5353

Sailing this cruise 1/27. Curious which ‘movies under the stars’ screening during the cruise.

My wife and I have joined the Chef's Table on multiple occasions. We don't do it any longer as we frankly don't have a big enough appetite for all of the courses that are served. On the Royal and Regent, there is a dedicated area in the center of the dining room with crystal curtains and Murano glass chandeliers. It is normally limited to five couples, and in the past, you met a day earlier to sign a waver (for food allergies and health questions) and receive information. Un dinner night, you are given a chef's coat and proceed to the galley for a private tour (which includes mandatory hand washing just like the servers) and a cocktail party which included the Captain and Head Maitre'd. There, you are served delicious hors d'oeuvre and french champagne. On several occasions, there were intricate ice carvings to view. After this, we ditched the chef's coats and were escorted to the dining table. Usually, there are 5-7 courses that included risottos and choice or all of the meats that might include prime steak, lobster, lamb chops, or fish. My first encounter included a mid meal palette cleanser which was an oversize gold sugar rimmed martini glass with sorbet. The waiter then inquired if I wanted a little grey goose vodka, or a little more, or a little more to top off the sorbet. He was very generous. Since the ship did not cook with open flame in the galley, the head chef flamed our steaks right by the table, and desserts were wonderful and unlimited. In addition, each lady was presented a long stem red rose and the coffee table version of the Princess cook book. The evening took almost three hours and photographs were included, too. You usually have to book it immediately after boarding as space is limited depending on how many times it's available. Bon Apetit!