Crystal Cruises Announces Return of UMI UMA Restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa

UMI UMA, the specialty restaurant by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, will return to sea when the relaunched Crystal sets sail this summer.

On March 15, 2023, cruise line Crystal announced that the award-winning UMI UMA restaurant by legendary Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa is returning this summer.

Crystal Cruises, which shut down amidst the bankruptcy of former parent company Genting, will return as Crystal in summer 2023. The line is under new ownership and features a pared-down—but newly refurbished—fleet of two ships.

Guests will again be able to dine on signature dishes including Nobu-Style Black Cod, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, and Wagyu Beef Filet Steak, as well as fresh sushi from the Sushi Bar.

The Sushi Bar at UMI UMA features expertly-prepared fish and seafood options (image courtesy of Crystal)

“It wouldn’t be Crystal without having one of the most popular restaurants UMI UMA back onboard when the new Crystal sets sail,” said Crystal’s Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Bernie Leypold.

“Crystal’s guests have come to know and love the exquisite offerings Chef Nobu has created specifically for UMI UMA and we are so grateful for Crystal to be the only cruise line with a Nobu restaurant at sea,” Leypold continued.

The award-winning **UMI UMA** restaurant is a Crystal fan-favorite specialty restaurant (image courtesy of Crystal)

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and UMI UMA

Master Chef Nobu, a Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur, is perhaps best known for his Nobu restaurants, several of which are Michelin-starred. Nobu’s restaurants specialize in fusion cuisine, adding a Peruvian twist to traditional Japanese cuisine.

UMI UMA is the chef’s only restaurant at sea, and will once again be available on both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony when they return to service this summer.

Master Chef Nobu, the famed Japanese chef and restaurateur, will bring UMI UMA back to Crystal starting this summer (image courtesy of Crystal)

“Crystal is known for their award-winning food and beverage program bringing an authentic dining experience with efficient and personalized service, and we are proud to have UMI UMA feature our innovative fusion cuisine, blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients,” said Master Chef Nobu in a press release.

Crystal’s guests can enjoy one complimentary reservation at UMI UMA per person, per cruise, on sailings of 11 days or less. For itineraries longer than 11 days, two complimentary reservations will be included.

Guests will be able to make additional UMI UMA reservations once on board for a nominal charge, subject to availability.

Crystal’s return to cruising

Crystal Serenity’s inaugural sailing will depart July 31 from Marseille for a Mediterranean cruise, and Crystal Symphony will depart on September 1 from Athens. Planned voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

*Crystal Serenity* and *Crystal Symphony* will return to service in summer 2023 (image courtesy of Crystal)

Have you dined at Chef Nobu’s UMI UMA on a Crystal cruise? Are you looking forward to the restaurant’s return? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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Carrie Ann Karstunen

Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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