Princess Cruises: The mysterious 360 dining experience aboard a floating hotel

I’ve been told this is one of the greatest dining experiences at sea – but it’s all intentionally mysterious.

What’s about to happen? I don’t quite know – but it involves Brooke Shields, an array of incredible technology, scents that fill the room, and some seriously good food.

It’s called "360 Dining: An Extraordinary Experience," and it’s found aboard the I’ve boarded this opulent floating hotel in Barcelona on a week-long voyage through the Mediterranean on a food-themed adventure.

While the port stops are unforgettable – like eating homemade pasta under the vines in Tuscany – the 24 bars and restaurants on the ship are a destination in themselves. None of them more so than the new 360 dining experience. It’s found aboard just two of the Princess fleet – Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess.

The intrigue starts before we even sit down. Like a treasure map, we’re told to meet on level five midship – all 20 of us diners. But there’s no restaurant there; where could we be off to?

When we arrive, it’s like a red carpet event. There’s a photographer, complete with a photo wall for people to pose in front of. Cocktails are served as our host arrives to welcome us. Two violinists then escort the group – in full concert – through The Catch by Rudi, which is the top restaurant on the ship. We’re led through a door and are ushered behind a curtain.

Inside is a feast for the eyes. We’re seated in a circular room, surrounded by huge curved LED panels. A logo appears on the table in front of us and we’re told to wave our hands over it. Magically, it reveals a special message with my name on it. The enormous screens all around us then come to life, and with Brooke Shields as the narrator, we’re taken on a sensory journey through the Mediterranean.

Before each of our seven courses, we learn where the food comes from and the local artisans who create it. Then, like magic, the room is scented with the flavours of what we’re about to taste, whetting our appetite. A few seconds later, a long line of waiters appear and unfurl from the kitchen in a circle – all to the beat of the music – before placing our meals in front of all 20 diners at the same time like a grand crescendo.

The stories we watched on the big screen spanned from Greek olives to lemons from the Amalfi coast and the lavish lavender fields of Southern France. The latter was followed by a decadent lavender dessert. Each dish was matched with a sensational wine, including one that is matured under the water rather than in oak barrels.

The food was remarkably good – but add the 360 experience on top of it all – and it’s one of the best meals you’ll ever have, either on land or the high seas.

Enchanted Princess is one of only two Princess Cruises ships that offer 360 Dining: An Extraordinary Experience. The other is Discovery Princess. The experience is included for any guests travelling in a suite. See:

Ocean and river cruising have an impact on the Earth's waterways. To reduce your impact, consider offsetting carbon emissions and booking with cruise lines that use cleaner fuels and adopt recycling practices.