Make reservations for the Chef’s Table as soon as you board a Carnival ship — the 16 seats sell out fast. And for good reason: The evening starts with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the kitchen while the chef gives a tour, followed by a multi-course dinner paired with house wines. The vibe is informal, with children age 12 and older allowed to attend (their meals are paired with soda).

Location: On the new Carnival Vista, there’s a special room designed for the meal that features windowed views of the galley. On other ships, the Chef’s Table could take place in the galley or the library.

Fee: $75 per person

Nieuw Amsterdam is the only Holland America ship to host the 18-seat Master Chef’s Table, created by executive chef Rudi Sodamin. The seven courses, served on custom china, might include pan-seared goose liver with avocado and a raspberry-kaffir lime vinaigrette or a veal dish with sweetbreads, black truffles, and artichoke purée. The ship’s sommelier selects the wine pairings.

Location: These dinners take place in a special dining area within the Pinnacle Grill. 

Fee: $85 per person

You'll want to dress to impress at the Chef’s Table dinner on Royal Caribbean: The dress code is formal, and the night begins with a Champagne toast. Up to 14 diners can book the five-course meal, during which the chef de cuisine presents the dishes from the head of the table, while the sommelier explains the wine selections.

Location: On Quantum-class ships and the new Harmony of the Seas, this dinner takes place in a special room off Chops Grille. On other ships the location varies.

Fee: $95 per person

The Chef's Table dinner on Princess starts in the kitchen. The maître d' escorts you to the galley for a tour, with Champagne and tastings and the opportunity to observe the chefs preparing your dinner. Dishes change constantly, but they are often inspired by the cuisine of the region, with ingredients picked up in the last port. 

Location: The multi-course meal is served in the dining room at a private table for 10. On the line’s newest ships, Regal Princess and Royal Princess, you sit at a mahogany table inlaid with mother-of-pearl with a Murano glass centerpiece.

Fee: $95 to $115 per person

Azamara offers three different themed Chef’s Table dinners on each sailing. Up to 14 diners can book the five-course dinners, and a special guest (such as a senior officer or the ship’s guest speaker) also joins.

The menus focus on a specific region, centering around French, Italian, or California cuisine. Choose the Italian menu for dishes like chilled crab panzanella salad, house-made black pepper tagliatelle, and roasted veal tenderloin. The French menu could include scallops grenobloise and smoked tomato leek soup, while the California cuisine could follow lobster and avocado salad with surf and turf. 

Location: These dinners take place in the Prime C specialty restaurant. 

Fee: $95 per person