Scenic Cruises: a luxurious culinary experience


When it comes to luxury cruising, the cabin and the destination are not enough: what truly sets a refined experience apart is how well the journey satisfies the palate.

In this regard, Scenic Cruises has made excellence its benchmark, offering one of the most comprehensive and meticulously crafted culinary programs at sea. Every detail, from the choice of ingredients to the presentation of each dish, is designed to surprise and delight guests, turning every meal into a memorable event.

On ships like Scenic Eclipse and her sister ship, Scenic Eclipse II, guests can enjoy up to ten different all-inclusive dining experiences, each designed to satisfy a wide range of tastes and desires. Every venue offers a unique atmosphere capable of transporting guests to different worlds, from a refined French salon to the vibrant, colorful spirit of the Asian Orient. At the heart of this culinary offering is a team of over 38 chefs from 15 countries, with a repertoire of more than 3,000 recipes that reflect both the culinary traditions of the regions visited and the contemporary inspirations of the chefs.

The focus is truly global: modern French cuisine, Asian fusion, artisanal sushi, meat and seafood specialties, Mediterranean dishes, informal comfort food, and innovative seasonal creations designed specifically for each itinerary. Every evening, guests can choose different atmospheres and flavors, depending on their mood and company.

Among the most elegant venues is Lumière, a fine-dining restaurant offering contemporary French cuisine and a Champagne Bar. Its refined, modern setting is ideal for an elegant dinner featuring à-la-carte or tasting menus. Impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail make every meal an exclusive experience, complemented by a selection of premium French wines and high-quality champagne. For those seeking more eclectic flavors, Koko’s Asian Fusion offers contemporary Asian cuisine: shared plates, vibrant tastes, and atmospheres inspired by tradition with a modern twist. Complementing this, the Sushi & Sake Bar @ Koko’s serves freshly prepared sushi—including vegan options—crafted right before guests’ eyes, with live demonstrations that add a sense of spectacle and interaction for an authentic, immersive experience.

The main restaurant, Elements, offers an à-la-carte dinner menu featuring Italian dishes, meat, and seafood, all in a relaxed atmosphere. Within Elements, guests will also find Chef’s Table @ Elements, an invitation-only private dining experience featuring an 11-course tasting menu paired with premium beverages and presentations curated by the chef and their team—an exceptional opportunity to observe culinary techniques up close and learn gastronomic insights directly from the chefs. For more informal and laid-back moments, Scenic offers Azure Bar & Café, ideal for light meals, snacks, coffee, pastries, and casual bites with sea views, as well as the Yacht Club, a grill bar serving breakfast, lunch, and themed dinners, often in a convivial, lounge-style setting.

For maximum comfort and privacy, in-suite dining is also available: guests can order meals and beverages 24 hours a day directly to their suite, enjoying a fully tailored experience with personalized menus and discreet, impeccable service.

Scenic’s culinary experience is truly all-inclusive: alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are generally included in the fare, with the exception of certain premium wines, champagne, and rare spirits. The minibar is restocked daily, and guests can enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, cocktails, mocktails, specialty teas, coffee, and hot chocolate. This approach allows travelers to savor every moment of the day without worry, creating a genuine sense of freedom and indulgent relaxation.

In addition, the onboard kitchens are equipped to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs: guests following vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, Kosher, or Halal diets can inform the staff ideally in advance and receive personalized options. This attentiveness to dietary requirements reflects Scenic’s commitment to offering an inclusive experience without compromising on quality or flavor.

Beyond its restaurants, Scenic also offers unique culinary experiences: cooking masterclasses and guided tastings hosted by chefs and sommeliers, featuring dishes and wines inspired by the regions visited. Some sessions take place in special venues such as the Chef’s Garden @ Scenic Épicure, or directly inside the galleys, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective for food enthusiasts. These activities allow guests to experience cuisine as something educational, interactive, and enjoyable, deepening their understanding of international flavors and culinary techniques. For those seeking a truly memorable gastronomic journey, the combination of haute cuisine, refined settings, curated wine and cocktail selections, and the wide variety of styles makes Scenic one of the most comprehensive options available today for travelers at sea.

What stands out most about Scenic’s culinary offering is its flexibility: whether you love sushi, are passionate about French cuisine, enjoy fine meat and seafood, or prefer light meals on a terrace overlooking the ocean, you will always find a venue, a dish, and an atmosphere perfectly suited to you. Each culinary choice becomes an integral part of the journey—a moment of discovery and sensory pleasure that accompanies and enriches every stage of the cruise. Every meal is elevated beyond routine; it becomes an opportunity to travel through flavors, explore world cuisines, socialize, or indulge in a moment of elegance and relaxation.

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Giorgia Lombardo

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