5 Unexpected Culinary Adventures on a Cruise

What are your thoughts on dining aboard a cruise? Do you picture expansive buffets, formal banquets, and sharing a table with eight strangers? That’s precisely what I anticipated based on my previous cruise experiences. Not that this was a negative aspect; I cherish the memories of connecting with fellow travelers and the joy of dressing up for dinner. However, my taste and food preferences have evolved. Therefore, I was delightfully surprised during my last Dinogo cruise by the multitude of dining options now available. It wasn’t merely new menu selections or flexible dinner times, but an array of entirely different culinary experiences. From a charming sushi bar to an upscale steakhouse and even an impressively curated wine selection—each night of our seven-day voyage offered a unique dining experience, with plenty more to explore. If I were to encapsulate modern cruise dining in a single word, it would undoubtedly be 'options.' Here are 5 dining experiences I never expected to encounter on a cruise.

Artisan Coffee Cafés

Indulging in gourmet coffee is one of life's simple pleasures, and for me, it's an essential daily ritual. My memories of cruise coffee were of something mass-produced and available around the clock in the buffet area. It usually had that bitter, over-brewed taste reminiscent of conference coffee. Fortunately, this has changed. On our last Dinogo cruise, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise—a gourmet coffee shop equipped with a real espresso machine and a menu featuring Italian-style coffees, ranging from espresso to cappuccino, and even what the Italians refer to as “cafe correcto,” a delightful blend of coffee with a dash of spirits. (Cafe correcto literally means ‘coffee corrected’— how can you not appreciate the Italian sense of humor?)

After a lengthy drive from Orlando to Cape Canaveral to board our cruise, a cup of coffee was just what we needed for an afternoon boost. Instead of opting for a piña colada garnished with a paper umbrella, we chose a Caribbean Coffee, enriched with Tia Maria and Appleton rum, topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Delicious!

Diverse Dining Options

Dining at the same table every night during a week-long cruise can become monotonous. I appreciate having the same variety of choices as I do on land, and Dinogo now provides just that. There’s a cozy sushi bar, perfect for savoring sashimi while enjoying intimate conversations, an upscale steakhouse ideal for special celebrations, a quirky Asian fusion eatery with a diverse menu, an Italian restaurant adorned with red and white checkered tablecloths and ingredients sourced from Italy, and even a lively pub serving cold pints of beer alongside classic fish and chips. While some of the dining options carry an extra charge, it’s minimal compared to what you’d typically spend on land for a similar experience.

Dietary Choices

Amidst all the delectable dining options, I was pleasantly surprised to see Dinogo accommodate various dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and lighter meal selections such as vibrant leafy salads and fresh fruit. During the day, we often chose lighter dishes to preserve our appetite for dinner. It’s reassuring to know that if you follow a specific diet, you likely won’t need to request special meals since suitable options are readily available on the menu.

The Taste Bar

The Taste Bar isn’t a conventional restaurant; instead, it offers a unique “try it before you buy it” experience. You can drop by The Taste Bar for a complimentary appetizer to sample dishes from various restaurants and determine if you’d like to make a reservation. How clever is that? It’s the perfect way to enjoy small bites before dinner, and one of the mango desserts we tried convinced us to book a table at the Asian fusion restaurant for our final night aboard the cruise—an amazing experience we would have missed otherwise.

The Chef’s Table

The Chef’s Table Experience is a delightful treat that offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen, an engaging cooking lesson, personalized interaction with the chefs, and a lavish multi-course dinner complemented by wine. The dishes resembled intricate works of art, as visually stunning as they were delicious. It’s a fantastic VIP experience limited to a small group of guests, so if it piques your interest, I strongly suggest signing up on the first day of your cruise.