chef's table?

[schnoobie]

I am reading threads about the chef's table and it sounds like something we would enjoy.

We are sailing on Oct 30 on the Crown out of Fort Lauderdale, After boarding, where do we go to try and sign up for chef's table reservations?

I assume that you cannot do this in advance.

 

on a similar subject; can you reserve specialty restaurants in advance?

[Astro Flyer]

I am reading threads about the chef's table and it sounds like something we would enjoy.

We are sailing on Oct 30 on the Crown out of Fort Lauderdale, After boarding, where do we go to try and sign up for chef's table reservations?

I assume that you cannot do this in advance.

 

on a similar subject; can you reserve specialty restaurants in advance?

Call DINE on any phone onboard for Captain's Table reservations & hope you're near the top of the list. We make specialty restaurant reservations onboard which has never been a problem. Sometimes we wait until the dining room menu is posted before deciding when to go to a specialty restaurant.

[tmitchell82]

Definitely call the DINE line. The earlier the better. If you really want to go to the Chef's Table, I would recommend boarding early to get your name on the list. You can usually make reservations for the Specialty Restaurants after embarkation. They usually have a table outside of Sabitini's the day of embarkation and someone there around 2 or 3pm to make reservations.

[paul929207]

You can not make reservations for the specialty restaurants until you are onboard.

[Ando]

We tried on several cruises to get a place at chefs table and missed out as we always boarded late (2.30 - 3.00pm). On our last cruise we boarded at 11.45am went to our cabin, called the dine line and were immediately confirmed for chef's table. We'll be doing the same on our cruise in December.

Good luck!

[Colo Cruiser]

I am reading threads about the chef's table and it sounds like something we would enjoy.

We are sailing on Oct 30 on the Crown out of Fort Lauderdale, After boarding, where do we go to try and sign up for chef's table reservations?

I assume that you cannot do this in advance.

 

on a similar subject; can you reserve specialty restaurants in advance?

 

You have to do both while onboard. :)

[Aline13]

I am new to cruising - I will be going on the Ruby in November with my daughter who is 20, what is the Chef's Table and is it something a 20 year old would enjoy?

[Colo Cruiser]

I am new to cruising - I will be going on the Ruby in November with my daughter who is 20, what is the Chef's Table and is it something a 20 year old would enjoy?

 

 

Does your 20 year old like to eat??

 

News Article

 

 

 

Princess' New Chef's Table Dinners to Roll Out Fleetwide

Private Gastronomic Gathering a Resounding Success with Culinary Enthusiasts

 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 2, 2008) - Princess' Chef's Table, the exclusive dining experience that debuted to rave reviews earlier this year aboard Emerald Princess, will now be introduced across the line's fleet.

Currently available on Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess, the Chef's Table is scheduled to debut aboard most vessels in the fleet in early 2008. The line's smaller ships, Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess and Royal Princess are not part of the initial roll-out but may offer the program at a later date.

Designed as a unique treat for "foodies," Chef's Table experience offers a select group of gourmets the rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley to enjoy a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation hosted by the executive chef. While many passengers are able to enjoy galley tours during the quiet off-hours, the Chef's Table experience takes interested diners behind the scenes during the height of dinner preparation where they'll also enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a special multi-course tasting dinner paired with selected wines in the dining room.

Participants in Emerald Princess' first season of Chef's Table evenings may have felt like dining room celebrities as other passengers stopped to snap pictures and admire the striking table set-up and unique menu selections.

"We knew many of our guests would enjoy this unusual close-up view of our culinary operations, but we were truly surprised by the tremendous interest - it's sold out every cruise," said Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations. "Hosting the Chef's Table requires an impressive level of dedication from our talented culinary team, but they've committed to offering it on rest of our fleet because we wanted to offer as many guests as possible the opportunity to enjoy this exclusive culinary experience."

The Chef's Table begins when the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley where they can observe the bustle of dinner-hour preparations and meet the executive chef, plus enjoy French champagne with appetizers. The chef previews the details of the menu he created for that evening, and the group is welcomed to their special table in the dining room. The multi-course menu is specially created by the chef, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship. The fare might include anything from a focus on regional cuisine to a showcase of indigenous ingredients from a recent port. Each course is accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Specially selected wines complement the meal. During the dessert course, the chef rejoins the group at their private table to participate in a discussion about the evening's meal, answer questions, and share culinary secrets perfected during many years of experience at sea and on land.

Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Princess' best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey, which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is available on amazon.com. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef. The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers per night, at a cost of $75 per person. Reservations are made onboard through the ship's DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise.

[Aline13]

She does, but I don't think $75.00 worth! Sounds great though, my parents would absolutely love it. Thanks for the info.

[Colo Cruiser]

She does, but I don't think $75.00 worth! Sounds great though, my parents would absolutely love it. Thanks for the info.

 

Its a must do at least once!! :D

[momoforthodoc]

we've done chef's table twice and enjoyed it both times. my advice is to board the ship early then head up to sabatini's where they usually have someone from the dining room staff taking care of dinner reservations. don't get this person confused with the person taking speciality restaurant reservations. we've always given our names and cabin number to this crew member and both times have gotten into the chef's table without a problem. just remember if you have any food allergies they will not allow you to participate.

jeralyn ;)

[tmitchell82]

I am new to cruising - I will be going on the Ruby in November with my daughter who is 20, what is the Chef's Table and is it something a 20 year old would enjoy?

 

If your daughter enjoys good food and is open to trying various things, it is great. One thing to consider is that since she is not 21, not sure if she would get to enjoy (or you would let her) the alcohol that is included in the $75 price. I have heard there is a non-alcoholic charge. $65 rings a bell, but not exactly sure. The dinner itself last about 3 hours and IMHO worth every penny. We have done it twice and really enjoyed it. The food was excellent as was the experience. Below is a link to a video I made from our Chef's Table on the Caribbean Princess last year.

 

[Woobstr112G]

We tried on several cruises to get a place at chefs table and missed out as we always boarded late (2.30 - 3.00pm). On our last cruise we boarded at 11.45am went to our cabin, called the dine line and were immediately confirmed for chef's table. We'll be doing the same on our cruise in December.

Good luck!

 

Good for you. Also missed out last year on the Ruby because we boarded late. Hopefully our luck will be better in the future.....:):):)

 

Bob

[D&N LUV 2 TRAVEL]

We boarded late (5 pm) this past Feb on the Island but called the dine line right away and also paid a visit to the maitre d since it was supper hour and we were successful. Who knows what rationale they use. I think it was the personal visit to the maitre d.

 

Good for you. Also missed out last year on the Ruby because we boarded late. Hopefully our luck will be better in the future.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

We boarded late (5 pm) this past Feb on the Island but called the dine line right away and also paid a visit to the maitre d since it was supper hour and we were successful. Who knows what rationale they use. I think it was the personal visit to the maitre d.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'll try that in February on the Golden.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

If your daughter enjoys good food and is open to trying various things, it is great. One thing to consider is that since she is not 21, not sure if she would get to enjoy (or you would let her) the alcohol that is included in the $75 price. I have heard there is a non-alcoholic charge. $65 rings a bell, but not exactly sure. The dinner itself last about 3 hours and IMHO worth every penny. We have done it twice and really enjoyed it. The food was excellent as was the experience. Below is a link to a video I made from our Chef's Table on the Caribbean Princess last year.

 

 

It is definitely worth every penny. I'd even pay more. Btw, outstanding video, thanks for sharring.....:):):)

 

Bob

[ILgirl]

Princess has sure done a great marketing job! Whenever I read posts about the Chef's Table, posters are concerned about being "selected." Ooooohhhh.....selected to spend $150! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is as terrific as everyone says it is and might even participate some time. I just think it is kind of funny that the participants feel so special and fortunate for having been selected to spend $150. I was on a galley tour about 5 years ago and purchased a copy of Courses. If I understand correctly, this book is included with your Chef's table experience. Does anyone know if this is a second volume of sorts or if it would be the same book I purchased 5 years ago? Thanks.

[tmitchell82]

Princess has sure done a great marketing job! Whenever I read posts about the Chef's Table, posters are concerned about being "selected." Ooooohhhh.....selected to spend $150! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is as terrific as everyone says it is and might even participate some time. I just think it is kind of funny that the participants feel so special and fortunate for having been selected to spend $150. I was on a galley tour about 5 years ago and purchased a copy of Courses. If I understand correctly, this book is included with your Chef's table experience. Does anyone know if this is a second volume of sorts or if it would be the same book I purchased 5 years ago? Thanks.

 

The cookbook is basically the same. We compared the one we got at the Chef's Table with the one that we got back in 2003. Pretty much the same.

[Colo Cruiser]

Princess has sure done a great marketing job! Whenever I read posts about the Chef's Table, posters are concerned about being "selected." Ooooohhhh.....selected to spend $150! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is as terrific as everyone says it is and might even participate some time. I just think it is kind of funny that the participants feel so special and fortunate for having been selected to spend $150. I was on a galley tour about 5 years ago and purchased a copy of Courses. If I understand correctly, this book is included with your Chef's table experience. Does anyone know if this is a second volume of sorts or if it would be the same book I purchased 5 years ago? Thanks.

 

 

Don't knock it until you've tried it. ;)

[BosoxI]

I am reading threads about the chef's table and it sounds like something we would enjoy.

We are sailing on Oct 30 on the Crown out of Fort Lauderdale, After boarding, where do we go to try and sign up for chef's table reservations?

I assume that you cannot do this in advance.

 

on a similar subject; can you reserve specialty restaurants in advance?

 

It's well worth it and doing it on the Crown or any other large ship will ensure the best experience, as the small ships galleys are just too tight to allow you to benefit fully.

[BosoxI]

Princess has sure done a great marketing job! Whenever I read posts about the Chef's Table, posters are concerned about being "selected." Ooooohhhh.....selected to spend $150! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is as terrific as everyone says it is and might even participate some time. I just think it is kind of funny that the participants feel so special and fortunate for having been selected to spend $150. I was on a galley tour about 5 years ago and purchased a copy of Courses. If I understand correctly, this book is included with your Chef's table experience. Does anyone know if this is a second volume of sorts or if it would be the same book I purchased 5 years ago? Thanks.

 

No marketing by Princess is needed, and I don't ever recall being solicited by any employee while on board. It's word of mouth, as many passengers are not even aware of the program. And $150 is nothing compared to the value received. Try going to any half decent restaurant and seeing what a comparable meal would cost you. I believe there were four CTs held on the last 16 day Grand. Some folks can't or won't spring for extra food costs on a ship and I can understand their point, but it doesn't mean the additional cost isn't well worth the expense. Actually, I should keep my mouth shut; we've done it twice and don't want competition should we want a repeat performance.:p

[RickEk]

Princess has sure done a great marketing job! Whenever I read posts about the Chef's Table, posters are concerned about being "selected." Ooooohhhh.....selected to spend $150! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is as terrific as everyone says it is and might even participate some time. I just think it is kind of funny that the participants feel so special and fortunate for having been selected to spend $150. I was on a galley tour about 5 years ago and purchased a copy of Courses. If I understand correctly, this book is included with your Chef's table experience. Does anyone know if this is a second volume of sorts or if it would be the same book I purchased 5 years ago? Thanks.

 

Oh, most assuredly, Princess has done a great job marketing the Chef's Table experience. And, IMHO, it's worth every penny. Even our apparently substandard Table on the Sea Princess, was excellent (my partner said his experience on the Crown Princess was even better). It definitely makes for a night to remember.

[critterchick]

We did the Chef's Table on the Sapphire Princess last year and I was underwhelmed by the experience - I read some other comments about that particular ship not having such a great one. To me it wasn't worth the $75. On Sapphire, I would do the Ultimate Balcony Dinner instead.But I would like to try it on another ship, because I hear great things about the other tables.

[ebtrip]

Does anyone know if you can make Chef Table reservations for more than your cabin. We are traveling with 5 other couples. Can I call the Dine line for all of us..?

[Astro Flyer]

Princess has sure done a great marketing job! Whenever I read posts about the Chef's Table, posters are concerned about being "selected." Ooooohhhh.....selected to spend $150! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is as terrific as everyone says it is and might even participate some time. I just think it is kind of funny that the participants feel so special and fortunate for having been selected to spend $150. I was on a galley tour about 5 years ago and purchased a copy of Courses. If I understand correctly, this book is included with your Chef's table experience. Does anyone know if this is a second volume of sorts or if it would be the same book I purchased 5 years ago? Thanks.

In April on the Star received the 5th edition of Courses. You get a signed copy, group photo & a rose for women. We enjoy it tremendously with lots of good food & lots of wine/champagne. It's something we request & get each cruise but maybe it's not for everyone.