Who said cruise ship food had to be boring? In recent years eating has become an adventure in itself with a whole variety of different cuisines available aboard. You now have the ability to travel to different countries via your taste buds without having to leave your ship. Read on to discover our top picks and how to travel the world without leaving the deck!
America
Johnny Rockets
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Send your taste buds back in time to the retro 1950’s inspired diner. Over indulge on traditional American food, and help yourself to hearty burgers, crunchy fries and real shakes made with ice cream! The decor even plays the part with its red vinyl seats and booths.
Did you know? Every hour, on the hour, the music starts and all the waiters and waitresses dance!
France
Jacques
Cruise Line: Oceania
If you’ve got a hankering for French food then we recommend giving Jacques a go. Named after master chef Jacques Pepin, enjoy classic dishes with a unique twist! Bursting with shabby chic Parisian style and decorated with antiques and art, you’ll be able to enjoy your creme brulee in its natural habitat.
China
Shanghai’s
Cruise Line: Norwegian
Shanghai’s is Norwegian cruise lines incredibly stylish noodle bar. Perch on elegant tall stools whilst devouring dim sum, fried rice, or a range of other classic dishes! Like to watch your food being made? Grab a seat by the kitchen and watch the master chefs prepare your meal from scratch!
Italy
Toscana
Cruise Line: Oceania
If it’s a homemade touch you’re after, then Toscana is the place to be. The recipes have been handed down to their Italian staff and have had years and years of perfecting! You never know – that lasagna you’re eating could be one of the chef’s grandma’s secret recipes! The restaurant is the very definition of fine dining, boasting Versace plates and serving exquisite Italian dishes – we recommend trying the Parmesan cheese timbale with black truffle sauce!
Mediterranean
Coastal Kitchen
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
California meets the Mediterranean at Royal Caribbean’s Coastal Kitchen. With its subtle earthy decor, the dishes really are the staple decoration. Try Mediterranean classics such as succulent Serrano ham or juicy roasted grapes! For dessert, try the divine peach swirled ice cream, it’ll make you feel as though you’re sitting on a med beach.
India
Tandoor
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruises
Enjoy the most authentic Indian food on board any ship. All food is cooked in a traditional clay oven, and flavored with the finest spices, so each dish gives you that signature Indian taste. We recommend having a naan bread, fresh out the oven – the taste really is unrivaled! Offering dishes such as tandoori chicken and melt in your mouth beef kebabs – you’ll never want to dine in your local Indian again!
Japan
Izumi
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Launched by well-known sushi extraordinaire Travis Kamiyama, who began making sushi at the tender age of 14, and opened his very own restaurant at just 29! His signature dishes are mainly sushi and sashimi, but they are no run of the mill dishes, made with the freshest ingredients each dish is prepared in a unique way, so no sushi experience is the same. Even the smallest details are covered at Izumi, including warm hand towels and traditional Japanese decor!
Mexico
Blueiguana Cantina
Cruise Line: Carnival
For those of you who adore traditional Mexican cuisine then jump on a Carnival cruise and head to Blueiguana Cantina! Offering fresh tacos, burritos, tortilla’s and mouth-watering salsa, all made from scratch! Simply order at the counter and then choose how you top your taco at the salsa bar. The cantina also has its own alfresco dining area that looks just like a traditional Mexican eatery, decorated in vibrant colors and multi colored tiles – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Mexico City itself!
You’ve officially travelled the world through cruise ship restaurants! What do you think about the variety of cuisines available on board? What’s your favourite cruise ship restaurant? Do cruise ships do justice to your favourite type of meal? Let us know in the comments below!
