To all who've done the Chef's Table - Set days on an itinerary? or Random?

[bbjap]

I'm interested in the chef's table and was wondering if the table happens a couple times on a 7 day cruise is there a method to when they schedule the dates?... ie is it on sea days or early port days?... is it the same for each itinerary? or does it vary cruise to cruise?... Also can you choose which day if there are two?...

 

I'm going to be on the RUBY in january doing a western caribbean itinerary.

 

Thank you very much in advance for your thoughts...

[CRLess]

When we did it on the Crown back in April, we were actually the 3rd group to do it on that 7-day trip. So, I think there is no rhyme or reason as to when, how many, or if at all on each voyage. Ours fell on the 2nd formal night (night 6 of our cruise) and they did not have us wear the white coats in the kitchen.

 

Bottom line....it is a must do if you enjoy great food and wine. We will definitely do it again on our next cruise.

[RSWBADGER]

I'm interested in the chef's table and was wondering if the table happens a couple times on a 7 day cruise is there a method to when they schedule the dates?... ie is it on sea days or early port days?... is it the same for each itinerary? or does it vary cruise to cruise?... Also can you choose which day if there are two?...

 

I'm going to be on the RUBY in january doing a western caribbean itinerary.

 

Thank you very much in advance for your thoughts...

 

We just returned from the Star Princess and we booked the Chef's Table, we were surprised that it took place on a "Smart Casual" night before the second formal night. It was an experience to remember.

[HMK8273]

Sailing on Coral Princess May 2009 - do they do the chef's table on all ships or is just the bigger ones? Where do you book it? Is this something we should do first thing when we get on the boat?

[mii]

We just returned from the Star Princess and we booked the Chef's Table, we were surprised that it took place on a "Smart Casual" night before the second formal night. It was an experience to remember.

 

I need to ask you a question. did you call the DINE number or did you go to the lounge and find the mait're d to sign up. We will be on the Star this Oct. and I am looking forwrd to it.

 

marilyn

[RSWBADGER]

I need to ask you a question. did you call the DINE number or did you go to the lounge and find the mait're d to sign up. We will be on the Star this Oct. and I am looking forwrd to it.

 

marilyn

 

The DINE number would not pick up at all the first day, we signed up with the Head Waiter in the dining room the first afternoon at the scheduled time in the Patter. We were told there wasn't much interest in the Chef's Table the last couple of cruises, so not to be surprised if it wasn't held. We were notified the second day of the cruise.

[BJS]

It probably differs with ship & cruise itinerary. We just got off the Crown and on the 15 day TA there were 3 Chef's Tables. None were on formal night, two were on a sea day, the third was on an early return port day. The following 10 day (very port intensive) cruise they had very few sign up the first few days but finallly held at least one - on a port day.

 

We called the DINE line immediately upon boarding. We were first on the ship and there was no previous cruise (ship repositioned without passengers for two days). We were told our name would be added to the wait list. I said how could there be a wait list and the reply was because we don't know what day they will have it. (Others have posted they have received the same answer that they'd be put on a wait list.) Later that day we got a call requesting we meet the following morning for an interview for the Chef's Table.

 

Great experience and one we will definitely repeat in the future.:D

 

.

[mii]

The DINE number would not pick up at all the first day, we signed up with the Head Waiter in the dining room the first afternoon at the scheduled time in the Patter. We were told there wasn't much interest in the Chef's Table the last couple of cruises, so not to be surprised if it wasn't held. We were notified the second day of the cruise.

 

Thank you for your reply. I will just park myself in the dining room and see if they are going to have one. I do hope so.

 

marilyn

[macusr]

When we were on Golden princess, it was offered on the nights of Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, but due to low demand on Mazatlan, the one couple signed up was moved to PV night and we had 10 people.

[themnms]

ok, Princess newbie here, what is Chefs Table? We are sailing in three weeks but my other half is a big foodie..lol..I would hate to be told that I did not research enough!!

[Colo Cruiser]

ok, Princess newbie here, what is Chefs Table? We are sailing in three weeks but my other half is a big foodie..lol..I would hate to be told that I did not research enough!!

 

 

News Article

 

 

 

 

Culinary Enthusiasts Can Savor a Private Gastronomic Gathering with Executive Chef

 

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.- Chefs Table offers a rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley by the executive chef for pre-dinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a specially prepared multi-course tasting dinner in the dining room.

While many passengers are able to enjoy a tour of the ship's galley during the quiet off-hours, the new Chef's Table offering will give a select group of gourmets the opportunity to visit the galley at its most busy time - during dinner - and treated to a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation. After the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley and introduces them to the executive chef, the group will enjoy French champagne with appetizers. The chef will preview the details of the menu he created for them that evening, and the group will be welcomed to their special table in the dining room.

The multi-course menu will be specially created at the chef's choice, and will not be 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 will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Red and white wine, selected by the Maitre d' to complement the meal, is included in the evening.

During the dessert course, the chef will rejoin the group at their private table to participate in a lively discussion about the evening's meal, answer any questions the guests may have, and share culinary secrets that have been perfected through the chef's many years of experience at sea and on land. On average, Princess' chefs have been honing their culinary arts skills both shipside and shoreside for at least 25 years, and all chefs are also members of the prestigious international Cha?ne des R?tisseurs gastronomic society.

"Our chefs are continuously asked by passengers how they manage to create such an impressive culinary experience for thousands of passengers each voyage," said Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations. "This will give a select group of guests an incredible close-up view of how our dishes are created and served, as well as introduce them to our talented executive chefs. They're sure to come away with a memorable experience, and perhaps some cooking secrets as well!"

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 now 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 on select nights during the sailing, at a cost of $75 per person. After its debut on Emerald Princess, Chef's Table will be gradually introduced on all Princess ships fleet wide.

[Colo Cruiser]

I'm interested in the chef's table and was wondering if the table happens a couple times on a 7 day cruise is there a method to when they schedule the dates?... ie is it on sea days or early port days?... is it the same for each itinerary? or does it vary cruise to cruise?... Also can you choose which day if there are two?...

 

I'm going to be on the RUBY in january doing a western caribbean itinerary.

 

Thank you very much in advance for your thoughts...

 

 

On both our Emerald 10 day cruises it was at random 3 times during the cruise. :)

[bbjap]

Thanks so much for your replies....

 

I guess i'll just have to play it by ear when i get on board... soo much for planning our dinners :p

 

It does sound interesting and from all the reviews posted here it seems to be worth the extra supplement. 75$ is like doing a ship board excursion.... :rolleyes:

[Linda74]

Can someone please explain what the chef's table is and how to get it. We are going on a cruise in November and our daughter is honeymooning on the Crown in October. If it is worth it, would like to order for both of us...I tried to do a search but there must have been too many replies as it timed out....

[Colo Cruiser]

Can someone please explain what the chef's table is and how to get it. We are going on a cruise in November and our daughter is honeymooning on the Crown in October. If it is worth it, would like to order for both of us...I tried to do a search but there must have been too many replies as it timed out....

 

 

Look at Post #11 above.

 

Book it ASAP after boarding by contacting the Maitre'D or a head waiter at one of the restaurants.

You can call the DINE line from the cabin phone but I would rather talk to someone face to face.

It cannot be booked ahead of time. :)

[cruisinbuddy]

It probably differs with ship & cruise itinerary. We just got off the Crown and on the 15 day TA there were 3 Chef's Tables. None were on formal night, two were on a sea day, the third was on an early return port day. The following 10 day (very port intensive) cruise they had very few sign up the first few days but finallly held at least one - on a port day.

 

We called the DINE line immediately upon boarding. We were first on the ship and there was no previous cruise (ship repositioned without passengers for two days). We were told our name would be added to the wait list. I said how could there be a wait list and the reply was because we don't know what day they will have it. (Others have posted they have received the same answer that they'd be put on a wait list.) Later that day we got a call requesting we meet the following morning for an interview for the Chef's Table.

 

Great experience and one we will definitely repeat in the future.:D

 

.

They called it a "waitlist" because everybody is interviewed by the Maitr'D and then the decision is made on who goes. Ours was the second of two on the Crown. In my interview the Maitr'D asked if we'd eat anything. So I told him that I'm a Chef, (yes I am), and if I haven't tried it, I want to. Basicaly, Boom we were in. Here's my story;

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=719246&highlight=chefs+table

[bbjap]

Awesome... can't wait till i get on board... soo many things to look forward to and this board keeps on giving me more and more ideas....

 

Thanks for making my first cruise with princess something to really look forward to.