Forget the buffet, eating at sea can be a sublime experience, writes Quentin Long. Here are the most memorable meals he’s had at sea… so far.  

While my kids will always measure the food quality of a cruise by the literal breadth and depth of the bain maries at the buffet, there are some extraordinary meals to be had at sea. Here are my most memorable. 

1. Lobster Pad Thai, EXPLORA I, Explora Journeys 

Best Thai for Australian devotees of Siam cuisine, Complimentary  

The calming cherry blossom garden interior of Sakura restaurant onboard all Explora ships reflects the quiet sophistication of the entire EXPLORA I experience.  

While the Wagyu beef tataki, wakame salad and Madagascan pepper are what the exec chefs would hang their hat on, the lobster pad Thai is worth the price of admission.  

The perfect balance of sweet and spice, not drowned in sickly sauce, the lobster flavour comes through with the best of the lovely Thai flavours we love. 

2. Prawn Linguine, Haven, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Cruise Line

Best summer lunch for luxury lovers, Complimentary for Haven guests 

Entering The Haven onboard Norwegian Prima, the luxury ship within a ship concept from Norwegian Cruise Line, is similar to turning left on an aeroplane, just an entirely different world.  

Personal butlers and concierges, a private restaurant, bar, pool and courtyard, The Haven is for those who want the full ship scale with the small ship service.  

Sitting in the al fresco private dining restaurant for lunch, the prawn linguine with a zesty glass of pinot grigio is a thing of beauty. Perfect al dente pasta, a bounty of prawns (not ghastly tiny shrimp) enhanced by an appropriate drizzle of white wine, parsley and chilli (such restraint for a US kitchen, I know) is a meal to savour.  

Honorable mention 

The Marquee, Silver Nova is a gorgeous space serviced by two outlets, The Grill and Scallopini for Italian eats (don’t miss the gelato). 

The Grill’s salads, poke bowls and burgers are another relaxed summer-style lunch to savour. 

3. Lobster Tortelloni, Sun Princess, Princess Cruises 

Best high-end Italophile, Specialty Dining

The Italian Trattoria onboard Sun Princess is tucked into Deck 8 like an old school red-and-white check Italian ‘cave’ restaurant of the 70s. Except this is a soft space with teal green velvety banquettes and art deco lights and extravagant chandeliers creating an elevated atmosphere for an equally elevated meal.  

The fluffy pillows on the plate reveal creamy lobster meat encased in soft pasta tortellini. The only shame is that there are only two of the heavenly envelopes on the ‘primo’ plate. 

Honorable mentions 

Extra Virgin onboard Virgin Voyages is an outstanding Italian eatery, the charcuterie board a highlight. 

Jamie’s Italian onboard Royal Caribbean ships is always a must-book for me, although it has started to be a little inconsistent.  

4. White Truffle & Egg Pizza, Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages 

Best late-night snack, Complimentary 

The pizza outlet on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady (simply named The Pizza Place) does a roaring trade, but its busiest times are from about 10pm–1am. Says it all really.  

But the white truffle and egg pizza is the perfect complement to a great evening indulging at the Virgin shows and bars. Even better, you can take it away for a sneaky and indulgent bedtime blotting paper for the cocktails. 

Honorable mention 

Promenade Pizzeria, Sun Princess is a light, fluffy pizza with the steadfast option of pepperoni, vego and margherita and a selection of daily specials like prosciutto and mushrooms.   

5. Steak Chops Grille, Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean 

Best for steak lovers, Specialty Dining 

Chops Grille is an institution. The grand New York steakhouse-inspired restaurant onboard all Royal Caribbean ships is largely acknowledged as the best at sea.  

The art deco-inspired restaurant is a classic example that icons are icons for a reason, and you don’t need to trick them up or try to reinvent the wheel – just deliver great quality to meet the expectation and you will win.  

Sure, I always start with a classic lobster bisque or wedge salad, cautious to leave room for the hero of the evening: the hand-cut steaks with all the trimmings.  

I opt for either the filet or bone-in rib-eye eye depending on how much marbling I am seeking. Then it is time to add the sides: potatoes in four styles (my choice is truffle fries, ignoring the gruyere tater tots, baked potato or Yukon gold mashed), mac & cheese, creamed spinach, mushies or asparagus.  

And finally, mustard and sauces. Just brace for the meat sweats the next day.   

Honorable mention 

The steak in the complimentary Eclipse dining room onboard Sun Princess was outstanding, and to be found in the complimentary dining room is rather impressive.  

6. Rubens, Local Bar and Grill, Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line

Best lunch for non-vego sandwich lovers, Complimentary 

For lovers of a good Rubens, this is your happy place. Local Bar is my go-to when not in the Haven onboard the Norwegian Prima Class ships.  

This Ruben is everything you want; stuffed to jaw dislocating proportions of corned beef, dripping in melted cheese and sauerkraut between two slim slices of rye bread with a juicy side pickle. Grab a few napkins and get medieval on it. 

7. Emu Pie, S.A.L.T Chef’s Table, Silver Nova, Silversea 

Best for hatted restaurant lovers, Specialty Dining 

Silversea’s S.A.L.T program is not a gimmick but a serious culinary offering, as I found out onboard Silver Nova.  

The Chef’s Table Degustation meal is a high-end food journey where the official 11-course, with a few ‘surprise and delight’ and amuse-bouche thrown in, makes the final number of courses indecipherable (and that has nothing to do with the matching wine).  

Inspired by the local cuisine of wherever the ship is, this phenomenal feat of logistics doesn’t overshadow the attention to detail in the experience, including beautifully designed ingredient explainers. 

The Emu Pies on the Australian journeys is an homage to the iconic Four’n Twenty version. The buttery pastry provides the perfect platform for the gamey emu meat and foie gravy filling with a dollop of bush tomato chutney. The coffee-lid-sized pie is a remarkable reinvention of half the Coat of Arms.  

Honorable mention 

When you want the theatre of high-end formal white table cloth dining, Anthology onboard Explora Journeys is the best pick. 

8. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean 

Best for light-hearted celebratory food, Specialty Dining 

Onboard the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, I indulge and opt for the Samurai Premier Combo of beef tenderloin and tiger shrimp. But sneak in some cheeky sashimi and the must-have snow crab California roll to start.  

The Hibachi (Teppanyaki) experience onboard Icon’s specialty Izumi Hibachi & Sushi restaurant is everything you expect. Banter with the chef with a big dose of grill karaoke while we start with edamame, ginger salad and fried rice with the classic catch the fried egg roll in your mouth as it is machine gunned at you before indulging in the buttery shrimp and beef.  

Honorable mention 

Uman Teppanyaki, Sun Princess is a quality teppanyaki with more courses and similar fanfare. 

Comment below with your favourite meals at sea for a reader’s choice selection to be added to this story. Next, I will share my favourite bars at sea. Feel free to share your favourites as well.