Princess Cruises is elevating its onboard culinary offerings by integrating the esteemed Makoto Ocean restaurant into the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess this fall. This move signifies a broader trend in the cruise industry towards providing high-caliber dining experiences. The Makoto Ocean concept, initially launched on the Sun Princess, brings the expertise of celebrated sushi master Makoto Okuwa, known for his innovative approach to Edomae sushi, to a wider range of cruise guests. Passengers on these two ships will soon have the opportunity to indulge in a menu that skillfully marries time-honhonored Japanese culinary traditions with contemporary flair, reflecting Okuwa's celebrated style seen in his land-based establishments.
Diners aboard the Diamond and Sapphire Princess will be treated to a distinctive menu featuring a creative interpretation of Edomae-style sushi, which originated in Tokyo during the 1820s. Chef Okuwa's selections include inventive dishes like salmon adorned with truffle, delicate snow crab hand rolls, and exquisite toro tartare, each prepared with a modern sensibility while deeply respecting Japanese gastronomic heritage. Beyond the sushi, the restaurant will also offer an array of unique cocktails infused with Japanese ingredients, such as the Genmai Negroni and the Kodai No Hana, which combines yuzu juice with traditional cloudy sake. This expansion is particularly significant for Chef Okuwa, as it allows him to share the cultural richness and flavors of his homeland with an international audience navigating the very waters he cherishes, making the venture both professional and profoundly personal. The 80-seat restaurant, situated on Deck 7, will be available for a per-person charge or as part of the Princess Premier Package, offering a compelling reason for food enthusiasts to consider a fall cruise.
This initiative by Princess Cruises to extend the Makoto Ocean experience across more of its fleet underscores a commitment to enriching the guest journey through exceptional dining. By bringing a celebrated chef and a unique culinary concept to sea, Princess Cruises is not only expanding its gastronomic landscape but also inviting passengers to explore new cultures and flavors. Such advancements transform cruising into a more immersive and luxurious experience, where every meal becomes a highlight, adding immense value to the overall travel adventure. It inspires us to seek out and appreciate the finer things in life, embracing new experiences and the dedication required to deliver such quality, whether on land or at sea.