Between today and the end of May, four enormous new ships are launching, taking some 16,000 passengers on cruises around the world. Along with all sorts of high-octane activities, spectacular shows and "first at sea" features, there will be an unprecedented number of dining options. Here's a preview of the highlights:
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Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas is the first of the Awesome Foursome to set sail, leaving Southampton on a seven-night France and Spain cruise on April 22. Ovation, which is cruising Down Under from December this year to January 2017, will have 18 eateries on board. Eleven of these are included in your fare and seven are classed as "next level" and attract a cover charge.
One of the most unusual restaurants is Wonderland – the whimsical decor matches the imaginative, sometimes bizarre, menu. Jamie's Italian has proved a big favourite on the other two Quantum-class ships and suite guests will enjoy Mediterranean-California fusion dishes in the Coastal Kitchen.
Carnival Vista, Carnival Cruise Line's 25th "fun ship", starts cruising the Mediterranean on May 1. Among its many restaurants and snack-stops are two main dining rooms, one of which will have a bar for pre-dinner drinks – a first for the line. The Chef's Table is another first for Carnival; it's actually located within the main kitchen, although separated from the action by glass walls so diners don't miss a thing. Cucina del Capitano will specialise in traditional Italian dishes served family-style and Aussie Carnival fans will recognise Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and Bonsai Sushi.
Holland America Line's MS Koningsdam will be officially dedicated in Rotterdam on May 20, then sails to Amsterdam to begin its maiden season in northern Europe and the Baltic. New to the line are French seafood brasserie Sel de Mer, the Grand Dutch Cafe, poolside Dive-In at the Terrace Grill, and the dining room in the Culinary Arts Centre. The popular Pinnacle Grill will continue to feature Pacific Northwest cuts of beef and other traditional steakhouse classics.
Last but by no means least – it will be the biggest cruise ship in the world – Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas departs from Southampton on May 22 for a northern Europe cruise and then a season based in Barcelona. Harmony will have 20 dining options, including free restaurants and cafes and eight for-fee options. It features restaurants from the Quantum-class ships as well as those found on its Oasis-class sisters, Oasis and Allure of the Seas. If you want to splash out for a special occasion, make sure you book into 150 Central Park – wine-paired dinners and tasting menus are the go for the ship's most exclusive restaurant.
Bon appetit!
MEET THE CREW
NAME Daniel Arulraj, Chef De Cuisine, from Chennai, India
POSITION Chef de cuisine, Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Legend
MY JOB I'm responsible for menu planning, experimenting and implementing new ideas, sourcing quality ingredients and orders for every voyage, as well as cooking and creating special feasts and luncheons.
A TYPICAL DAY… starts with checking the breakfast and then I spend time in my office planning the day's events and writing emails. Following lunch and tasting, I return in the evening to check all galley preparations and work alongside my team, handling the dinner operations in all restaurants. I end the day back in my office.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT There are a few. Glacier Bay, Alaska – what a place! – Bora Bora, and the first day we entered Sydney Harbour.
FAVOURITE CRUISE PORT As a chef, I love Sydney for its great restaurants. Also, Honolulu for shopping, Isle of Pines for the pristine beaches and Skagway, Alaska for hiking.
INSIDER TIP If you are a sushi lover don't forget to visit Bonsai, it's great value and outstanding quality. Do not miss our signature Melting Chocolate Cake, we have it every day during dinner in our main dining room. I also recommend ordering coconut crab in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
TIP
Wherever you're cruising, support local businesses by going ashore for a drink, coffee or meal and sample some regional specialties. Take local currency and don't forget to leave a tip if that's the custom in that country.
NEWS
MyCruises makes it easy
Choosing a cruise can be a mind-boggling exercise – there are so many choices of cruise lines, ships and destinations that it can be hard to keep up with the latest and best offerings. MyCruise is a new addition to the MyHoliday Centre and its team of experts will do all the hard work for you. Whether you're looking for an ocean, luxury, adventure or river cruise, MyCruises offers a specially selected range of deals and complete packages. Managing director Randall Deer says, "We've taken the guesswork out and have partnered with the best airline, cruise operators and resorts to create unbeatable cruise holidays while including our signature bonuses that MyHoliday Centre is so well-known for." See mycruises.com.au
Awe-inspiring Galapagos
There's certainly plenty of demand for cruises in the remote Galapagos Islands. Celebrity Cruises, which operates the 100-passenger Celebrity Xpedition in the region, has bought the award-winning company Ocean Adventures and its two ships, the 48-passenger ship MV Eclipse and the 16-passenger catamaran MC Athala II.
"Our guests use the most amazing words to describe their journeys to the Galapagos Islands," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. "They tell us the experience is 'once in a lifetime', 'awe-inspiring', even 'life-changing'. That's why we are thrilled to expand our Galapagos program with these two intimate ships." Celebrity will also offer more destinations in the Galapagos and new land-cruise packages. See celebritycruises.com.au
Six of the best
Viking River Cruises launched six more Longships in Amsterdam at the beginning of March, bringing its total fleet of ships operating in Europe to 56. Four of the six new ships (Viking Vilhjalm, Viking Alruna, Viking Egil and Viking Tialfi) will sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers; Viking Kadlin and Viking Rolf will cruise on France's Seine. Viking's seventh river ship for 2016, Viking Osfrid, will sail on Portugal's Douro – Osfrid is a smaller version of the classic 190-passenger Longships, customised for the Douro. Meanwhile, Viking's second ocean-going ship, the 930-passenger Viking Sea, set sail last week from Istanbul, heading for London's Greenwich where it will be officially christened on May 5.
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Take a 21-day cruise from Santiago through the spectacular Chilean Fiords to Antarctica and Buenos Aires on HAL's MS Zaandam with Travelrite's new fly/cruise/stay package. Departing Australia on January 30, 2017, the trip includes airfares to Santiago and return from Buenos Aires, one night in Santiago and two in Buenos Aires. From $11,625; phone 1800 630 343, see travelrite.com.au .
MORE DEALS
AVALON WATERWAYS has limited free flights for its 11-day Wellness Cruise from Paris to Monte Carlo, departing August 18. Hosted by TV presenter Deborah Hutton, the Avalon Poetry II cruise will visit regions famed for their fine food, wine and scenery, while also offering a daily program of healthy activities. From $5518; see balancebydeborahhutton.com.au/cruise
CRUISEABOUT is offering a free night's pre-cruise accommodation in Paris with Uniworld's all-inclusive, seven-night Bordeaux cruise on River Royale, departing July 10. From $5619, valid until June 30. Quote deal code 4027631 on 1300 450 133, see cruiseabout.com.au.
