The Dining Club sign on a glass background with seating in the foreground
Celebrity Cruises, Marella Cruises, P&O Cruises

Top 5 Specialty Dining Experiences

Whether you prefer a relaxed dining experience or something more formal, there are plenty of included options when stepping on board a ship. However if your cruise is for a special occasion or even just an extra treat during your holiday, have you considered an evening at a specialty restaurant?

What do we mean by ‘Specialty’ restaurant? These are restaurants that have an additional charge for you to dine, they can range from steakhouses and sushi to fine dining.

After trying out a selection of specialty dining on Celebrity, Marella and P&O Cruises, these are our top 5 experiences:

5. Umi Sushi, Marella Cruises – Sushi lover or first time trying the cuisine? This restaurant can be found on 4 of the fleet’s ships. Head up to deck 11 onboard Discovery ships for panoramic views out to sea whilst the chef freshly prepares your sushi roles. Not to worry if you’re not a fan of seafood there are meat and veggie versions available too, you can even mix and match! Go easy on the wasabi though…! Bookings can be made ahead of your cruise via Cruise Control or whilst onboard.

4. Keel and Cow, P&O Cruises – Head here for a gastropub experience. From pub classics to fine cut steaks there is plenty for everyone to choose from. The restaurant offers views of the atrium and out to sea. Whilst taking in the views tuck into The Prime Minister burger, slow-cooked pork belly or if you’re feeling really hungry: work your way through the 32oz Tomahawk. This restaurant can be found on Iona and Arvia; items are priced per dish.

3. Surf & Turf, Marella Cruises – You’ll find this steakhouse onboard the whole fleet of Marella Cruises. Choose from a sharing board, jumbo scallops or French onion soup for your starter. For your ‘Turf’ option, expect signature steaks such as ribeye or porterhouse. As the name suggests, you can also add ’Surf’ to your order including lobster tails and drunken prawns. The lemon tasting board is an excellent palette cleanser!

2. Eden, Celebrity Cruises – Head here for contemporary cuisine where the menu is inspired by the regions visited by Celebrity Cruises. Unbeatable sea views from the restaurant of the aft of Celebrity Edge Class ships; be sure to get a table by the floor to ceiling windows, especially as the sun goes down. Tantalise your taste buds with Tandoori Beef, Lobster Casserole and Azteca Chocolate Pie. Booking through the Celebrity app usually provides guests with a discount.

1. Dining Club, Marella Cruises – Found onboard Marella Explorer 1 and Marella Explorer 2, the Dining Club offers fine dining at sea. Expect several courses of incredible cuisine from our favourite restaurant on the seven seas! From the amuse-bouche through to the cheese board, you won’t be disappointed. On a couple of evenings there’s a wine pairing menu if you really want to push the boat out – we highly recommend you booking this option – The Explorer Dessert Sensation will round off your culinary journey. Currently this restaurant can only be booked once onboard.

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