The collaboration between Princess Cruises and Chef Rudi Sodamin has led to the creation of a new specialty seafood restaurant called The Catch by Rudi. This restaurant will make its debut on Enchanted Princess, which will come out of dry dock on April 15. The restaurant will also be added to three other new ships in the near future. The Catch by Rudi marks Princess Cruises’ first restaurant that is dedicated mainly to seafood. It showcases the chef’s contemporary approach to classic dishes, international fusion influences, inventive presentations, and an immersive dining experience.
“Chef Rudi is the foremost cruise culinary artist in the world with more than four decades of experience spanning the world’s best cruise lines – Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line, as well as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian American Cruise Line,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Chef Rudi’s creativity, passion and leadership in delivering exceptional experiences down to the finest details that consider guests preferences and tastes will surely make The Catch another “must do.”
The Catch by Rudi replaces Bistro Sur la Mer and is set to make a big impression as it caters to both seafood enthusiasts and those who prefer a mix of meat and fish. Guests will be pleasantly surprised by the innovative menu, which features sections titled “Beauty on the Plate” and “Tower of Taste,” and unique place settings. The restaurant offers a great value at just $39 per person and is part of the Princess Premier add-on package. The Daily Catch section showcases fresh, sustainably sourced seafood from local ports of call.
The new specialty dining location takes traditional seafood dishes to the next level, offering playful twists such as Asian-fried calamari and modern takes on comforting seafood classics like lobsters with garlic butter crust. Signature seafood creations from Chef Rudi’s personal repertoire, such as the Towering Trio and Whole Dover Sole, are also stunningly presented. The Seafood Trolley is a visual feast, featuring fresh lobster tail, shrimp, oysters, and mussels, among other gifts from the sea.
The restaurant delivers a unique dining experience, with each preparation and presentation customized to guests’ preferences. Chef Rudi stated, “The Catch by Rudi is my way of combining my love of food, seafood, and people with my incredible culinary journey at sea and my lifelong history of cooking seafood across the globe to delight Princess guests.” While the menu is focused on seafood dishes, The Catch by Rudi also features vegetarian options and signature beef classics like steak frites, presented with Chef Rudi’s distinctive creativity.
Hand-picked wines will be available to complement seafood dishes, and the knowledgeable waitstaff will offer suggestions for white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines from wine-growing regions near coastal areas across the world. The Catch by Rudi aims to offer a comfortable, engaging, and fun wine experience that will not intimidate guests.
“Guests who experience The Catch by Rudi are in for something truly special,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. “The meal will offer a number of surprises—from before the meal starts, through the unparalleled desserts that are as fanciful as they are delicious and come with a special gift at the end of the meal.”
Aboard Enchanted Princess The Catch by Rudi is located across from the guest services desk on Deck 5, as Sabatini’s moves to Deck 7 in the piazza, where Bistro Sur la Mer was previously located.
The new restaurant concept will be added aboard Majestic Princess (May 5) in time for its Alaska Season, Sky Princess (May 7) sailing from Southampton on Scandinavian and Baltic itineraries this summer and aboard Discovery Princess in the autumn.
New Irish Pub also launching on Enchanted Princess
Starting from April 15th, the Enchanted Princess will also introduce O’Malley’s, a contemporary Irish pub that offers a variety of traditional Irish music, interactive entertainment, and exceptional cuisine, including the brand new O’Malley’s ribeye burger. Located on Deck 5 in the piazza, where the Salty Dog Gastropub Experience was previously situated, O’Malley’s menu features a range of items such as Scotch eggs, fried pickles, pan-fried Guinness chicken, along with a variety of favorite Irish beers, ales, and whiskeys. Furthermore, the pub will provide tasting experiences that include an overview of the history of Irish Whiskey, as well as a tasting flight and Guinness cocktail classes. In addition to an outstanding menu, O’Malley’s is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, which is reminiscent of the classic Irish pub experience
The Princess Piazza, known for its breathtaking Italian architecture, has now expanded its offerings to encompass the sights, smells, and experiences of a traditional Italian town square. Settimo Cielo, which translates to seventh heaven, is located on Deck Seven and features a variety of Italian cuisine options, including the ever-popular Sabatini’s Trattoria, one of Princess’ signature restaurants, Bellini’s, a cocktail bar inspired by Venice, and Gigi’s Pizzeria by Alfredo.
More Enhancements Around the Piazza – Including Settimo Cielo
In addition to the dining options, the Piazza has also incorporated more Italian culture into its design with the Gelateria, located on Deck Five, which provides the only authentic Italian gelato experience outside of Italy. The gelato is handcrafted daily in the ship’s pastry kitchen using only Italian-certified ingredients, delivering a true taste of Italy.
The Official Salty Dog
The world-renowned Salty Dog Café, originating in Hilton Head and drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year, is being added to the Lido Deck on the Enchanted Princess, offering guests an authentic taste of the original menu items such as the Prime Burger and Chicken Strip Basket. Visitors can also learn about the café’s iconic mascot, Jake, the dog in the yellow hat, and purchase branded merchandise featuring his likeness. Guests of the original Salty Dog in Hilton Head will also receive invitations to sail with Princess as part of a promotional offer.
According to Padgett, “Exceptional service and a friendly spirit are at the core of the Princess experience, and nothing embodies that more than great food and drinks at an amazing value. We are confident that our guests will be delighted with the additions on the Enchanted Princess, from our embrace of Italian heritage to our expansion of seafood options, introduction of an Irish Pub for an international flair, and laid-back resort vibe with delectable eats on the Lido Deck.”
