Jamie’s Italian Restaurant – on the crest of a wave

He was only in Sydney for a short time, but as always, Jamie Oliver turns dull days into sunshine. Jamie was visiting to celebrate an almost 10-year partnership, anniversary with Royal Caribbean where his talent and expertise led to the incorporation of his specialty restaurants ‘Jamie’s Italian’.

Folk who have been cruising the world for many decades will have seen mighty changes to the dining experience on ships. Mostly there was the grand dining room where breakfast, lunch and dinner was served – and dinner was a dress-up affair and the lucky few would be invited to the Captain’s table. Ooh la la. 

Then along came the buffet – where casual dining sometimes became feeding frenzies and a variety of international cuisines would make an appearance and passengers could get a taste of the ‘world’.

But over the past decade or so, dining on ships has become experiential. Specialty restaurants began to appear giving passengers the opportunity to dine in a more exclusive or private space. These specialty restaurants are not included in the overall price of the inclusive cruise – but are set at a price that won’t break the bank.

Jamie’s Italian restaurants are now on eight of the Royal Caribbean fleet and as testament to Oliver’s ethos about food and dining, they are designed to be cosy and to have the authentic ambience of a neighbourhood restaurant. This is a space where friends and family can come together for a taste of Italy that is a different experience to enjoy on a huge ship.

Free-range eggs for the pasta, seasonal fruit and vegetables and sustainable practices of meat and poultry have been sourced fresh from major ports around the world. And Jamie’s Italian boasts its own kitchen/galley – and – the restaurant on Ovation of the Seas does 500 covers a day . . .

Jamie Oliver has been the real deal for more than 25 years. His career has embraced many facets of food, hospitality, education, being a restaurateur and being an excellent ambassador for healthy eating for young people. He has written 25 cookbooks that fit to the economic times of the world and has sold 50 million books. And although Oliver is closer to 50 years of age now than 40, his effervescent boyish charm still is a draw card for his formidable brand.

Sit down to Tuscan-inspired cuisine crafted by one of Britain’s most famous chefs. Seasonal ingredients meet authentic recipes in family-style dishes that range from homemade pastas and classic Italian entrees to contemporary creations infused with rustic influence.

(Fun fact: 13kg of basil is used over a sailing season.)

So, book your cruise for the 2024 season - sail from the beautiful Sydney Harbour to destinations such as the South Pacific, New Zealand and around Australia. 

- Bev Malzard for Traveloscopy. Read more of Bev's travels at https://travelgaltravels.com/