If you haven't taken part in the Chef's Table experience on one of Carnival's ships, you are missing out! Yes, there's an extra charge for it, but in my opinion, it is SOOOO worth it! I believe they offer this every night during the cruise, and you can reserve it ahead of time. The cost varies with the ship. You will receive information in your cabin letting you know what night you will be attending the Chef's Table and what time and where to meet.
This was my third time doing the Chef's Table (each time on a different ship), and it was Joseph's second. Our experience started with a tour of the ship's Galley (kitchen).
Since the Chef's Table takes place during the normal dinner times, the kitchen area is VERY noisy! However, it's very interesting to see just how busy the kitchen and wait staff are and how many plates of food are produced and go out of the galley.
While we were in the galley, there was an area set up for us to sample some small appetizer portions. Adults were provided with champagne.
Once we finished in the Galley, we were all taken to the Ship's Library on Deck 4 for the remainder of the dinner. Everyone had an assigned seat which was designated with a name placard and a personalized copy of the evening's menu.
As you'll be able to see from the photos below, the portions are small, but you will NOT leave hungry! This is about a ten-course meal, and you will be stuffed by the end of the evening! Red and/or white wine is complimentary for adults with your meal (and is pretty free-flowing!), and those under age twenty-one (21) can have water, tea, lemonade, or the soda of their choosing. Coffee is available as well.
Before each course, the chef explained everything about the dish including his reasons for choosing that particular dish for the menu, and the chef will sometimes also explain and demonstrate certain techniques that are used in a particular course. The dishes on the Chef's Table menu are selected by the ship's head chef.
The food was AMAZING!!! We've always enjoyed this experience, and this time did not disappoint either! The chef is more than happy to talk with you individually once the evening is over, and if you have allergies or other food issues, you can let them know ahead of time, and they will make adjustments for you.
A day or two after the event, you'll also receive a group photo delivered to your cabin.
If you don't mind paying extra for an experience like this, and you enjoy fine dining, I highly recommend trying the Chef's Table! They change the menus once a year or so, so if it's been a few years since you've done this, you should try it again. We've had a different menu each time!
