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Embark on a gourmet journey with Princess Cruises 360 dining experience, celebrating Mediterranean flavors aboard Discovery Princess.
A secret gourmet dining encounter awaits on the Discovery Princess cruise ship. 360: An Extraordinary Experience celebrates cuisine from the heart of Greece, Italy, Spain, and France during an immersive multimedia sensory showcase. You’ll feel, smell, hear, and taste the joy in each morsel.
What is the 360: An Extraordinary Experience
360: An Extraordinary Experience brings 20 guests together in the round for a seven-course meal steeped in innovation and flavor. The cutting-edge event utilizes sophisticated 360-degree video and sound to transport guests to Mediterranean destinations. Along the way, guests sample food and exclusive wines that evoke the passion for the ingredients from each region.
First Impressions
I enjoyed this feast on my first cruise on the Discovery Princess. The anticipation began as guests gathered near the Piazza on Deck 5. We sipped vibrant welcome cocktails, symbolizing the beginning of the journey. I could feel the diner’s excitement build while I waited for escort to the secret 360 dining venue location.
Vibrant welcome cocktails await guests gathering for the 360 dining experience. Photo by Julie Dee Suman
A duo of musicians arrived, playing happily on their trombone and trumpet. The group of us gleefully marched behind our performers to our dining destination. Our names were projected on the table at our respective seats. Our host, Johannes, announced it was time for the excitement to begin.
My Immersive Princess Experience
The meal began with actress Brooke Shields on screen sharing her Princess cruise experience in Greece. Shields narrated as she drew in her journal as scenes of olive groves passed by our eyes. A drink based on a Santorini cocktail arrived while we learned about growing olives from a local farmer.
The attentive waitstaff gently placed a mezze of black Kalamata and green Chalkidiki olives, handmade pita rounds, traditional tzatziki, and golden Greek extra-virgin olive oil at the table. I could taste the citrus zest and garlic used to marinate the olives. The chew of warm and pillowy pita was perfection.
Marinated Greek olives served with soft, pillowy pita rounds. Photo by Julie Dee Suman
Our tabletop magically changed to a cobalt and white checkered tablecloth reminiscent of a Greek table by the sea. The presentation segued to fishermen plying the Aegean Sea while the perfectly grilled fresh octopus was served on a bed of Greek Manouri Parnassou cheese. Olive oil, pickled red onions, and feta cheese added to the brightness of the dish.
La Dolce Vita Vibes
Our program progressed to a black-and-white scene with a couple drinking espresso at an outdoor Italian Café. A fiery red Vespa accentuated the vibe. The video projection on our table switched to rocky terrain. We soon saw a cartoon version of the couple winding the Vespa through the rocks across the table.
The La Dolce Vita vibes continued as we whisked away to Pompeii. We listened intently as we learned about a vineyard in Pompeii. Our lesson: “Study the past to imagine the future.”
To cement our education, we enjoyed a glass of white wine from the terroir of Mount Vesuvius. Mozzarella di buffalo, heirloom tomatoes in a kaleidoscope of color, fresh basil, and a balsamic vinegar reduction accompanied this extraordinary experience.
Dining 360 with narrative video projection. Photo courtesy Julie Dee Suman
Fragrant Memories
As we moved to the next course, the intense scent of lemons filled the room. Scenes from an Amalfi lemon grove filled the screen. A gorgeous bowl of Pasta al Limone, complete with dancing lemons swirling around the plate, was ours to enjoy.
The recipe for this deceivingly simple dish was broadcast on the screen, and I rushed to capture a photo of this most memorable meal. Oven-roasted lemons, lemon zest, garlic, parmesan cheese, butter, and kosher salt created the most delicately flavored spaghetti I have ever tasted.
Underwater Adventures in Spain
The room switched to underwater reflections near the Costa Brava. We saw images of wine bottles gently aging under the sea, facilitated by the high pressure from the Mediterranean Sea.
Johannes proudly entered the center of the room, showcasing a bottle of Grenache covered in barnacle remnants. Stored 24 meters (almost 79 feet) underwater, the bottle from ElixSea circled its way around the room.
The wax seal was opened so we could enjoy a glass of this smooth red wine caressed by the sea. I felt fortunate as this wine course was unavailable elsewhere on the ship.
ElixSea bottle of wine aged at 24 meters underwater. Photo courtesy Julie Dee Suman
Culinary Traditions
The 360 dinner then moved on to Spanish traditions. A rustic plate of Spanish-cured meats, consisting of Pata Negra, Chorizo, and Serrano hams, appeared. Two slices of crisp bread rubbed with incredibly fresh crushed tomatoes rounded out the plate. It felt like I was eating tapas in Barcelona.
The dining room shifted into a rainbow of color, reminiscent of the mosaic tiles you see in this region of Spain. Scenes of maracas and Spanish guitar players broadcast on the tabletop. I could touch each scene to clap the maracas and make the musician strum his guitar.
We explored the vibrant markets of Barcelona as bold images of flowers and vegetables filled the room. The fun began when we got to dig for truffles projected in front of us virtually. The meal’s highlight had arrived—succulent grilled shrimp and filet of beef with truffle butter. And the butter resembled a truffle.
A vibrant meal at the 360 Experience on the Discovery Princess.
The Soul of Provence
Brooke Shields continued the journey with us as she drew flowers from Provence in her journal. The room smelled of sweet lavender while fields of lavender whisked by us. Shields introduced the beekeeper Paolo, who explained the importance of bees.
The tablescape became filled with jolly honeybees exploring a honeycomb. It was time for dessert. A whimsical honey lavender custard appeared. The dish was complete with adorable honey-filled bees and honeycomb tuille.
The sensory experience ended with the pop of a champagne bottle. “Be Our Guest” played in the background. I savored the moment and a generous pour of Champagne Drappier. As Johannes thanked us, the room erupted into boisterous applause.
The whimsy and fantastic design highlight the honey lavender dessert, complete with edible bees. Photo courtesy Julie Dee Suman
A Performance for All the Senses
I felt fortunate to dine at the 360 experience. We had fantastic food on the Discovery Princess, but this dinner will linger in my memories. Beyond the marvelous food, the awe-inspiring production encouraged connecting people to places through food. It’s why we travel.
My dining companions and I could not stop reveling in the joy and artistry of the event. The technology used to create an immersive environment is state-of-the-art. The performance tickled our souls by touching all our senses.
Catalan tapas with cured meats and tomato bread represent the best of Spain. Photo courtesy Julie Dee Suman
A Taste of Princess Cruises
The 360: An Extraordinary Experience is available on the Discovery Princess and the Enchanted Princess. Advanced reservations are required. Two seatings occur each night at $149 per person. The menu can be adjusted to include vegetarian meals and non-alcoholic options.
You don’t need to be a foodie to love the meal. It’s accessible and fun; you’ll learn about each destination represented during the evening. I enjoyed the event so much that I dined a second time, 360: An Extraordinary Experience, during a Mexican Riveria on the Discovery Princess. I recommend making memories at the mesmerizing dinner.
We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more of our favorite cruise experiences.
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