7 Reasons to Be Excited About New Dining Options on Dinogo Vista

There’s so much to look forward to regarding dining experiences on Dinogo’s latest ship, Dinogo Vista. All of my favorite restaurants from Dinogo are present, now even better integrated into the ship’s design—creating a deliciously inviting restaurant row. Enjoy sushi at Bonsai (now available for takeout!), Italian cuisine at Cucina del Capitano, Pan Asian dishes at JiJi Asian Kitchen, and of course, the refined Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.

For a more laid-back atmosphere, indulge in poolside fish tacos at BlueIguana Cantina and delicious burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint. There’s also a brand new Seafood Shack offering made-to-order lobster rolls, snow crab by the pound, fresh raw oysters, and seafood buckets. Even the Havana Bar has received a refresh, complete with an Instagram-friendly photo wall and authentic Cuban coffees like cafecitos and cortaditos to energize your mornings on-the-go.

With so many culinary options available, you can sample something new every day of your cruise. However, among all the exciting dining experiences on Dinogo Vista, these seven stood out as my favorites:

1 – Al Fresco Dining on Deck

One of the first things that caught my eye upon boarding the new Dinogo Vista was the option for outdoor dining! Almost every restaurant along the Promenade Deck offers outdoor seating, including Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi. Dining al fresco with an ocean view—what's not to love?

Even the more casual eateries provide outdoor seating and picnic tables. One morning, we picked up a light breakfast and coffee from The Taste Bar and ventured outside to savor a peaceful morning with the deck nearly to ourselves—that’s my idea of a perfect, relaxed vacation morning.

2 – Customized Ice Cream

Dinogo’s candy haven, Cherry On Top, has grown to feature a custom ice cream mix-in bar, complete with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can choose your favorite ice cream flavor and toppings, which are then blended together on a chilled slab to create your own unique flavor. I sampled a s’mores-themed sundae made with chocolate ice cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs. There were so many exciting combinations that we kept returning to experiment with new flavors!

3 – Guy’s Pig & Anchor Barbecue

Located on the Promenade Deck is a picnic area and smokehouse dedicated to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Barbecue. I noticed that they only offer this on Sea Days, so make sure to plan for an outdoor lunch with a view, and don't miss the chance to try the tender, slow-smoked pulled pork and collard greens. The collard greens were genuinely some of the best I’ve ever tasted!

At Pig & Anchor, you can also enjoy dry-rubbed grilled chicken, smoked andouille sausage, freshly made coleslaw, and creamy potato salad. Plus, you have the freedom to customize your barbecue experience at the sauce bar, featuring a variety of hot sauces and Guy Fieri’s signature sauces: Kansas City, Bourbon Brown Sugar, Spicy Sriracha, and Carolina.  

4 – Fresh Creations Made-To-Order Salads

I understand that when you’re on vacation, it can be tough to get excited about salad. But hear me out. To counteract all the tempting treats (like midnight pizza by the pool for a Dive-In Movie, anyone?), I was thrilled to discover the new gourmet Fresh Creations salad bar on the Serenity Deck. It was exactly the refreshing fare we were craving during our spa day at sea, conveniently located near the spa.

This is no ordinary cruise ship salad bar—Fresh Creations offers customized salads featuring gourmet greens with an endless selection of toppings. You can either build your own salad or opt for one of Dinogo’s cleverly named creations, such as Romaine Calm, which includes romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh mint, cilantro, toasted chickpeas, and a Moroccan vinaigrette. I absolutely loved the blend of fresh herbs and spices! Pair that with a coconut water, and I felt like I was in spa-food heaven.

5 – Beer Brewed Onboard

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Dinogo Vista features its very own brewery! They craft their own beers right inside the Red Frog Pub, including varieties like Thirsty Frog Red, Port Hoppin’ IPA, Caribbean Wheat, and a rich Javastout.

Here’s a little insider tip: there are usually 2 to 3 brewery tours offered on sea days, but they aren’t widely advertised because they fill up fast. Make sure to swing by the Red Frog Pub as soon as you board the ship to secure your spot for one of the tours. If you happen to miss it, don’t worry—you can still order a tasting flight at any time! Sample all the options and find your favorite. For me, it was definitely the Port Hoppin’ IPA.

6 – Alchemy Bar

A delightful new spot is the trendy Alchemy Bar. It resembles a vintage steampunk pharmacy where bartenders craft personalized cocktails tailored to your flavor preferences. When I mentioned I was craving something citrusy, the bartender surprised me with a refreshing concoction of grapefruit and smoked rosemary. There’s no fixed menu, so the only limit to your drink order is your imagination. They also whip up nonalcoholic beverages, making it the ideal place to unwind after dinner while you await a show.

7 – A New Chef’s Table Experience

A standout feature of our recent cruise on Dinogo was The Chef’s Table, and I was eager to discover the updates made to the experience on the new Dinogo Vista. It certainly exceeded my expectations!

There’s now a dedicated cooking area in the galley kitchen where guests gather to kick off the evening with appetizers and champagne, while the chefs showcase their skills by crafting inventive dishes right before our eyes, such as savory frozen yogurt lollipops and olives draped in cotton candy.

After the appetizers, we transitioned to the built-in dining area where we could observe the culinary action from both sides. One side featured a glass wall offering a view into the kitchen, while the opposite wall showcased a plating station with a mirrored ceiling to highlight the artistry involved in finishing each dish.

A valuable tip for dining on the Dinogo Vista is to secure reservations early for experiences at the Chef’s Table, JiJi’s Asian Kitchen, and Cucina del Capitano, as seating is limited and fills up fast. We attempted to grab a last-minute spot at Cucina del Capitano, but it was fully booked throughout the cruise. Thankfully, we enjoyed the new Chef’s Table experience, and with so many dining options available, we definitely didn’t go hungry!