One top perk of a luxury cruise vacation is often the superb cuisine. So, we’re thrilled to learn about newly announced culinary or wine enhancements by Seabourn, Crystal, and AmaWaterways.
Here’s a sneak peek about what’s new for culinary cruises!
New Dining Options on Seabourn
Across its fleet, Seabourn is now introducing a new wave of culinary updates. Introduced in phases, they’ll be completed by mid-2026.
For example, the ultra-luxury line will roll out an enhanced guest experience in both Seabourn Square and The Colonnade.
Culinary Cruises: Enhancements in Seabourn Square
As the guest hub of each ship, Seabourn Square is being refreshed. It will soon transform into a more sophisticated, all-day cafe and gathering point. So, what’s planned?
- An expanded selection of freshly prepared warm items such as breakfast sandwiches, quiche, and Roman-style pizza.
- New choices in toasted sandwiches including Monte Cristo, Croque Monsieur, and others.
- Coffee served with a new signature presentation to elevate the cafe experience.
Those new options will complement Seabourn Square’s existing menu of fresh pastries, sandwiches, and sweet treats including homemade gelato.
Two distinct service periods are planned. Guests can enjoy a full breakfast menu in Seabourn Square between 6:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Plus, an all-day menu will be offered between 10:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
New Colonnade Culinary Choices
Seabourn has also completed fleetwide enhancements for Colonnade dining. They include:
- Fully refreshed breakfast and lunch menus focused on freshness, seasonality, and regional influences.
- Multiple “live action” cooking stations featuring made-to-order omelets, carving options, a daily fresh-fish station, fresh-pressed juices, and rotating regional specialties.
Guests also will find additional bistro-style seating on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.
Culinary Cruises: New Crystal Themed Voyage
Crystal just announced a new culinary-themed voyage featuring three-time Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his celebrated restaurateur brother/partner Raffaele Alajmo.
The duo will sail with guests aboard Crystal Serenity‘s cruise from Fusina (Venice) to Piraeus (Athens), departing September 8, 2026.
“This exclusive seven-night voyage will showcase the Alajmo dining experience’s heritage and innovation,” according to Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
Culinary Cruises: Special Programming
What’s special? Crystal’s guests on this themed voyage will enjoy rare access to the brothers through the following:
- A Q&A session and book signing.
- Guided wine tasting featuring selections from the brothers’ acclaimed cellars. That will be led by the family’s “next generation” wine expert Giovanni Alajmo.
- Exclusive hosted dinners at Osteria d’Ovidio and The Vintage Room. Personally led by the Alajmo brothers, these “extra fee” dinners will be available for purchase via the line’s My Account beginning March 12, 2026.
A Natural Fit
Gunter Lorenz, Crystal’s vice president of food and beverage, explains that following the brothers’ recent refreshment of Osteria d’Ovidio’s menus, “this sailing was a natural next fit — bringing Massimiliano, Raffaele, and Giovanni onboard to engage directly with our guests.”
At press time, this culinary themed voyage began at $4,375 per person, double occupancy; that included special savings with a limited time offer. So, contact a Pavlus Travel personal travel planner today to learn more about how to get the best pricing.
Culinary Cruises: AmaWaterways’ Enhancements
On the river cruise front, “AmaWaterways is investing in the guest experience more than ever before,” says Catherine Powell, CEO, AmaWaterways. Certainly, dining and wine options are a big part of the line’s recent product enhancements.
For example, new complimentary Italian lunches are being introduced in the Chef’s Table restaurants on most ships. In addition, guests will discover tasty new signature dinners by Chef Robert Kellerhals, the line’s culinary director.
Onboard lounges, now renamed The Lark, will offer refreshments throughout the day. This year, they’ll debut a new “Savor at The Lark” all-day menu.
In addition, AmaWaterways will introduce a new bread concept. Guests will find multiple, freshly baked varieties of bread on the line’s vessels.
Plus, always-available snack jars will be filled with house-made protein balls, muesli bars, dried fruit, nuts, and freshly baked cookies.
Culinary Cruises: Wine and Chocolate
Wine is a cornerstone of the AmaWaterways vacation experience. So, the upscale line is sizably expanding those selections. It’s now including a choice of more than 30 complimentary red, white, and rose wines on each sailing!
Plus, the line offers additional premium bottles for purchase.
As for sweet treats, on select itineraries, AmaWaterways has partnered with regional chocolatiers. The result? Locally inspired confections are being delivered to guests’ staterooms for them to enjoy after a day ashore.
On Danube River voyages, master chocolatier Johannes Bachhalm, recognized by the Gault & Millau guide, is among those providing sweet treats.
Use the information below to reach a skilled personal travel planner and chat about the AmaWaterways experience and itineraries across the globe. Ask about how Pavlus Travel provides the best pricing with top-notch service.
Soon you’ll be sipping and savoring wine and chocolates on an upscale river cruise adventure.
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