Veuve Cliquot n somewhat Constellation review

[bikerunner]

Just got off a wonderful 11 day cruise on the Constellation.  Mainly wanted to provide some insight into the Veuve Cliquot dinner.  I remember it was a topic a little while back.  The dinner probably was one of my favorites I have ever had on board.  I have done the chefs table multiple times but to me this one was a step above, well also had a great group of people doing it. There were only 7 of us in total.  
 

I have attached the menu and the pairings.  The food was great.  The Amuse bouche to start was the VC Rich and it was either with pineapple chunks to make the sweetness richer  or cucumber which I had, made it fresher.  It was really really good. The dinner was held in Tuscan.  
the 2nd course was the poached pear salad(amazing) and my least favorite VC, the rose.  It was very very dry on its own but worked well with the raspberry vinaigrette on the salad.  
3rd course was with the classic yellow label.  The sea bass was done in a cerviche style. For some it was very fishy, I enjoyed it with the pairing, 

4th was the sea scallops and a deviation to an unfiltered chard, Newton.   The wine was wonderful silky and was wonderful with the scallops and parsnips purée.  
5th was the filet perfect medium rare and around 12 oz overall.  This was with a Malbec  not one of my go to wines I prefer lighter reds like pinot noirs overall. But this was also excellent. I could not finish the whole filet. There is a lot of food in this plus my friend was with me and they made a special vegetarian menu for her and that is whole different story , her food was wonderful also with the pairings and such fresh overall. I was sampling hers and it was just as good as the listed menu. 
the desert with the petit fours first 3 different ones a lemon macroon, chocolate strawberries and one other sorry forgot but tried all of them and were wonderful.  The VC Demi Sec was wonderful with it. Of course they bring out the real desert next which was a perfect foil for the demi sec.  I liked that the pecan tart was not very sweet overall the champagne was a perfect compliment. 
 

The service was butterfly service style, all served at once.  Before each course the sommelier and the waiter would explain the pairing, by the 3rd course, I felt sorry for them just because all of us were having a great time talking and enjoying each other’s company.  I think we also got some side glances by other diners who were there for Tuscan overall. The meal started at 7 and we were the last ones in there. The cost is 150 each and well with it.  So much champagne and wine there were a lot of empty bottles at the end of the night. 
 

i will add a review of the cruise this weekend, one of my favorites overall tbh.  Really nothing wrong can be thought of just wonderful staff food and fun times 

Edited December 4, 2021 by bikerunner

[Buckeye94]

Did you book this online or in the app before boarding, or did you have to wait to book onboard? I sail next weekend on Reflection. I see this dinner listed in the app, but not able to book in Cruise Planner.  

[Ferry_Watcher]

Yum!

[bikerunner]

1 hour ago, Buckeye94 said:

Did you book this online or in the app before boarding, or did you have to wait to book onboard? I sail next weekend on Reflection. I see this dinner listed in the app, but not able to book in Cruise Planner.  

Had to book on board never seen it offered before in cruise planner like chefs table . I went to cellar masters or just find any sommelier they will be glad to help.  Well worth it  on reflection if you go to cellar masters they have a listing of all wine events for the cruise. I had specifically wanted to do this but needed to make sure my friend could go n be accommodated with a vegetarian menu. So much fun.    

Edited December 5, 2021 by bikerunner

[bikerunner]

Post review from 11/22 Sailing on the Constellation

 

Overall one of my favorite cruises, maybe it was the company I was with, the 1/2 full ship, or just sailing again but it was a wonderful cruise overall  

 

Embarkation was as easy as could be.  Got there at 12ish and on board by 1220.  Delay was on checking forms on the people in front of us.  The person checking forms was very slow, didnt help that the couple in front of us did not have there paperwork in order but still got on.  Was not a total fan that people were on top of each other and did ask the couple behind us to step back for distancing.  Overall was smooth process.  Goal for this cruise was to use the elevator as little as possible.  I think I did it 3 times, my travelmate just once.  We walked up to the 5th deck to find cellar masters, to ask about the Veuve Cliquot dinner, and to inquire about the meals for my friend who is a vegetarian.  This was handled mostly smoothly but I never got a confirmation on this until about Day 5 after inquiring a few times.  Not an issue and was taken care of as my review above shows, great meal.  After exploring ship, I have been on Constellation 4 times before this was my friends first cruise (2nd overall) on Celebrity.  We spent time in the spa going on the tour and checking our pre cruise appts  We also signed up for the Persian Gardens.  I use these rooms all the time, and purchase the cruise pass if not in Aqua, in regular OV Balcony this time. The pass for a couple was 330 for the 11 days, they did say max of 8 and did request reservations to use the Gardens, but in truth with the Occupancy so low never an issue walking in when I went.  I think the max I saw in the PG was 4 and that was only one time, usually just me or the two of us, we had different schedules using it.  Was on deck 8 forward in a room that was perfect for both of us   Had plenty of left over space after unpacking, and we both took a little to much  Fidelis introduced himself right away and our luggage was up in the room by 330 or so.  First night dinner was in Tuscan and was wonderful.  Food was cooked perfectly and service was top notch.  I had a Rib Eye and my friend had the Gnocchi, the apps were salads mainly.  We were exhausted after that and just walked around for a bit and then headed back to the Cabin.  Was a fun way to start the cruise.  The room was set and chocolates were on the pillows.  

 

I tend to wake up early and was up around 630 and went down the Cafe al Bacio to get my morning fix of tea.  Usually iced, Raspberry Nectar or African Solstice, on rare occasions when needing caffeine will go with English Breakfast.  Not a big caffeine drinker.  Service was great, ship being half empty could not help but get good service.  Tuesday was not one of my better days overall, did well in Casino, did go to the Art Auction picked up a print, I know many say its a scam etc, I buy art for not an investment but because I like it.  The auctioneers were all great people, there salespeople after all, and had a good time with them. There all from South Africa and like the rest of the crew very happy to be sailing again.  Never made dinner that night not really that hungry and just relaxed and did my last night in the Casino, won a bit more and called it done with the Casino, like staying ahead a bit and wanted the rest of cruise to relax, spa and really tbh not much else.  

 

Will add more later after getting notes in order.  Sorry no pics, really never took phone out 

[zitsky]

@bikerunner. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!!

 

Just bought two bottles of yellow label from my local wine store (online).  They are limiting to two each.  Saving for a possible house party.  Might go in person to get more and some vintage YL.

 

Hope to do this on board in 2022 or 2023.