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EDEN RESTAURANT

A unique culinary journey that transports you through Eden itself

Where dining is taken to new and exciting places

The cuisine and wine list at Eden Restaurant are rooted in nature and draw inspiration from the regions we visit throughout the world. Descend into Eden Restaurant, and enjoy a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, while watching our chefs put their finishing touches on each culinary creation in the beautiful open kitchen. Featured dishes include roasted Carabineros shrimp from Spain, sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi with smoked pecorino cheese, as well as duet of filet mignon and mini short ribs wellington. These expertly executed dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Meals Served

Contemporary Fine Dining

Smart Casual

See Details >

Cover Charge Applies

Make A Reservation

Eden Restaurant Experience

Eden restaurant menu.

*Menus are subject to change

Available On

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Celebrity’s Eden Restaurant on Apex: Our Honest Review With Menu

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If you are cruising and thinking of dining at Celebrity’s Eden restaurant, make your reservations now because tables go fast. We have eaten there several times, and here is our review of our experience at Eden on Celebrity Apex.

On our recent cruise to the Baltics on Celebrity Apex , we purchased a dining package with the express intent of eating Eden because it has become such a favorite of ours. I don’t eat seafood, and Eden’s menu is seafood-heavy, so my dining choices there are limited. But I don’t care…the food is that good.

The Details

• Specialty: Global cuisine with a twist
• Hours: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Dress Code: Smart Casual
• Cover Charge: $60 per person

From the moment you set foot inside the Eden Restaurant, you are transported to a realm where nature and artistry intertwine seamlessly. The design is a masterpiece, boasting lush greenery, cascading plants, and panoramic windows that give you breathtaking views of the open sea. The immersive environment blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor, inviting guests to dine within an enchanting garden oasis. The three-level design allows for intimate dining spaces as well as communal seating, catering to various preferences.

After walking through the bar area where the entertainment is located, you will descend a staircase into the restaurant, where you will be met by the maître d’. They will take your cabin number and quickly have a waiter seat you.

Surprisingly, Eden has an open-kitchen concept, which will be on your left as you walk into the restaurant. Throughout your meal, you will find yourself glancing at the counter that serves as a pass, watching as the chef carefully plates each meal, engaging your sense of sight as well as of taste and smell.

After you are seated, your assigned waiter will introduce themself and provide you with a menu. They will ascertain if there are any allergies that the kitchen needs to be aware of, and make sure you are supplied with your choice of water and some mouthwatering Parker house rolls with butter.

The sommelier will stop by to see if you want cocktails from the bar or to order wine, and I would suggest you take a look at the cocktail menu. The cocktails at Eden’s bar are creative and oh-so delicious. At $15 to $20 or so each, they are an upcharge from your dining package, but they are absolutely worth it, not only for the taste but for the experience.

Eden’s menu is a symphony of flavors, curated to delight even the most discerning palates. Dishes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the freshest ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. The menu’s emphasis on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients adds an eco-conscious touch to the dining experience. From delectable seafood creations to artfully plated vegetarian options, each dish is a masterpiece that both excites and satisfies.

The menu is comprised of two pages. The first is a tasting menu that includes wine for each course at a higher price than the regular cover charge. The second page is the standard menu, from which you can order whatever and how much of what you want. We ate there twice during our most recent cruise and enjoyed many of the menu items, sometimes twice.

Below are sample menus for Eden. Of course, menus are subject to change.

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For appetizers, we had the crab cake, garden bouquet, Reuben raclette, shrimp, and risotto. All were outstanding. I am especially hooked on the risotto, now that I’ve learned how to make it from Eden’s chef at a special cooking class that we attended during this cruise. It adds a special layer of appreciation to the meal when you know how some of the dishes are prepared, and the care that goes into them.

For our entrees, Myron chose the lobster casserole (his favorite dish at Eden) and the salmon, and I had my usual filet with short rib Wellington. All were mouthwateringly delicious.

By the time dessert rolls around at Eden, you are quite full, but you can’t resist the waiter who insists that you at least share something. I had the lemon tart one night and the crème brulée the other, and Myron enjoyed the chef’s surprise dessert that shows up at the end of each meal at Eden. We love the macarons that are always included on the plate, which is covered with red velvet crumbs and artfully arranged with pastries and fresh berries.

The Service

The service at Eden is nothing short of exceptional. The staff’s passion for their craft is evident in their knowledge of the menu, their attentive manner, and their genuine enthusiasm for creating a memorable dining experience. From suggesting wine pairings to accommodating dietary preferences, the service is seamlessly personalized, making guests feel like cherished patrons. Between your waiter, assistant waiter, and sommelier, you will be well taken care of.

Our Gift For You

Download your free copy of our Celebrity Apex Restaurants Guide.

Apex Restaurant Guide

Would you like a restaurant handout you could print out and take with you on the Apex? Our exclusive handout gives you the location, dress code, and hours of all the restaurants on the ship. Of course, the hours are subject to change.

Final Thoughts on Celebrity’s Eden Restaurant

In conclusion, the Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Apex is a must-visit for those seeking an elevated dining experience that marries gastronomy with captivating design. From the harmonious fusion of nature and architecture to the expertly crafted dishes on the menu, Eden offers a sensory journey that celebrates the art of food and the joy of dining.

Celebrity’s Eden restaurant is, in our opinion, the best restaurant we have ever dined at, whether on land or sea. We will always eat there at least one night on each cruise, if not two, whenever we sail on an Edge-class ship on Celebrity (the Edge, the Apex, the Beyond, and soon the Ascent). Yes, the meal is expensive, but we buy a dining package before the cruise and save a little with pre-cruise pricing.

So, if you are cruising on a Celebrity Edge-class ship and are eager for an outstanding meal, be sure to try Eden. You won’t be disappointed.

Happy cruising!

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Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

All about Celebrity's Eden Restaurant

Located on the bottom floor of the Eden Garden space, you'll love this restaurant's unique look and menu.

What is the cost to eat at Eden Restaurant?

There is an additional charge to dine here. It's a flat fee, $85 per person.. Alcoholic drinks and soda cost extra.

What type of restaurant is Eden Restaurant?

Eden Restaurant is a "Sit Down" restaurant. This means you have waiter who will take your order and bring you your food. It usually takes a bit longer than quick serve / to-go establishments, but has a nicer atmosphere.

When is Eden Restaurant open?

They're usually open for dinner. Specific times and schedules may vary, so always check in your cruise schedule or app to see the exact times.

Eden Restaurant Menu

Seen on Celebrity Beyond Sept 2023

Ships that have Eden Restaurant

• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Ascent

About Cruise Spotlight Founded in 2020, Cruise Spotlight\'s goal is to help people understand every aspect of cruising. Plenty of sites focus on the perfect Instagram pictures and marketing fluff. We focus on what really matters: onboard expenses, tips for cruise ships, detailed cruise reviews, and more. Our goal is to provide helpful, unbiased information to new and established cruisers. Over the years, we\'ve helped millions of people get the most from their cruise vacation. Learn more about Cruise Spotlight.

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Celebrity Edge® is a ship designed to change the way you experience the world. A perfect example of this is the mind-blowing venue, Eden. We invite you to indulge every sense in a transformative atmosphere that changes from chillful mornings to playful afternoons to wonderful evenings.

Celebrity Edge introduces the industry-changing concept of outward facing spaces designed to build a greater connection between you and the sea. Eden is the essence of this concept, a true window to the world—literally. It’s three levels of sensory experiences completely wrapped in glass. Three stories of windows that look out to the ocean, with two areas of al fresco seating on both sides of Eden for breathing in the refreshing salt breezes.

With over 11,800 square feet of event space, Eden is the ideal location to host engaging business luncheons, magical wedding celebrations, inviting reunions, and any event you can dream up—all with a backdrop of million-dollar views.

The sheer size of Eden will amaze everyone who enters. It’s by far the grandest space we’ve ever designed that purposefully connects you to the sea—and the exciting destinations beyond.

See How a Visit to Eden will Awaken Every Sense

Eden is a multi-level, architectural masterpiece developed in collaboration with Scott Butler, a founding partner of Wilson Butler Architects, award-winning architects for the arts, and Patricia Urquiola, world-renowned industrial designer, art director, and visual genius.

Bright and airy, three stories of windows bring in the shimmering morning light and offer stunning views as far as the eye can see. Along the meandering path, lookout points designed by Patricia Urquiola offer the perfect place to chill—on every level.

Strengthen your culinary skills with hands-on cooking classes and indulge in hand-crafted cocktails artfully garnished with fresh herbs. Awaken your inner oenophile with wine tasting and pairing seminars held by our master sommeliers.

By night, Eden is an ever-evolving experience that transforms throughout your vacation. Join us for a series of tantalizing nightly events all designed to awaken your sense of wonder in unique and exciting ways. Each night you visit Eden, you’ll encounter a new fusion of music, libations, and experiences unlike anything else at sea.  

Awaken Your Senses

Eden features panoramic ocean views and an atmosphere that changes throughout the day. It’s a fusion that creates a delightfully unexpected array of immersive experiences. No matter what time of day or night, Eden will awaken every sense—taste, sight, sound, smell, and touch.

From the specialty coffees in Eden Café, to the hand-crafted cocktails at Eden Bar, and the delicious, experiential cuisine at Eden Restaurant, your taste buds will be in paradise morning, noon, and night.

Sight & Sound

With interior design as sublime as the panoramic outdoor views; the spontaneous, immersive performances; and the crescendo of theatrics that close out the night—your eyes and ears will be amazed.

From the aroma of Eden Restaurant’s lively open-air kitchen, or the plants used to garnish hand-crafted cocktails, your sense of smell will be awakened at every turn.

From hands-on culinary enrichment in Eden Restaurant to plush seating installations that beckon you to sink in, your sense of touch will be tantalized.

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Unrivaled architectural and interior design.

Scott Butler, Lead Architect Eden

With Eden, Scott wanted to introduce the industry-shattering concept of outward facing spaces designed to build a greater connection between guests and the sea. What he succeeded in creating is a multi-level, architectural masterpiece, delivering a transformational space that organically blends nature with design. In his next endeavor on Celebrity Edge, The Theatre, Scott created a contemporary space designed to blur the line between audience and performance, The Theatre immerses you in an unparalleled entertainment experience where the performances are as innovative as the space itself.

Patricia Urquiola, Lead Designer Eden

It all begins with Journey to Eden, a unique art installation that leads to the venue and delivers a tranquil garden escape where you can open your mind and prepare yourself for the combination of sensory experiences that lie ahead. The design itself is constantly changing—chillful in the morning, playful in the afternoon and sinful at night—a concept Patricia executes flawlessly. No matter what time of day or night, every visit to Eden will leave you intrigued and wanting more.

Scott Butler

Patricia Urquiola

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EDEN RESTAURANT

A unique culinary journey that transports you through Eden itself

Where dining is taken to new and exciting places

The cuisine and wine list at Eden Restaurant are rooted in nature and draw inspiration from the regions we visit throughout the world. Descend into Eden Restaurant, and enjoy a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, while watching our chefs put their finishing touches on each culinary creation in the beautiful open kitchen. Featured dishes include roasted Carabineros shrimp from Spain, sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi with smoked pecorino cheese, as well as duet of filet mignon and mini short ribs wellington. These expertly executed dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Meals Served

Contemporary Fine Dining

Smart Casual

See Details >

Cover Charge Applies

Make A Reservation

Eden Restaurant Experience

Eden restaurant menu.

*Menus are subject to change

Available On

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12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

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Some cruisers might think there is no such thing as a “dining mistake” on a cruise. A vacation at sea can be akin to a feeding frenzy, with 24/7 dining options and all the pizza, ice cream and burgers you can eat. How could you go wrong with so many food choices?

However, if you actually care to have sit-down meals at the times you prefer in the restaurant of your choice and if you want to make the most of the dining opportunities provided on the ship, there are better and worse ways to approach your vacation.

A lack of planning can lead to your being dissatisfied with the onboard culinary experience – even though your tummy is full (or possibly, overly full) of food.

I prefer to treat cruises as a week of wonderful eating — like I would a visit to a city known for its culinary offerings — rather than an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord. To optimize the experience, I avoid these 12 dining mistakes whenever possible. If you want to taste all the best things on your next cruise without ever feeling hungry or grossly full, I suggest you fix your culinary strategic errors, as well.

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Not making reservations as far in advance as possible

Cruise lines make a big deal of their multiple onboard restaurants. They neglect to mention that, like the hot new eatery in your hometown, it can be nearly impossible to get a table for four at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night — or at any reasonable dining time on any day of your sailing.

Spontaneity is nice on vacation. However, when it comes to onboard dining in specialty restaurants, a lack of advance planning will leave you dining too early, too late or not at all. If you want that perfect reservation, you’ll need to secure a table in advance.

Ideally, you will make your specialty dining reservations online before you set sail. On some ships, suite passengers get early access to the best times. Make your dinner plans as soon as you’re able. If not, make it a priority to book a table as soon as you’re on the ship.

For restaurants that don’t take advance reservations, you’ll need to strategize your evening. For example, on a recent Carnival Celebration cruise, guests needed to request a table through the line’s app if they wanted to dine at included venues, such as Chibang! or Cucina del Capitano. However, if you waited to request a table until you were ready to eat, you might have found yourself, as we did, with an hourlong wait.

If you’re able, you should put your name on a list or request a table 30 to 60 minutes in advance of when you wish to sit down, knowing you might end up eating earlier than you intended.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Missing the mid-cruise specials

On the other hand, if certain restaurants aren’t driving enough business, cruise lines will run promotions mid-cruise to entice more diners into the emptier venues. Or, the ship might run lunch or brunch specials in restaurants normally open only for dinner.

I noticed this on MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore . Certain nights were designated all-you-can-eat sushi nights for a flat fee at the Kaito Sushi Bar. The Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse offered brunch on a sea day for less than its typical surcharge. If you’re interested in a nicer meal in an intimate setting for the right price, don’t forget to look for the mid-cruise specials printed in the daily newsletter.

Eating in the main dining room on the first night

It’s tradition for many cruisers to eat in the main dining room on the first night of the cruise. You’re still getting the lay of the land, and if you’ve selected assigned-seating dining, you’re eager to meet your waiters. Also, some avid cruisers remember a time when the best dishes, such as lobster, were served on the first night and don’t want to miss them – even though the cruise lines now often save their best dishes for formal night.

Because of this mindset, reservations can be easier to get in specialty restaurants on the first night of the cruise. Some lines even offer incentives if you book a table on the eve of embarkation. Carnival , for example, offers a free bottle of house wine or 50% off the regular wine list to cruisers who choose to dine in certain extra-fee restaurants on night one.

Related: 5 reasons you should splurge on a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Don’t miss out on the food and possibly a freebie by not considering a specialty restaurant for your first dinner on board.

Always eating as a family

You often see the multigenerational family cruise advice that everyone can do their own thing during the day and then come together at dinner and spend the evening as a family. This is great advice for families with teens and older children, but it’s not always ideal for little kids.

When I cruise with my children, I find our dining choices to be vastly different. My son has no use for a leisurely sit-down meal in a waiter-served restaurant. He wants to go to the buffet, grab food, eat and be done.

My picky eater daughter has no interest in a seafood restaurant, nor do I want to pay specialty dining fees for her to take two bites and declare she’s finished. (Know that many specialty restaurants will serve the regular kid’s menu of pizza and chicken tenders and not charge your children to dine.)

So on some nights, my husband and I will take the kids early to the buffet or a fast-casual restaurant before depositing them in the kids club, at which point we are free to enjoy a date night in the main dining room or in an upscale steakhouse or French restaurant on board. And everyone is happy. (I’ve even ordered room service for the kids on lines like Holland America that don’t charge.)

Forgetting about free room service breakfast

So many cruise lines have added delivery fees or a la carte pricing to their room service menus that budget-conscious cruisers have stopped considering in-room dining as an option. So it’s easy to forget that most lines have not yet slapped a price tag on Continental breakfast.

The options might not be vast, but sometimes you just want to sip a coffee and munch on some fruit or a croissant out on the balcony while you watch the sunrise. You’re always welcome to grab a more filling meal elsewhere on the ship later.

Room service is great for appeasing kids with cheerios and muffins while everyone gets ready to go up to the buffet. You can also order little boxes of cereal to keep on hand as afternoon snacks.

Sticking to the menu

Cruise ships don’t really have a secret menu like In-N-Out Burger, but sometimes galley staff can indulge you in a little creativity.

Luxury lines encourage it. Seabourn volunteered to cook my friends and me a vegetarian Indian feast, and SeaDream kept a secret stash of chocolate-chili ice cream that I could request whenever I wanted. That doesn’t mean mainstream cruise lines are hard-liners when it comes to the set menu, though.

Nearly every cruise ship I’ve sailed offers a veggie burger wherever regular burgers are found, including at private island barbecues, but you’ll hardly ever see one listed on a menu. I often ask for a side of roasted broccoli in the main dining room. The Carnival Pride staff got that one spot on, but the MSC Seashore folks delivered some sad steamed veggies I never ordered again.

Related: What not to eat on a cruise

At Royal Caribbean’s Sorrento’s pizzeria , you can request vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free pizza, even if you don’t see those choices listed on a menu.

And in the main dining room, you can always order appetizers as entrees, entrees as appetizers and get a scoop of ice cream on whatever dessert you like.

Skipping the extra-fee venues

I’m sympathetic to cruisers on a budget, as I’m often one of them. We all have to make choices about where and how we spend our vacation dollars.

Please do budget some money, if you can, to try a few of the extra-fee restaurants on cruise ships. They add variety to your onboard dining, and many offer great value for the money compared to land-based restaurants. The ambience is quieter and more intimate than in the main dining room, which can be loud and overwhelming, depending on your table.

Additionally, the food can be outstanding. I’m a fan of both Jamie’s Italian and Giovanni’s Table on Royal Caribbean , the steakhouse on Carnival, the Pinnacle Grill on Holland America and the Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Cruises .

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The best meals you can have at sea

Some extra-charge dining experiences, like teppanyaki venues and churrascarias on various cruise lines, can be more fun than the typical sit-down restaurant. You don’t have to be a foodie to get a lot of satisfaction from specialty restaurants.

Not trying new foods

Cruise ships have all your foodie favorites, whether they be juicy steaks, cheesy pizza or freshly rolled sushi. It’s easy to indulge in feel-good food, but when meals are included, I’d encourage you to live a little dangerously.

A cruise is a perfect opportunity to try something new because you can ask for something else if you don’t like it. If you haven’t ordered a ridiculous amount of food already, you can get a second entree or dessert for no extra charge. Try buttery escargot or your first baked Alaska ; Carnival routinely has frog legs and alligator fritters on the menu.

If you’re worried about food waste, order one dish for your table to share. If you love it, you can always order another.

Eating too early or too late

This dining mistake is not always something you can control. If you want set-seating dining, you’re often looking at a 5:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. dinner time, when 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. would be preferable. My problem is an early dinner leads me to go on a snacking spree before bed, when pretty much only pizza and ice cream are available. A late dinner has me hunting for food at 5 p.m. and ending up with a pre-dinner burger.

One way around this is to select a cruise ship’s anytime dining plan and figure out how to work the system to get the dining time you want. This might involve agreeing to share a table with strangers, making reservations or requesting a table at least a half-hour before you want to eat.

As I said earlier, making reservations for specialty restaurants as early as possible is the best way to ensure better dining times. Alternatively, if you’re flexible, simply go where the waits are shortest. Norwegian Cruise Line ships often have real-time displays indicating which dining venues have shorter or longer wait times for tables. Of course, the buffet and other fast-casual venues will have you eating in a jiffy.

Not hoarding snacks

You might be thinking, “But Erica, there is food everywhere on a cruise ship. Why would I hoard snacks?”

The truth is, while food is plentiful at 4 p.m. on a cruise ship, it’s not always the food I want to eat at that time. At home, I eat fruit, baby carrots or granola bars mid-afternoon.

While I wholeheartedly agree that a cruise is not the right time to diet, I also find that some days I can’t stomach another cookie or slice of pizza, which is what’s available between meals on board. Sometimes all I want is a simple yogurt or a bowl of grapes in the afternoon when they are nowhere to be found.

My solution: Case the breakfast buffet for healthy items and store them in your cabin’s minifridge for mid-afternoon snacking. Fruit, yogurt, muffins, hard-boiled eggs and small boxes of cereal all work to satisfy those late-day cravings without resorting to something straight from the fryer.

Or, make a PB&J at breakfast to eat later in the day. It’s an especially good strategy when you’re traveling with small children.

Wasting food

When you’re at sea, you should strike a balance between trying new things and wasting food. Food waste is a huge issue on cruise ships. The number of half-eaten room service dinners and pizza crusts I saw on my last cruise was appalling (especially since the pizza was so good).

Take small portions at the buffet, where you know you’re going to want to try a few different dishes. Pick one dessert to try, and then go back for seconds, rather than piling your plate high with all the choices. Have everyone at your table choose their own desserts rather than bringing back a pile of cookies for the table that no one actually eats.

Related: 9 best cruise ship desserts to tempt you at sea

Ask for one slice of pizza instead of two, and handle the soft-serve machine gently so you don’t end up with a towering cone you can’t finish. Don’t order room service breakfast for your friends as a prank, and don’t be afraid to say no to unwanted fries. Ask for smaller portions if you don’t eat a lot (though sometimes you can’t convince your waiter to bring you one), or share a dish with a friend.

That way, when you do genuinely want to try something and end up not liking it, you don’t feel as bad ordering a replacement dish you truly intend to eat.

Not pacing yourself

As I mentioned earlier, a cruise can be a nonstop smorgasbord if you let it. While it’s fun to give in to your guilty culinary pleasures for a day or two, a week of constant eating and fried, sugary, high-fat foods can make you feel ill.

Remember: It’s not a competition or about getting maximum value by eating all the included food offerings. It’s OK — dare I say, encouraged — to pace yourself. Don’t pick up that cookie just because it’s there. Don’t eat pizza every single day. Actively seek out a — gasp — salad to balance out the giant steak you’re eating.

Showing a little restraint will keep you from feeling bloated and gross by day four of your sailing. More importantly, it will also make the food indulgences you choose more special because you can truly appreciate those delicious meals.

Bottom line

It’s difficult to go hungry on a cruise ship, especially if you’re willing to pay for food, but it is possible to leave a meal feeling dissatisfied. No one wants that on their vacation.

A little forethought and some self-restraint go a long way toward making your onboard culinary experience memorable and enjoyable.

When you fix your cruise ship dining mistakes, you can avoid some of the frustrations surrounding access to the best restaurants and the mealtime ambience you prefer. If you can make it through a week on board without overeating or feeling hungry waiting for mealtimes, you’ll know you’ve mastered the art of cruise ship dining.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Cruise lines are quick to say that they offer multiple meals in a day in restaurants included in your fare, but modern cruise ships still have plenty of extra-fee dining venues to tempt your tastebuds and wallet.

All cruise lines include complimentary meals in the main dining room (known as the MDR in cruise lingo) and usually also a buffet and casual poolside dining. Additionally, all mass-market cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America and Disney Cruise Line offer "specialty restaurants" where you can dine if you're willing to pay. Upscale and luxury cruise lines also have more intimate, reservation-required restaurants but typically include at least one meal per cruise there in your fare.

Specialty restaurants are, well, special. They're typically smaller venues with a themed menu and often a higher quality of food than you'll find in the main dining room. Specialty dining could include high-end steakhouses , fancy chef's table experiences or restaurants dedicated to the cuisine of a region like Italy, France or Southeast Asia.

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On the big cruise ships, these shipboard restaurants carry a per-person surcharge or a la carte menu prices. Some are more affordable, charging around $25 for a meal, while others (like Disney Cruise Line 's Remy or Royal Caribbean 's Empire Supper Club) cost upward of $100 per person.

While the cruise lines want you to spend money at these special eateries, you can certainly have a delightful culinary experience dining only at the included restaurants on board. How do you decide whether the splurge is worth it? Read on to learn why you might want to treat yourself to a specialty restaurant meal, whether just once or on several occasions, on your next big-ship cruise.

You like variety

The No. 1 reason cruisers book specialty restaurants is that it's fun to try new things on vacation. Sure, you can eat in the main dining room every night and enjoy a varied menu. Most cruise lines will offer a few meat and seafood dishes each night, along with a vegetarian option. Carnival Cruise Line typically features an Indian dish and some kind of daring dish (alligator fritters or escargot) nightly.

However, you're still going to the same banquet-style grand venue or a cavernous buffet each evening. You might want to change it up and have a special night to look forward to, with a different ambience and a new menu to check out. Specialty restaurants are ideal for adding variety and a change of scene to your evening plans.

On Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas , the largest cruise ship in the world, you can choose from restaurants specializing in Italian, Japanese and California casual cuisines; steak, seafood venues, comfort food and pub grub venues; and a supper club. Add that to a variety of included dining options, such as various cafes and buffets and grab-and-go pizza and tacos, and you'll never be bored at mealtime.

You're a foodie

I have enjoyed plenty of fine meals in cruise ship main dining rooms, but, if I'm being honest, I think the food is almost always better in the specialty restaurants. Because you're paying a premium, the chef has more resources to invest in the best provisions (think Prime beef, local seafood that was fished sustainably and small-batch cheeses from independent dairies) and isn't churning out dishes en masse.

For example, many cruise ship steakhouses, such as Celebrity Cruises ' Fine Cut Steakhouse, offer high-quality USDA Prime ribeye and New York strip. Carnival Cruise Line's Rudi's Seagrill features lobster and crab in several dishes, as well as mussels and oysters.

The menus are also more apt to include where the ingredients were sourced. Look for small ranches and vineyards, dairies and olive oil purveyors.

Want another reason to book that specialty restaurant? Many cruise lines partner with renowned chefs who create the menus and train the staff at their shipboard venue. On select Royal Caribbean ships, for example, Jamie's Italian — a prix fixe restaurant — was created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. The menu dazzles with White Oak Pastures beef short rib, San Daniele prosciutto and coppa piccante made by Nduja Artisans, a family-run salumeria in Chicago.

Other celebrity chefs with restaurants on big-ship cruise lines include Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri (Carnival), Daniel Boulud (Celebrity) and Arnaud Lallement (Disney Cruise Line).

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

You want a more intimate setting

More often than not, cruise ship specialty restaurants are much smaller than the main dining room and far less crowded than the buffet. That in and of itself can be a valid reason to pay a bit extra for a quieter and calmer experience.

If you prefer a slower-paced dining experience at the time of your choosing, a specialty restaurant has your name on it. Generally speaking, these restaurants accommodate fewer people and operate on a traditional restaurant reservation system, so you can dine when you want and with whom you want versus a set early or late dining time or at a mixed table with strangers.

For example, on multiple MSC Cruises ships (including MSC Seaside, Seashore , Seascape and Seaview), you can enjoy high-end Angus beef at the Butcher's Cut steakhouse. The venue can accommodate from 72 to 121 guests, depending on the ship. MSC Cruises' Seaside Class ships have a maximum capacity of upward of 5,000 people, so dining at this venue is a welcome treat if you've spent the day jockeying for a lounger by the pool.

Smaller restaurants also often equate to a better experience when it comes to service. The maitre d', waiter and sommelier will all have more time to tend to your table and provide more personalized recommendations.

Related: 12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

You love a value

The ability to try new types of cuisine or dine somewhere you normally never would is a huge draw of the specialty restaurant phenomenon. Though meal prices have gone up significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, you can still try menu items designed by top chefs and interesting cuisines for less than you would on land.

At Norwegian Cruise Line 's Onda by Scarpetta, a three-course meal consisting of a burrata starter, veal entree and chocolate cake for dessert will cost you $73. The same burrata-veal-cake dinner at New York City's Scarpetta restaurant will set you back $95.

Similarly, an original burger and fries at the Johnny Rockets near me costs about $15. You'll pay a $12.99 cover charge per person on Royal Caribbean's shipboard outlet of the fast food chain, and that will get you your choice of sandwiches, sides, desserts and even fountain soda. Milkshakes, floats and alcohol cost extra.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you?

You're celebrating a special occasion

Are you celebrating a special occasion, or is it just date night and you want to do it in style? Book a specialty restaurant in either of those scenarios, and you won't be disappointed.

When you make your reservations, be sure to tell them if it's your birthday, anniversary, graduation cruise or retirement party. Oftentimes, the chef and waitstaff at a specialty restaurant have the time and ability to do something special — maybe a special toast or dessert designed for the occasion.

Specialty restaurants are nearly always romantic. Believe it or not, Remy aboard Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy is an incredible dining experience, but it comes at a cost. You'll pay $135 per person for a dinner inspired by French culinary traditions and an additional $120 to $160 per person for wine and Champagne pairings. It's a toss-up whether you're paying for the excellent French cuisine or an adults-only ambience with no kids in sight.

Related: Best cruise food: These are the cruise lines with the best food at sea

You've upgraded to a more inclusive fare

Specialty dining on a big ship is a no-brainer when the cost of the meals is already included in your fare.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion gives cruisers two included meals at specialty restaurants on board. You'd have to pay a 20% gratuity, but otherwise, a meal with one entree, plus sides and dessert, would be covered.

Choose Princess Cruises ' Plus Package, and you'll get two free meals at casual eateries, such as Alfredo's (pizza), Kai Sushi, Planks (barbecue) and Steamers (seafood). Upgrade to the Premier Package for unlimited dining in casual venues and two free meals in the nicer specialty restaurants on board, such as Crown Grill (steak) or Sabatini's (Italian). While you'll have to pay extra for these inclusive packages , they come with so many things — such as crew gratuities, Wi-Fi and a beverage package — that you can save a lot by bundling purchases together.

You usually sail luxury ships

If you're used to sailing on small, upscale luxury cruise lines, you will be accustomed to intimate dining rooms adorned with unique works of art, custom china and extras like Hawaiian sea salt and high-end virgin olive oil on the table.

Sail aboard a mass-market cruise line, and you might be taken aback by the massive multistory main dining room, with its noise, the sheer number of people dining together and the tiny tables pushed so close together that you might as well be dining with others — even though you reserved a table for two.

Don't get me wrong. You can have an incredible dining experience in a cruise ship's main restaurant, but it might not be the atmosphere you prefer if you're used to luxury.

Related: The 10 best meals you can have at sea

The thing is, sometimes you want a big ship experience for the other amenities it has, such as an expansive spa, Broadway-style shows, waterslides, laser tag or even a skydiving experience. The newest mainstream ships have gorgeous and enormous suites that come with VIP treatment and exclusive or priority access to ship amenities. And you don't need to give up your food fantasies on a ship like that because you have plenty of specialty restaurants to dine at instead of the buffet.

Take Norwegian Dawn, for example. It can accommodate 2,340 passengers at double occupancy. It offers a huge main dining room but also seven sit-down specialty restaurants like La Cucina Italian restaurant, Le Bistro French restaurant , Bamboo Asian restaurant with a sushi bar, Teppanyaki , Moderno Churrascaria, Cagney's Steakhouse and Los Lobos Cantina. If you are willing to pay extra for specialty restaurants, you could eat at a new venue nightly and never set foot in the main dining room on a weeklong sailing.

Bottom line

If your budget allows, try one or more specialty restaurants on your next cruise. They are a valuable addition to the options on many cruise ships and give you the opportunity to try new cuisines, sample food from famous chefs and get a breather from the megaship crowds.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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• San Francisco Restaurant Openings

Monterey’s Lantern Room Has Cruise Ship-Level Ocean Views and a Seasonal Menu to Match

Located in the freshly remodeled Monterey Beach Hotel, the Lantern Room is a seaside restaurant escape off Highway 1

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Sweeping views of the ocean anchor the updated Monterey Beach Hotel , but the views will have some competition for attention at its new restaurant the Lantern Room between consulting chef Paul Corsentino’s seasonal menu and the freshly designed decor by ROY Hospitality . Still, a dining room wall is dedicated to water-facing windows — they’re large enough to remind Corsentino of his time working at sea. “When I walk out into the dining room, I have the same vibe that I’m on a cruise ship,” Corsentino says, “it’s so on the ocean. It’s really cool.”

The Lantern Room is a hotel restaurant meant to serve traveling guests, of course, but the team is also looking to lure in locals and day-trippers driving along Highway 1. Corsentino has crafted a menu to fit all personalities, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. “The approach of the menu is to have someone who is a ‘foodie’ come in here and enjoy and have some unique items available,” Corsentino says. “But it’s also understanding that we are a hotel and we want to take care of the steak-and-potatoes people, too.” Corsentino has experience in restaurants in New York, Chicago, and the Monterey area, but more relevantly he has also worked in large hotel restaurants such as the National at the Royal Sonesta Benjamin New York and the Sur House at Alila Ventana Big Sur .

Executive chef Jose Velasquez will run the kitchen through the year. Expect solid classics like steak frites, but with the meat sous vide for 24 hours, or a grilled half-chicken made with poultry from Santa Cruz’s Fogline Farm served with Castroville artichokes, farro, and stewed Basque peppers. Beyond that, the dishes get more playful, with items like Monterey black cod sourced from local fishmonger Sea Harvest , served with coconut grits, bok choy, and kimchi broth on the side. For breakfast, the restaurant continues to partner with local businesses, bringing in milk bread from bakery Ad Astra Bread Co. and incorporating it into the French toast, topped off with seasonal fruit, like summer peaches.

The wine list gets some extra oomph via Ian Brand, winemaker and founder of I. Brand & Family , who curated the wine offerings. Expect some wines from Brand’s label, but selections from a breadth of local wineries along the Central Coast, places like Wrath Wines and Caraccioli Cellars . Meanwhile, the cocktails have gotten an upgrade and feel “super fresh,” Corsentino shares, and also incorporate local ingredients. “Every cocktail is really thought out and well executed,” he says.

The decor from San Francisco-based design team ROY Hospitality allows the view to shine while adding attention-grabbing elements. Macrame rope pieces by artist Jim Olarte line some of the elevated and tiered booths — the better to see those views from various vantage points — and swaths of blue fill the room, painting the booths and seating at the front, as well as table elements like the napkins. A fireplace at the restaurant keeps the environment cozy, no matter what the weather may look like outside. As a neighbor, Corsentino is excited to see the restaurant and hotel pull together as a place for tourists and locals alike. “It’s an amazing location,” Corsentino says. “Even the hotels that are in Monterey, they face Santa Cruz and don’t have the forward-facing bay views that this place has. Couple that with quality ingredients and it’s a recipe for success.”

The Lantern Room at Monterey Beach Hotel (2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey) debuts Wednesday, August 21, and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner.

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• Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

Thinking of going to Moscow?

By scubacruiserx2 , October 11, 2013 in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea

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scubacruiserx2

We thought about it and did it September 21, 2013. We would like to share how we did it and explore options on how to visit this great city.

Because we were staying in St. Petersburg, we chose a "Day Trip".

We found a guide on the internet and contacted her. We asked her the best way and day to visit Moscow. We agreed Saturday would be good and the Sapsan train is the preferred way to travel. We booked our e-tickets for the train on the internet.

The day began early with an accuweather check. It showed brilliant sun all day - in St. Petersburg (1 of only 35 days a year) and rain all day in Moscow. Walking to the Metro station we began the long ride down to the underground train.

The early morning Metro

This is the Moscow train station in St. Petersburg

And here is the Sapsan at rest

After scanning our tickets and a walk through a metal detector ( which we set off) we walked to wagon #3. Showing our passports to the attendant , we were seated by 0630 and ready to ride !

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After we were seated we received this overhead greeting

Russian Railways welcomes you aboard ! We soon found out that every thing would be in Russian first and then in English. Our launch time was reached - and we were off.

Here is some information about the Sapsan

http://www.russiantrains.com/en/page/sapsan-train

As the sun began to rise we saw some fog , but a clear sky just outside of St. Petersburg @ 125 mph.

We settled in for the 4 hour train ride to Moscow.

Appreciate your posting of these visuals in connection with your rail trip to Moscow and back. As noted below, we did this "adventure" in 2008 via the air routes. Keep sharing your nice and interesting visuals. Below are a few of mine showing the "prizes" to be enjoyed in Moscow. Fortunately, we had three days on our cruise stop in St. Petersburg, making this one-day trip work better.

The high-speed train connection does make a big, big difference currently. We did the one-day Moscow trip in 2008 by the air connections. I'll offer up some added background, along with various pro/con factors for your consideration. My wife thought it was lots of money, but she viewed it as very much worth it after completing the trip as a "once in a lifetime" experience.

CON FACTORS : It's a long day! Leave the ship early (greeted by a small welcoming band dockside); get back to the St. Petersburg airport around midnight and back to the ship a little before 1 am. Moscow is a super large city of over ten million people. There has been huge growth in the suburbs of this city during the past decades or so. Traffic and time from the airport to the main downtown takes about an hour, but the train takes your directly into the heart of this large city. Since we had to drive in from the airport, we had a good feel as we traveled into town through the coach windows about the “new Moscow” with its suburban growth, commerce, advertising, capitalism, big box stores, etc.

PRO FACTORS : Moscow has its unique history, sights and sites, from Ivan the Terrible up through Lenin, Stalin and the new Russian leaders of today. After a long ride in from the airport on the outer edge of this large metro areas of 17.3 million (with 10.5 million in the city), we stopped at a new hotel for coffee/tea/break. Then, we rode the Moscow subway and saw a couple of their very unique and artistic stations. Stalin at the time called these stations “People’s Palaces”. This Moscow Metro was first opened in 1935 and now has 182 stations, 12 different lines,187 miles of routes and carries seven million passengers each weekday. It’s the world second busiest subway system. This subway ride offered a good sampling of real life for people who live and work in Moscow. We then saw more key places enroute, including the home of the Bolshoi Ballet, KGB Headquarters, various Stalin-era buildings, etc. Then we went to the Kremlin with its 19 historic towers. WOW, we were really there!

Inside the Kremlin are three key “super stars”. First, was the State Armoury with its spectacular Faberge Eggs, plus so many carriages, crowns, gowns, jewels, etc. Second are the various historic Cathedrals within the Kremlin Walls, plus the Tower Bells, Icon art, etc. This includes the Cathedral of the Annunciation built in the 1480’s and having such spectacular wall murals and icons. Third, was the Great Kremlin Palace with its spectacular reception halls, inlaid wood floors, gold and more gold, fancy ceilings, etc. The Czars were crowned here, plus the current heads of the Russian government, etc. The size and scale of these areas are hard to describe in words, let alone reflect and capture the history that has happened in some of these rooms dating back to the late 1400’s. We have seen lots of great palaces all over Europe, but this is something above and beyond for the eyes, heart and brain.

Then, we saw more building inside the walls of the Kremlin. We went outside of the Kremlin Walls and walked next door to adjoining Red Square, seeing St. Basil’s and the re-done Gum Department Store. Red Square is so historic, especially having grown up seeing the military May Day parades there, visuals of Lenin’s Tomb, etc. Have the words “spectacular” and historic been used too much? Maybe, but it fits for many of these unique places. St. Basil’s was built 1555–1561 on the order of Ivan IV (the Terrible). It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower (266 feet tall) in 1600 inside the Kremlin Walls. To be able to “CONTRAST” and compare Moscow and St. Petersburg during these three short days adds to the benefits of seeing both of these great Russian capital cities. Each is a very different and special city.

We finished with dinner in the Central Writers’ Club, a one hundred years old mansion made into a restaurant with crystal chandeliers, rich wood panelling, fireplaces, and antique balustrades.

Is one day too short and limited? YES! You can, however, do and see lots in only that one short day. You get a small sampling above. How often do you get to Russia? The Cold War might not come back in full force, but there are going to be increasing and revisited tensions in future years involving Russia and getting access there. They have done this tour many times and have its details down well and timing perfected. Let us know any questions, thoughts or reactions.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 120,278 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Walking on the famed Red Square of Moscow. This square separates the Kremlin, as the former royal citadel and the current official residence for Russia's President, from a historic merchant quarter. Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia, because Moscow's major streets originate from here. The name Red Square comes neither from the color of the bricks nor from the link between the color red and communism. The name came about because of a Russian word that can mean either "red" or "beautiful". This word, per Wikipedia, has the meaning "beautiful", was originally applied to Saint Basil's Cathedral. Then, later, the meaning was transferred to the nearby square. It is believed that the square acquired its current name in the 17th century. Red Square was the leading stage and trade center for Moscow. Ivan the Great decreed that trade should only be conducted from person to person, but later these rules were relaxed and permanent market buildings began appearing on the square. After a fire in 1547, Ivan the Terrible reorganized the lines of wooden shops on the Eastern side into market lines and part of that transitioned into what is now GUM department store that adjoins this famed square.:

St. Basil's sits on Red Square and dates back to its 1555-61 construction on the orders of Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV). It commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan and marks the geometric center of the city. This location has been the hub of its growth for Moscow since the 14th century. It was the tallest building in Moscow until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600. This church was near destroyed in the 1930’s when Stalin was in control.:

The domes of the historic church inside the walls of the Kremlin:

This is the interior for Moscow's most historic church, Assumption Cathedral or the Cathedral of the Dormition, inside the Kremlin walls. It is the mother church of Muscovite Russia. The church stands on Cathedral Square and was built in 1475–1479 by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. It was erected on the spot of an older 14th century cathedral of the same name:

The famed KGB (Secret Police) Headquarters in Moscow where many entered and did not exit (alive) during the 1950’s and 1960’s:

Here is a small sampling of the Kremlin Royal Treasures of the Czars: Eggs & Jewels inside the famed State Armoury in Moscow. One of the oldest museums in Moscow, it was established in 1808 and located within the Kremlin Walls. It originated as the royal arsenal in 1508 during when it was in charge of producing, purchasing and storing weapons, jewelry and various household articles of the Tsars. There are ten Fabergé eggs in the Armoury collection (all Imperial eggs). This is the most Imperial eggs, and the second-most overall Fabergé eggs, owned by a single owner. The Trans-Siberian Railway Egg is a jeweled Easter egg made under the supervision of the Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé in 1900 for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. It was presented by Nicolas II as an Easter gift to his wife. The exterior of the 1900 Trans-Siberian Railway egg is made of onyx, silver, gold, and quartz, and is decorated with colored vitreous enamel. The lid of the egg is hinged, has an overlay of green enamel, and is decorated with inlaid leaves of acanthus. On top of the lid is a golden three-headed eagle in gold with the Imperial Crown. The interior is lined with velvet. A route map of the Trans-Siberian Railway is engraved in silver across the face, with major stations marked by a precious stone, forming a belt around the egg. The egg is supported by three griffins made of gold-plated silver on a stepped triangular base of white onyx.:

Scuba and Terry, thanks for sharing the information and beautiful pictures.

One question... I assume the one day tour is similar to the St Petersburg tours, in that you don't need to obtain a Russian Visa if you are booked through a Russian tour agency?

Scuba and Terry, thanks for sharing the information and beautiful pictures. One question... I assume the one day tour is similar to the St Petersburg tours, in that you don't need to obtain a Russian Visa if you are booked through a Russian tour agency?

Appreciate the nice comments and good question from our friend in Las Vegas. YES , if your cruise is there three days or less . . . A ND . . . you are with a licensed travel/tour firm , then there is no need to do a Russian Visa. You cannot take that one- or two-day train to Moscow and back unless you either have a visa or are with an appropriate such firm traveling with you.

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik . Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 144,153 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

The announcements on the train requested turning off phones. We quietly greeted and introduced ourselves (In Russian) to our table mates . It seems that we were the token foreign passengers and we quickly realized that on the train (Like most public transport), people don't usually speak unless they have a question or know one another. Even when they do it's respectful of others privacy with no loud talking or phone calls." I could get used to this" I thought to myself. Reading was the norm and listening to music was socially acceptable. Out came the Eyewitness Travel Moscow and cued Al Stewart's Road to Moscow on the mp3. After a quick nap and a snack we noticed that the movie Moscow does not believe in tears was playing on the TV and people were seemed surprised that we knew the movie.

The next thing we knew, the train was arriving in Moscow !

Exiting the train , we headed for the station.

Irina was waiting for us at the end of the platform and it was starting to rain. " Welcome to Moscow and it's weather" she said. " Nine months of expectations and three months of disappointment" she remarked. We headed to the Metro for a tour.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Metro

As you can see , at 11 in the morning and we still had an empty Metro. Saturday or Sunday is the way to tour Moscow with a minimum of crowds

The first station that we visited was Komsomolskaya which is named for the Communist Youth League

Here is a mosaic from the ceiling

And at the end of the station was comrade Lenin

The Kievskaya Station is dedicated to the friendship between Russia and the Ukraine and is named after it's Capital - Kiev

It features idealized mosaics in the Soviet realism style

The Ukraine was the bread basket of the Soviet Union so agriculture and handicraft is displayed prominently in it's mosaics.

Because it is on the ring line #5 , it connects with #3 and #4 line and can get very busy.

Desertbelle

Thank you for these wonderful reviews. We are going to St. Petersburg for two days on the Brilliance next May. We have decided we want to go to Moscow for one of the days....your great photos make me want to go even more now! :D

The train ride of 8 hours (4 hours one way) and only 8 hours in Moscow doesn't sound perfect. Should we look for a tour guide who will take us by plane? Any recommendations? We would not want to undertake this on our own.

Thank you for these wonderful reviews. We are going to St. Petersburg for two days on the Brilliance next May. We have decided we want to go to Moscow for one of the days....your great photos make me want to go even more now! :D   The train ride of 8 hours (4 hours one way) and only 8 hours in Moscow doesn't sound perfect. Should we look for a tour guide who will take us by plane? Any recommendations? We would not want to undertake this on our own.

Congratulations on your upcoming TA and Baltic cruise and thank you for your kind comments. We did a TA in April of 2009 , followed by a 10 day stay in St. Petersburg. It's really a great time for the weather. Going to Moscow from St. Petersburg on a 2 day stay is going to be an either/ or proposition. Unless you can do a post cruise stay , it will be either Moscow or St. Petersburg . If its your first visit to Russia , we would recommend that you stay in St. Petersburg. It will save you travel time and money and there is more than enough to do in 2 days. If you decide on Moscow , many of the cruise ship offer this trip. We don't normally use or recommend the ship's tours but Moscow would be an exception. Few if any private tours offer this option for 2 days. If you chose to DIY with a Visa you could fly and meet the guide in Moscow and stay overnight. The problem with a 2 day stay is that Sapsan leaves before your ship arrives in port on the first day and arrives after your ship leaves on the second day. A more radical plan that we considered was to jump ship (With the Captain's permission) with a Russian Visa and stay longer in St. Petersburg / Moscow. Because we wanted more time in Russia , we cancelled our post TA Baltic cruise and just stayed in St. Petersburg.

Our last Metro stop before entering Red Square was Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Square of the Revolution). The hall contains life size sculptures of 'everyday people' who made The Revolution and the Metro possible.

Rubbing the nose of this border guards dog is said to bring good luck. I was amazed to see how many people touched this dogs nose after we stepped away.

This last 'every day person' is Lyudmila Pavlichenko who was credited with 309 kills as a sniper during WWII.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyudmila_Pavlichenko

Upon leaving the Metro station we were greeted by a steady rain and it was time to pop the umbrellas. After entering through The Resurrection Gate we stopped to take a picture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_Gate_and_Chapel

And turning around , there is was - Red Square ! I felt like like Dorothy opening the door in OZ. All of my childhood fears of ICBM rockets , goose stepping troops , 1 PM air raid sirens on Saturday , bomb shelters and duck and cover drills at school flooded my memory! Focusing on the task at hand , I had to learn to shoot pictures with one hand while holding an umbrella with the other. The first picture is Marshal Zhukov , a war hero

mounted on a horse , in front of The Historical Museum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgy_Zhukov

Kazan Cathedral was consecrated in 1636 by Prince Pozharsky and stood for 300 years until Joseph Stalin destroyed it in 1936. This faithful reconstruction was completed and consecrated in 1993.

There was a sea of umbrellas watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I could only get a picture by holding the camera overhead. If you look carefully, you can see his rifle beneath his raincoat.

The crowd thinned as they quickly marched away

But I sprinted ahead to capture a video clip

It was raining harder so we headed for GUM in hopes that the rain would abate.

GUM (pronounced goom) was the name given to this building after the Revolution in 1921. It was built in 1893 and currently has over 1000 shops. A banner proclaims 120 years.

This was one of my favorite photos of our trip. Watching a game of Bridal tug of war.

Maybe they were here shopping for this Mother In Law Cake. It features poisonous mushrooms on top ( I think they are sugar but didn't try them ).

We moved on to Yeliseev's Gastronom. The original store is in St. Petersburg.

http://russiapedia.rt.com/prominent-russians/business/grigory-yeliseev/

This is their souvenir shop

With no sign of the rain stopping it was time to pop the umbrellas and head out to Red Square. The square is about 500 yards long.

The small platform in front of St. Basil's is called The Lobnoe Mesto. It is where the Tsar and patriarch would address the people at various times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobnoye_Mesto

Even in the rain and overcast skies the cathedral is striking !

To the right of the photo is The Savior's Tower. It was the main entrance to the Kremlin and stands 230 feet tall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spasskaya_Tower

We thought we would go inside of St. Basils to dodge rain and see what the interior looked like. Here's the porch.

Fancy doors

Iconostasis

And here is a view of Red Square with everything labeled

Wow! What else can be said. The photos and your trip are amazing! We have booked a Baltic cruise for June, 2014. We had not considered going to Moscow and after reading your blog, we are still not. BUT if we ever are lucky enough to come back sometime, it will definitely be on our TO DO list! Thank you for sharing the pics, vids and memories!

Jim and Pam

Hi: I am new to CC and we are going on our first cruise in June 2014 with Crystal Cruises. Scuba - I would like to find out more about your Moscow trip - not sure how one goes about emailing here, but could you please email me at [email protected] ?

Welcome to Cruise Critic ! We are honored to be your first post. Don't be afraid to ask questions and browse the threads on CC. They are many experienced people willing to help and share with your upcoming trip. We are emailing now.

Wow! What else can be said. The photos and your trip are amazing! We have booked a Baltic cruise for June, 2014. We had not considered going to Moscow and after reading your blog, we are still not. BUT if we ever are lucky enough to come back sometime, it will definitely be on our TO DO list! Thank you for sharing the pics, vids and memories!   Jim and Pam

Hi Jim and Pam, how was the Fall in Michigan this year ? DW is a Michigander and we met in Michigan. We love spending the fall there. Congratulations on your Baltic cruise. We fell in love with St. Petersburg when we visited there on our 2006 cruise. You will have 2 full and enjoyable days there. Is it possible to do a post cruise stay in Moscow or St. Pete. ? We wished that we did when we first went because there a lot that we missed and wanted to see things at our own pace. It would be much quicker and cheaper to fly from Copenhagen than another transatlantic flight from Michigan. If you have not seen our thread on St. Petersburg - you may want to check it out.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

In front of St. Basil's Cathedral is a statue of a butcher Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitniy Pozharskiy. When Moscow was occupied in 1612 by the Polish Army , they raised a volunteer group to repel the invaders.

To me, the most amazing church in Moscow is The Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

After Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 , the strategy of retreat and destroy (scorched earth) was employed by Russia to allow Napoleon to enter Moscow. He found it in ruins - burned by the residents. When winter arrived on October 19, Napoleon began the long retreat to France. Along the way with no food , the winter and the Russian people attacking , the French troops were decimated. 600,000 troops had entered Russia and less than 60,000 left alive. To celebrate the victory Tsar Alexander ordered the Cathedral built to thank Christ for the victory.

In 1931 Joseph Stalin blew up the cathedral to build a skyscraper - The Palace of the Soviets , that would be taller than The Empire State Building. It would feature a giant statue of Lenin on top. The plans were abandoned when Germany invaded in 1941. After the war , it became a giant pool when construction was needed for housing. It was rebuilt beginning in 1995 , and was completed in 2000.

There was a crowd at the door and we waited in the rain and cold. It was beautiful inside (no pictures allowed). We stayed about an hour and the crowd had left and we took the second picture in the rain. A quick Metro ride to the train station and we said goodbye to our guide Irina.

http://www.newbyzantines.net/byzcathculture/christsavior.html

We returned to St. Petersburg on the Sapsan 1st Class. It included dinner , a drink and internet connections. The internet only works with a Russian phone service - so it did not work for us. The chairs reclined , so we got a nice nap after a long day.

Hi Jim and Pam, how was the Fall in Michigan this year ? DW is a Michigander and we met in Michigan. We love spending the fall there. Congratulations on your Baltic cruise. We fell in love with St. Petersburg when we visited there on our 2006 cruise. You will have 2 full and enjoyable days there. Is it possible to do a post cruise stay in Moscow or St. Pete. ? We wished that we did when we first went because there a lot that we missed and wanted to see things at our own pace. It would be much quicker and cheaper to fly from Copenhagen than another transatlantic flight from Michigan. If you have not seen our thread on St. Petersburg - you may want to check it out.   http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1775172

Ok, so now that I spent hours looking at and reading your posts, I see why you suggest a post tour. There is no way to see everything in only 2 days. But thank you so much for your information on SPB. We are really looking forward to our visit and want to get the most out of it.

We had snow flurries today in Michigan. Our fall was pretty short which means winter will be pretty long. We will survive though because we have 2 cruises to look forward to... Caribbean in February and the Baltic in June!

Thanks again for the great photo review and tips! I'll keep reading...

Ok, so now that I spent hours looking at and reading your posts, I see why you suggest a post tour. There is no way to see everything in only 2 days. But thank you so much for your information on SPB. We are really looking forward to our visit and want to get the most out of it.   We had snow flurries today in Michigan. Our fall was pretty short which means winter will be pretty long. We will survive though because we have 2 cruises to look forward to... Caribbean in February and the Baltic in June!   Thanks again for the great photo review and tips! I'll keep reading...   Jim

It sounds like a couple of great cruises coming your way. The Western Carib. is our most common trip cause we dive in all 4 ports. It's a great way for you to beat that long winter ! My wife's sister (from Bay City) does a girl cruise every winter to beat the cold and avoid the Spring breakers. We would encourage you to prioritize in St. Petersburg - you won't get to see it all in 2 days so pick the best for you. Please know your camera well before you visit ! The sites will come fast and furious so you want to catch them all. I had some new lenses and made some rookie mistakes and muffed some good shots ! If we can answer any questions - give us a holler. Joe

Thank you for your great report and photos! We will be in St. Petersburg for 3 days next June on Legend of the Seas. I arranged private tours in St. Petersburg on days 1 and 3, and to Moscow on day 2 - all with Alla Tours. I previously visited St. Petersburg in 2005, and am especially looking forward to visiting Moscow this trip.

Good to know that Nancy has these great Russian locations on her future, upcoming list. That assumes she survives her earlier “down under” visit, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Celebrity Solstice sailing, departing Sydney, going from Australia to Auckland/NZ doing 14 days on this ship we loved in the Med in June 2011. Nancy will be "riding" with us on this Aust-NZ cruise. Will share more on Russia with Nancy while we are sailing on this early 2014 adventure.

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 123,372 views.

Sounds like the perfect plan NancyIL ! Maybe something old and something new in St. Petersburg and something Red in Moscow! Did anyone watch Miss Universe in Moscow ? We enjoyed seeing the locale shots at night - something that we missed on our day trip. It also confirmed what we observed when we were there. Moscow like St. Petersburg has the majority of it's main sites located in a very small area. Catherine's Palace , Peterhof and Moscow require an amount of travel time equal or greater than the time spent there. There is the additional cost to Moscow as well. But it's great that you have 3 days and have seen some of St. Petersburg before so it made your decision easy. If you look at the map of Moscow you will see that most of the sites are very close together

and can be seen in a day, but Petersburg requires several days or more for maximum enjoyment.

Red Square and The Kremlin are next to each other and , in the lower left corner, is The Cathedral of Christ the Savior - all within walking distance.

We will be taking the Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg next summer. Is there much of a difference between first class and coach? We're booked in coach as the TA says there's not all that much difference for the money. Also, do you have any opinion on whether to ride on the left or right, facing forward, headed to St. Petersburg? I want to get the best views.

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