Star of Honolulu Announces Five-Star Winter Menu

Hawaii's premier cruise ship, the Star of Honolulu, offers an all-new seven-course Winter-inspired menu from January through March on its Five Star Sunset Dining Cruise. My wife and I have dined on the Star of Honolulu and enjoyed their five-star sunset dinner cruise. It's definitely something I'd recommend for anyone in Honolulu or Waikiki this winter.

Executive Chef Eric Omick and Executive Sous Chef Richard Franco showcase Winter's freshest and finest ingredients, found locally and around the world, in an innovative yet classic French style feast. At the exclusive Captain's Welcome Reception on the Star's 60-foot-high top deck, guests sample a selection of Winter canapes served butler style and a non-alcoholic champagne toast to commence the evening. They are then escorted into the lavish art-deco Super Nova Room, where a flavorful chestnut bisque is presented, garnished with an herb tuile, shaved chestnut and swirl of cream. The subsequent salad course pairs an assortment of fresh Kula greens with blood orange segments and luscious roast duck, dressed with wild raspberry vinaigrette and an onion Brie baguette.

Featured in the first main entree is live Maine lobster poached in a season-infused butter broth. Seafood-stuffed squid ink ravioli, tomato cream sauce and Sevruga caviar complete the dish. Next, to dazzle the palate, savor the delightful Pear Williams sorbet intermezzo. The second main course showcases a top grade of meat, prime tenderloin of beef, premium aged and highly marbled for intense flavor and made to melt in your mouth. This succulent selection is complemented by oxtail and potato pave and Guenoc cabernet sauce.

The evening comes to a grand finale with a trio of desserts - Tahitian vanilla ice cream atop warm chocolate truffle cake, pistachio macaroon and banana creme brulee - garnished with raspberry sauce, chopped pistachios and pulled sugar.

On the Star of Honolulu's Five Star Sunset Dining Cruise, the ambiance is as memorable as the food. Live soft jazz music by Honolulu's top artists creates a relaxing and refined atmosphere. Throughout the voyage, wrap-around windows offer stellar sunset and coastline views.

The Five Star Sunset Dining Cruise is offered nightly, departing from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower Marketplace at 5:30 p.m. All-inclusive VIP welcome, dinner, live jazz show, super premium cocktails and after dinner cart drink service, is $165.00 per person.

The 232-foot, 1,500-passenger Star of Honolulu was custom-designed with watts-type stabilizers for smooth sailing in Hawaiian waters. In addition, the ship provides full facilities for the physically challenged. For reservations or more information, call toll-free at 1-800-334-6191 or visit www.starofhonolulu.com. In Hawaii, call (808) 983-STAR (7827).