Top dining experiences on a cruise ship

Inventive dishes, world-renowned chefs and those quirky dining experiences you’ll never forget; as lovers of cruise – and food – we pick out what we think to be, some of the very best dining experiences at sea.

Crackin' good seafood

Seafood lovers, rejoice. Princess Cruises’ Crab Shack pop-up is all about shell-cracking glory, where trays piled high with Alaskan crab legs, Bayou-style crawfish and hearty seafood pots land straight on your table. Add in creamy clam chowder, buttery corn and a lively, communal vibe and you have the ultimate seafood feast.

Experience this on selected Princess Cruise ships

Dining on the edge

The Magic Carpet is a bar and restaurant with serious wow factor. Suspended over the sea, it glides between decks to serve seafood favourites by day and Dinner on the Edge® by night – a sky-high culinary experience with unbeatable views and atmosphere.

Experience this on selected Celebrity Cruises (Edge® Series)

BBQ & honky-tonk

NCL’s Q Texas Smokehouse brings southern barbecue to sea, serving up smoky brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs and all the classic sides. As the evening rolls on, the atmosphere shifts into full roadhouse mode, with a live country band, line dancing and a bar that stays lively late into the night.

Experience this on selected NCL ships

S.A.L.T. of the earth

Silversea’s Sea And Land Taste® programme celebrates the tastes and traditions of every destination. S.A.L.T. Kitchen serves menus inspired by each destination, while S.A.L.T. Bar shakes up regionally crafted cocktails. Join daytime classes in S.A.L.T. Lab or intimate dinners at the Chef’s Table, then step ashore for tastings that bring the culture to life.

Experience this on selected Silversea ships 

Roux at sea

In 2026, Cunard brings a pop-up of the legendary Le Gavroche to sailings in the Norwegian Fjords and Iceland. Savour a signature tasting menu infused with local flavours, watch Michel Roux in live cooking demos and meet him at an exclusive book signing – a rare chance to dine with culinary royalty.

Experience this on selected Cunard Norwegian Fjords & Iceland sailings

Caviar in the surf

The Caviar in the Surf beach party is a signature experience on a Seabourn cruise, and guests are taken via the ship’s tenders to a soft sand beach where they can relax and enjoy Champagne and caviar on arrival, served by immaculately-dressed staff in the water. A lavish beach barbecue follows, served on fine china, with mouth-watering shrimp skewers, steak and lobster.

Experience this on selected Seabourn sailings

Flavours of the Douro

On AmaWaterways’ Enticing Douro cruise, you’ll step ashore at Quinta da Avessada for a delicious lunch of traditional Portuguese dishes. The estate is also an interactive wine museum, so between courses you’ll uncover the Douro’s winemaking secrets and raise a glass of the region’s famous port.

Experience this on Enticing Douro with AmaWaterways

Raise the steaks

Marble & Co. Grill takes the steakhouse and elevates it into a fine dining experience. Hand-selected cuts are served in a modern setting, with an in-house dry ager, soft lighting and a superb wine list. Our go-to dish is the dry-aged ribeye, perfectly marbled and full of flavour.

Experience this on Explora Journeys ships

Epicurean adventures

Regent’s Chef-Led shore excursions take dining off the ship and into the destination. Shop markets and forage with a chef in Greece, sip afternoon tea among the blooms at Butchart Gardens in British Columbia or head to Japan for melt-in-your-mouth beef by a teppanyaki master.

Experience this on selected Regent Seven Seas Cruises

French flair at sea

Jacques Pépin’s signature restaurant brings Parisian bistro style to Oceania. Heirloom antiques, wood panelling and artwork set the scene, while the menu serves classics with a twist: rotisserie chicken falling off the bone, succulent sea bass and rich sauces you’ll want to mop up.

Experience this on selected Oceania Cruises ships

Dining through the looking glass

Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland serves up imagination on a plate. Brush the menu to reveal dishes by element – fire, ice, sun, sea, earth. Expect playful creations like liquid lobster, pepper spheres, tuna sashimi on ice and cocktails designed as magical elixirs.

Experience this on selected Royal Caribbean ships

Sweet escapes

MSC has turned dessert into an art form. Watch Venchi chocolatiers temper glossy pralines, sample silky gelato or try showstopping creations from pâtissier Jean-Philippe Maury. Elegant bars, open kitchens and the smell of cocoa make it heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Experience this on selected MSC Cruises ships

Good to know

How cruise dining works

Most cruise fares include plenty of choice, from main restaurants to casual spots. Extra-special venues or one-off experiences (like chef-led menus, pop-ups or shore excursions) may carry a supplement.

Value vs luxury

Luxury lines such as Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania include more in the fare, from fine dining to premium wines. The price point is higher, but the value can be outstanding once you’re on board.

Tips for food lovers

Specialty restaurants can book up fast, so reserve early if there’s one you’ve got your eye on. And don’t miss the complimentary favourites – some of the best bites at sea are already included in your fare.

This article was created on 9th September 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Feature by Heather Flanagan.