THE EVOLUTION OF CRUISE SHIP CUISINE
TIMES HAVE CHANGED IN THE CULINARY WORLD , AND CRUISE SHIPS ARE KEEPING UP . HERE ARE THE MOST INTERESTING DINING EXPERIENCES TO RECOMMEND TO YOUR CLIENTS .
WORDS / ERIN ZILIS
Travelers are often eager to experience new locales and cuisines – unique encounters and fare they can ’ t find at home . In years past , cruise lines were unlikely to be top-of-mind for such experiences , especially within the food and beverage scene . However , as cruise ships have expanded to include additional excursions and onboard activities , they have also expanded their culinary offerings . Let ’ s take a look back at the evolution of cuisine on cruise lines and the exciting excursions available to those clients who fawn over fine dining .
FINE DINING OF THE PAST One look at a cruise ship dining menu from the early 1900s gives a peek into the past : multiple courses with rich sauce-laden entrees and decadent desserts were the standard of the day for first-class passengers aboard luxury lines . These upscale dinners , with formal dress required and established times and seating arrangements , evoke visions of the Titanic .
Today , the majority of modern cruise ships allow guests to dine at will , with options ranging from 24-hour buffets , introduced by Princess in 1995 , to specialty restaurants , along with an abundance of unique culinary experiences offered on board and onshore . The transition to more informal options with greater flexibility started in the mid-20th century , with offerings like all-you-can-eat buffets and serve-yourself smorgasbords with a quantity-over-quality mentality .
TRENDING CULINARY EXPERIENCES TODAY Immersive and International Dining
Back in the day , if you didn ’ t choose the main dining room for dinner , chances were that your only other options were an Italian café and a steakhouse .
“ People are wanting to explore the world through tastes and flavors , and the cruise lines are promoting that ,” says Chris Gray Faust , managing editor at Cruise Critic . “ From sushi to Korean , the diversity of flavors is a delight .”
Many cruise lines are taking this concept and making it their own , offering guests the ability to immerse themselves in the destination ’ s culinary scene . “ One newer offering on a few lines is the ability to shop with a chef and have a genuine , Anthony Bourdain-style adventure on land with excursions that are unique to the destination ,” says Gray Faust . “ That is then reflected on the ship , with cuisine or cocktails specific to that region , or a step further with the ability to shop on shore in a local market to bring back and cook an authentic local meal with the chef . Those are flavors you ’ re not going to get everywhere . It ’ s a fun cultural experience .”
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