Wine Tasting and Chef’s Table

[cangelmd]

Has anyone done either of these excursions/events?

 

I’m referring to the Riedel crystal wine tasting, has anyone done that? Any idea what the wines were, number of whites and reds?

 

 

Also we bought the St, Maarten Chef’s Table, which was an all day excursion including a special lunch and dinner, but St. Maarten is off the itinerary, and they have not yet refunded my money or made a substitution. So I was wondering if anybody had actually done either?

 

 

We are on the Equinox in January

[Project_gal]

We did the St Maarten Chef's Market Discoveries (the Chef's Table is a different event) a few years back but it is not clear from your post what your question is.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

The Riedel wine tasting is more about the glasses than the wines. I remember having 2 or 3 whites and 2 or 3 reds but not a lot of either.

 

Me did the Taste of St. Martin once and enjoyed it very much. Since most of the excursion took place on the French side including the market in Marigot and lunch in Grand Case I think it will be a long time before it is back on the possible excursions.

 

As Sue said, the Chef's table is a separate event. Usually limited to 8 or 10 guests and 2 members of the ships crew. It starts with drinks in Cellar Masters, might include a galley tour, and then dinner in the wine room of Murano's. At times there was a special menu other times it was been a choice of 2 entrees from Murano's along with appetizers and dessert.

We liked it better when there was a separate menu. Often the chef will prepare one dish table side.

[ClaudiaB]

Once St. Maarten is back on the schedule we will do the chef's experience there. It sounds wonderful.

 

We have done the chef's table (last Thanksgiving day actually) and it was wonderful. Used OBC. Included the big coffee table book. If we do it again, I'll try to get the price lowered since we don't need two books ha ha.

It was a separate menu just for that night, and was fabulous. We got to tour the MDR galley and the Murano galley during dinner service. Dinner was in Murano, in the wine room.

[Saturngrl]

I've done the Riedel tasting and loved it! Even though I'm an avowed "Cork Dork", there is always something to learn about wine. Yes, this class is about the difference between glass and crystal, as well as the importance of shape of the glass for the particular wine.

[cangelmd]

Sorry I didn't make my question clear...

I'm on the Jan 20 sailing of Equinox. Our stop at St Maarten has been cancelled, but they haven't cancelled the excursion in the online record. Do they do the Chef's Table on all cruises or does this excursion plus dinner replace the Chef's Table when it is available? I couldn't find a way to register for just Chef's Table for my cruise originally, so I just assumed that the excursion with dinner replaced that - because it included galley tour, other Chef's Table "stuff". I'm going to call, I was giving the worthless website a week to adjust the excursions and credit my account, and then call Celebrity if it was still an issue - then I thought to ask the wise people on Cruise Critic.

The great replies to my question about the wine tasting did answer the other question. Are there other wine tastings beside that one?

[CHEZMARYLOU]

You have to book the Chef's Table on board, no advanced bookings. You can inquire of the staff making specialty restaurant reservations. The sommeliers are also good choices for signing up for the Chef's table. The Chef's market discoveries do not replace the Chef's table, which they will do if there is enough interest. Sometimes they offer 2. There is sometimes a Wine Dinner which is a bit less expensive than the Chef's table and often held in Tuscan. Menu's for both the Chef's Table and Wine Dinner are often available before hand.

 

Several other wine events offered, basic food & wine pairing, Port wine tasting, Around the World wine event, Champagne tasting, higher end wine tastings. Some but maybe not all should be offered on your sailing. Again, the sommeliers are a good source to find out about and sign up for these events.

 

We've done all of these dinners and wine events over the years, but not recently. Ask if you have any questions.

[vtcruising]

When we were on the Eclipse last January, I believe there were 4-5 wine tasting events offered: 1) Food and Wine Tasting, 2)Riedel Glassware Demonstration (2 whites, 2 reds- enjoy this one), 3) Around the World (6 whites, 6 reds - 2 from each of 6 countries/areas– we always do this one and enjoy it as we always discover a few nice wines that we then order with dinner, 4) High End Wine Tasting (can’t remember name, but this has more expensive wines to taste and is more expensive), 5) Wine Tasting 101.

 

On our cruise in September we did the Blendtique wine class/competition. Teams of 4 have a wine blending kit and they discuss characteristics of various varietals and then had us mix various blends of 4 types of red wine until we get one we like. That one is presented to the judges to choose winners. We came in 3rd out of 11 teams – it was so much fun!

 

I know this was cancelled for you, but will give you a description in case you this another year or choose to do it in another port. It was a highlight of our Eclipse cruise - the Chef’s Market Discovery Tour in St. Maarten.

We (9 of us) spent a wonderful day with Executive Chef Eain Clarke, who oversees all the specialties, including Blu and Luminae on Eclipse. We had seen 3 different descriptions of the tour (the original on-line, what we received with the tickets onboard and what was described in the shore excursion brochure we received onboard), so were a bit confused about what the tour included - we were not disappointed. .

We ended up tasting some nice cheeses with wines on the Dutch side (at 9 AM:D), going to the open air market in Marigot to learn about the island’s spices, fruits and vegetables (and tasted fresh fruits), had a little time to shop at the market and watched our chef and another chef at a French side restaurant make ceviche from fish caught that morning (with more wine) - they also explained how to choose fresh fish. We toured the island with a great tour guide in a comfortable small bus and then went to a lovely seaside restaurant for lunch on the French side and had even more wine. The food there was amazing, we had a gorgeous view of the beach and we all enjoyed talking to the chef, who sat with us, about how he became a chef and Celebrity’s food, issues with the food/restaurants onboard, etc. He was interested to hear our feedback. We then went back to the ship with the tour guide continuing to point out things on the island. We arrived back at the ship at about 2:30.

 

For our dinner that night, the chef said he had had an assistant pick up fresh snapper, lobster, fruits and vegetables from St. Maarten and created the most amazing five course dinner for the 9 of us. First, we had a tour of the galley at 7:00 PM when it was in full action – we’ve seen it between meals during the day, but never at night in full dinner mode. Dinner was then served in Tuscan Grill. Again, the wine flowed and a lovely dinner was had by all.

 

This tour was expensive (was $199 each when we booked a few months before the cruise, but had increased to $259 onboard), but wonderful. The other Chef’s Market DiscoveryTours on this cruise (St Lucia and Barbados) were less expensive when we booked, I think, but the chef said that the St. Maarten one was his favorite. It was one of the major highlights of our cruise.

 

Another event that you might enjoy is the Progressive Dinner – it is now called “Best of Specialty RestaurantsDinner.” This is something they do if there is enough interest, I guess. The group eats one course at each of the specialty restaurants in succession.

Our group of nine and 6 other people started at Sushi on 5 with Chicken Ginger Gyoza and sake after a great sushi making demonstration. We were then escorted to Qsine for Disco Shrimp and a lovely chardonnay. We then were brought to the Tuscan Grill. The delicious filet was paired with a Chilean Cab and the fish (if preferred) with a Sancerre. The bread with olive oil, rosemary and balsamicwas delicious there as well. We then rolled into the Wine Cellar at Murano for Grand Marnier soufflé and dessert wine, coffee, tea, port. All in all, anexcellent night of great food and service with a fun group. The cost was $99 PP and was worth it, in our opinion.

 

Our friends did the Chef’s Table on the Eclipse and also had an excellent experience.

 

Lots of choices - enjoy your cruise!

[CHEZMARYLOU]

vtccrusing, Thanks for the expanded description. As I said, it's been a while since we did any of these events and my memory is hazy. It's not that we don't like the special dinners and wine tastings but we've found that the dinners offer way too much food for us anymore and with the premium beverage package and access to Michaels Club we can create our own wine tastings. We also have had unlimited specialty dining on our cruises so we tend to spend our money or OBC on higher end wines with dinner.

[vtcruising]

vtccrusing, Thanks for the expanded description. As I said, it's been a while since we did any of these events and my memory is hazy. It's not that we don't like the special dinners and wine tastings but we've found that the dinners offer way too much food for us anymore and with the premium beverage package and access to Michaels Club we can create our own wine tastings. We also have had unlimited specialty dining on our cruises so we tend to spend our money or OBC on higher end wines with dinner.

 

Yes, I think that we end up being a bit hedonistic with food and drink on cruises in general (and I barely drink the rest of the year and eat regular food at home). We enjoyed doing the Progressive Dinner and Chef's Discovery with a group of friends (some of us were in suites and others not) so the whole experience was fun, in addition to tasting excellent wine and food.

 

We also always have the premium package and have been mostly in suites the last few years. We love Michael's and Luminae and are happy with the food and drink there. I like the idea of putting OBC into trying the higher end wines - I usually try to keep it less than $20/glass - I think I will try the really good stuff next time. :D

[Texed]

We did the St Maarten Chef's Market Discoveries .

 

We did also, twice. :p

[CHEZMARYLOU]

. I like the idea of putting OBC into trying the higher end wines - I usually try to keep it less than $20/glass - I think I will try the really good stuff next time. :D

 

If you want to splurge and like red wine look at the wines on the Splurge section of Laminae's wine list. Of course, with the premium beverage package you get a 20% discount but then pay 18% gratuity. :halo::evilsmile:

[vtcruising]

If you want to splurge and like red wine look at the wines on the Splurge section of Laminae's wine list. Of course, with the premium beverage package you get a 20% discount but then pay 18% gratuity. :halo::evilsmile:

 

Can't wait!

[cangelmd]

Thank you Vtcruising, that answered my question.

My husband is bummed about St Maarten. We went on an RCCL cruise with friends and family last year, and he thought we were going to St Maarten on that trip - just a little confusion, so,he was really looking forward to this. I’m sad about the circumstances, I live in hurricane land.

We are big wine people, and since we are repeating all ports from last year, we will likely use a lot of our OBC on wine and Chef’s Dinner. The Around the World tasting sounds like fun.

It also sounds like there are some good wines by the glass, if you ask for them. Thanks for the help.

[vtcruising]

Thank you Vtcruising, that answered my question.

My husband is bummed about St Maarten. We went on an RCCL cruise with friends and family last year, and he thought we were going to St Maarten on that trip - just a little confusion, so,he was really looking forward to this. I’m sad about the circumstances, I live in hurricane land.

We are big wine people, and since we are repeating all ports from last year, we will likely use a lot of our OBC on wine and Chef’s Dinner. The Around the World tasting sounds like fun.

It also sounds like there are some good wines by the glass, if you ask for them. Thanks for the help.

 

 

I hope you can go to St Maarten on a future cruise and do the tour.

 

The wine events and times are listed on a small card available in Cellar Masters when you board. When you book a wine event the sommelier who books it will receive a gratuity (we were asked a few times if we wanted to book wine events by sommeliers when our interest in wine was known and they were disappointed when they found out we already had booked - not sure what they receive, but they are definitely happy when they get a booking). We usually book one in Cellar Masters and get to know the sommeliers in there. We also make sure to book at least one with our restaurant sommelier (we have been in Blu and Luminae recently) - they never forget you and it seems to help build a wonderful wine relationship. :D

 

Cheers!

[tanzania2015]

We have done the chef’s table on our last eight cruises. The food is outstanding (sometimes a single selection and sometimes two selections.) We have had great officer hosts (spa manager, IT manager, stores manager, HR, restaurant manager, housekeeping manager, etc.) which provided a lot of information about the running of the ship. We have been very fortunate to have had only three other couples at the dinners and have had great rep-ore with them and made some good friends. Our last dinner was on the Equinox in October this year which was outstanding. Celebrity has discontinued the Celebrity Cook Book (We understand that many recipes are being updated.) There’s too much food and wine but you don’t need to finish each course, just enjoy the tastes and company.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[cangelmd]

I hope you can go to St Maarten on a future cruise and do the tour.

 

The wine events and times are listed on a small card available in Cellar Masters when you board. When you book a wine event the sommelier who books it will receive a gratuity (we were asked a few times if we wanted to book wine events by sommeliers when our interest in wine was known and they were disappointed when they found out we already had booked - not sure what they receive, but they are definitely happy when they get a booking). We usually book one in Cellar Masters and get to know the sommeliers in there. We also make sure to book at least one with our restaurant sommelier (we have been in Blu and Luminae recently) - they never forget you and it seems to help build a wonderful wine relationship. :D

 

Cheers!

Thanks VT, I think we are on a ship that doesn’t have a Cellar Masters anymore, but not to worry, we will find a sommelier! ;).

[cangelmd]

Vtcruising, or anyone else who might find this thread again,

We just changed to Aqua Class, so we will be eating in Blu. Haven't discussed this with the DH, but I'm thinking we will drop our Murano reservation, but we still want to do the Chef's Table if possible.

Should we wait until dinner the first night to discuss with sommelier in Blu, or will that be too much of taking a chance? I was thinking after St Maarten was cancelled that there was a good chance the Chef's Table would be the same night as our Murano reservation anyway. I don't want to miss out on CT, but I would like our main sommelier to get the credit if possible. (unless s/he is unhelpful, but we aren't going to think that way!).

We've done one cruise Chef's Table, on Princess in Alaska, and it was a highlight of the trip - the food, the bubbly and hors d'ouveres served in the galley, just before the tour, and the people we met - including some Cruise Critic regulars from the Roll Call, and people who knew people that we knew, lots of fun and a very small world. (except for the incredibly drunk solo female traveller who thought she would meet party people at this very expensive small dinner party, that was just bizarre).

[Project_gal]

Vtcruising, or anyone else who might find this thread again,

We just changed to Aqua Class, so we will be eating in Blu. Haven't discussed this with the DH, but I'm thinking we will drop our Murano reservation, but we still want to do the Chef's Table if possible.

Should we wait until dinner the first night to discuss with sommelier in Blu, or will that be too much of taking a chance? I was thinking after St Maarten was cancelled that there was a good chance the Chef's Table would be the same night as our Murano reservation anyway. I don't want to miss out on CT, but I would like our main sommelier to get the credit if possible. (unless s/he is unhelpful, but we aren't going to think that way!).

We've done one cruise Chef's Table, on Princess in Alaska, and it was a highlight of the trip - the food, the bubbly and hors d'ouveres served in the galley, just before the tour, and the people we met - including some Cruise Critic regulars from the Roll Call, and people who knew people that we knew, lots of fun and a very small world. (except for the incredibly drunk solo female traveller who thought she would meet party people at this very expensive small dinner party, that was just bizarre).

 

Originally, there was only one Chef's Table per cruise and, then, only if sufficient people were interested. More recently, there have often been multiple Chef's Tables, at least on longer cruises.

 

If you wish to be certain, before the new suite perks were introduced, the earliest opportunity to sign up would have been the specialty dining table set up next to suite check-in at the pier. As it is only the high-end suite that get complimentary specialty dining, I guess the table is still usually set up there. If not, there will be plenty of people trying to sell specialty dining on embarkation day. We have seen tables between check-in and the ship on some cruises.

 

Having said that, I doubt that there is a great risk waiting until dinner and, if you do, you may gain Brownie Points with your sommelier.