FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Chef’s Table Lumiere

by Patricia Vanikiotis

Feb 8, 2025

Shortly after we booked our 14-day cruise on Royal Princess, we learned about one of the special dining experiences offered on the ship and knew we had to book it. As it turned out, my husband, Harry, would be celebrating his birthday during the cruise, and we decided the Chef’s Table Lumiere would be the perfect way to mark his special day. We learned we wouldn’t be able to book a seat at the table (which is not offered on every night of a cruise and seats no more than 10 or 12 guests) until we boarded the ship, so we bided our time and hoped for the best. The dinner alone would be $85 per person, with the wine flight adding an additional charge. (All charges on board were billed in Australian dollars — and the exchange rate was very favorable; dinner plus the flight was quoted at AUD 233 per person.)

Just a few weeks before our departure, Harry was talking to a Princess representative about another matter and happened to ask about the Chef’s Table. Somehow, he was magically able to hold a place for us, but we wouldn’t know the exact date of the meal until we sailed. What makes this meal so special? It’s a multicourse affair accompanied by a wine flight hosted by the ship’s executive chef and the director of restaurant operations. The menu is developed exclusively for this event; the dishes are not available in any other venue on the ship; and it includes other perks such as commemorative photos and menu, a tour of the galley, and a chat with the chef.

Once on the ship, we learned the special meal would be one day after Harry’s birthday; no matter, we’d just celebrate his day at another of the ship’s specialty restaurants! We received a letter informing us where and when we would meet along with some notifications outlining strict health guidelines, since we would be visiting food prep areas. We arrived with our travel companions, Julie and Paul, at the appointed time at a special table in one of the main dining rooms. Another couple and two solo travelers would share our experience, making a cozy group of eight. We were welcomed by Silvio Zampieri, the director of restaurant operations, and Executive Chef Joel Directo. We were offered a flute of sparkling wine (Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir) and a plate of four large, beautifully presented hors d’ouevres. (The menu referred to them as “amuse-bouche,” but these were far too large to fit that description!) Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner From left to right in the picture above, they were a Shrimp and Scallop Cake with balsamic sauce; a warm Potato Timbale with sour cream and caviar; a Lobster & Crab Margarita with avocado, mango and lime, cleverly served in a tiny cucumber “bowl”; and a Mini Quiche Fontina Cheese with a white turtle truffle oil. It was a lovely start to the meal, but we did remark that for all the color, the flavors were rather muted.

Next, we were ushered through to the galley and walked past the many stations where meals in large numbers were being prepared for the diners outside. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner Everything gleamed, and while everyone seemed busy and on-task, there was a great sense of order and efficiency. Our guide, Silvio, provided narration along the way, giving statistics such as how many meals were prepared in a day or how many pounds of butter were used daily, but with the roar of the ventilation system, it proved difficult to catch everything he said. It was fascinating, nonetheless, Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner and we were cheerfully greeted by everyone we saw. Once through the galley, we passed into another dining room and headed to our special table, set in the middle of the room and overhung with a faceted glass ceiling. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner Once we settled into our seats around the table, centered with an illuminated-from-within glass sculpture, Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner a curtain of lit crystal beads arose from the floor to the ceiling, shielding us from the gaze of curious diners outside that exclusive circle. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner  Then the dishes began to arrive, each one a work of art. First came salmon gravlax and caviar, served on a large leaf with a cloud of transparent “wasabi crystal,” a playful “fish bone” tuile and dill. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner  On its heels came two generous slices of fois gras on toasted brioche with caramelized calvados apple wedges . . . so rich! Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner  The soup course was a creamy seafood bisque with brandy cream accompanied by Oysters Rockefeller and mussels in white wine. Such an opulent dish! Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner This was followed by a deliciously light and palate-cleansing lemon sorbet with Champagne, providing a pleasant pause from all the rich fare. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner

We had our choice of two entrées, Veal Oscar with crab meat or a roasted salmon fillet. I opted for the salmon, served with a red wine sauce (yes, you can have red wine with fish!), “shingled” crisp potato confit, oyster mushrooms and romanesco. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner I have to say, at this point in the meal we were all feeling very full, and the really large portions, especially of the entrées, were bigger than we needed. It wasn’t that the meal was too quickly paced, because we did not feel rushed at all, but there was just too much of some very good things. With our various courses we were served some nice California wines: a Stag’s Leap Hands of Time Chardonnay and a Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cab. Dessert was a real show-stopper: an arch of shortbread surrounding a lemon-shaped lime crémeux and hazelnut crumble served with another California wine, a sweet Moscato from St. Supéry. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner Full as I was, I did enjoy both, with the crémeux a nice, light(er) finish to a great meal.

Before we left, the ship’s photographer took a round of group and individual photos to help commemorate a wonderful evening. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner We very much enjoyed the company of our other dining companions, feeling like old friends by the time we departed three hours after the start of the evening.

One more surprise greeted us when we returned to our stateroom later that evening. Each of us received a “token of appreciation” in hosting us that evening in the form of a plate of assorted dipped strawberries. Princess Chef's Table Lumiere dinner Though appreciated, they were put away for another day because I could not look another morsel of food in the eye at that point!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
May 16, 2025

New Kosovo Philharmonic Opera, Ballet and Theatre Hall to Open This Year

A new opera and ballet theater in Kosovo will house four performance halls and a new public plaza in the capital city of Prishtina. As the first opera house in the Republic of Kosovo, the theater symbolizes the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage while reflecting a new identity for Prishtina, rooted in creativity and a commitment to the country’s artistic growth.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

Daily
May 16, 2025

Inkaterra Hotels Make a Peru Trip Unforgettable

Looking to plan the ultimate trip to Peru, but not sure where to start? Inkaterra is here to help. With properties in multiple cities throughout the country and various immersive itineraries, Inkaterra makes it easy for your dream trip to Peru to come to life.

Daily
May 16, 2025

“Le Commandant Charcot” Will Complete Full Antarctica Circumnavigation in 2028

PONANT EXPLORATIONS will soon achieve a new world first when its Le Commandant Charcot will embark on a full circumnavigation of Antarctica, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, from January to March 2028. This polar expedition unlike any before will journey nearly 11,200 miles of remote, uncharted coastline of the White Continent.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
May 15, 2025

Mansions, Gardens, Museums and More Await in Greater Wilmington, Delaware

Lovely any time of year, Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley in Delaware shine in spring and summer, providing an easy getaway from nearby major cities like Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; and New York City. Wind down with a stroll along the riverfront, or time your visit to enjoy outdoor and indoor sites, plus plenty of great food on these dates:

eFlyer News
May 14, 2025

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Enters European River Cruise Market with 2026 Itineraries

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions recently announced its inaugural European river cruises, with bookings open for its 2026 sailings on May 20. Travelers can choose from two options, each focusing on different destinations and activities.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

eFlyer News
May 14, 2025

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines Launch Daily Service Between Seattle and Tokyo

Alaska Airlines launches a new global connection between the Pacific Northwest and Japan with a Hawaiian Airlines-operated flight. The new service between Seattle (SEA) and Tokyo (NRT) begins Sept. 12.