A passport to a world of flavour: the cruise that redefines dining
With destination-inspired dishes and exclusive chef collaborations, Celebrity Cruises crafts exceptional culinary experiences for its guests
The first forkful is hand-rolled, warm pasta in a vibrant tomato sauce. The second, a crisp bite of seasonal salad kissed with zesty citrus dressing. By the third you’ve forgotten you’re at sea – until the horizon tilts gently and the waiter smiles, like he’s in on the secret.
Each plate on board Celebrity Cruises’ fleet is a passport to a world of flavour, where culinary craftsmanship meets stunning ocean views. It’s no surprise given that Celebrity Cruises sail to more than 300 destinations worldwide, drawing culinary inspiration from across the globe.
“Each menu on board Celebrity Cruises is inspired by the destinations we visit,” says Jan Sorensen, vice president of food and beverage operations at Celebrity Cruises. “Travel is the inspiration behind the thousands of mouthwatering dishes served each day. Globally inspired flavours are infused into menus to transport guests to the places that inspire them.”
On board any Celebrity ship the culinary offerings are driven by choice. “We offer guests up to 32 different food and beverage experiences on each sailing,” adds Sorensen. “On our Edge Series ships we’ve elevated the traditional dining experience to new heights and guests can choose from four main restaurants: Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan and Cyprus, each offering a different menu alongside Celebrity classics we know our guests love.”
Sensual food, exceptional service
Dining in these signature restaurants isn’t just about enjoying a meal; it’s a carefully choreographed experience designed to delight every sense, and service is at the heart of it all. “Service is our North Star. It is over five times more important to Celebrity guests than anything else. It’s ‘The Celebrity Way’,” Sorensen explains. “We are dedicated to providing elevated culinary experiences and have been honoured with recognition from Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural ratings for cruise ship restaurants. Fine Cut Steakhouse is among only six restaurants across star-rated cruise lines to meet their challenging criteria for service excellence and culinary distinction. I’m incredibly proud that Celebrity Cruises is the only cruise line with two restaurants on the list.”
At Fine Cut Steakhouse, the amber glow of hand-blown glass chandeliers mingles with the rich scent of dry-aged beef, cooked to perfection by chefs who butcher their own meat on board. “Everything we serve to our guests we produce on the ship,” Sorensen says. The steakhouse is a guest favourite, with a stunning interior offering expansive views out of either the sea or the ship’s Grand Plaza. While steak is the star, there’s something for everyone here, including premium seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Luminae, the exclusive restaurant for guests of The Retreat, offers a lighter yet equally thoughtful menu curated by Daniel Boulud, Celebrity’s global culinary ambassador, with dishes such as Maine lobster tagliatelle and truffle risotto reflecting bold, modern elegance. The Retreat is Celebrity Cruises’ exclusive suite-level experience, offering elevated privacy and personalised service throughout the journey.
Far-flung flavours
Sorenson explains that this partnership with Boulud brings a variety of unforgettable culinary experiences to guests. “Boulud’s first and only signature restaurant at sea – Le Voyage – offers guests on Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond and the soon-to-debut Celebrity Xcel an indulgent five-course dining experience, plus a Chef’s Table by Daniel Boulud for an extra special evening,” Sorensen adds. “As the name of the restaurant suggests, travel is the inspiration behind Le Voyage’s dishes. The globally inspired flavours invite guests to savour the cuisines that have influenced Daniel throughout his journeys around the world.”
For those seeking a more relaxed feel, Celebrity’s fleet offers a variety of vibrant bars and relaxed eateries. From poolside lounges serving handcrafted cocktails to venues featuring locally inspired small plates, there’s a spot to suit every mood.
Fresh seafood lovers will find a favourite at Raw on Five, while the immersive dining experience at Le Petit Chef combines technology and storytelling for something truly unique. Health-conscious guests can visit Spa Café for fresh juices and nutritious meals, while AquaClass guests can enjoy Blu’s spa-inspired menu.
Coming up next…
Looking ahead to November 2025, Celebrity Cruises is set to raise the bar even higher. “Our newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, will build upon the beloved Edge Series while introducing seven new spaces and experiences, including The Bazaar and Bora,” Sorensen reveals.
The Bazaar will blur the line between ship and shore, ensuring the sense of place continues long after the day’s port call. It will feature two new dining concepts, Spice and Mosaic, which will serve rotating menus inspired by the ship’s destinations.
Bora will evoke the Mediterranean coast with a seafood-forward menu in an al fresco setting. By day it will host Celebrity’s first-ever brunch concept with a lavish Bloody Mary bar. By night it will transform into an intimate dining venue offering chef-led tableside demonstrations and shareable plates. “Bora will transport guests straight to the Mediterranean – in flavour, atmosphere and style,” says Sorensen.
In early 2026, Celebrity Solstice will emerge from a bow-to-stern modernisation, introducing five new food and beverage concepts. “These will reflect the creativity and innovation that define Celebrity Cruises,” Sorensen says – a commitment that continues to inspire the culinary artistry and forward-thinking spirit synonymous with every Celebrity journey.
To book your perfectly balanced cruise, go to celebritycruises.co.uk, call 0800 2404 312 or contact your travel agent.
