On Board
❖ cindy bertram
new exclusive dining features come Aboard cruise ships Besides renowned chefs and
place in the Pinnacle Grill, which is
tion Institute, Holland America has
expansion of alternative restaurants
re-created into a Le Cirque-like envi-
worked to ensure that the seafood
featuring specialty cuisine, the dining
ronment with dishes specially created,
served is either fished or farmed in a
experience onboard cruise ships is
along with wine selections and table
way that does not harm the surround-
once again reaching new levels. Exclu-
decorations. Holland America Line
ing ecosystems. In addition, the line
sivity is a key focus, with more enter-
notes that Sodamin has worked with
has introduced a vegetarian menu
tainment features and a new direction
Le Cirque’s Executive Chef Craig
along with 30 new vegetarian dishes
when it comes to the ingredients used
Hobson to re-create the legendary
on its menus in the main dining room.
to prepare those sumptuous dishes.
restaurant for a memorable dining experience onboard.
new dining options The debut of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Breeze in June includes the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant.
With Great American Steamboat Company’s relaunch of river cruising
I want to hold on to the core of what has made a dish an American Classic. — Chef de Cuisine Regina Charboneau
“Bonsai Sushi” features sushi, sashimi and rolls, with prices ranging from $1 for appetizer-sized portions to $15
exclusivity and Behind the scenes
for a “sushi ship” for two. Another new
Princess Cruises has expanded
on the Mississippi River on the April 27 sailing of the American Queen,
restaurant onboard is Fat Jimmy’s
"The Chef's Table," originally intro-
Chef de Cuisine Regina Charboneau
C-Side BBQ, a complimentary open-
duced in 2007. Geared towards culinary
has recreated American classics with
air barbeque venue.
enthusiasts, the program provides
fresh, local ingredients. Wild pecans,
In 2013, Avalon Waterways is
guests with a behind-the-scenes tour
artisan cheeses and wild honey,
offering a new casual dining venue
to see dinner hour preparations, and
sustainable fish and seafood, mixed
called Panorama Bistro on their “Suite
includes a specially prepared multi-
with an abundance of vegetables and
Ships.” The bistro will be located in
course dinner at a private table.
citrus are just a few highlights. She’s
a partitioned part of the main lounge
On Holland America Line’s ms
performed extensive research to
and the dining experience will be
Nieuw Amsterdam, an exclusive
develop the menus, and Chef Regina
featured a few times during the cruise.
culinary experience is also offered.
further explains, “The key is to re-cre-
Another fun feature that ties in dining
Called “Master Chef’s Room,” this
ate without totally re-inventing a classic;
involves their Culture & Cruise activi-
special seven-course menu has
I want to hold on to the core of what
ties, which includes having a local chef
been designed by Master Chef Rudi
has made a dish an American Classic.”
coming onboard to do a demonstration,
Sodamin.
tasting including. expanding the culinary horizon Well known for its focus on cuisine
riences and more unique experiences, renewed focus on fresh ingredients & sustainable seafood Cruise lines have become known for
under the direction of Master Chef
their focus on using fresh ingredients,
Rudi Sodamin, Holland America Line
but Holland America Line has also
is now offering something new on-
moved into a new commitment - serv-
board its fleet of 15 ships. Called “An
ing sustainable seafood. Through a
Evening at Le Cirque," the event takes
partnership with the Marine Conserva-
8 June 2012
With new restaurants, dining expethe dining options for your group aboard today’s cruise ships are even more plentiful.
Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise expertise in sales, marketing and training, with an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. She can be reached at cindy@ptmgroups.com
LeisureGroupTravel.com
SUCCESSFULLY PLANNING GROUP TRAVEL SINCE 1980. We have the know-how, the creative experience, the practical insight as well as a wealth of knowledge on how to plan and handle group travel. Carol’s Travel will provide you with a high level of personalized service and tailor your group program to your unique needs. We work in tandem with our partners to ensure that we make your group travel program a great success. Holland America Line, a leader in group cruising, offers great group rates in addition to early savings fares, group amenities, complimentary tour conductor slots and more. Here are some fabulous ideas for your next group trip from our friends at Holland America Cruise Lines.
Experience Alaska & the Yukon Offering an extraordinary array of Alaska itineraries – many including ports accessible only by ship - these comprehensive cruisetours provide the essential Alaska experience. From legendary Glacier Bay to Denali National Park, watch whales breach and glaciers calve. Walk the paths and streams of the Yukon and Kenai Peninsula. Get an insider’s look at Homer, Tombstone Park and Kluane National Park.
Timeless History & Culture Surround You Long, sunny days in Greece. Romantic evenings in Italy. Historic wonders from the holy lands to the Black Sea. This is Holland America Line’s Mediterranean. Enchanting itineraries filled with diverse sights and extended or overnight visits make this your chance to not only experience Europe, but to treasure it.
Other companies may be of service to you. We want to be of service and of value. There is simply no substitute for impeccable planning, responsive service and proven group travel expertise. No matter what type of group you have – club, organization, church, bank, reunion…or travel that you need, Carol’s Travel Service wants to be your premier resource and group coordinator!
Call on us. Carol’s Travel Group Department.
Then, plan on perfection!
800-535-2670 • 708-532-5450
www.carolstravel.com