Cruise lines devote enormous energy to providing fresh, healthy and imaginative cuisine. Here are some of the culinary enticements.
Star-chef consultants
Michel Roux of The Waterside Inn in Berkshire, England, for Celebrity Cruises (800-437-3111).
Jean-Pierre Vigato of Paris's Apicius for Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (800-333-3333).
Joachim Splichal of Patina in Los Angeles for Windstar Cruises (800-258-7245).
Great surroundings
The Animator's Palate dining room created by high-profile Manhattan restaurant designer David Rockwell, in which black-and-white line drawings on walls morph into brightly colored animated cartoon figures, on Disney Cruise Line (800-939-2784).
No smoking in the dining rooms on Royal Caribbean Cruises (call your travel agent for information). Al fresco dining on Premier Cruises (800-222-1003).
Guest chefs
Several of F&W's Best New Chefs, including Celestino Drago of Santa Monica, California's Drago (Rome to Athens; May) and Matthew Kenney (Barcelona to London; June) on Crystal Cruises (800-820-6663). Southern cookbook author Martha Pearl Villas (Miami to Bermuda; May) on Cunard (800-528-6273). TV chef Martin Yan (Barcelona to Monte Carlo; April) on Seabourn Cruise Line (800-929-9595). Cordon Bleu teachers (Valparaíso, Chile, to Acapulco and five other itineraries throughout the year) on Silversea Cruises (800-722-9955).
Guest wine gurus
Vintners from Sebastiani Vineyards (Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau; March) on Holland America Line Westours (800-426-0327).
Something for everyone
A variety of menu choices, from "spa" and vegetarian entrées to children's meals on Norwegian Cruise Line (800-327-7030). Cafés open 24 hours a day on Princess Cruises (800-774-6237). --Scott Jones