The chef’s table dining experience has been around for a while but has become much more prevalent in recent years as diners seek out unique experiential dining events on their cruise holidays.
Below, we share our definitive guide to the chef’s table dining experience on a cruise: including who can eat there, how to make a booking and which cruise lines offer this foodie event.
What is the chef’s table?
The chef’s table is an exclusive dining experience where you can enjoy a multi-course fine dining meal, usually paired with wine, hosted by the ship’s executive chef and head sommelier. Usually, the chef designs these menus uniquely for these events, meaning these dishes can’t be experienced elsewhere on the cruise ship.
The chef’s table dining experience is considered the ultimate cruise dining event, where the ship’s best culinary skills and produce are shown off. As each course is served, the chef provides an insight into how the dishes have been created.
The sommelier also explains the wine choices and their tasting notes. As an evening of pure foodie entertainment, the chef’s dining experience can last over three hours.
What’s included in the chef’s table dining experience?
As well as an impeccable multi-course meal with wine pairings, the chef’s table dining experience usually includes champagne or cocktails to accompany the canape course.
This initial course is sometimes served in the ship’s galley, giving you an insider look into the culinary activity on board. The main dining event will then take place in a specially designated area of the dining room or a dedicated room elsewhere.
The drinks that are included alongside your meal will vary. Often, you’ll find standard wine pairings and non-alcoholic beverages are included as part of the experience. Then, if you’d like to upgrade to more top-end wines, you can pay an additional fee.
Who can eat at the chef’s table?
The chef’s table dining experience on a cruise is designed to be a unique and intimate experience, so the number of diners is limited to around twenty people; sometimes, it can even be as few as eight guests.
Any guests can enjoy the chef’s table experience. Typically, you just pay an extra fee. However, sometimes a chef’s table experience is included as part of an upgraded package or special cruise offer.
Many cruise lines now offer chef’s table dining. However, the frequency of these experiences varies depending on the ship or sailing. Some cruise lines offer them just a few times throughout the holiday, while others may host chef table experiences every evening.
How to book chef’s table dining
Chef’s table dining experiences usually sell out fast, so to bag a seat at this exclusive event, it’s best to book as soon as possible. Check with the cruise line whether you can book before the start of your cruise.
However, if an advance booking is not possible and you’re keen to attend the chef’s table during your cruise holiday, head to Guest Services as soon as possible upon boarding to make a reservation.
Which cruise lines offer chef’s table dining experiences?
With the chef’s table dining experience becoming more popular recently, many leading cruise lines now offer it on board their ships. Below is a selection of just a few of them.
Princess Cruises
The chef’s table dining experience on Princess Cruises first debuted in 2007 and is now an established tradition on this cruise line. The event takes place at a special table in the dining room and is hosted by the ship’s Executive Chef.
After champagne and appetisers, guests can enjoy courses specially designed by the chef, which he explains as they are served. After the meal, the chef is available for questions, and a complimentary photo is taken at the table.
The chef’s table on Princess Cruises can accommodate ten to twelve guests each night.
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises chef’s table dining experience is hosted by the ship’s Master Executive Chef. With this VIP experience, you can enjoy the whole works, including cocktails and canapes, a galley tour, and an exceptional multi-course dinner with dishes unique to this experience.
Up to 14 guests can enjoy the chef’s table dining experience on Carnival Cruises at one time.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
The chef’s table dining experience on Royal Caribbean Cruises comprises an exquisite five-course menu that includes scallops, lobster and filet mignon- each dish paired with premium red or white wine.
With its gourmet food and white table clothes, it is a formal event where appropriate attire is requested.
P&O
P&O Cruises is one of the few cruise lines where the chef’s table dining experience is included in your cruise fare. You’ll find this black-tie event on selected Celebration Nights on their ship, Iona.
Their exclusive menu includes creations by Marco Pierre White and wine pairings from sommelier Olly Smith. Although, unfortunately, they are unlikely to join you at the table!
If you have any questions about the chef’s table dining experience or would like to book a cruise that offers them, please get in contact with our cruise specialists.
