Getting ready for a sailing from and through New England to Canada with Crystal Cruises, we’re looking closely at the itinerary, planning Crystal Cruises dining options, shore excursions and more.  Made easy via Crystal’s Priority Check-in & Planning Center (PCPC) we have made our choices and are set to experience most of what the ultra luxury cruise line has to offer.   This week we begin counting down the days until sailing by looking at time-sensitive to-d0 list items, our schedule, packing and more.  Today we take a look at dining, reputed to be one of the top experiences aboard Crystal Serenity, our home for the 10-day Autumns Palette itinerary.

Crystal Cruises Perfect Choice Dining is their newest way of inviting passengers to write their own personal definition of luxury with three distinct dining options to choose from in the elegant Crystal Dining Room.  Offering choice and flexibility, Perfect Choice Dining features Classic Main and Classic Late seatings in addition to a unique new option.  Called Dining by Reservation, passengers can reserve a table in the Crystal Dining Room at a different time each night of the voyage, just as they might at a favorite land-based restaurant.  This looks like an ideal option for those seeking a little more flexibility in their evening schedule, perhaps framing dining around entertainment or other ship-based interests, rather than the other way around with a fixed time seating.   Booking dining by Dining By Reservation times is done via  Crystal’s Priority Check-in & Planning Center (PCPC), Crystal’s cruise planner not unlike other cruise lines in its operation.   Different, are the choices available including three specialty restaurant choices, all included in the price of the cruise.

We booked one night at each, choosing to spread them out over the course of our sailing.

The first night on board, we will visit Silk Road and The Sushi Bar Restaurant featuring the cuisine of world-famous master chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, prepared by Nobu-trained chefs at Silk Road and The Sushi Bar.  In Gourmandizing Continues On Crystal Cruises With Sushi Master Nobu Matsuhisa we detailed the experience.  Now we get to try it. Crystal’s Nobu-cuisine restaurants, the only ones of their kind at sea, feature his personally-trained chefs, signature dishes, Nobu sake and his own line of dinnerware. Complimentary and open almost every evening of every cruise, the restaurants offer coveted fare that is also available via room service on Crystal’s butler-serviced Penthouse deck accommodations.

On two other nights we booked Prego, said to be a charming and romantic Italian-themed venue,and Tastes Restaurant where relaxed poolside dining is promised at Tastes with “Global Inspired Cuisine Family Style.”  Additional nights in specialty restaurants can be booked for an additional charge of $30 per person.

Also available on our voyage as part of the Crystal Cruises dining experience,  in-suite afternoon tea service, In-suite pre-dinner cocktail and gourmet canapé service and In-suite dining, including menus from Silk Road and Prego, served by course.  We plan on testing those options from time to time as well.

It’s all part of the Crystal Cruises experience that includes an impressive list of features for all passengers regardless of stateroom category, highlighted by complimentary fine wines and premium spirits and open-bar service; non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks, fresh juices and Afternoon Tea service; in-room complimentary soft drinks and bottled water as well as complimentary select beer, wine and spirits upon request; gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff.

Those in Penthouse suites also enjoy personal butler service with gratuities included, unpacking and packing upon request, pressing and shoe shine, afternoon tea service and nightly hors d’oeuvres, stocked bar and afternoon canapés and the ability to order “in” from specialty restaurants.

 

Here is more on Crystal Cruises All- Inclusive Culinary Options