Great food is an essential ingredient for any luxury cruise, and something that the brand-new Celebrity Beyond (whose maiden voyage is scheduled for April 2022) promises in plenty. "We are proud to welcome more than 300 talented chefs from over 30 countries, ensuring we can offer truly global cuisine throughout our stunning collection of new-luxury venues", says the brand's Vice President of Food and Beverage, Chef Cornelius Gallagher. So, exactly what and where can you expect to dine on this cutting-edge luxury ship?
32 food and beverage experiences
14 cafés, bars and lounges
8 specialty restaurants
4 main dining restaurants
4 casual dining venues
2 exclusive restaurants
Specialty Dining
Whilst an array of genuinely outstanding eateries is completely complimentary throughout your voyage, there are eight speciality restaurants that take fine dining to the next level. Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud is the world-renowned chef's first signature restaurant at sea, following his eponymously named restaurant Daniel in New York, which has two Michelin stars. Matching the magnificent menus inspired by world travel and global flavours is the most awarded wine list at sea, as well as beautifully intimate interiors designed by Jouin Manku - the team responsible for designing the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower as well as Celebrity's Grand Plaza.
Other speciality restaurants include the Fine Cut Steakhouse (I bet you can guess what that serves), the fabulously French Le Grand Bistro, and Le Petit Chef - an utterly unique dining experience that sees animated character appear at your table to seemingly prepare your dishes! For super-fresh sushi and all things seafood, book a table at Raw on 5, or dine on iconic Magic Carpet - a unique cantilevered venue that soars up to 13 decks above the sea. The Rooftop Garden Grill (designed by Kelly Hoppen CBE) serves beautifully barbecued favourites, whilst Eden Restaurant is renowned for its uniquely personal culinary journeys and striking setting.
Bar-Raising Bars and Lounges
I've talked a lot about fine-dining. but what about fine-drinking? Well, with no less than eight bars on board, as well as a nightclub, you'll never be far from a handcrafted cocktail or flute of Champagne. The aptly named World Class Bar is suitably cool and classy, serving cocktails created using the freshest ingredients and finest spirits, whilst The Sunset Bar is a true marvel of design. This two-level venue enjoys an enviable aft location (hello unobstructed sunset views), and a super-chic, beach club-style atmosphere. It's perhaps unsurprising that it's so impressive though, as it was designed by legendary interior designer Nate Berkus in partnership with architect Tom Wright of WKK, best-known as the designer of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.
Complimentary Dining
Whisking you around the world via your taste buds, there are four main restaurants which guests can choose from to enjoy complimentary dinner daily. The Cyprus Restaurant represents Celebrity's Greek heritage, both through the authentic Mediterranean menus and impressive interiors inspired by Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The Tuscan Restaurant's food and venue is inspired by the elegance of Italy, Normandie Restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine in a romantic Paris-inspired setting, and Cosmopolitan Restaurant is all about new American cuisine with a global influence, paired with labels from the walk-in wine display.
If you're after a light bite, fresh salad or poolside lunch during your voyage, there are four further eateries that are completely included in your rate. The three-level Eden Café serves breakfast and lunch, the Spa Café is all about health-focused food, the appropriately named Oceanview Café offers globally inspired cuisine from morning to night, and the top-deck Mast Grill is the place to grab a burger, salad or sandwich between soaking up the sunshine.
Exclusive Dining
If all that wasn't enough to choose from, guests staying in The Retreat and AquaClass Suites also enjoy access to exceptional exclusive eateries open to nobody else. Luminae at The Retreat has been dreamily designed by Kelly Hoppen and is open only to guests of The Retreat. Enjoy panoramic floor-to-ceiling views over the ocean as you feast on menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, including signature dishes designed by legendary chef Daniel Boulud. If you're staying in the wellness-focused AquaClass, your exclusive restaurant is the beautiful Blu, where menus focus on clean, crisp flavours and spa-inspired dishes, along with an extensive list of sustainable and biodynamic wines.
Did You Know?
Whilst not strictly about dining, we couldn't miss out the recent news that the amazing Captain Kate McCue (the first American female cruise ship captain) will take the helm of Celebrity Beyond for its maiden season. She was a pioneer when she captained Celebrity Summit back in 2015, and has since been at the helm of Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Edge. Kate said, "to be the 'take out' captain for a new vessel is an honour for any captain, and it is an absolute dream come true for me. I always say that if you see it, you can be it and I hope that Celebrity Beyond sails as an inspiration for all to see past convention in pursuit of any goal in life".