Taking a look at Cunard Line’s Healthy Menu Options

Photo Credit: Cunard Line

Cunard Line provides cruisers on the Queen Mary 2 with healthy dining options with Canyon Ranch Spa Selections on the menu. If you’re worried about trying to eat healthy on an upcoming Cruise, when dining on the Queen Mary 2, you will find an abundance of health-conscious options.  

On the menu, next to each of the Canyon Ranch Spa Selections, Cunard gives guests valuable nutritional information on each dish. Diners will be able to find out the calories, fat, and fiber.  This is an important aspect, as I may be watching my calorie intake, while another cruiser may be looking for low fat dishes. The selections also take into account portion size and fresh seasonal selections.  

According to a Cunard press release, “In an effort to provide guests with a more complete experience, Canyon Ranch chefs worked closely with Cunard Culinary Ambassador and Executive Chef Jean-Marie Zimmerman to design spa selections for Queen Mary 2 restaurants.”

“Our superb menus are complimented by Canyon Ranch cuisine that is both nutritious and created with the highest gourmet standards,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

Photo Credit: Cunard Line

Sample Menus from Queen Mary 2’s Britannia Restaurant
CANYON RANCH SPA SELECTIONS

Lunch
Appetizer — Fennel Soup with Celeriac 90/4/1
Entrée — Baked Cod with Macaroni and Cheese 405/12/6
Dessert — Freshly Sliced Watermelon 120/tr/6

Dinner 
Appetizer — Artichoke Salad 65/5/2
Entrée —Sausage Stuffed Chicken with Fig Demi Glace 390/13/2
Dessert — Poppy Seed Cake 160/8/tr
Nutrition Key: Calories / Fat Grams / Fibre Grams
 
Click here to check out more of Queen Mary 2’s menus. Look for the Canyon Ranch Spa Selections.

Photo Credit: Cunard Line

According to the Canyon Ranch Spa Club’s chefs and nutritionists, they created meals that emphasize healthy eating with: 
Quality Carbs & Fiber
•    Meals focus on healthy carb-rich vegetables, fruits, legumes and moderate portions of whole grains.

Protein Power

•    All meals, including vegetarian options, are balanced with protein-rich food.
Healthy Fats
•    We use fats that are beneficial to health, including extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil and omega-3 fatty acids. We have never used trans fats or other artificial ingredients in our cooking.
Salt Sense
•    Our food is seasoned with herbs and spices to keep the use of salt at a minimum.
Sweetener Savvy
•    We use a variety of sweeteners in moderation; we do not use artificial sweeteners.
 
The above “pillars” focus on eating well without having to sacrifice flavors. I was glad that they addressed limiting salt and sweeteners. For cruisers who need to watch their sodium intake, it would be great to also showcase any low-sodium dishes on the menu. 

The daily selections are great guidelines when ordering to know what the healthier items are on the menu.  As sometimes the item you think is healthy, it ends up having many hidden fats and calories in the sauce or extras.  You eliminate the guessing and might be surprised at how much you like these items even though they are considered “health-conscious”. 

In preparation for the Queen Mary 2’s eighth birthday in January 2012, Cunard Line announced this week the planned enhancements that will take place as part of the refit. Major updates and redesigns during the 14-day refit includes new carpets, curtains, bedcovers and linens. Click here to read the full press release. 

FreshCruiser Tip: Seek out healthy options!  Some cruise lines have a dining area just for healthy "spa" selections that you might miss if you're not looking for it.