Royal Caribbean Dining Guide
Part of the Royal Caribbean cruise experience is satiating your food cravings at sea. Food is such an important aspect of any vacation and Royal Caribbean has you covered with some amazing options. You’ll be able to experience flavors from around the globe as well as comfort foods and fan favorites. With so many dining options you may be feeling overwhelmed. Use this restaurant and dining guide for Royal Caribbean to choose the perfect dining options for you.
Complimentary vs Specialty Dining
Royal Caribbean cruises offer two types of dining experiences on the ships, complementary and specialty. Complimentary restaurants are covered in the price of your cruise, and these options are available on every ship. These are generally more of a dining room setting such as the Main Dining Room, Windjammer Cafe, and Cafe Promenade.
On the other hand, specialty dining comes with additional charges unless you purchasea specialty dining package. The restaurant includes places like Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, and Izumi Japanese Steakhouse.
Dining Packages
Specialty Dining Packages
The best way to experience the specialty dining options each ship has to offer is by purchasing a specialty dining package. You’ll save up to 40% on meals in these delicious eateries with a specialty dining package. A bonus is that children ages 6-12 dine at specialty restaurants for $10, and children under the age of 5 eat free. There are two different specialty dining packages that include:
3 Restaurant Package
This package allows you to enjoy 3 different specialty restaurants during the entirety of your cruise. It’s a decent value and gives you the option of blending specialty dining with complimentary dining.
Unlimited Dining Package
For one low price you can enjoy multiple entrees and visit multiple specialty restaurants each night of your cruise. The unlimited package is a great option for foodies as it also applies to lunch on sea days. You’ll also receive exclusive discounts on wine and other alcohol.
You can find out more about the Dining Packages here.
Best Breakfast On Royal Caribbean Cruises
Breakfast onboard the ship is important to fuel jam-packed days! Windjammer is a crowd favorite and is available on all Royal Caribbean ships. On select cruise ships you will find the Solarium Bistro, another breakfast buffet option that is great for adults. Another fantastic option available on all ships is the Main Dining Room, this complimentary breakfast option is a buffet filled with classic breakfast favorites.
Best Lunch Spot On Royal Caribbean
There are so many delectable options for lunch on Royal Caribbean ships. There is something to satisfy your cravings during the ships time at sea. Craving hearty food, head to Giovanni’s Table or Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. Hooked Seafood can quickly transport you to New England, try the lobster roll or the Messy Fish Sandwich. Hooked is available on Symphony and Navigator Of The Seas.
If you’re looking for a complimentary lunch, check out Windjammer, Main Dining Room, or Solarium Bistro. If you want a light lunch, give Vitality Cafe a try for specialty wraps and delicious smoothies!
Quick Grabs
If you don’t have time to sit down and savor a meal, there are many amazing options for quick bites on board Royal Caribbean cruises. If you want to grab a quick slice of pizza head to Sorrento’s or for a delicious sandwich, try Pink’s Cafe. For creative hot dogs you can’t miss Dog House. If you are cruising on Symphony or Navigator Of The Seas,you can’t miss the incredibly fresh El Loco Fresh.
Date Night
Extra special occasions call for extra special dining, and in these cases Royal Caribbean gives you some romantic options. These will really add the wow factor to your date night. Try Chops Grille, which is available on most ships, for a romantic evening out. On Symphony and Harmony Of The Seas you can have a special night out at Wonderland for innovative and creative dishes that are sure to wow!
Of course, the ultimate VIP dinner can be found at Chef’s Table, where you can indulge in a 5-course meal complete with amazing wine pairings. This is a great option for foodies who want a true culinary experience.
Favorite Dining On Royal Caribbean
Windjammer
Global Cuisine, Breakfast, Lunch / Attire: Casual
This is the go-to restaurant on board for global flavors and incredible options. Whether you are looking for a simple panini or crispy buttermilk fried chicken you’ll find it at the Windjammer.
Izumi
Japanese, Lunch, Dinner / Attire: Smart Casual
Izumi is unquestionably the hottest sushi spot on the high seas. Get fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, or savory appetizers at this amazing eatery. They also offer a kid’s menu for those dining with little ones.
Wonderland
Imaginative, Dinner / Attire: Smart Casual
The imaginative cuisine dishes are specifically designed to excite your imagination and present you with a visual feast. Pair your meal with a magical cocktail to complete this culinary experience. This is a restaurant you don’t want to miss!
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Italian / Attire: Casual
The menu at Giovanni’s highlights old-world classics that are paired with wine chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier. The most popular items on the menu have hearts drawn next to them, so keep an eye out. Highlights include rustic meat and cheese plates, classic lasagna, or the caprese salsa with truffle burrata.
Teppanyaki
Japanese Lunch, Dinner / Attire: Smart Casual
It’s not all about the food at this Japanese eatery, although the food is delicious, it’sabout the dazzling displays and wonderful presentation. In this elevated hibachi restaurant chef’s make cooking into a performance that will keep you captivated as you enjoy the stellar food.
Jamie’s Italian By Jamie Oliver
Italian, Lunch, Dinner / Attire: Causal
At one of the most popular Royal Caribbean dining experiences, you’ll be treated to Tuscan-inspired cuisine. Fresh seasonal ingredients meet family style dishes of the Italian classics. If you would like a wine pairing, simply ask your waiter for a suggestion. Fan favorites include homemade truffle tagliatelle, prawn linguine, or chianti-braised short ribs.
Hooked Seafood
Global, Lunch, Dinner / Attire: Casual
Hooked is the spot for seafood on certain Royal Caribbean ships. Whether you are looking for delicious crab cakes, succulent lobster rolls, or amazing oysters. Hooked has all of the seafood that you can handle! You can also enjoy baked oysters in three different ways, Rockefeller, with leeks and white wine, or brie and champagne.
150 Central Park
Modern, Dinner / Attire: Smart Casual
Each dish, at this New York inspired restaurant, uses locally sourced ingredients that are in season. Make sure to try a craft cocktail here! For a real treat, choose a tableside meal, the “TS” symbol on the menu means it’s prepared right in front of you at the table. Fan favorites include Braised Short Ribs, Duck Duo, and Pan Seared Halibut. For dessert you can’t go wrong with the fried cheesecake.
Complimentary Dining
Mini Bites
Fast Casual Food / Attire: Poolside Attire Permitted
Big flavors come in small packages just steps from the Pool and Sports Zone. They’vegot quick and delicious snacks like sliders, pizza, and mini cupcakes.
El Loco Fresh
Mexican / Attire: Casual
For breakfast try El Loco Fresh’s breakfast burrito or quesadilla. This fast casual restaurant serves up Mexican classics the rest of the day. You’ll love the sharable nachos, savory tacos, and stuffed burritos. You can grab a table outside to enjoy the sunny weather or get your food to go.
Dog House
Fast Casual Food / Attire: Casual
Who doesn’t love a good hot dog? You can get classic hotdogs here or try innovative concoctions like chicken sausage flavored with juicy apples. Favorites at Dog Houseinclude the traditional Coney Island dog, the Smoke House, and the homestyle potato salad. Keep in mind that this eatery closes at 7 pm on both port and sea days.
Sorrento’s Pizza
Pizza, Lunch, Dinner / Attire: Casual
Royal Caribbean has spent years perfecting Sorrento’s Pizza. If you’re looking for pizza while on ship, then Sorrento’s is the place to be. Whether you want a classic Margherita pizza or especially like the BBQ-infused Caribbean Dream pizza, these delicious creations do not disappoint. Sorrento’s is also open late making it the perfect after-hours snack.
Coastal Kitchen
Med-Fusion, Lunch, Dinner / Attire: Smart Casual
The Coastal Kitchen is an exclusive restaurant for suite guests and Pinnacle club members. This Med-Fusion restaurant seamlessly blends Mediterranean influence withthe fresh flavors of California. The menu here rotates frequently, but chefs are willing to prepare dishes that are no longer on the menu if you ask.
Specialty Dining
Chef’s Table
Gourmet, Dinner / Available on select ships / Attire: Formal
The Chef’s Table is as VIP and exclusive as it gets on Royal Caribbean. This is the most elevated dining experience in the fleet. You’ll join an intimate group on this private gourmet journey perfect for foodies. You’ll be treated to 5 exquisitely prepared courses. Each dish is also perfectly paired with a sommelier selected glass of wine.
Chops Grille
Steakhouse, Dinner, Lunch (only on sea days) / Attire: Smart Casual
Chops Grille presents quality cuts of meat cooked to perfection. The menu has recently been revamped, bringing a contemporary flair to the traditional steakhouse offerings. Some favorites include the charred-beef carpaccio, and the chilled seafood tower that features Maine lobster, mussel, clams, and crab claws. The chef at Chops hand cuts, seasons, and grills your steak to your specifications if you ask.
For more information on all the dining options click here.
Beverage Packages
You can pair your dining packages with a beverage package for even more savings. How much you pay for your beverage package depends on when you purchase it. Leading up to the cruise there are often discounts available online for pre-buying the drinks package.
There are 4 different beverage packages including:
Deluxe Beverage Package
$63.00-$89.00 per day
With the deluxe beverage package, you’ll get to enjoy unlimited drinks and options for the duration of your cruise. This covers everything from your morning cup of joe to poolside pina coladas. With this package you also get a 40% discount on the bottled wines. This package includes
• Fountain sodas and refills
• Still and sparkling water
• Coffee and tea
• Fresh squeezed juice
• Cocktails, spirits, liquor
• Beer, wine by glass
Refreshment Package
$29.00 – $38.00 per day
This is the middle of the road beverage package on Royal Caribbean, it doesn’t cover quite as much as the deluxe package. The major difference is that the Refreshment Package does not cover alcohol, but it does cover plenty of other beverages including…
• Fountain soda
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
• Still and sparkling water
• Coffee and tea
• Freshly squeezed juice
Classic Soda Package
$12.99 – $15.00 per day
This basic beverage package covers fountain soda and has a souvenir cup that comes with the package.
Water Package
This package simply makes it possible for 6, 12, and 24 packs of water to be delivered to your room.
You can find out more about the beverage packages here.
Recap
Royal Caribbean cruises do not disappoint when it comes to feasting on the high seas. No matter if you are looking for casual dishes such as Sorrento’s or a fine dining experience like the Chef’s Table, these shops have something for anyone!
You really can’t go wrong with any of the dining options on Royal Caribbean cruises.