Cruise Guide: Crystal expands partnership with Nobu

By Mike Coleman

Famed global restaurateur Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, having enjoyed culinary success on both land and at sea, has expanded his partnership with Crystal Cruises.

Renowned internationally for the innovative blend of classically styled Japanese foods with distinct Peruvian and European influences, Nobu-trained chefs will showcase some of Nobu’s most popular specialties in two new restaurants aboard the 940-guest, ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony.

In The Sushi Bar, guests can indulge in yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and tuna tataki with ponzu sauce while, among the more than two dozen menu selections at Silk Road, Nobu-style lobster with truffle-yuzu sauce, saikyo miso black cod and beef with three distinctive sauces are cant miss choices.

The new restaurants will debut during Crystal Symphony’s March 3, 2008 Trans-Pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. Nobu will join the ship in March to personally oversee the launch.

Occupying the former Jade Garden space, the restaurants will accommodate a total of 68 guests and will be open most evenings. While there is no additional charge for enjoying Nobu’s cuisine, reservations are recommended for Silk Road. Dining at The Sushi Bar will be on a first come, first served basis.
 
“As our guests explore the world in search of new adventures and discovery, we look to provide them with access to unique experiences,” said Toni Neumeister, Crystals vice president, food and beverage operations. 

“To dine at one of Nobu’s restaurants is a treat unto itself, and we look forward to presenting our savvy clientele with yet another new dimension of choice and superior quality aboard Crystal Symphony.”
 
Described as a “sushi mogul”, Nobu has earned a litany of awards beginning in 1989 when Food & Wine magazine taped him as one of the 10 Best New Chefs. In 1993 The New York Times recognized his Beverly Hills restaurant Matsuhisa as one of the top destination restaurants in the world.

With restaurants in almost two dozen cities – his eponymous empire reaches from Beverly Hills, New York and London to Milan, Mykonos, Melbourne and beyond – Nobu’s lone partnership at sea was forged in 2003 aboard Crystal Symphonys fleet mate, Crystal Serenity.

Like Nobu, Crystal has also earned the highest ratings in its industry. The luxury line has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines more than any other cruise line, resort or hotel in history.