One of the best things a Thanksgiving cruise offers is the opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends without the stress of grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning. Cruise ship culinary teams take care of it all, even serving up traditional turkey dinners with all the trimmings in dining rooms all across the sea.
But even if you aren’t able to sail away from the kitchen and cruise to a tropical destination this Thanksgiving, you can still get a sample of what Thanksgiving tastes like on a cruise ship thanks to one cruise line.
Related: Norwegian, Princess Cruises offering new Caribbean getaways
Norwegian Cruise Line recently took to its Facebook page to share the recipe for one of its Thanksgiving specialties that’s served during Thanksgiving dinner in its main dining rooms fleetwide.
Image source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Norwegian Cruise Line shares its Thanksgiving stuffing recipe
If you’re in charge of bringing a side dish to your Thanksgiving feast, you can impress your family and friends this year with a cruise ship favorite, Norwegian’s Apple Chestnut Stuffing.
The cruise line says, “Trust us… it’s everything and MORE,” - a nod it its brand positioning, which emphasizes its commitment to offering passengers more onboard offerings.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Norwegian Cruise Line’s Apple Chestnut Stuffing:
- 60 oz white sandwich bread
- 3 cups onions and 3 cups celery for that savory flavor
- 1 tbsp thyme, 5 tbsp fresh sage, and 8 oz butter
- 7 cups Granny Smith apples and 3 cups chestnuts for a holiday twist
- 1 qt chicken stock, 2 tbsp salt, 2 tsp black pepper, and 4 whole eggs
Once you have all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the stuffing:
- Cut the bread into 1” square pieces, toast on the griddle top, and reserve.
- Heat butter, then add onions, celery, thyme, sage, and apples. Sweat them all together until the onions, celery, and apples are tender.
- Add the toasted bread, mix well, and turn off the stove.
- Add chicken stock, chestnuts, salt, and pepper, then mix quickly.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Cool further in the refrigerator until ready to serve or reheat.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line makes major beverage package changes
Thanksgiving is a popular time to cruise
Comments on the recipe post show that many Norwegian Cruise Line passengers are excited to celebrate Thanksgiving at sea this year, and those who have previously sailed over Thanksgiving enjoyed their ship’s Thanksgiving meal.
“Sailing on Escape for Thanksgiving this year! Can't wait to try the dressing,” said passenger Tracy Ellis.
“We were on the Spirit last year from Tahiti to Honolulu and spent Thanksgiving in Maui, said passenger Gary Schneider, “The Spirit’s Thanksgiving dinner was awesome!”
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Some Norwegian fans commented that they planned to try the recipe and passenger Tony Medway offered his approval for holiday recipe posts. “I think it's a great idea to share some of your recipes. Especially the festive related ones,” he said.
Here’s hoping the cruise line takes note and shares a favorite recipe from its Christmas dinner menu next.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
