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April 20, 2025

Princess Cruises has announced an extraordinary collaboration with the historic Frescobaldi family, renowned for its centuries-old winemaking tradition in Tuscany. This partnership has created a unique gastronomic experience aboard the Majestic Princess, through the introduction of a new menu inspired by traditional Tuscan recipes and paired with Frescobaldi’s prestigious wines.

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the ship’s Italian specialty restaurant, has undergone a significant transformation thanks to this collaboration. The new menu, named “Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Inspired by Frescobaldi,” brings the essence of Tuscan cuisine on board, featuring dishes that reflect the simplicity and authenticity of the region’s culinary traditions. Every course has been designed to highlight the genuine flavors of ingredients, many sourced directly from Tuscan lands.

The new menu “Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Inspired by Frescobaldi” is a refined tribute to the Tuscan culinary tradition, elegantly and passionately reinterpreted. Inspired by the historic Frescobaldi family, this culinary journey offers six dishes that tell stories of the territory, seasonality, and authentic flavor, perfectly balancing simplicity and sophistication. Each course celebrates carefully selected ingredients, enhancing familiar and comforting tastes, accompanied by impeccable presentation that expresses the essence of Italian cuisine.

Among the dishes offered by Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the culinary experience begins with a fragrant stew of mussels and shrimp, a seafood soup that combines the warm embrace of tomato with the liveliness of white wine, enriched by hints of garlic and a bouquet of aromatic herbs that blend into a perfect marine harmony, served with crispy bread ideal for dipping. Next, creamy burrata paired with prosciutto aged 18 months evokes the freshness of Italian summers, thanks to the combination of juicy cherry tomatoes and lively arugula, all elevated by a drizzle of superior quality extra virgin olive oil that enhances the flavors. The fettuccine with truffle and Parmesan represents a moment of true indulgence: fresh pasta coated in a velvety Parmigiano Reggiano cream, enriched by the intense and sophisticated aroma of black truffle and garnished with a crispy wafer that adds structure and depth to the dish. The ricotta tortello with tomato and basil, an expression of artisanal tradition, stands out for the delicacy of the handmade pasta and the balance between the softness of ricotta, the freshness of basil, and the vibrant acidity of cherry tomatoes. The sea bass fillet, cooked to perfection, pairs with fried artichokes creating a harmony of textures and flavors, while lemon oil gives the dish a surprising and enveloping freshness. To close the meal, the Caprese cake is presented in a refined and rich version, enhanced by custard cream and caramelized hazelnuts, where the round sweetness of chocolate merges with the creamy elegance of mascarpone gelato flavored with limoncello, all enriched by the characteristic final touch of Frescobaldi olive oil, which elegantly underscores its distinctive signature.

In addition to the daily menu, during each cruise, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria will offer a truly special occasion: the Grand Tuscan Dinner, an exclusive and intimate evening designed to celebrate the excellence and culinary tradition of Tuscany through a six-course journey inspired by the Frescobaldi universe. This unique event allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the authentic flavors of the region, accompanied by pairings of fine wines and grappa, carefully selected to enhance each dish and create an unforgettable sensory experience.

The dinner begins with a delicate Mediterranean seafood carpaccio, where tuna and scallops marry with sturgeon and salmon caviar, enriched by the intense aroma of black truffle and enlivened by a citrus vinaigrette that adds freshness and character. This first taste is a true invitation to discover the refinement of Tuscan flavors in a contemporary and elegant version. Next comes the sea bass fillet, seared to perfection and laid on a Sicilian caponata, whose rich and bold flavor is lightened by a drizzle of fresh basil oil that adds an herbal and fragrant note. This dish tells the story of the meeting between sea and land, different traditions harmonizing in perfect balance.

To finish on a sweet note, the Pinolata Senese offers a touch of sweetness and lightness, with its soft and fragrant pastry enriched by a creamy custard heart, symbolizing the most authentic Tuscan pastry tradition. Finally, the dinner closes with classic almond cantucci, to be dipped in Luce wine grappa, a fine Tuscan spirit that enhances the flavors of the biscuits and elegantly seals this culinary experience. This special evening, offered at a cover charge of 99 dollars per person, is much more than a simple meal: it is a journey through the culture and gastronomic history of Tuscany, an opportunity to experience the art of Italian cuisine in an exclusive and refined setting.

The collaboration has also led to the introduction of new cocktails inspired by Frescobaldi wines, such as the Gorgona Breeze, Rosato Reverie, Chianti Sunset, Pomino Bloom, and Mormoreto Old Fashioned. These mixology creations offer passengers an innovative way to appreciate the aromas and flavors of Tuscany in liquid form.

Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of Marchesi Frescobaldi, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, emphasizing how each dish was created with the same care and passion as the wines it is paired with, creating a perfect harmony in every bite. Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises, highlighted how this partnership strengthens the company’s connection with Italy, allowing guests to savor the rich flavors of Tuscany and create unforgettable memories at sea.

After a period of refurbishment, the Majestic Princess introduced this new culinary experience, with plans to extend it to the entire fleet in the coming months. This initiative represents a significant step in Princess Cruises’ commitment to offering authentic, high-quality gastronomic experiences to its passengers, consolidating its reputation as a company attentive to the culture and traditions of the places it visits.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Princess Cruises and the Frescobaldi family has brought an authentic Tuscan experience aboard the Majestic Princess, combining the rich winemaking tradition with regional cuisine in a unique and refined setting. This initiative not only enriches the company’s gastronomic offering but also pays tribute to Italian culture and hospitality, offering passengers an unforgettable sensory journey through the flavors of Tuscany.

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Gabriele Bassi

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