News Article

Ruby Princess Showcases Princess' Culinary Flair with Unique Dining Experiences


Whether savoring a seafood appetizer paired with a glass of wine in the sidewalk cafe-style piazza, taking in the expansive top-deck views during an Italian extravaganza in Sabatini's, or enjoying a private behind-the-scenes dinner at the Chef's Table, passengers aboard Ruby Princess have the opportunity to sample a variety of innovative culinary offerings.

Ruby Princess' dining options include:

Chef's Table -- This extraordinarily popular dining event offers passengers an unusual culinary treat. The experience includes a rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley during the busy dinner hours 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. Specially created at the chef's choice, the menu will not be offered anywhere else on the ship. Diners will enjoy interaction with the chef throughout the dinner as it is served at their private table. This special evening is available to 10 diners per night at a cost of $75 per person.

Dining Room Fare -- Menus in Ruby Princess' three main dining rooms have been designed to give passengers the ultimate in flexibility in planning their culinary experience. Instead of many specified courses, diners may choose from a variety of small plates, soups, salad, and large plates to compose a menu to his or her liking. Diners will also enjoy a large selection of healthy Lotus Spa dishes, as well as a daily "Home-Style Cuisine" dish, featuring North American comfort foods, and "Princess Signatures," offering the line's famed pastas and other favorites.

International Cafe -- This atrium-level cafe in a piazza-style setting serves a changing menu of a la carte items throughout the day. Passengers may enjoy freshly baked croissants or Danish pastries baked on location in the morning, gourmet panini sandwiches at lunchtime, afternoon tea or chocolate fondue later in the day, or tapas in the evening. Those looking for a sweet pick-me-up will also find displays of caramel apples, chocolate truffles and other assorted desserts. An Italian gelateria will also scoop up assorted flavors daily. A daily afternoon "cookies and milk break," features straight-from-the-oven soft-baked cookies, with a different flavor featured each day. Coffee lovers will find an expanded coffee program featuring a variety of specialty coffee drinks made from a selection of six different coffee beans, prepared by specially trained baristas. The International Cafe menu features both complimentary and modestly priced items.

Vines ?A wine, seafood and cheese bar that will tempt passengers in the evening with an assortment of fine wine and cocktail pairings accompanied by a selection of chilled seafood, including sushi, sashimi, ceviche or other treats from the sea, as well as a variety of domestic and imported artisan cheeses, including unique choices such as boschetto al tartufo bianchetto, reblochon, and cambozola. The venue features casual, convivial atmosphere with a changing daily food selection prepared ?a la minute' especially for each diner. The extensive wine menu features more than 30 ?by the glass' selection and a series of wine flights. Small plates of seafood and cheese are available for a modest per-item charge.

Crown Grill -- Featuring premium beef and seafood items, plus upscale appetizers and special desserts, the unique Crown Grill offers a showplace eatery with an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare steamed shellfish -- such as lobster, scallops, clams and mussels -- and cooked-to-order steaks and chops. Passengers can choose to sit at the kitchen's eat-up counter and watch the show as they dine, or settle into a comfortable booth with an order of grilled tiger prawns or a filet mignon. The 160-seat restaurant features rich decor, leather appointments, fresh seafood displays, and a choice of booth, table and counter seating. The Crown Grill also offers a dedicated cocktail bar, wine display cabinets and a new signature 16-ounce Crown Grill Margarita. A $25 fee applies for dinner, some items may carry an additional charge.

Wheelhouse Bar Pub Lunch -- On sea days, Ruby Princess' Wheelhouse Bar is transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional fare. A menu of British favorites, including bangers & mash, fish & chips, ploughman's lunch and cottage pie, complement a selection of traditional pub brews such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale or Guinness. Pub lunch meal service is free of charge and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sabatini's -- Princess' famed Sabatini's Italian restaurant features a top deck location to offer fine dining with a view. The stunning venue offers a grand entrance, views on three sides with dramatic vistas overlooking the wake of the ship, and open-air dining on the aft deck. The menu offers a multi-course Italian extravaganza that is a dining experience to remember. The adjacent Adagio Lounge offers a cozy venue for Sabatini's diners to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and full wine list as they listen to relaxing piano music and take in the breathtaking views. Special touches include an exclusive selection of Italian-inspired cocktails, complimentary olive selection, and special after-dinner beverage selections. Adagio also offers the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely after dinner dessert from Sabatini's selection of Italian sweets. A $20 cover charge applies for the Sabatini's dinner.

Sabatini's Breakfast for Suite Passengers -- Suite passengers aboard Ruby Princess have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini's. Beginning with a "Good Morning Mimosa," the menu features a variety of breakfast favorites, plus specialty items such as brioche French toast with apple & cinnamon compote, yogurt and super granola parfait with raspberry swirl, soft-poached egg over potato & vegetables with hollandaise sauce, and freshly made Belgian waffles. Suite passengers can enjoy this amenity from approximately 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Cafe Caribe -- This themed buffet captures the tastes of the Caribbean. This elegant but casual dining option presents a changing menu of Caribbean and international themes with specialties such as Paella-Style Prawns, Whole Roast Suckling Pig, Jerk Chicken, Guiana Pepperpots and Curries, and many more regional favorites. Sporting colorful Caribbean decor, the space features an open kitchen and also hosts late-night Bistro service.

Horizon Court -- A primary feature of Princess ships, the top-of-the-ship restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning sea views as a backdrop for a quick breakfast or casual dinner. Buffet tables are pre-set with cutlery and napkins, and servers stand by to provide beverage service to each table.

Trident Grill -- For a quick poolside lunch, this outdoor venue is the perfect place for hungry passengers to get freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs for a tasty al fresco meal.

Pizza and Ice Cream Bar -- Poolside pizzeria serving Princess' trademark Italian-style fresh pizza by the slice. Plus an ice cream counter featuring premium treats to indulge a sweet tooth.

24-Hour Room Service -- Princess provides 24-hour room service enabling passengers to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in the privacy of their own staterooms or enjoying the view from their balconies. In addition to the always-available room service menu, passengers can also order special room service-only offerings, such as a special Champagne Balcony Breakfast ($28 per couple) and an elegant four-course Ultimate Balcony Dinner featuring delicate sweet lobster tails plus a full evening of special touches ($50 per person). And passengers can even order cabin delivery of Princess' popular homemade Italian-style pizza for a nominal $3 service charge.