cruise Corner Blog

Norwegian Cruise Line to Offer Chef's Table Dining Experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime gourmet dining experience by introducing the Chef’s Table fleet-wide. Guests who attend the Chef’s Table dining experience will marvel in an incredible culinary adventure as they feast on a nine-course, upscale menu consisting of unique and contemporary creations using the highest quality ingredients, sophisticated cooking techniques, flavor compositions and captivating presentations. All courses are accompanied by wines that are specially paired by the line’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.

The two-and-a-half hour Chef’s Table dining experience begins with an intimate reception where guests enjoy a glass of champagne as they mingle with the ship’s Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Director, Restaurant Manager, Assistant Maître d’ and Head Wine Steward. Following the reception, guests are invited to take a group photo before sitting down to begin their gourmet culinary experience in a luxurious and intimate restaurant setting that provides privacy and exclusivity. The Executive Chef welcomes the group and then goes on to describe the first two courses: an Amuse Bouche ‘Molecular Gastronome’ consisting of Spherical Mango, Vodka & Jalapeno Ravioli and an Orange-Wasabi Glazed Ahi Tuna Tartar with freshly-baked Sesame Crisp.

Courses one and two are accompanied by the Master Sommelier’s expertly-paired wine selection. Asparagus Cream is served for course three, followed by the fourth course, a Short Crust Tartlet and a delightful Grapefruit and Moscato Granite is served as course number five. As the Executive Chef describes the ingredients and technique used to create courses three through five, the second wine selection is served and the Chef invites questions about the dishes. Course six consists of a Plantain- Crusted, Pan Seared Sea Bass accompanied by Mango, Papaya & Avocado Salsa and Lobster Veloute and a Milk-Fed Veal Chop with Anna Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and Truffle Veal Jus rounds out course number seven. A specially-selected cheese platter that boasts an assortment of gourmet cheeses is served as course eight and the grand finale, course nine, is dessert, which consists of either a Yogurt-Mousse Dome with Lychee Raspberry Crème, Hazel Sablee and Lime Vanilla Reduction; or a Chocolate Log with ‘Spiced’ Dark Rum, Infused Banana and Cocoa Mousse.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Nick's Cruise Corner Blog

Crystal Cruises Expands Asian Speciality Cuisine

In accordance with Crystal Cruises’ tradition of bringing high-quality, authentic international experiences to its guests in unique ways, the luxe line announces the addition of “Chinese comfort food” to its Crystal Serenity cruise ship. Debuting as a casual dinner option in the ship’s Tastes café, the menu of traditional, “down home” Chinese food, such as steamed dumplings, noodles, soups, fried rice and vegetables, is a more relaxed, regional dining experience to complement Crystal’s upscale Nobu specialty restaurant. Under the direction of Malaysian chef Jennifer Pei Vun Lee, the program debuts on Crystal Serenity’s 2012 World Cruise in January.

In development for more than a year and a half, Crystal’s food & beverage team visited dumpling and noodle restaurants throughout Asia, researched head chefs, planned challenging sourcing of ingredients, and investigated the necessary equipment for the highest quality execution of the cuisine.

“Those with sophisticated palettes enjoy exploring specialties from other parts of the world, including the ‘comfort food’ of international destinations,” says Crystal Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations Toni Neumeister. “This simple, but exciting, menu provides something for everyone when, and if, they want to take a break from dinnertime ‘fine dining’ during their cruise. Luxury these days isn’t always about lavish; it’s more about authenticity, which this delivers.”

Among the dim sum-like delicacies are:

• · Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shiaomai
• · Steamed Mushroom Vegetarian Dumpling
• · Singapore-style Stir-Fried Noodles

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity’s extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line’s coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea or in specialty restaurants Prego or Nobu Matsuhisa’s Silk Road and Sushi Bar.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Links:

Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Main Page
Cruises From New York and New Jersey - Cruise News

Cruises From Boston
Cruises From Baltimore
Cruises From Norfolk

Sign Up for Free Cruise Newsletter

Nick's Cruise Corner Blog