Rule book overboard

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Virgin Voyages aim to bring city-like eating to sea and throw out the traditional cruise dining rule book.

There will be no buffet, no main dining room, no forced formal wear, no assigned seating, no assigned dining times and enhanced choice.

Passengers will be able to grab a bite as Virgin will keep restaurant doors open until well into the night and, in some cases, the early hours of the morning.

Michelin-starred chef Brad Farmerie has helped curate the company’s food concepts and strategy.

So, what can sailors – their term – expect. From experimental and haute cuisine to healthy quick bite options is the answer.

A spokesman said sailors can dine at a table or opt to enjoy their meal at the bar, with nearly all restaurants on board featuring a bar.

Each restaurant will be helmed by a leading chef and Virgin Voyages pledge to never have to sacrifice quality for a quick bite.

 

The selection will be:

WAKE: Designed by Roman and Williams, Wake offers sailors a dramatic view of the ship’s wake. Serving a theatrical take on steak and seafood, Wake is the most glamorous restaurant on the ship inspired by The Wolseley, London and The Grill, New York, a dramatic grand staircase.

RAZZLE DAZZLE: Razzle Dazzle has vibrant and creative twists on vegetarian fare and a juice bar. The “nice” menu offers plant-based vegetarian and vegan dishes including must have muchies such as the Impossible Burger.  The “naughty” side enables sailors to order meat “add-ons” and offers to spike their healthy smoothies with boozy shots. To live up to the boldness of its name, Razzle Dazzle will not simply brunch but rather Drag Brunch, where sailors are treated to a performance by the Scarlet Lady’s resident drag performer and friends.

THE TEST KITCHEN: This laboratory-like eatery is part cooking school and part restaurant, with an atmosphere that is educational, experiential and social.  The chef-driven set menus are presented in the form of an ingredient list to sailors who will discover how the chef combines the list of flavours throughout the course of the meal.

GEONBAE: Geonbae is a Korean BBQ restaurant and each meal will begin with a complimentary round of soju for the table and, throughout the evening, sailors are encouraged to take part in lively Korean drinking games.

PINK AGAVE: An elevated Mexican transports sailors to the vibrant streets of Mexico City through immersive void lighting. Offering a wide variety of Mexican specialties that inspire sailors to discover authentic Mexican flavors including tlayudas, memelas, sopes, tortas, esquites, and tamales.

EXTRA VIRGIN: This is ship trattoria serving regionally-inspired food, deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions with handmade fresh pasta made daily.  A meal begins with shared antipasti followed by approachable pasta-centric favorites.

DOCK: Set in the ship’s sun-dappled lounging area at the aft of the ship on Deck 7, The Dock is a beach club-inspired space with carts of Mediterranean small plates, salads, dips and mezzes providing options throughout the day.

THE GALLEY: It is modelled on popular food halls where visitors can taste a cornucopia from different restaurants. The Galley will be the main space for the quick and casual meal throughout the day. The food hall will feature a mix of more than eight shops and food carts, each offering a unique concept with signature dishes that change to suit the time of day. The Galley’s concepts include a dedicated bakery and pastry shop, a panini shop, a burger grill, a taco shack, a sushi bar with bento boxes, a noodle bar, a soup and salad stand and a 24-hour American diner.

THE PIZZA PLACE: Sailors can choose from the classic menu or allow them to design their very own own bespoke pizza and pies.

Virgin Voyages promise more details throughout 2019 but you can visit  www.virginvoyages.com.