Royal buffet goes over the Horizon

Double the number of seats, a dedicated Pastry Chef section, and “action stations” where chefs will give cookery displays – the buffet restaurant on the new Royal Princess cruise ship is going to be a big attraction.
More details of the restaurants on the 3,600-passenger vessel have just been revealed, and Rai Caluori, executive vice-president in charge of fleet operations, shows off some of them in the video above..
Horizon Court will accommodate 900 passengers indoors, with seating for another 350 on the open deck outside. The larger space will not only offer more seating but more tables for two and counter-height bistro-style dining tables.
The action stations will also provide additional dining options, including choices such as Asian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, a pasta corner and freshly-tossed salads. Passengers will also find more “grab and go” options such as pastries, breakfast sandwiches or yogurt and granola parfaits. Those who like a lie-in will be catered for by a special “late, late risers” breakfast section.
In the pastry shop, passengers can indulge in fresh-baked goodies throughout the day, including croissants, pastries, hot desserts, waffles and French toast at breakfast; classic and modern desserts at lunch and dinner; cookies, desserts and waffles at tea time.
In the evening, the buffet will be transformed into Horizon Bistro, offering themed events and speciality dinners such as Brazilian churrascaria and British pub nights. Action stations will include a hibachi grill, rotisseries and carving stations, a Mexican taqueria, and a a crab shack complete with mallets and bibs.
Elsewhere on the ship, the Concerto main dining rooms features a chef’s table, while the Symphony and Allegro restaurants each contain a private table for 12 surrounded by a wine cellar.
The Crown Grill is to be merged with the Wheelhouse Bar and the Sabatini’s Italian trattoria will operate in conjunction with Vines wine bar.
“These evolutions of our dining program will offer some exciting new options, as well as showcase our signature features which have become passenger favourites,” said Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruise UK director. “Royal Princess certainly will take our dining options to the next level.”
Royal Princess will launch in June 2013 with a maiden voyage from Southampton.
►Innovative eating options will also feature on Norwegian Breakaway, another new ship under construction – slightly larger, with a capacity of 4,000.
Many of them will be centred on 678 Ocean Place, with three decks of daytime and night venues, while there will be eight restaurants and bars at the Deck 8 Waterfront (above), including signature Norwegian favourites like Moderno Churrascaria; Cagney’s Steakhouse; La Cucina; Shaker’s Cocktail Bar; Malting’s Beer & Whiskey Bar; and the newest addition, Ocean Blu on The Waterfront, with outdoor seating and a takeaway menu.
Ocean Place connects the The Waterfront outdoor spaces with interior dining venues for Moderno; Cagney’s; Shaker’s; La Cucina; Malting’s and Ocean Blu, including a sushi bar.
Elsewhere on the ship, which is due to launch in April 2013, the Manhattan Room has a dance floor as a focal point, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows – just like on the biggest ship in the line’s fleet, Norwegian Epic. Also transplanted from Epic are the Shanghai Noodle Bar and O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar and Grill, a sports bar serving food around the clock..