The History Behind Razzle Dazzle: Not all camouflage is created equal.
At the height of the First World War, while fighting tirelessly through the air, ground, and sea to help secure the freedoms we enjoy today, a problem arose for the Allied Powers that seemed to have no end in sight.
Out on the Atlantic, British and American ships importing desperately needed supplies for the people of England were being targeted and destroyed without mercy by German U-Boats.
On both sides of the pond, some of the greatest military minds of the last century were working tirelessly to devise a way to guarantee safe passage for these critically important vessels. Traditional camouflage was of no help. Out at sea, factors beyond human control such as the color of the sky, clouds overhead and the constant churning of the ocean made it impossible to create a disguise that could work under any conditions.
As the British Admiralty and US Navy racked their brains for a solution to this problem, an unexpected creature became the source of their inspiration: zebras.
In 1917, while serving in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, British artist Norman Wilkinson devised a brilliant strategy. If the ships have no conceivable way of blending in, could they avoid a dreadful fate if they instead decided to stand out?
From this idea, dazzle camouflage was born. A strategy rooted in disruption and confusion.
If the torpedoes targeting Allied ships weren't able to determine how fast they were going, where they were headed, what type of ship it was, or pinpoint a ship's exact stern and bow, this could give them the minute edge they needed to finally outrun their adversaries.
Beginning in August 1917, more than 4,000 British merchant ships and over 400 Naval vessels were dressed head to toe in intricate patterns of geometric shapes and contrasting colors, all interrupting and intersecting with each other.
A strategy so unexpected and so unique that even Pablo Picasso raised his hand to take credit for an innovation he considered a quintessential Cubist technique.
Okay, but how does this tie into delicious dining on cruise ships on the high seas? We thought you'd never ask. (Okay, we admit, we took a minute getting there…)
Razzle Dazzle Restaurant is one of our most spectacular culinary attractions. A space that doesn't disguise what it's doing, because there's so much to experience you won't want to go to the bathroom out of fear you might miss out on what's coming next. But, who knows? There might even be a few surprises in store when you take a quick leave to freshen up (there's only one way to find out).
What Makes Razzle Dazzle Restaurant a Favorite of our Sailors?
Serving familiar favorites all day and then into dinner, prepared from consciously sourced ingredients served in a fresh, no frills, and downright delicious way. There's sure to be something here for every Sailor on our menu of American classic comfort foods, from veggie-conscious fare and juicy meats to tempting sweets, and gluttonous treats. With so much variety, you won't need to worry about checking the menu ahead of time for that one picky eater in every group (you know who they are).
Mindful eats are the name of the game at Razzle Dazzle Restaurant, but there's something for everyone to enjoy.
And the fun doesn't end where the food begins. There's still so much more for sailors to discover. After your meal, or before, make your way to the Red Bar, our resident diva's favorite spot on the entire ship. Serving up the perfect blend of balance and decadence. If you're in a mindful mood, you can order from our robust offering of cold-pressed juices and healthy smoothies. For a less tame experience, check out our full bar with specialty cocktails, or indulge in our bottomless brunch drink offering (mimosas, bloodies, rose wine, and draft beer) for just $25.
Indeed, nighttime is when the fun really starts at Razzle Dazzle. Razzle Dazzle by Night adds some funky flair to the already delicious atmosphere, with dimmed lights, red neon signs, and a separate dinner menu with a New American style flair.
Razzle Dazzle Restaurant is the perfect place to indulge all your cravings, whether it’s tempting treats or veggie-conscious eats. The catch? There is no catch. It's not a secret, it's not a mirage, and it's definitely not an attempt to trick you into not knowing which way we're going. You'll know exactly where we're headed, but the only way to experience all the fun is to join the voyage.
