QM2 Cruiser Posted November 18, 2022 #1 Share Posted November 18, 2022 (edited) Hi Celebrity Forum! Prior to my first experience in The Retreat, I had a hard time researching the food on offer in Luminae. As others have mentioned, some of the menu descriptions aren’t terribly indicative of what is actually served. I thought I’d put together a compilation of Luminae food photos, organized by course. Hopefully it’ll help anyone else who’s trying to decide if Luminae would add significant value to their cruise. Overall, I enjoyed Luminae very much. Using the Celebrity App, I strategically planned specialty dining to avoid the Luminae menus that least appealed to me, i.e. nights that offered multiple smoked or raw appetizers, venison, sweetbreads, etc. In addition to the rotating Luminae menu, the “classic/always available” items from the main dining room could also be ordered without advanced notice. These items were the same quality and portion as served in the main dining room, just plated on Luminae crockery. On my cruise, an “everyday” fillet mignon was not available in Luminae, which I was expecting after reading other reviews. On my cruise, only the classic NY Sirloin could be ordered as an “everyday” steak option. For me, the desserts were the true highlight of Luminae, especially the Daniel Boulud Raspberry Pistachio Vacherin. The only true disappointment was the bread service, which only consisted of lavosh crackers, a soft dinner bun reminiscent of a frozen “BrownN’ Serve” roll, and a stale sliced whole grain baguette. I really missed having sourdough rolls and crostini, so after a few days I put in a special request for a main dining room bread basket, but they only remembered it on two occasions. All things considered, I'm definitely looking forward to returning to Luminae and The Retreat on future cruises. 12 nights of Luminae food photos to follow! Edited November 18, 2022 by QM2 Cruiser Misspelling 9 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QM2 Cruiser Posted November 18, 2022 Author #2 Share Posted November 18, 2022 THE AMUSE-BOUCHE Beet “Tartare” with Lime Segment Tomato, Basil & Tapioca Cod Croquette with Squid Ink Seared Tuna with Lavosh Cracker Grilled Shrimp with Lavosh Cracker Crab & Pea Gazpacho Balsamic Watermelon & Mozzarella Raspberry Macaron 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QM2 Cruiser Posted November 18, 2022 Author #3 Share Posted November 18, 2022 (edited) APPETIZERS Braised Short Ribs, Parsnip Variations, Pomegranate Chilled Lobster Salad, Hearts of Palm, Pineapple, Vanilla Dressing Fennel Soup, Lobster, Pomegranate, Citrus Ginger Crab Cake, Charred Kabocha Squash, Spicy Peanut Soy Sauce Roasted Apple & Hearty Green Salad, Hazelnuts, Scallions, Brown Butter Dressing Roasted Squab, Pearly Barley Risotto, Truffle, Port Wine Pan Sauce Roasted Carrot Salad, Peanut Sesame Mole, Pumpkin Seeds, Crispy Cumin Rice Duck Consumé, Duo of Duck Breast, Shaved Carrots, Pickled Mushrooms, Scallions Butternut Squash Ravioli, Brown Butter, Sage, Amaretto Crumble Pear & Radicchio Salad, Pancetta, Kale, Hazelnuts, Fig Pork Medallions, Confit Potatoes, Broccolini, Walnut Couscous Pilaf, Whisky Marmalade Baby Spinach Salad, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans, White Balsamic Vinaigrette Edited November 18, 2022 by QM2 Cruiser 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QM2 Cruiser Posted November 18, 2022 Author #4 Share Posted November 18, 2022 (edited) ENTREÉS Cod Basquaise, Potatoes, Clams, Piperade Alaskan Halibut, Baby Bok Choy, Sesame Sticky Rice, Ginger Broth Grilled Cape Hake, Artichoke Purée, Leeks, Fava Bean Pesto Roasted Lamb Loin, Merguez Sausage, Marinated Cucumber Herb Yogurt Grilled Pork Chop, Potato Confit, Turnips, Riesling Sauce Sea Scallops, Pea Mint Purée, Pickled Shallots Wild Mushroom & Cabbage Ravioli, Bouillon, Tomato & Ricotta Pesto, Asparagus Pappardelle, Braised Lamb, English Peas, Ricotta, Mint Roast Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato Purée, Savoy Cabbage, Grain Mustard Sauce Butter Poached Lobster, Squash, Savoy Cabbage, Champagne Sauce Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Oil Oil Purée, Sunchokes, Salsa Verde Aleppo-Honey Glazed Salmon, Mirin Turnips, Spicy Sesame Kale, Edamame, Simeji Mushrooms, Dashi Broth Daniel Boulud Signature Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Safron Cous Cous, Turnip, Cauliflower, Preserved Lemon, Olives Edited November 18, 2022 by QM2 Cruiser 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QM2 Cruiser Posted November 18, 2022 Author #5 Share Posted November 18, 2022 DESSERTS White Chocolate Macadamia Cake, Praline, Pistachio Gelato Chocolate Palet, Fleur de Sel, Carmel Gelato Chocolate Caramel Custard, Pretzel Gelato Daniel Boulud Signature Raspberry Pistachio Vacherin, Vanilla Ice Cream Creamy Pineapple Custard, Coconut Sorbet, Orange Tuile Lemon Chiboust, Citrus Cookie, Honeycomb Chocolate Sphere, Milk Chocolate Mouse, Dulce de Leche Gelato, Spiced Mango “Luminae” Baked Alaska, Italian Meringue, Neapolitan Ice Cream Chocolate Bar, Caramelized Banana, Sesame Nougatine, Peanut Gelato 7 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenb Posted November 18, 2022 #6 Share Posted November 18, 2022 There should be a rule about posting pictures like these! I just drooled on my key board! 1 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHEZMARYLOU Posted November 18, 2022 #7 Share Posted November 18, 2022 Thanks for the pictures, especially the lamb with the sausage. I was wondering how much lamb vs. sausage since I can't eat spicy food at night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare chemmo Posted November 18, 2022 #8 Share Posted November 18, 2022 Thank you for such a clear pictorial review… I assume from your name you are a regular Cunard traveler? So how would you rate/compare the following on both lines? Luminae vs Queen’s Grill Suite rooms Butler service overall cruise experience price As someone who has been looking at Cunard for the first time, very interested… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonneh Posted November 18, 2022 #9 Share Posted November 18, 2022 Thank you for posting these wonderful pictures! 😋😋😋 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealBatman Posted November 18, 2022 #10 Share Posted November 18, 2022 What a terrific menu! Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to post these images. We will be on Edge in January and looking forward to experiencing this menu in Luminae! Excellent work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cap_D Posted November 18, 2022 #11 Share Posted November 18, 2022 Thank you for the time and care taken in posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39august Posted November 18, 2022 #12 Share Posted November 18, 2022 Mary Lou, there was more sausage thea lamb when I ordered this dish on Equinox in Sept. I won't order it again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheHawk1 Posted November 18, 2022 #13 Share Posted November 18, 2022 Thank you for the pictures. Compared to the vague descriptions of the menu items in the app, this actually gives me a sense of what is being offered in Luminae for my upcoming February cruise. However, if the photos are also an indication of the portion size that's being served, then I'll probably be heading to the buffet after my dinner for a snack 😆 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Texed Posted November 19, 2022 #14 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Bryan, Thanks for posting. 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Alsmez Posted November 19, 2022 #15 Share Posted November 19, 2022 I did a pretty comprehensive review of Luminae a few years ago - many of the same dishes remain on the menu to this day. If you want more photos and some details about preparations, take a look: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2667167-the-ultimate-luminae-review-51919-summit-to-bermuda/ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare hcat Posted November 19, 2022 #16 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Great job of presenting the photos with names of the dishes. Tasting is the Ultimate test. We just had our fIrst experience in Luminae on BEYOND. Sorry to say, it was sub-par and disappointing...otherwise we truly loved BEYOND and the Retreat . In Luminae, a beautiful venue, the shrimp cocktail shrimp were small & mushy, the sauce was like ketchup.. We only ate there 3 out of 5 nights. Overall the menu was uninspiring... For 2 nights, I had the aways available salmon, onion soup or salad. ( all excellent) . The chic night menu was okay I had the scallops and two of the tiny lobster tails which were succulent and sweet. The vegetables sparse on the plate were mostly burned and not edible. Desserts look great but we don't eat them very often.? We decided not to return to Luminae. We also ate on Raw in Five which was outstanding..lots of non sushi chouces.. The last night we went to BLU (our old favorite) Had nice fresh shrimp cocktail, filet mignon to perfection.. very impressed! There was a full bread tray on the table..not doled out liked in Luminae..and the nice butter and veggie spreads...we prefer that over the amuse bouche... Tastes differ but we know many others who wish the BLU menu was served in Luminae. We will probably book Retreat/ Beyond again but would try to avoid Luminae as much as possible...unless we hear the menu and food improve. We had hoped to be impressed, but unfortunately were not! 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbenboys Posted November 19, 2022 #17 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Great pic's. I saw the ones I always get. Saw some that I might try. My favorite dessert is creme brulee or the sphere. Just a thought have dessert in Luminae and have creme brulee sent to the suite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jim_Iain Posted November 19, 2022 #18 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Thanks - Great photos and presentation I plan on bookmarking so I can look up various dishes. As often as I've had them so many don't match the menu description. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcpc Posted November 19, 2022 #19 Share Posted November 19, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, hcat said: Great job of presenting the photos with names of the dishes. Tasting is the Ultimate test. We just had our fIrst experience in Luminae on BEYOND. Sorry to say, it was sub-par and disappointing...otherwise we truly loved BEYOND and the Retreat . In Luminae, a beautiful venue, the shrimp cocktail shrimp were small & mushy, the sauce was like ketchup.. We only ate there 3 out of 5 nights. Overall the menu was uninspiring... For 2 nights, I had the aways available salmon, onion soup or salad. ( all excellent) . The chic night menu was okay I had the scallops and two of the tiny lobster tails which were succulent and sweet. The vegetables sparse on the plate were mostly burned and not edible. Desserts look great but we don't eat them very often.? We decided not to return to Luminae. We also ate on Raw in Five which was outstanding..lots of non sushi chouces.. The last night we went to BLU (our old favorite) Had nice fresh shrimp cocktail, filet mignon to perfection.. very impressed! There was a full bread tray on the table..not doled out liked in Luminae..and the nice butter and veggie spreads...we prefer that over the amuse bouche... Tastes differ but we know many others who wish the BLU menu was served in Luminae. We will probably book Retreat/ Beyond again but would try to avoid Luminae as much as possible...unless we hear the menu and food improve. We had hoped to be impressed, but unfortunately were not! Totally agree with your assessment of Luminae on Beyond. Both the food quality and the service was definitely sub-par on our October 26th sailing. And there is definitely no "personalized" service in Luminae on Beyond.....and no "teamwork" as I've seen in Luminae on M-Class ships. If your waiter was busy your dirty dishes would sit on your table for over 20 minutes until he had time to come pick them up -- nobody jumped in to help. I was extremely disappointed in Luminae on Beyond. Some examples of the quality: ice cold cappaccino after the meal, frozen "beehives" of butter (and could not get butter replaced with a "non-frozen" version, no silverware in place when entree was served, ordered soup - no soup spoon - had to literally flag down a head waiter to get a spoon (by that time soup was cold), entrees served lukewarm, asked for sour cream for baked potato and was told they had no sour cream!!!! etc. etc. It was pretty bad. I'll still with M-Class or S-Class Other than Luminae the Beyond is spectacular. Le Voyage was over the top great as was all other dining venues. But Luminae needs a new team and new management. Edited November 19, 2022 by jcpc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcpc Posted November 19, 2022 #20 Share Posted November 19, 2022 @QM2 CruiserThanks for posting the pictures. These pictures represent what I usually see while dining in Luminae (just not on Beyond). You take great photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakegirl16 Posted November 19, 2022 #21 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Thanks for posting. Looking forward to Luminae in December! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Lew- Posted November 19, 2022 #22 Share Posted November 19, 2022 20 hours ago, TheHawk1 said: However, if the photos are also an indication of the portion size that's being served, then I'll probably be heading to the buffet after my dinner for a snack We were on the Edge for 36 days including the TA. We never had a problem customizing any dish to our liking...including extra lobster and lamb chops. Waitstaff was eager to accommodate our requests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare bjahil47 Posted November 19, 2022 #23 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Thank you for taking the time to take photos and posting! Everything looks so good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinBanka Posted November 19, 2022 #24 Share Posted November 19, 2022 Thanks for the “food porn”! I agree the Daniel Boulud Vacherin was the absolute best desert when we were on the Edge! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SingBill Posted November 20, 2022 #25 Share Posted November 20, 2022 Thank you so much for posting pictures with descriptions. Very helpful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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