In 2023, Forbes Travel Guide, recognized for its esteemed assessments of hotels, restaurants, and spas, made a significant move into the cruise sector. The transition is akin to stepping into an infinity pool—both inviting and transformative. Initially, the guide reviewed five cruise ships and quickly escalated its involvement, evaluating a total of twelve vessels the following year. By 2024, the focus shifted substantially towards culinary experiences, with the guide aiming to rate onboard restaurants—an ambitious endeavor that underscores a burgeoning interest in the cruise industry.
The forthcoming announcement on Wednesday promises to unveil six star-rated specialty dining establishments on cruise ships, placing these maritime venues alongside some of the finest brick-and-mortar restaurants globally. With the guide’s continued expansion, it will also recognize fourteen star-rated ships, four of which are new entries. This notable progression evidences a commitment to elevating the standards within the cruise industry, which is increasingly becoming mainstream and appealing to a broader demographic.
Amanda Frasier, the president of standards and ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, articulated the rationale for this expansion into cruise ship evaluations. As executives with backgrounds in luxury hotel management transitioned to cruise brands, the synergy between these two sectors became apparent. Furthermore, the involvement of luxury hotel companies in the cruise market catalyzed this venture, with many seeking to create unique onboard experiences that mirror the high standards of their land-based offerings.
A key aspect of the Forbes Travel Guide’s ratings is its credibility. Frasier stated that cruise companies cannot pay to influence their evaluations, ensuring that all reviews are conducted anonymously and adhere to a standardized rubric. This commitment to impartiality is crucial, given the unique challenges faced by cruise operations in delivering exceptional cuisine aboard ships. Preparing food at sea presents logistical hurdles that could compromise quality, raising concerns for operators striving to meet the high expectations set by travelers.
Notably, consumer research identified that the second most popular reason for taking cruises is the culinary experience, as highlighted by Jay Schneider, the chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean International. While destinations hold the number one spot in allure, the emphasis on dining reflects a significant trend in the industry. As such, cruise lines are increasingly investing in distinguished culinary offerings, collaborating with renowned chefs to ensure an elite dining experience.
Various cruise lines have made impressive strides in catering to passengers’ palates, with some establishing onboard restaurants that feature menus inspired by celebrity chefs. This trend allows for a dynamic culinary environment, as regions visited by the ships dictate menu adjustments. Indeed, the efforts made by cruise lines to innovate and adapt their dining experiences signal a recognition of the importance of food in travel, making it a focal point of the cruise experience.
As the 2024 guide is set to reveal its ratings, it will boast the largest number of assessed cruise ships to date. Beginning with five ships from Celebrity Cruises two years ago, the guide’s commitment to the cruise sector has experienced exponential growth. The introduction of restaurant ratings is particularly noteworthy—given that food is a universal pleasure and an essential part of the travel experience. By highlighting commendable dining establishments aboard cruise ships, Forbes Travel Guide exhibits its dedication to showcasing culinary excellence in an often-overlooked environment.
For both potential passengers and travel advisors, these ratings serve as a reliable reference point, demonstrating that select dining experiences aboard cruise ships can rival those found in high-end restaurants around the world. Such commendations not only pave the way for the cruise industry to elevate its food service standards but also enhance the overall travel experience, allowing guests to indulge in exquisite dining while they explore the oceans.
Forbes Travel Guide’s entry into cruise reviews marks a pivotal moment for the industry, aligning the maritime travel experience with rigorous standards of excellence that travelers have come to expect in luxury hospitality. As cruise lines continue to invest in quality dining, the guide’s ratings could shape the future of culinary experiences at sea, establishing benchmarks that ensure passengers savor every moment of their oceanic adventures.