AN exclusive, immersive dining experience on the Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess is now available to all onboard.
The unique multi-sensory dinner show was previously only available to suite passengers on the two luxury liners but will now be bookable by all.
I was onboard the Enchanted Princess as it prepared to set sail from Barcelona last weekend to get a sneak preview of the experience.
360: An Extraordinary Experience transports a select 20 diners to the heart of the Mediterranean in a specially-constructed circular dining room, lined with a 360-degree LED screen.
As the story unfolds on the display, the dining table in front of you comes to life – welcoming you personally and transforming through playful projections around the seven-course meal.
Our dynamic, engaging maitre d’ was obviously passionate about the whole experience and kicked things off before the actress Brooke Shields appears on screen to begin the “storytelling” – whisking you from the olives groves of Greece and lemon orchards of Italy to the coastal waters of Spain and lavender fields of France’s Provence.
You’ll meet the passionate producers of some of the best of Mediterranean food and drink while dishes inspired by their wares are prepared.
As the story continues around you, your seven courses are served with not just the sights and sounds of the places that inspired the food but also the smells.
There’s sharp citrus, floral lavender and even the scent of salty sea air as you tuck in.
Stand-out dishes for me were the lemon pasta and octopus with feta.
Even the wines are a cut above, with a dry white grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius near Pompeii and a fantastic red, Elixsea, that is matured underwater on the Mediterranean sea bed for six months.
You’ll end the 90-minute experience with a glass of champagne and a very special goodbye on those incredible LED screens.
While it will remain complimentary for passengers in the posh cabins, it will be offered to others for the price of £123pp – that includes all seven courses, the unique wine pairings, a welcome cocktail and glass of champagne.
To register your interest to be added to the list for availability, just head to Guest Services when you are onboard.
And while the Mediterranean-themed 360 Extraordinary Experience is not due to appear on any other ships any time soon, there are obviously plans to include a similar attraction on the soon-to-be launched Sun Princess.
The largest ship in the fleet, carrying more than 4,000 passengers, is due to sail from February 2024 and rumours abound of a magical new attraction onboard.
SAILING THERE: An 11-day sailing onboard Enchanted Princess is from £799pp including full board and entertainment.
The ship departs Barcelona on November 12, 2023, and calls at Toulon, France; Genoa and Livorno in Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Sicily and Naples, Italy.
See princess.com or call 0344 338 8670.
