Ever fantasized about creating your own sushi while sailing the high seas? Look no further than the lively and fun sushi-making class offered at Izumi, located in the lush Central Park area on Deck 8 of the Icon of the Seas. It's called On a Roll Sushi Making Class.
This fun hands-on activity may not be the first thing you think of when planning your cruise activities, but it's certainly one of the more unique and affordable options per person for a delightful culinary adventure with chefs around the world. Read through until the bottom for my secret tips when purchasing this activity.
The Setup: Where Creativity Meets Cuisine
Izumi on Icon of the Seas offers two distinct experiences: 'Izumi in the Park' for grab-and-go sushi and other Japanese delights, and 'Izumi the Restaurant' where the magic of sushi making comes to life. The class is inside of the restaurant where the hibachi tables are. You'll find it near the eye-catching, aluminum-looking tree—an art piece that adds a dash of whimsy to your experience.
Dive Into the Fun
As soon as we arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. We were seated promptly. Tip: You should ideally be positioned in front of the hibachi table for a front-row view of all the action. The process started with the essentials: washing hands right behind the hibachi table where all the rolling action unfolds.
Donned in fun hats, we were ready to tackle the art of sushi making, with all ingredients tantalizingly laid out in front of us.
Before diving into the rice and nori, we went through a quick but important briefing on safety policies, emphasizing that the delicious creations must be consumed on the spot due to health regulations. It’s a dining experience and an educational treat rolled into one!
Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece
The sushi-making class at Izumi is brilliantly designed to cater to all tastes. You get to craft three different sushi rolls including options with tuna, crab, and tempura shrimp.
Not a fan of one of those? No problem! The chef is incredibly accommodating and willing to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
Guided by an expert chef, we were walked through each step of the sushi-making process.
The chef's expertise shone through as they provided personalized tips and tricks, ensuring everyone could follow along and create something delicious.
After rolling our sushi, the chef expertly sliced our creations, making them ready to devour.
Here's what you get to make:
- 2 Sushi Rolls - Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that combines vinegared rice with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits, often presented in different styles like rolls, pressed, or scattered.
- 1 Nigiri - Nigiri is a type of sushi that features a slice of raw fish or seafood (in this case, shrimp) pressed atop an oblong mound of vinegared rice, often with a touch of wasabi between.
- 1 Temaki - Temaki is a cone-shaped sushi that's hand-rolled using a seaweed sheet filled with vinegared rice, fish, and various other ingredients, making it resemble a sushi "hand roll."
Is It Worth It?
At approximately $45 per person, this experience is a steal, considering the fun and food involved. It's not just about learning to make sushi; it's about the laughter, bonding, and joy that comes with trying something new.
I shared this experience with my daughters, and it was filled with giggles and full bellies—a perfect afternoon spent together.
You can find this at 15% off, but I would recommend securing a class instead of waiting for a discount. This activity will sell out fast!
When to Schedule
As soon as you book your ship itinerary, I would recommend looking for this activity, as it will be available months before the entertainment shows are (for Aqua Action, Starburst Elemental, and Wizard of Oz). You can always call in and ask for the discount if you see one pop up.
My kids that signed up were ages 11 and 12 at the time. However, you can sign them up as young as five years old!
A Memorable Conclusion
To top off the sushi-making adventure, participants receive a charming certificate of completion. This isn't just a piece of paper; it's a memento of the fun and skills acquired during the class, something to cherish and remember the experience by.
Honest Review of this Must Try Experience
While sushi making at Izumi on the Icon of the Seas might come with a price tag, it's an investment in joy and family time. It’s a creative, hands-on activity that offers more than just food—it’s a lesson in sushi artistry, a chance to create lasting memories, and an opportunity to engage with loved ones in a unique setting. If you're sailing on the Icon of the Seas and looking for a fun, educational, and tasty activity, the sushi-making class at Izumi is a fun choice that promises entertainment and a full stomach, all rolled into one.
General Tips
- If you don't like tuna, it's okay the chef is very accommodating. Ask them for another tempura shrimp or two.
- If you do it around brunch time, don't each too big of a breakfast! There will be plenty of food, you just need to be prepared with your learning skills on and an empty belly.
- You can't take it back to your cabin, so eat what you can! The price you pay as compared to the amount of sushi you get makes it a pretty great deal at $49 (even better if you can score a better deal).
More About Icon of the Seas
- Icon of the Seas Connecting Balcony Rooms
- Honest Review of Icon of the Seas Sushi Making Class
