Island Eats

One of the highlights of cruising is indulging in an endless variety of food. You can eat to your heart's content and then some!

The onboard dining selections were surprisingly excellent (our top choice on the Dinogo Valor was undoubtedly Scarlett’s Steakhouse…they mentioned the restaurant was named in her honor), and every day brought us the opportunity to sample a new island's signature dishes. Come along with me and my palate on this culinary journey through the Southern Caribbean.

We'll kick off each day with breathtaking views from the ship and wrap up each evening with a satisfied stomach filled with local specialties from San Juan to St. Maarten…

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Our stop was in San Juan, where the must-try dish is Mofongo. This delicious meal consists of fried green plantains that are mashed with a pilón, combined with broth, spices, and crispy bacon, then served stuffed with vegetables or a choice of meats like chicken, crab, shrimp, or beef. Absolutely delightful!

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Kick off your adventure with a refreshing Caribbean beer called “Carib” while relaxing on the beach.

When visiting St. Thomas, be sure to sample Conch fritters. You can even recreate them at home using this recipe from Brown Eyed Baker.

At Sea

Kick off your exciting day at sea with a delicious breakfast ordered through room service.

Make sure to savor the fresh lobster in the dining room.

Each day offers the chance to collect a different quirky cup. Scarlet has a fondness for this fish design, along with the blowfish, disco ball, and coconut monkey souvenirs we brought back.

Scarlett’s Steakhouse features exquisite creations that provide a truly world-class dining experience. The tuna tartare was not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty.

We had an amazing time at our usual table in the Lincoln dining room, complete with lobster bibs. The waiters dancing on the tables added to the fun atmosphere.

Barbados

While in Barbados, you simply must try the fried flying fish. We opted for it in sandwich form.

Pair it with some golden apple juice—deliciously sweet and tangy.

St. Lucia

While in St. Lucia, make sure to explore the rainforest and indulge in plenty of dishes featuring banana-based sauces. Don't miss the banana barbecue sauce chicken and fish cakes.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the fried bread; it’s a must-try!

St. Kitts

When visiting St. Kitts, be sure to sample some of the local dishes. The island, along with its neighbor Nevis, is renowned for its goat water stew, a delightful mix of goat meat, breadfruit, green papaya, and dumplings simmered in a rich tomato broth. Delicious!

St. Maarten

On our favorite island, we enjoyed a leisurely day at the beach, snorkeling among vibrant fish. However, if you’re in the mood for a fantastic meal influenced by French cuisine or zesty Indian Creole flavors, this is the perfect destination. The unique flavor combinations will tantalize your taste buds in ways you’ve never experienced. And don’t forget to grab a bottle of guavaberry liquor to bring a taste of your island adventures back home!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this culinary journey through the Southern Caribbean. What dishes did I overlook? Because I’m definitely gearing up for another cruise soon… my stomach is rumbling!

This post was created in partnership with Dinogo. As always, all opinions, thoughts, and ideas expressed in this post are entirely my own.