In fact we are increasingly seeing an extraordinary variety of dining options being introduced, with lots of focus on vegan options, specialist regional cuisine, and input from some of the finest chefs in the world. It is more or less impossible to do, but we have selected our seven favourite options...
1. Silversea: S.A.L.T. Kitchen
New from Silversea with the launch of Silver Moon is S.A.L.T., or Sea And Land Taste, a new travel and food experience that brings you close to the flavours of your destination. The programme includes dedicated shore excursions, a S.A.L.T. Bar, and hands-on demos and cooking lessons, as well as the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, a restaurant that changes recipes and flavours with every single port you visit.
2. SeaDream Yacht Club: Raw Food
Dining al fresco on the lovely little SeaDream yachts is an experience itself, and as early adopters, the company's owners have long been proud to offer a 'Raw Food' menu option. Gourmet raw food is offered in addition to the regular menu, with a style of preparation in which all ingredients are raw, organic and vegan (no fish, meat, eggs or dairy), and nothing is heated above 118°F in order to retain all the healthy micronutrients.
3. Seabourn: The Grill by Thomas Keller
The elegant Seabourn ships boast a very special dining venue, The Grill by Thomas Keller. American chef Thomas Keller, the chef and proprietor of The French Laundry, Ad Hoc, Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery and Per Se, is the only American-born chef to hold multiple three-star ratings from the prestigious Michelin Guide, and the first male American chef to be named a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour, so the opportunity to dine here, at no extra charge, is quite special.
4. Windstar Cruises: Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso
The newly stretched Star Plus class ships of Windstar feature a very special new restaurant, Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso. This is a great venue to experience Spanish local culture, created by ten-time Michelin-starred chef Anthony Sasso. With seating for 38, including a chef's counter and communal table, it's an inventive take on modern Spanish cuisine, and the intimate surroundings encourage sharing and camaraderie.
5. Oceania Cruises: Red Ginger
Red Ginger features on Oceania's ships Marina, Riviera and Sirena: beautiful enticing surroundings, and a contemporary interpretation of Asian classics, such as a salad of spicy roast duck and watermelon with cashews, mint and Thai basil, Malaysian beef penang with coconut rice and paratha roti, or Thai vegetable curry with sweet potatoes, aubergine, mushrooms and basil in green curry sauce.
6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Sette Mari
The line-up of restaurants on board the Regent ships is impressive, but as our favourite we choose Sette Mari, where you can enjoy perfectly prepared Italian dishes in stunning, over-water alcoves. Authentic Italian specialties have been inspired by family recipes that span generations, whilst the chefs also like to bring a creative modern twist to some of the menu choices, for example a spice-crusted tuna steak with braised endive, polenta and salmoriglio. Perfectly paired Tuscan wines complete the experience.
7. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: S.E.A.
The new yacht Evrima from Ritz-Carlton will feature a specialty dining experience designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg. S.E.A. will offer a European tasting menu in a sophisticated setting with a contemporary feel. Stand by to welcome this very new dining experience in a few short months.
