Shipboard dining has undergone considerable changes over the past few years. The trend has been towards more plentiful dining venues (supper clubs, sushi bars, etc.) and more flexible dining arrangements (open-seating, 24-hour dining, etc.). Some cruise lines have taken the trend and run with it; some have ignored it altogether.
Celebrity has taken something of a conservative path. The entire evening menu has been created by famed Master Chef Michel Roux and Celebrity passengers seem to understand that quality cuisine simply cannot be compromised – or rushed. Two evening seatings (the first at about 6:30pm; the second at about 8:30pm) are offered and the dress code also remains traditional – a 7-night cruise typically includes two dress-up “formal” nights.
However, the Infinity also offers some excellent alternative dining options to suit your mood or schedule. But know that wherever you choose to eat, the Infinity just seems to go the extra distance to make your meal memorable.
Celebrity’s tag line is “a true departure” and no where is that more evident than when you step into the Trellis Restaurant. With a two-deck expanse of glass and balcony seating, the views out to sea are unmatched by any other class of cruise ship. But what makes your meal a “true departure” is the attentive yet unobtrusive European-trained service staff delivering dishes that come from the kitchens of expertly-trained chefs.
Begin your meal by choosing from an array of appetizers, like escargots or crab cakes, and a salad or bowl of consommé. As for entrees, the steaks are top-notch quality, whether you prefer a New York cut, Filet Mignon or Prime Rib. Salmon, shrimp, chicken, lamb or duckling are also on the menu most nights and there’s always a low-calorie, low sodium choice as well. Choose just the right bottle of wine from the extensive selection of vintages; and should you not finish the bottle, they’ll keep it chilled or at room temperature for the next night.
Absolutely the most talked-about reservation aboard the Infinity is a table at the S.S. United States Restaurant. Seating 134 guests, the white-glove service and tableside preparation is superb. The décor is striking, featuring original glass etchings from the ballroom of the dining room’s namesake, the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic. But it’s here where you’ll want to slow your pace a bit and enjoy the good life.
You'll need a reservation to dine at the S.S. United States, as seating is limited. There’s a $25 charge per person, but it is well worth the trouble and the expense for this three-hour dining experience, with the waiter-chefs putting on a grand show that includes lots of flambé!
The waiters in this upscale restaurant wear white tie and tails, and they work on salary, which means tipping is neither allowed nor expected. Service is first-rate and friendly, and if you're having trouble making dinner decisions the staff will always be glad to help you pick from the premium wine list, or even recommend your main course. Michel Roux, master chef of the Celebrity fleet, has made choosing difficult indeed!
Oceanview Cafe & Grill: On some cruise lines, variety, freshness, and quality take a nosedive when you step into their casual, “open all day” buffet/bistro-style dining venues. Not on this line. Michel Roux, the line’s Master Chef, has seen to it that at the Oceanview Café & Grill, even the lowliest salad, even the simplest fruit cup, is thoughtfully prepared and presented. At night, the room offers table service and an excellent menu of steaks, seafood, poultry and other favorites.
Cova Cafe di Milano:
Named after the renowned café near La Scala Opera House, Cova Cafe di Milano is located in a prime spot on the busy Entertainment Deck, and it's the perfect spot to relax with an exotic cup of coffee and a pastry and enjoy a bit of conversation and people-watching. The “Cova Café” is a popular rendezvous for cruisers en route to the casino or the night clubs.
Mast Bar and Snack Bar:
When hunger strikes, don’t worry – you won’t have to give up your perfect tanning spot out on the Sunrise Deck; just walk a few steps and grab a burger or hot dog, pizza and a drink, then get back to the business of kicking back. And again, keep in mind that the word “snack bar” takes on a whole new meaning aboard the Infinity.
Room Service:
For a full meal or a midnight snack, take advantage of the Infinity’s 24-hour room service.
