Tasty Zilli delights on the open seas

Mar 25 2009 By Catherine Lillington

IT had to be more deserted than any cabin on board the Mary Celeste.

It seems the seasoned cruiser is less interested in the gym timetable delights of legs, tums and bums than in the many menus of the Thomson Celebration.

As well as burgers on the deck and afternoon tea in the lounge, there is the chance to dine in a new restaurant opened by TV chef Aldo Zilli.

No wonder everywhere you look passengers lie snoozing the nautical miles away.

The Zilli Restaurant serves up the likes of spaghetti lobster and mama’s fish pie in the bright surroundings of crisp linen tablecloths and white window shutters.

Our stay on board coincided with a visit from the charismatic chef who designed everything on the menu and drops in from time to time to make sure standards are kept high.

Fresh ingredients of sardines and mussels are brought to the ship for Zilli to transform into simple yet delicious, mouth-watering dishes. Puddings include poached pear and Italian ice cream.

We joined the ship at Lisbon, the fifth day of a 14-night cruise of the Idyllic Iberia package where ports of call include Vigo, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Portimao, Porto, La Coruna and Dublin.

Almost half of those on board will re-book their cruise and one couple I spoke to are veterans of 16 voyages – five on this ship.

And it’s easy to understand the appeal. Once on board your pace slows to a stroll and the constant greetings and cheery smiles of the many staff become the norm. By the second night you barely even blush when they start serenading your table.