Thread: Chefs Table on Princess Cruises

Can anyone tell me what is the "Chefs Table" on Princess Cruise line? Going on the Caribbean Princess, 5/3/09, and heard about this but can't seem to find any info on their website. And any info or suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks

Hey there!

I suggest that you ask this question on the Princess forum. Maybe our Princess Guide will have the answer for you.

Here is the link--> Princess Cruise Line

News Article

1/2/2008


Princess' New Chef's Table Dinners to Roll Out Fleetwide
Private Gastronomic Gathering a Resounding Success with Culinary Enthusiasts

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (January 2, 2008) - Princess' Chef's Table, the exclusive dining experience that debuted to rave reviews earlier this year aboard Emerald Princess, will now be introduced across the line's fleet.
Currently available on Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess, the Chef's Table is scheduled to debut aboard most vessels in the fleet in early 2008. The line's smaller ships, Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess and Royal Princess are not part of the initial roll-out but may offer the program at a later date.
Designed as a unique treat for "foodies," Chef's Table experience offers a select group of gourmets the rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley to enjoy a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation hosted by the executive chef. While many passengers are able to enjoy galley tours during the quiet off-hours, the Chef's Table experience takes interested diners behind the scenes during the height of dinner preparation where they'll also enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a special multi-course tasting dinner paired with selected wines in the dining room.
Participants in Emerald Princess' first season of Chef's Table evenings may have felt like dining room celebrities as other passengers stopped to snap pictures and admire the striking table set-up and unique menu selections.
"We knew many of our guests would enjoy this unusual close-up view of our culinary operations, but we were truly surprised by the tremendous interest - it's sold out every cruise," said Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations. "Hosting the Chef's Table requires an impressive level of dedication from our talented culinary team, but they've committed to offering it on rest of our fleet because we wanted to offer as many guests as possible the opportunity to enjoy this exclusive culinary experience."
The Chef's Table begins when the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley where they can observe the bustle of dinner-hour preparations and meet the executive chef, plus enjoy French champagne with appetizers. The chef previews the details of the menu he created for that evening, and the group is welcomed to their special table in the dining room. The multi-course menu is specially created by the chef, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship. The fare might include anything from a focus on regional cuisine to a showcase of indigenous ingredients from a recent port. Each course is accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Specially selected wines complement the meal. During the dessert course, the chef rejoins the group at their private table to participate in a discussion about the evening's meal, answer questions, and share culinary secrets perfected during many years of experience at sea and on land.
Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Princess' best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey, which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is available on amazon.com. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef.
The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers per night, at a cost of $75 per person. Reservations are made onboard through the ship's DINE telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at Princess Cruises® : Official Cruise Line Website.

WOW, thanks so much for the quick response !! It sounds like quite an experience, will have to try for it when get on board. I enjoy reading all the messages here and have gotten some good ideas & insights. Am so glad have found this site.

Princess is our favorite line but we have not tried it yet. It does sound like quite a treat We are thrilled to have you here, glad you like it

I was interested in trying it on our last cruise but the others didn't want to spend the extra money, plus we were very busy with our all day tours. I do hope to try it sometime.

One thing that I heard is that if there's a norovirus condition onboard, the Chef's Table gets cancelled. Fortunately, that's not the case for most cruises.

Originally Posted by cruisin' chick

One thing that I heard is that if there's a norovirus condition onboard, the Chef's Table gets cancelled. Fortunately, that's not the case for most cruises.

This is true. We had booked it on the Emerald last March but it was cancelled because of a small outbreak. Disappointing, and I think unnecessary. They could have gone ahead with the meal portion and cancelled the tour of the galley.

WOW, what a treat. I would love to see this catch on across the industry. Is it really expensive?

Originally Posted by luckybluesman

WOW, what a treat. I would love to see this catch on across the industry. Is it really expensive?

Hey Lee!

According to the news release:

The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers per night, at a cost of $75 per person.

I believe I have read that it has become so popular that those who sign up by a certain deadline have their names randomly drawn for the Chef's Table. I'm sure someone will correct me if I haven't remembered correctly.