Dear Reader, I have to make a bit of a confession of a fear of mine. Do you know how people find ocean views quite soothing? I’m afraid I’m a little of the opposite and have a fear of open water. So cruises and things like that have really sort of passed me by. I know people that are addicted to cruising and I get it. I understand the idea of being able to visit lots of countries without having to unpack your bag is appealing to me too. But this is somewhat tempered by my image of food served on cruises-I’d imagine that it’s sort of like eating buffet food a lot of the time. P&O’s Executive Chef Ian Summers tells us that people on cruises often eat up to a whopping twenty two plates of food a person a day.
The image of a buffet on water is something that some cruise lines are aware of and it is now common to have restaurants by celebrity chefs as an upgradable option on cruises with each of these restaurants having a surcharge. To dine at Ocean Grill, acclaimed chef Marco Pierre White’s restaurant on the P&O Aracadia, it costs £12.75 or around $19AUD/$19USD while dining at Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill is around $40AUD/$40USD per person. The restaurants are relatively quite small, Marco’s fits around 80-90 diners over the course of one evening. It is one of the 29 restaurants and franchises that he is involved with around the world and they have opened six Marco Pierre White restaurants on P&O’s seven ships.
Marco is contracted to travel with the ships thirty days out of the year and this is mainly around the British or European areas. But in this case, whilst the galleys for the other restaurants prepare food in lots of thirty to handle the crowds, the kitchen for Ocean Grill is a smaller affair, around 80 square metres where all of the food is prepared to order. There was an attempt to open the Ocean Grill for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner but passengers preferred the idea of having something familiar at breakfast (and apparently, they need to stock certain English breakfast cereals and brands of British tea or there may be a mini riot! 
).
The kitchen for Ocean Grill
Tonight, the Arcadia is docked at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal and we hand over our driver’s licenses to security to board the ship (I guess in case we decide to stow away!). The Arcadia is on a 100 day world cruise and is an adult’s only cruise. Because P&O is a British cruise line and starts at Southampton the passengers are generally older and British. The Ocean Grill’s cuisine is in classic grill style with British classics like lamb rack and trifle and reflects the clientele. The decor is still very much in the vein of a cruise ship although Marco had a say in the decor of The White Room on the Ventura as that was a newly built ship. However, he chooses cutlery, glassware and tableware across all of the restaurants.
The rolls were very light, almost like airline bread, and served with unsalted butter.
Crayfish cocktail with home made Marie Rose dressing and wholemeal bread
I was a little torn about what to order because the potted duck was recommended but I do love crayfish so I went for that. It’s a generously portioned dish sitting on a layer of rocket. The Marie Rose dressing was made with fresh tomatoes that had been steeped in brandy to give it a more complex flavour that a traditional one.
The wait between courses was not long and service was very enthusiastic and deferential although there were some service issues as I was asked about six times whether I was drinking sparkling or still water within the space of about ten minutes and even though I mentioned I wasn’t drinking wine that evening, I still kept getting asked if I wanted it as the glasses weren’t removed.
Salt Marsh lamb rack with dauphonoise potatoes, crushed minted peas and rosemary scented jus
We had a choice with the Salt Marsh lamb rack being cooked either medium or well done. Chef Ian Summers told us that because health is a concern on ships (when you use a bathroom, you’re asked to use a paper towel to open the door), they often can’t cook things too rare because of potential food poisoning concerns. The Salt Marsh lamb is brought over from Gower Peninsula, Somerset Levels and Morecambe Bay in the UK where the lambs feed on samphire, sorrel and lavender along the coast which gives it its unique flavour profile. Ian also tells us that tomorrow, they’re picking up 45 tonne of supplies from Sydney which includes kangaroo which will then feature on the menu. They also work about 25 days ahead of time to ensure that there is fresh food supplies for the ship and their enormous buying power allows them to buy good quality and cheaper prices.
The lamb is more cooked than I like and it’s like being served well done steak, it is not the texture that I would normally order. It is sprinkled with a mixture of breadcrumbs and herbs to give it flavour and comes with a neat square of dauphinoise potatoes with a crunchy layer on top, a quenelle of crushed minted peas and a rosemary scented jus. A little side of mint sauce adds flavour.
Valrhona chocolate truffle tart
I tossed up between the trifle and the chocolate tart and what swayed me was the bottom layer of the trifle was pure black cherry jam and I’m trying to eat less sugar so I went with the chocolate tart made with Valrhona Manjari chocolate. The texture of this was so light and fluffy and interestingly, it was served just below room temperature while mousse cakes are usually served chilled. It was on a thin layer of joconde sponge and came with a pot of pouring cream.
I’m not sure if I’m still sold on the idea of cruising as the choices offered at Ocean Grill were quite safe reflecting the mindset of the P&O customer which admittedly, is not my demographic. Although if I were on the cruise, I’d imagine I’d dine here most nights if we weren’t in port.
So tell me Dear Reader, how do you feel about cruises? Would you like to see more cruise stories here? And do you enjoy buffets?
NQN dined at Ocean Grill as guests of P&O
Ocean Grill on The Arcadia
http://www.pocruises.com/Cruise-Ships/Arcadia/Ship-Overview/
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39 Comments | Add your own
Eurgh, water and swimming and doooooom.
Hmm, cruises. I have to be honest, the only cruise we ever went on (to Alaska), I was so bored by the end of the week that I swore that I would not cruise again. I’m not a fan of buffets generally. But, the food you’ve pictured here may make me reconsider!
We have several friends who love cruising; JT and I did a cruise from New York to Bermuda for our honeymoon. I’m not convinced cruising is for me either…perhaps one day, but not now. My understanding is that the food is usually excellent.
I didn’t know Marco had restaurants on some of the P&O ships. It does make sense to have him on the ships leaving from the UK while Luke does the ships leaving from Sydney and Brisbane. That lamb looks plenty rare to me! And that’s very over-enthusiastic service to be asking your repeatedly to drink – a recovering alcoholic’s worst nightmare! xx
It would be tricky to make perfect top notch food with so many restrictions like that. Rare meat is worlds apart from well done! The makes certainly did sound a bit retro indeed
x
I have to admit to loving a good breakfast buffet, I get to nibble away instead of just sitting down to a big bowl of cereal.
My parents cruise fairly often and really enjoy it, but they aren’t too fussy with food- and only ever order their meat well done
I’m not one for cruises either, though I love boats. I did go with my Mom to Jamaica on a cruise when I was 18–and had fun. It’s not the way I travel in general, though. What I like about buffets is simply the opportunity to sample so many taste sensations–though all buffets aren’t sensational!
Cruises don’t interest me in the least, have never wanted to go on one. However each to their own.
Nice to read your review of the Ocean Grill, as I saw the Arcadia berthed last week when I was at Circular Quay.
Any review of yours is well worth reading Lorraine, so I am happy to read about cruises, just not go on them!
I share all your concerns about cruises Lorraine. My biggest worry is that once you are on the boat there is no escape, imagine meeting the same people you dislike every day of the holiday. Also whilst a buffet is nice now and again, everyday for 3 weeks would be hell.
I’m with you. A cruise ship is not big enough for me. But I’m curious to give the restaurant a go whilst in dock.
I’m a bit like you Lorraine, but I wouldn’t say I’m afraid of the open sea, but I don’t really find it attractive and also start worrying when I can see ‘land’ and ‘buildings’ around me hehe I’m great with flying but just not so much on cruises.
My dad was a seaman before he became a businessman, and it runs in the family as my grandfather was a captain of some huge cargo ship so I’m supposed to have the blood and genes for cruises and even though they’re nice
I really much rather fly to a place and explore it.
Plus I hate how it takes me a few days for that ‘rocking’ sensation to fade away because my body still thinks its at sea hahaha
I too have a bit of a “thing” about he sea, but have occasionally thought that a cruise might be fun. But every time I think that I read another horror story about cruises, like the US ship that lost all its power a week or two ago and drifted around with backed up toilets. That puts me off just a little.
It was a very safe menu but as I think I would be quesy on a cruise that might be comforting. I am hoping to try a short cruise this year for the first time so, yes please, more cruise stories.
That crayfish cocktail is calling my name…….so love it! Though I love open water bodies, I love to be BY them and not ON or IN them. So you are not alone.
Oh Lorraine you made me laugh choosing the chocolate because you’re trying to eat less sugar!
I’ve been on two cruises with my parents and while they catered more to older people I loved it.
We sailed on the Pacific Pearl which featured Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill 2 years ago. We were traveling with our children so decided against Salt Grill. However, we did dine in the restaurant (and usually the buffet restaurant for breakfast or lunch). We found the food in the restaurant to be high quality and with a good variety, while the buffet was, well, a buffet. We loved our cruise and can’t wait to go again. I was never worried about the water and didn’t get seasick which was a bonus.
I love boats and the ocean but I have never been on a cruise.
I am intrigued by them though.
I love a buffet but it has to be a good one. I have a particular fondness of breakfast buffets!
Nothing like a great cruise!
I’m with you on the cruise thing. I don’t really see the point as I’d want to get off and have a look around which is a little difficult if you’re on water! I’m also not a big fan of buffets – the quality isn’t fantastic and I always, ALWAYS eat too much:) Thanks for the post though – really interesting as I would expect from your fabulous self xoxo
Cruising is for those who wish to disconnect, relax and enjoy, TRUE!
On board, there is SO much to do IF you want to!
I didn’t know MARCO MARCO MARCO (wink) had 6 restaurants on 7 of P&O’s cruise ships…WHOO HOO!
Perhaps I might pick the right 30 days, from and to the right destination where MARCO MARCO MARCO (wink) is on board too!
When one cruises, one has to expect to eat a LOT more than home with all the tempting foods served!
The buffets have gotten heaps better over the years and the fine dining is what some cruise passengers yearn and deserve!
Have tried cruises 3-4 times: have to admit being on the ocean wave is not for me a’tall, a’tall’ a’tall
! Perchance I have struck very bad weather on each of them, but without feeling at all sick, I have oft simply been scared! The life style tho’ would suit quite well, and do hope to try one of the now popular river cruises in the next few years. Did not know Marco Pierre White had name restaurants on ships. The food looks fine but wonder whether it is all that much better than what passengers enjoy in the main dining room? That said, must say I am really enjoying MPW on the ‘Masterchef Professionals’ here at the moment: in many ways such a kind man in his twilight working years . . . 
!
Although I get seasick, I do love a cruise ship, especially the more refined ones!
Love a good buffet, but like you I can’t ever imagine choosing a cruise for my holiday. All that water. Yikes! The food looks incredible though (secretly love airline-style bread rolls). I went back to look at the Valrhona chocolate truffle tart twice.
Hate cruises–– the idea of being stuck on a ship with all those people with no way out is horrid.
I prefer land or quick trips on small sailboats with friends.
Love Marco Pierre WHite… he is quite a character and I love salt marsh lamb. It is a wonder.
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise (but Paul isn’t keen – yet)! I’m such a grandma
I don’t usually go for chocolate desserts, but that tart looks delicious.
I think it always depends on the buffet. For example, the breakfast buffet at The Langham in Melbourne (the one with a chocolate fountain) was excellent. The Saturday night buffet at the Novotel Resort at Twin Waters, not so much . . . That said a buffet can be a good option for multi-generational dining – especially if you’re dealing with picky eaters. Everyone can always find something that they like and the all-you-can-eat aspect at least gives the feeling of value-for-money (I’m not really convinced.). It can make a good compromise.
I’m off on my first cruise next month. I’m looking forward to 12 days of greed, slothfulness and luxury interspersed with a few bits of history and culture to make me feel a bit better about the whole thing. (I’m not planning to go to the buffet.)
God I do have a thing for buffets and a special spot for room service
This menu and food looks very sea food lover friendly
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I went on a P & O cruise and absolutely LOVED it! It was amazing. I wasn’t a big foodie then and they were my chubbier days so food was not a big deal- but it was still eaten…a lot of haha. I remember eating pastries. We dined at the fancier restaurants occasionally instead of the buffet and it was a nice change.
Buffets are definitely not my thing! I mean, how much can a small Asian girl really fit in her stomach?
I don’t think I’d be a particular fan of long cruises – I tend to get bored and figdety and may not be quite as comfortable being confined to a boat with no way of leaving!
Haven’t been on cruises since I was a kid. Don’t really fancy the tight spaces, the monstrous gust of wind when you step onto the deck that makes you feel like you’d be blown overboard. But maybe that was back then. I do LOVE the buffets though. I can still remember the crispy bacon I had for breakfast back then. Great memories, that
I’ve never been a big fan of cruises, but the food looks lovely.
I have friends who adore cruising, I’ve not had the chance myself. I’ve long adored MPW but this all does seem a bit old skool to me and I’m no spring chicken! As you say, no doubt it floats the boat (sorry) of the clientele. 22 plates of food a day? Frankly, a disgrace and this is why I avoid all buffets like the plague. Hope you got your driver’s licence back and that the dudes who took it aren’t indulging in ID fraud or fake ID for a few extra $$$ on the side!!
I love cruises and remember fondly of our time cruising down the Nile! I didn’t know MPW worked on cruise ships!
The idea of a cruise does not appeal to me – not due to a fear of open sea though
As for buffets I only like them when they are top class (the best I have seen so far was in Hillside Beach in Fethiye and the one in Sheraton Xian) otherwise they are not very appetizing…
I’ve never been on a cruise, the thought of it makes me seasick. LOL!
Did you stick in that phrase “I’m trying to eat less sugar” just to see who actually reads your entire posts and pays attention? Ha! I have to say that the dining experience didn’t sound very nice… between the bathroom doors and the wait service inattention, no matter how good the food. I love water and dream of going on a cruise but not sure I could eat on a rocking boat. But if I did go on a cruise, I’d definitely eat Marco Pierre White’s food!
It sounds & looks like a cool place to dine & wine!
Your food dishes looked very appetizing!
Thanks for this lovely tasty tour!
I went on a P & O (Australia) in August last year, and loved it! As someone else mentioned the food in the normal dining restaurant is a very high quality. I did go to Luke Mangan’s salt, and it was amazing and worth every cent of the $40 extra.
We are saving to go on a cruise in 2015 & this just makes it even more like something to look forward to…
Ohhh.. the minute I read your intro I was going: Yes! Yes! Me Too!!! I have a fear of the sea/ocean and most of the species that live in it. Hence the idea of being on this without seeing land for days scares me Sh***ss. The only cruises I’m dying to d are River cruises (where one can see the bank!) but I do LOVE buffets wherever they are!
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