Seabourn Dining guide
Dining on all of the Seabourn fleet is consistently good with all of the venues available on all of the ships, except for the Sushi restaurant which isn’t on the smaller ships. All dining is open seating and doesn’t need booking, except for the Thomas Keller restaurant which is bookable at least once per voyage. There is usually one other Thomas Keller evening in the Colonnade which also needs booking but otherwise it’s dine when, where and with whomever you want.
Room service is available all day long with a breakfast menu, an all day dining menu and the chance to get the main dining room menu during dinner hours.
All of the dinner menus are available either on the Seabourn app or from Seabourn Square to help you decide where to eat each night. We used the ‘Dining at a Glance’ feature on the app which showed all of the menus from each of the venues on one page, helping you decide which one you would prefer before heading out for the evening.
The Colonnade:
The Colonnade is located at the aft of the ship and is the casual, buffet style venue open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alongside the usual hot serving station there is an oval shaped salad/cold buffet station, a separate circular dessert or sweet food station and the ever popular gelato cart. There is an abundance of indoor seating with a range of table sizes and a few cafe style bar stools, as well as the large outdoor terrace which is fully covered and heated to enable all weather al fresco dining.
Breakfast - The colonnade usually opens from about 7am until 9.30am and is the most popular venue on the ship for breakfast. It can be difficult to get a table on the outside terrace but there are plenty of tables inside. There is the usual buffet style food available from the hot serving station, alongside the fruits, yoghurts, cold cuts etc available on the cold serving stations. There are also dishes available to order, such as eggs Benedict, omelettes, waffles, pancakes etc and whilst most of these are also available at the buffet if you are the sort of person who would rather prefer to be served at breakfast this is a good option, with the fantastic servers making sure your coffee cup is always full. And never forget to ask if there is something you would like but can’t see - Helen really fancied some avocado on toast one morning and though she didn’t expect her request to be met, in true Seabourn style it was!
Lunch - we love the Colonnade at lunchtime, sitting out on the aft terrace admiring the view with a glass of cold white wine or a beer and taking our time to enjoy a lazy leisurely lunch. The food there is always good with the lunch offerings including a wonderful salad bar, hot food buffet bar, dessert station and the wonderful little gelato cart. Lunch is usually served from midday until 2pm and is often themed, be it British, Asian, German, Mediterranean, tapas, etc etc
Whilst Helen always heads to the salad bar at lunchtime, Rich tends to go to the hot buffet or order something from the made to order menu which has burgers, hot dogs and usually a fish of the day dish on it. Whilst we love the colonnade it is worth noting that the hot buffet choice is quite small and for cruisers used to larger ships with massive buffets they may find the options a little limited.
Dinner - In the evening the colonnade generally turn into a waiter service venue serving dinner from 6.45 until 8.45pm most nights. The dinner is again usually themed with a choice of three starters, four entree dishes and either a dessert or cheese course to finish, all served to you by the fabulous Colonnade team. The only exception to this is the Indian buffet dinner and the Chefs Market buffet which are traditional buffet style evenings where you help yourself to food available form the hot and cold serving stations. The colonnade is generally open seating in the evening with the only exception to this being the Thomas Keller evenings when reservations are required. The menus on these evenings are set and favour larger tables with family style sharing plates for each course. We really enjoy these evenings and made sure we booked into the bbq ribs menu which featured on our voyage. We shared a table with some friends we had met on the cruise, starting the meal with a sharing salad followed by the most delicious smoked hickory bbq ribs we’ve ever eaten served with home-made baked beans and corn bread, then finishing off with delicious little pots of potted blueberry cheesecake.
The Patio Grill:
Located on the pool deck, the patio grill is located at one end of the pool with tables set out near the serving station and along the sides with views out of the floor to ceiling glass windows.
Breakfast - This is a relatively new venue for breakfast and is intended to offer a more healthy option, with things like freshly made smoothies, fruit, granola, muesli, overnight oats, tagine eggs (omelettes), open sandwiches and burritos. Generally it was much quieter here than at the colonnade and made for a very relaxed breakfast, especially on warm Mediterranean mornings. Whilst there is food set out on the patio grill serving area there is also food to order rom the small breakfast menu and patio crew around to bring you coffees and juices. We really liked this as an alternative to the colonnade and particularly enjoyed the daily smoothies, open sandwiches topped with a perfect poached egg and the overnight oats.
Lunch - on warm weather cruises we often choose to eat out lunch at the patio grill, especially if we are having a lazy day around the pool or are returning to the ship later in the day after a long morning of exploring whatever port we happen to be in that day. Most of the tables are set out under the shade and protection of the upper sun deck with some having patio heaters nearby if the weather is a little cooler. For sun worshippers there are also some tables set out immediately around the pool with little or no shade. The small buffet area has self service salads, pizzas and a small selection of meat for guests to help themselves to, alongside the made to order menu featuring the usual grill type food and a daily fish dish which is the same as those available on the colonnade. Rich particularly loves the signature Napa burger while I usually opt for the vegan burger, both served with fries. Whilst delicious we have to say that we miss the old Seabourn fries which used to be delicious with a crispy coating that could only be described as heavenly. Also on the pool deck is the gelato station which is situated at the pool bar and has five or six of the homemade gelatos to have either in a bowl or in a waffle cone.
Dinner (Earth and ocean) - Described by Seabourn as their most casual dining option, Earth and Ocean is open the evening from 7 to 9pm serving, as you would expect, either a meat, fish or vegetarian dish for both starter and main course, with the menu changing every day. This can be a very popular venue and though booking isn’t necessary we would suggest getting there early especially on the night of the pool deck party or if the weather is particularly warm and still. We chose to eat here on the evening of the pool deck party which was extremely busy and although this resulted in the service being a little slow we really didn’t mind as we were just enjoying being out around the pool soaking in the atmosphere. Whilst we were waiting for our food to be served we grazed on breadsticks and sourdough served with a smoked chicken roulade, dramatically revealed from under a smoky glass cloche, sun-dried tomatoes paste and olive tapenade. For starters we chose meatballs and pasta for Rich and spicy, garlicky, buttery shrimp for Helen. For mains we both chose the 72 hour beef short ribs served with a little wrapper potato, both of which were delicious. For dessert Rich chose the cookies and cream while I went for the signature baked camembert which is available every evening and is an absolute must for anyone who loves cheese.
Epicurean event - no Seabourn dining guide would be complete without mentioning the Epicurean event which usually takes place on the final evening of every voyage and is the chance for guests to some out around the pool and make a toast to the fabulous crew that have looked after them during their cruise. But in true Seabourn style any event such as this has to be accompanied by canapés and champagne (other drinks are available). But these are no ordinary canapés, these are supercharged canapés, served by the ships officers from little various little serving stations set out around the pool. The epicurean delights include local delicacies, savoury and sweet nibbles and delicious cheeses, all enjoyed as the band plays in the background and the officers mingle.
Sushi:
Only available on the Ovation and Encore, this restaurant is located on deck eight midship, beside the main atrium staircase this is a small venue with only about 30 covers, mostly in tables for two with a few tables of four and some seating at the sushi bar, mostly only used in the evenings when the sushi chefs can be seen creating their dishes at the open bar.
Lunch - Open from midday until 2pm, lunch in sushi is a very civilised affair with a warm welcome and attentive service. The offerings at lunchtime are mainly bento boxes which are as delicious as they are beautiful. There are a few options for bento boxes as well as ramen, maki and vegetable California rolls. We chose to share some salmon and crab maki and then Rich chose the teriyaki chicken bento box and Helen had the gyoza dumplings - we also tried the miso salmon, returning on another occasion as we loved it so much the first time around. Along side the main event, the bento boxes consist of a little salad dressed in a delicious yuzu dressing, a small bowl of miso soup, a bowl of sticky rice and some pickled vegetables. We accompanied our bento boxes with a lovely glass of cold champagne and followed them up with matcha ice cream for Rich and a deliciously citrusy refreshing yuzu sorbet for Helen. Delicious.
Dinner - In the evening Sushi opens from 6pm until 8.45pm and with limited seating, although no reservation is required, it can be wise to turn up before the main evening rush or be prepared to wait. We dined as a party of three, arriving just after 7pm, taking the last table in the restaurant. The menu in the evening is completely different to the lunch menu with a variety of small plates, salads, sashimi, nigiri and rolls. Since none of us were sure what to order we decided to leave it up to our fabulous waitress Yoko to chose our dishes for us. And so we spent the next two hours there grazing on a never ending supply of small p[lates of delicious food from fresh edamame beans, delicious tuna and salmon sashimi, seared scallop bites, salads, sushi to California rolls, finishing up with sesame ice cream and green tea mousse, all accompanied with endless champagne and Japanese beers. What a wonderful evening with delicious food and amazing service. Although neither of us are massive sushi fans this was our favourite restaurant on the ship, with outstanding service, consistently delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere.
The Restaurant:
The Restaurant is the main dining room open on sea days for a sit down breakfast and/or lunch, and the main venue for dinner, usually open in the evening from 6.45 until 8.45pm. No reservations are necessary, with open seating for guest to dine with whenever and with whom they choose. There are often hosted takes with getups being sent invitations to dine with senior officers on an ad hoc basis.
Dinner - On our voyage we were invited to join a hosted table of 9 and were seated around one of the lovely large tables in the centre of the room. The service was discreet and attentive with our wine and water glasses being magically filled up without us even noticing. As usual the menu had some classic dishes as well as a number of specials for that day. We both chose the potato truffle ravioli to start which was deliciously light and creamy. For mains Helen chose the miso coated black cod which came with a delicious ball of fried black rice which along with the perfectly cooked fish was the highlight of the meal for me. Rich had a chicken breast served on a bed of rice which was perfectly moist and flavoursome. For dessert Rich had a chocolate ganache dome and Helen had her favourite, a Seabourn souffle the highlight of any Seabourn cruise for me. Tonight’s was a vanilla souffle served with a delicious calvados sauce and it was as good as we remember them, with the soufflé being as light as air and as sweet as anything. We finished the meal with teas/coffees and a little plate of petit fours, something we really like but doesn’t happen very often on cruise chips these days. All in all a very nice meal in a lovely setting with some nice wines to boot.
Another evening when we particularly enjoy dining at The Restaurant is the special Chefs Dinner, a set five course menu of signature dishes created and prepared by the Executive Chef. The menu includes a starter, soup dish and pasta dish followed by a palate cleansing sorbet before the entree choice of either a meat or fish dish, and a dessert - all finished off with a selection of petit fours.
Thomas Keller:
The Thomas Keller restaurant is the main speciality restaurant. Though there is no extra charge for dining here, it is necessary to make a reservation (we recommend doing this as early as possible) with all guests guaranteed at least one visit per voyage. As an aside note, dining in this restaurant is intended to give guests an authentic Thomas Keller dining experience and although there is a lovely expansive al fresco terrace at the rear of the restaurant there is no option to dine outside in this restaurant.
Dinner - Thomas Keller is the included ‘speciality’ restaurant, serving mainly a steakhouse type menu. The restaurant is decorated in a typical steakhouse style with dark woods and warm tones. At the entrance to the restaurant area is the Thomas Keller bar with lots of comfortable sofa style seating and a wonderfully stocked bar, a perfect setting for a pre or post dinner cocktail whilst the resident pianist entertains guests on the grand piano in the corner of the bar. On our voyage we ate as a table of 6 so were seated at one of the large round tables with three of us seated at a semi-circular bench seat and three on individual chairs. The menu here is an evergreen menu and hasn’t changed since the introduction of Thomas Keller on the Encore a few years ago. Although we have eaten there a few times now we still enjoy trying something new from the menu, with everything new thing we try being as good as the one before. We started with the lump crab cake and shrimp salad consisting of three very large shrimps served with a spicy tomato sauce, though we were p[leased to see someone form our table chose the Caesar salad, enjoying the spectacle of having this prepared table side. For our main courses Rich couldn’t resist his favourite Ribeye Steak served with a Bernaise sauce while Helen chose the Dover Sole which neither of us had tried before. This is another dish prepared table side with the waitress filleting the fish, perfectly removing every single bone before presenting it with the accompanying rich buttery sauce. We decided to share side dishes as a table to we tucked into a small portion of most of the sides, with the standout dish being the macaroni cheese. For desserts Helen chose her all time favourite the 7 layered coconut cake and Rich had the delicious looking (but quite large) lemon meringue pie. Overall we found the food to be as good as it always is in Thomas Keller but we were a little saddened that we weren’t offered tea or coffee and petit fours at the end of the meal.
Seabourn Square:
Seabourn Square is the lounge venue also housing guest services and the future cruises desk. The seating here is lounge style with a variety of individual chairs, sofas and even a few lovely reclining lazy boy chairs. At the rear of the lounge there is also a large outdoor terrace housing a few sofas and some sun loungers.
Breakfast - Alongside the freshly ground and barista prepared coffee served here, guests can also get other hot drinks (we highly recommend the delicious hot chocolate sticks), cold drinks and liquors. There is a small food station which is stocked early in the day with light breakfast options such as pastries, doughnuts, yoghurt, smoothies, fruit and granola, perfect for grabbing a light breakfast before joining an early tour.
Lunch- from mid morning the breakfast fare changes to a light lunch selection offering finger style sandwiches, cookies, biscotti, slices of cakes and small bitesize cakes, with special mention to the chocolate lava cookie which is scrumptious. At the end of the bar is a separate gelato station, every day offering with five or six different flavours of homemade gelato which is made own board by a special chef who works through the night to deliver the daily special gelato served in Seabourn Square, the Colonnade and on the pool deck. Food is available here throughout the day until 6pm when the coffee bar shuts for a couple of hours whilst guests are at dinner before opening up again for the evening when there are a selection of petit fours and macarons available to accompany an evening drink.
The Observation Lounge:
Located at the front of the ship the Observation Lounge boasts a 180 degree view over the bow of the ship and is the perfect spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the other public areas of the ship. As well as the lovely circular drinks bar there are two small serving stations off to each side of the entrance.
Early Risers breakfast - for guests wanting a light bite before breakfast is served in any of the other venues, there is self service coffee and pastries laid out here from early morning.
Afternoon tea - Despite this being our fifth cruise with Seabourn we have never done afternoon tea and now I’m not sure why. Between 4 and 5pm, The Observation Bar becomes the location for afternoon tea, with a musician playing background music and food served to seated guests on a three tiered cake stand. Service starts with waiters taking your tea orders from an extensive tea menu, which is then served in a delicate teapot with timers to help you choose when to pour. The food menu changes daily but consists generally of tiny bitesize savoury sandwiches on the bottom tier of the cake stand (Rich particularly loved the mini bagel with salmon which was the size of a polo mint), some little sweet treats on the middle plate and delicious scones on the top (one plain and one flavoured with fruit), as well as two little glass shots of sweet delicacies like lemon panna cotta. It’s a very pleasant way to pass an hour on a cloudy afternoon, in fact we enjoyed it so much we went back on our final day.
Pre-dinner - in the early evening the two little serving stations get filled up with canape style dishes for guests to help themselves to whilst they enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
Room Service:
Breakfast - This is still ordered in the traditional way of hanging your order out on your door the evening before, requesting the delivery time and your dishes. We only did this once but the food was delivered exactly when they said it would be with the waiter offering to lay it all out for us before leaving. We decided to eat it out on our balcony, especially given that the balcony had an actual full height dining table and chairs suitable for eating up. The food was delicious and we enjoyed our breakfast of French toast, omelette, fruit, granola, yoghurt and bagel, served with hot coffee and a glass of mimosa with a wonderful view out to Santorini in the background . In fact we had hand written a specific request for greek yoghurt on our order (which wasn’t on the menu) and were delighted when this arrived as requested.
Insuite dining: Although we didn’t do the en-suite dining there is a full all day menu available by phoning room service and the option to have dinner from the main dining room menu during restaurant hours. We did however, enjoy some caviar on our balcony which came within 20 minutes of ordering it and was as wonderful as we remember Seabourn caviar - the perfect accompaniment to a glass of champagne on your balcony whilst getting ready for the evening
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Thank you to our preferred travel partners Panache cruises and Seabourn who hosted us on this cruise and paid our all-inclusive cruise fare, except for the taxes, port fees and flights which were covered by us. Neither Seabourn cruises or Panache had any editorial control over any of our content, either before, during our after our voyage.
If you enjoyed this blog why not take a look at some of our other Dining Guides, including Discovery Princess , Windstar Star Plus , Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages.
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