Chefs table question for "suite or elites"

[Lynzchat]

Hello sailing gurus! Just curious if the suite passengers or elites or both get priority for tours like the Chef Table? I saw it listed on the perks sheet but wanted to see if anyone has booked it and gotten accepted.

 

Thank you! I appreciate your knowledge!:):)

[cnd crsr]

We had to call the DINE line and ask to attend just like everyone else. No special treatment for Elite. If you want to go to the Chef's Table, call as soon as you board. Sometimes it fills up quickly.

[Pia1913]

Hello sailing gurus! Just curious if the suite passengers or elites or both get priority for tours like the Chef Table? I saw it listed on the perks sheet but wanted to see if anyone has booked it and gotten accepted.

 

Thank you! I appreciate your knowledge!:):)

 

Most times it's not being filled (at least on my last few cruises), so for the privilege of paying $95/pp. you will undoubtedly get a reservation.

[timetravler]

I have done 4 chef's dinners and most were before I was elite. You can call the dine line as soon as you board or what I have done is go to the dinning room at the specific time that they tell you for making changes to your dinning preference. Just ask the purser's desk when that is. It usually is about 3pm or so on the first day.

BTW, in my opinion if you are a foody or just love really great food, the chefs table is well worth it.

[Colo Cruiser]

No its first come first served. :)

[goodie2shoes]

We have done it 5 times, all while staying in a suite. We have never been turned down when we request it from a suite. I don't think being Elite has any bearing on whether or not you get in, but I do believe that even before they listed it as a suite perk you got in automatically if you were in a suite.

[dorisis]

It is my understanding that suites get priority but not Elites.

[sminfiddle]

I get the feeling the DINE Line gets answered quicker when you are calling from a Suite. Can't prove it. But when we want reservations for specialty dining, we're the designated callers for the group if we have a Suite.

 

But Priority Boarding may be more of a factor here.

[Colo Cruiser]

It is my understanding that suites get priority but not Elites.

 

Says who?

[Sage]

When we were on the Grand in February, I asked DINE when they called me the first afternoon to see which alternative dining venue I wanted for my free dinner. I asked if I could make arrangements then for the Chef's Table, and I was told yes. It's a wonderful experience, and we hope to take part again our next cruise.

[Astro Flyer]

It is my understanding that suites get priority but not Elites.

 

Says who?

I've never stayed in a suite but did recall seeing that they get priority for certain things. I searched online and found this Princess statement about one of the suite perks with the link included here:

 

"Priority reservations for the Chef’s Table, the Ultimate Ship Tour, and the Princess Cays Bungalows"

 

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/ships/PrincessSuite_eFlyer.pdf

Edited May 19, 2014 by Astro Flyer

[compozer]

We have never been turned away from the Chef's Table when we are in a suite. One time the head waiter asked if we were going and I said that I had heard it was full so I did not bother to sign up. He returned and said we were on the list. I told him I only wanted to go if we did not bump anyone and he said don't worry about it.

[JimAOk1945]

Can someone please describe the Chefs Table? We will be in a suite in December.

 

Thanks!

[Astro Flyer]

Can someone please describe the Chefs Table? We will be in a suite in December.

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

Here's a link to the description Princess gives:

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/food_dining/chefs_popup/

 

The Chef’s Table is designed as a special treat for dining enthusiasts, and offers 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 Champagne and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a special multi-course tasting dinner paired with selected wines in the dining room.

 

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 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. Passengers 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 an additional cost. 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.

[JimAOk1945]

The Chef's Table sounds fantastic. One more question. Is it complimentary (free) for suite guests or do we get "priority" consideration as paying guests? The suite flyer on the Princess website isn't quite clear.

 

Thanks!

Edited May 20, 2014 by JimAOk1945

[Treven]

It sure was Dee Lish ious!. Certainly looking forward to doing it again, and I totally agree that it's worth the $95.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Treven

[Lanwood]

Says who?

 

It is not listed as a benefit under any of the captain's circle level benefits.

 

It is listed as an additional benefit for suite passengers on their updated list of enhanced benefits and luxury amenities for suite passengers.

 

I've made special note of this for my Caribbean booking on Regal late next year being a suite. My last Princess cruise captain's table was cancelled due to not enough bookings. So hopefully with priority, I'm in on the next one....

[DrivesLikeMario]

The Chef's Table sounds fantastic. One more question. Is it complimentary (free) for suite guests or do we get "priority" consideration as paying guests? The suite flyer on the Princess website isn't quite clear.

 

Thanks!

 

You have to pay, sorry. I think they also say you have to wear closed-toe shoes too so the ladies have to be careful if wearing a dress and chose their shoes wisely. ;)

[JimAOk1945]

You have to pay, sorry. I think they also say you have to wear closed-toe shoes too so the ladies have to be careful if wearing a dress and chose their shoes wisely. ;)

 

I think I'll book it. My wife will definitely enjoy it and I enjoy anything food related!

 

Do you know whether it's OK for someone to take pictures? My wife is a photo - taking enthusiast.

 

Thanks!

Edited May 20, 2014 by JimAOk1945

[rdsqrl]

Photos encouraged in both the galley portion and in the dining room! The MD and chef will even pose with you for your own photos while in the galley. They don't mind you taking pictures of anything -- I have a cute photo of a poster explaining with pictures how to plate an ice cream sundae (sorry it's not digital or I'd share)!

[JimAOk1945]

Photos encouraged in both the galley portion and in the dining room! The MD and chef will even pose with you for your own photos while in the galley. They don't mind you taking pictures of anything -- I have a cute photo of a poster explaining with pictures how to plate an ice cream sundae (sorry it's not digital or I'd share)!

This will make my wife very happy. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question! Happy cruising!

[Astro Flyer]

I think I'll book it. My wife will definitely enjoy it and I enjoy anything food related!

 

 

 

Do you know whether it's OK for someone to take pictures? My wife is a photo - taking enthusiast.

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

As already posted, take all of the photos your wife wants to take. We've enjoyed 4 of the CTs (when it was $75/pp) & would highly recommend it to do at least once. Which ship are you sailing? Previously they've reduced the price by $15 for anyone not drinking alcohol but that certainly wasn't me! :D

[bigchid]

I think I'll book it. My wife will definitely enjoy it and I enjoy anything food related!

 

Do you know whether it's OK for someone to take pictures? My wife is a photo - taking enthusiast.

 

Thanks!

Take all the pictures you want. I found that I was missing out on other things because I was distracted by taking photos. :confused:

[Colo Cruiser]

I've never stayed in a suite but did recall seeing that they get priority for certain things. I searched online and found this Princess statement about one of the suite perks with the link included here:

 

"Priority reservations for the Chef’s Table, the Ultimate Ship Tour, and the Princess Cays Bungalows"

 

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/ships/PrincessSuite_eFlyer.pdf

 

It is not listed as a benefit under any of the captain's circle level benefits.

 

It is listed as an additional benefit for suite passengers on their updated list of enhanced benefits and luxury amenities for suite passengers.

 

I've made special note of this for my Caribbean booking on Regal late next year being a suite. My last Princess cruise captain's table was cancelled due to not enough bookings. So hopefully with priority, I'm in on the next one....

 

 

Thanks. :)

[flamomo]

Taking photos throughout the entire Chef's Table experience is typical and expected. One of the times I attended, the Executive Chef, who was carrying a huge platter of lobster tails, scallops, and filet of beef from the galley to the serving table next to our CT table, stopped next to my chair and posed with a smile so I could get a really good picture.