There are few dining experiences at sea that can truly take you on a journey around the world without ever leaving your chair. Princess Cruises’ 360: An Extraordinary Experience does exactly that. It blends fine dining with storytelling, visuals, and scents in an unforgettable way.
As someone who has had the chance to enjoy Princess Cruises’ 360: An Extraordinary Experience not once but twice – first aboard the Enchanted Princess in the Mediterranean and more recently on Discovery Princess in Alaska – I can confidently say it is one of the most unique and immersive dining events at sea.
In this post, I share what the 360 Experience is all about, what to expect from the seven-course menu, and how it felt experiencing it for the second time.
Disclaimer: We were hosted by Princess Cruises. However, all opinions and experiences are my own.
What Is the Princess 360 Experience?
The 360 Experience is not just dinner. It is a seven-course culinary and sensory journey across the Mediterranean. Available to suite guests and cruise passengers for a fee of $149.
It is designed to immerse you in the sights, sounds, scents, and flavors of some of the world’s most stunning destinations.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception in the Piazza where you can take photos and enjoy a specially crafted drink. From there, you are escorted through Catch by Rudi, accompanied by live music from a band. This creates a dramatic and elegant lead-up to the 360 Experience.
As you dine, you are surrounded by 360-degree LED screens that transport you to Greece, Italy, Spain, and France. Storytelling, ambient scents, and visuals make you feel like you are really there.
360 Experience Menu and How I Liked It
Here is the full menu and what to expect when dining in 360 Experience:
1. Greek Mezze
The evening begins in Greece with a spread of Kalamata and Chalkidiki olives, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita bread.
This dish was a great way to set the tone for the evening. It was light, but the flavours were delicious. The combination of the delicious food with the immersive graphics on screen made it feel as if I was in the Mediterranean.
2. Grilled Octopus
Next, a tender grilled octopus is paired with silky Manouri cheese and pickled onion. As you savor each bite, the imagery shifts to Santorini’s iconic blue domes and crystal waters. You can also hear the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
As someone who doesn’t typically eat octopus, I decided to be an adventurous eater when this dish came out. To my surprise, I ended up really enjoying it!
3. Burrata with Tomato
Italy welcomes you with a creamy buffalo mozzarella burrata, drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil and accompanied by ripe tomatoes. This dish is amazing for anyone who enjoys Italian food. The ingredients are fresh, tasty, and absolutely delicious.
4. Spaghetti al Limone (Lemon Pasta)
This standout dish arrives as Amalfi lemon groves appear on screen, filling the room with the bright scent of citrus. The spaghetti is perfectly al dente, tossed in a rich lemon sauce with zest, parsley, cream, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
It’s a simple yet luxurious taste of the Cinque Terre region in southern Italy.
This is my favorite dish at any specialty restaurant on any cruise ship. Since having it for the first time during my first 360 Experience, I have been thinking about it ever since. Across all cruisers who have tried this dish, it is universally their favorite.
5. Catalonia Charcuterie
Your journey continues to Spain with a rustic platter of chorizo, serrano ham, and pa amb tomàquet, freshly toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil. The visuals shift to Catalonia’s rugged coastline, and you are immersed in the sounds of Spanish guitar.
This dish brings high quality flavours and is incredibly fresh. The meats and bread combine perfectly for a light yet satisfying course.
6. Surf and Turf Main
The main course brings together a tender beef tenderloin in demi-glace and prawns glazed with truffle butter. Grilled eggplant provides a Mediterranean touch, while the storytelling draws you into the heart of French and Spanish culinary traditions.
The truffle butter provides a very unique flavour that I have never experienced before. It is slightly sweet and adds an unexpected richness to the dish.
7. Provence Dessert
As the meal winds down, a lavender honey mousse arrives, light and fragrant. This is seriously one of the most delicious desserts I have ever had.
Furthermore, the lavender flavor is definitely unique, as it is not commonly used in food. The flavors are perfectly balanced, with the floral notes adding a delicate sweetness that feels indulgent yet refreshing.
The screens bloom with lavender fields in Provence, and a soft floral scent drifts through the room.
Finale: Champagne Toast
The journey concludes with a glass of French Champagne as celebratory visuals surround you. It’s a sparkling end to an experience designed to touch every sense.
On the screen, cruisers will see pictures of themselves from the cocktail in the Piazza. This makes the experience extra memorable and it’s a nice touch to end a delightful dining experience.
Beverages Served During the 360 Experience
Throughout the meal, guests enjoy a series of thoughtfully curated beverages. It begins with an Ouzo cocktail during the reception, offering a nod to Greece’s traditions.
One of the highlights is a glass of the remarkable ElixSea, an underwater winery that ages its bottles deep in the sea. Each bottle arrives adorned with remnants of sea plant life, making it as much a conversation piece as a tasting experience.
To wrap up the night, cruisers are served Sparkling Champagne Drappier, which elevates the celebratory feel of the evening.
Is 360 Experience Worth It?
Absolutely. The 360 Experience is more than a meal. It is a true experience and memory.
Although it was the second time I tried it, the meal still felt really special. The foods, the immersive graphics, and the wines are truly special and contribute to the amazing experience.
Furthermore, the service is top notch and extremely impressive. The waiters and waitresses are in sync as they serve your food, and it feels as if the meal is choreographed.
It is truly a sophisticated dining experience that is nothing like you’d ever experience on land. Whether you are sailing the Mediterranean or exploring Alaska, it is a chance to indulge your senses and enjoy a truly exclusive event.
Was the Experience Different Between the Mediterranean and Alaska?
Surprisingly, no. The menu, storytelling, and visuals were identical. Even though the ship locations were worlds apart, Princess Cruises ensured the 360 Experience delivered the same Mediterranean magic. On both occasions, it felt like stepping out of the ship and straight into Europe’s sun-soaked land.
Would you try 360 Experience? Please let me know in the comments below.
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Would you try 360 Experience? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.