Cruise food and cruise fun go hand-in-hand. Gone are the days when your only food choices were a main dining room and a buffet venue. Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with options — some that are included in your cruise fare and some that cost extra. From the largest ship in the fleet to the smallest, the choices are mind-blowing — especially for new-to-Royal cruisers.
But even if you’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past, you need a food guide to keep up with what’s available on which ship. Sometimes, you want to repeat a dining experience you had on a previous cruise. Other times, you’d prefer to try a new eatery. Knowing which food choices a ship has might impact which ship you pick.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
Good examples are the Italian restaurants across the fleet. Do you know the difference between Giovanni’s Table and Giovanni’s Kitchen? How do the Jamie’s Italian restaurants stack up to either of the Giovanni’s? And do you know which ship is the only one in the fleet without an Italian restaurant? (Answer: Enchantment of the Seas.) I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotta get my pasta fix when I cruise.
Then there are Royal Caribbean’s food secrets. Okay, maybe they aren’t actual secrets, but there are things to eat on board that aren’t highly publicized. You need to be in the know to seek them out.
Let’s start with a list of all the places you can snag a bite, and which ships they are found on. After that, I’ll run through some of the most frequently asked questions about Royal Caribbean food.
150 Central Park
Fixed price; dinner
150 Central Park serves six-course dinners featuring meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes accompanied by produce that is “locally sourced” and harvested at peak flavor. Menu examples include beef tenderloin, halibut, venison and cauliflower steak. The location in the Central Park neighborhood, surrounded by live plants, adds an ambience not found on most cruise ships.
Available on: Allure, Harmony, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Aquadome Market
Included; all-day dining
Icon of the Seas introduces a five-station food hall serving five types of mac and cheese, Asian and Mediterranean bowls, salads and sandwiches and custom crepes. It’s located adjacent to the AquaDome, and its long hours means you can grab a bite before or after an acrobatic AquaTheater show.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
BaseCamp
Included and a la carte options; all-day dining
Basecamp is a fast-casual snackery within the Thrill Island neighborhood. Things like hot dogs and warm pretzels are complimentary, while comfort food options like burgers, cheese curds and chicken waffle bites cost extra. Covered outdoor seating is available.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Boardwalk Donuts
Included; snacks
Freshly topped and decorated doughnuts line the glass cases at this one-of-a-kind restaurant. It makes a fun spot to snag an early morning pre-breakfast bite.
Available on: Allure of the Seas
Cafe @Two70
Included; all-day dining
Just outside the entrance to the Two70 entertainment space, this eatery often goes unnoticed by many cruisers. It’s an ideal spot to grab a sandwich or a bowl of the day’s soup. Breakfast goodies include pastries and even burritos — perfect before you dash out on your day’s adventures.
Available on: Anthem, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum of the Seas
Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries
Cafe Latte-tudes
Included and a la carte; snacks
This is the in-house specialty coffee hot spot on the line’s smaller ships. Coffee drinks cost extra but are included in beverage packages; cookies, bite-sized pastries and even sandwiches are complimentary. Some ships also have a nearby ice cream parlor with scoops and cones available for purchase.
Available on: Brilliance, Enchantment, Grandeur, Jewel, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Vision of the Seas
Cafe Promenade
Included and a la carte; snacks
Similar to Cafe Latte-tudes, Cafe Promenade is exactly what it sounds like — a coffee counter with grab-and-go snacks. Specialty coffees and teas cost extra, and most snacks are complimentary, though a few fancier options are extra-fee. Some ships also have a drink station nearby serving the usual array of complimentary hot and cold beverages like tea, lemonade and drip coffee.
Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas
Celebration Table
Fixed price; dinner
Want to host your own dinner party onboard? Reserve this private dining room for 12 and enjoy a catered meal featuring a fixed-price menu of American, Italian, Asian or seafood dishes. It’s located inside Hooked Seafood in the AquaDome neighborhood.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Chef’s Table
Fixed price; dinner
Most ships in the fleet offer a Chef’s Table experience on select nights of select sailings. Reservations are required for a private gourmet dinner with wine pairing hosted by a chef and sommelier for a small group. It is a night and a meal you will remember.
Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Grandeur, Harmony, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Utopia, Vision, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas
Chops Grille
Fixed price; dinner plus lunch on sea days
Royal Caribbean’s specialty steakhouse is available fleetwide. The Chops Grille menu leans heavily toward prime beef cuts, but also includes chicken, lamb and seafood. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, and the food delicious. Sides are served family style, and you’ll want to try several.
Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Grandeur, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Vision, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas
Coastal Kitchen
Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner
Coastal Kitchen is a restaurant exclusive to suite guests and upper-tier members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor loyalty program. Though it’s styled like a main dining room, serving three meals a day with menus that change daily, the experience is on par with specialty dining, both in service and food quality. It’s an ideal alternative to the main dining room for those who are eligible to dine here.
Star and Sky Class suite guests can dine in Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sea Class suite guests can come for dinner if space is available. Pinnacle-level loyalty members can also eat here at any mealtime, space permitting.
Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Cupcake Cupboard
A la carte; hours vary
The name of this sweet treat eatery tells you almost everything you need to know. Stop by for extra-fee cupcakes when you’re craving sugar. Alternatively, look for decorating classes to join and cupcake kits to purchase, so you have everything you need to return home and bake your own goodies.
Available on: Freedom and Liberty of the Seas
Desserted Milkshake Bar
A la carte; snacks
Here’s an idea that’s long overdue on a cruise ship – custom milkshakes overflowing with sweet treats like brownies, cookies and popcorn. Adults can upgrade to boozy versions.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Dining Room
Included; breakfast, lunch (sea days) and dinner
The main dining rooms can get a little confusing on a fleet as varied as Royal Caribbean’s. Most ships have one large, multideck dining space that serves complimentary meals, but the venue’s name varies by ship. Quantum Class ships have four separate dining rooms, each with a different name.
On all ships, one deck or area is reserved for guests with assigned early and late dining times, with the remaining area set aside for those participating in the flexible My Time Dining plan. All guests order from the same menus, which are standard for breakfast daily and change each day for lunch (when it’s open) and dinner.
Available on: All ships
Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes, explained
Dog House
Included; hours may vary
If gourmet hot dogs topped the way you want them is your idea of the perfect lunch or snack, pop in at the Dog House. There are too many choices to try them all on a single cruise.
Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Mariner, Oasis, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
El Loco Fresh
Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner
From breakfast burritos to heaps of nachos and cheesy quesadillas, this Mexican-themed eatery is a quick and filling spot to grab a bite during the day. Pool wear is allowed since this is basically an outdoor restaurant. On four ships, it’s located near the pool. The five Oasis Class ships with an El Loco Fresh have it closer to the sports court than the pool, but on all ships, eating here can save you from having to get dressed to go inside for food at the Windjammer.
Available on: Allure (Wipe Out Cafe), Freedom, Icon, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Empire Supper Club
Fixed price; dinner
When Royal Caribbean says “dinner and a show,” the line really means it. This intimate, multicourse dinner features live jazz performances and drink pairings. The experience is one of a kind, but the cover charge for dinner is one of the highest at sea.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
English Pub
A la carte; snacks
When I mentioned “secret food,” the English pubs were what I had in mind. The pubs on each ship have different names, but the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. Not every pub serves snacks, but definitely ask if you don’t see a food menu. What you find to munch on might turn out to be one of the highlights of your cruise. Smoked cheddar ale soup and deep-fried apple pie with Nutella are top of mind for me.
Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Serenade, Star, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager, Wonder of the Seas
Fish & Ships
Included and a la carte; lunch
Grab a basket of deep-fried deliciousness (fish, shrimp and chicken) near the pool for a quick lunch or a snack between afternoon activities. Only the lobster tails cost extra.
Available on: Independence and Ovation of the Seas
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Fixed price; lunch (select days) and dinner
From a prime cut filet mignon to pizza, Royal Caribbean’s second generation of its classic Italian food restaurant serves up an excellent meal. The service is always gracious and the portions generous.
Available on: Freedom, Icon, Odyssey, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Giovanni’s Table
Fixed price; lunch (select days) and dinner
Royal Caribbean’s original Italian restaurants feature a traditional mix of pastas and meat or seafood entrees. The differences between the two Giovanni’s are subtle. Lasagna and pizza are available at the Kitchen, but not at the Table. The best eggplant parm I’ve ever had is only available at Giovanni’s Table, as is a gigantic platter of osso buco.
Available on: Adventure, Allure, Brilliance, Explorer, Grandeur, Independence, Jewel, Liberty, Oasis, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Vision, Voyager of the Seas
Related: 35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better
Hooked Seafood
Fixed price; lunch (select days) and dinner
From chowder to mussels to whole Maine lobster, Hooked is where you get your seafood fix on select ships. Personally, I’d go for the lobster mac and cheese, but you do you.
Available on: Icon, Navigator, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Royal Railway — Utopia Station
Fixed price; dinner
We’ll know more once Utopia of the Seas launches, but this new restaurant sounds more like a Disney ride, taking you on a culinary journey as if you were inside a luxury railcar — while you’re sailing at sea. Windows will display scenes from various destinations, and the menu items will be inspired by those regions of the world.
Available on: Utopia of the Seas
Izumi
A la carte; lunch and dinner
Across the fleet, Izumi manages to take on several different looks. On Quantum Class ships, it’s got a sidewalk sushi bar feel. On other ships, it’s a quiet enclave tucked away on the top deck. Wherever you find it, it’s the place to be for sushi and Japanese-American fusion eats.
Available on: Adventure, Anthem, Brilliance, Explorer, Grandeur, Jewel, Navigator, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Spectrum, Vision, Voyager
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
A la carte and fixed price; lunch and dinner
On select ships, Izumi also includes a fixed-price teppanyaki option with your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp or a combination of proteins as your entree. Sit around the cooking surface and watch the show from your entertaining chef. Alternatively, you can order sushi along with a selection of hot Japanese dishes a la carte.
Available on: Allure, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Mariner, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Izumi in the Park
A la carte; all-day dining
Icon and Utopia of the Seas have more takeaway food options than any other Royal Caribbean ships, including a to-go window passing out sushi at a la carte prices. You’ll find the venue in Central Park, next to the main Izumi restaurant.
Available on: Icon and Utopia of the Seas
Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
Fixed price; lunch (select days) and dinner
Royal Caribbean’s third Italian option features a Tuscan-inspired, celebrity-chef-curated menu that is a bit more modern than either version of the Giovanni’s restaurants found on other ships. You can still find a luscious lasagna, but the menu holds surprises like crispy squid and pan-roasted salmon.
Available on: Anthem, Harmony, Mariner, Navigator, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony of the Seas
Johnny Rockets
Fixed price; all-day dining
Johnny Rockets is the original specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean ships. Its juicy burgers, fries and shakes have become a beloved part of Royal Caribbean food culture. It’s a well-kept secret that the apple pie is hands down the best on board any ship afloat. You’ll pay a flat fee per person to dine there, but beverages, such as the venue’s famous shakes, cost extra (unless they’re included in your drinks package).
On Oasis Class ships, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast of eggs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches and pancakes at Johnny Rockets.
Available on: Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator (Express), Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
La Patisserie
A la carte; snacks
Looking to put a French twist on your vacation, regardless of your cruise destination? Here’s your chance to indulge in French pastries (for purchase) paired with luscious coffees or tea. Think macarons and artisan chocolates that are a step above the complimentary snacks at Cafe Promenade. Order cake or cheesecake by the slice or pick up a whole cake to share with the gang. The best secret here is that you can order your coffee or hot cocoa with a shot of chocolate liqueur.
Available on: Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum of the Seas
Mini Bites
Included; snacks
If you’re looking for a poolside snack, you’ll find right-sized bites in the form of sliders, pizza, taquitos and sweet treats at Mini Bites.
Available on: Harmony of the Seas
Park Cafe
Included; Breakfast and lunch
The Park Cafe is home to the Royal Kummelweck Roast Beef Sandwich, which has garnered serious social media buzz. I hear about people who rush to Park Cafe on embarkation day to start indulging in their Kummelweck binging. Look for other deli treats, paninis and hot pizza in most Park Cafe locations along with fresh fruit, salads and desserts. At breakfast, you’ll find grab-and-go options and a bagel bar.
The Park Cafe is found in Central Park on Oasis and Icon Class ships and near the solarium on smaller ships. On those vessels, the venue’s location allows you to spend long luxurious hours poolside with plenty of snacks nearby.
Available on: Allure, Brilliance, Enchantment, Grandeur, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Symphony, Vision, Wonder of the Seas
Pearl Cafe
Included; snacks
Icon of the Seas’ new take on the Royal Promenade coffee-and-snack shop is a winner. Comfy seating with stunning ocean views makes it an ideal spot to hang with friends as you munch your way through a sandwich or tartlet. Specialty coffee and teas are available for a charge. The Pearl Cafe is open around the clock, so you can grab a snack at any hour.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Pier 7
A la carte; breakfast, lunch and dinner
The concept here starts with California beach food like fish tacos or shrimp tostadas, then adds the coolest three words to ever be combined in the English language: “All Day Brunch.” When you wake up at noon craving breakfast food, head to the Surfside neighborhood for favorites such as pancake platters and smoked salmon eggs Benedict. As befitting a family-friendly specialty restaurant, kids under 12 dine free.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Playmakers Sports Bar
A la carte; lunch, dinner and late night
It’s crazy that the Playmakers menu is still somewhat of an unknown for many Royal Caribbean cruisers. Perhaps those who know work hard not to spread the word. Expect gourmet burgers, wings and, yes, truffle fries. Or pop in after a night of clubbing for a sweet treat like a sundae or the infamous Campfire Cookie topped with melted marshmallows and Nutella.
Available on: Freedom, Icon, Independence, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Related: The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler
Portside BBQ
A la carte; lunch and dinner
Whether you go for a platter of ribs or a sandwich dripping with sauce, expect an abundance of flavors from the Deep South. And don’t skimp on dessert – you really can’t eat barbecue without finishing it with nanna pudding, y’all.
Available on: Oasis of the Seas
Sabor
Fixed price; lunch and dinner
Billed as “modern Mexican” cuisine, Sabor offers up guacamole, empanadas and a variety of tacos, quesadillas and sides. Save room for flan or churros for dessert.
Available on: Allure, Harmony, Liberty of the Seas
Samba Grill
Fixed price; dinner
Samba Grill is similar to the Brazilian steakhouses you’ve visited on land. You choose starters from an appetizer station, followed by your choice of meats (including chicken) carved tableside. The chocolate layer cake makes a delightful finish to your meal — if you still have room left after all that meat.
Available on: Allure and Radiance of the Seas
Solarium Bistro
Included, with a la carte extras; breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tucked away inside the Solarium, the Bistro is a multipurpose food space. Complimentary breakfast and lunch minibuffets are served here, making the venue a quieter option for those meals. No reservations are required.
Dinner, on the other hand, though still complimentary, is by reservation only and is a combination of buffet and table-served dishes, with a menu focused on healthy Mediterranean options. As in the main dining room, a handful of optional charged items are on the menu (upgraded steaks and lobster). Children are allowed to eat in the Bistro, even though the Solarium has a minimum age of 16.
Do not be surprised to discover that the space is not always available during your cruise. Apparently, its location means it has its own kitchen, making it ideal for private functions where food sourcing is important. I’ve heard of its being used exclusively on some cruises by gluten-free and kosher groups.
Available on: Allure, Anthem, Harmony, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Sorrento’s Pizza
Included; all-day dining
Whether you’re looking to grab a slice or a pie, Sorrento’s Pizza is your pizza go-to spot on more than half the fleet. You can order a custom pie or choose from what’s on hand. Seating specific to Sorrento’s is fairly limited on some ships, but shared dining space is usually somewhere nearby. It’s not open 24/7 but doesn’t shut down until well after midnight.
Available on: Allure, Anthem, Freedom, Harmony, Icon, Independence, Liberty, Oasis, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Sprinkles
Included; snacks
If you’re screaming for ice cream, Sprinkles is Royal Caribbean’s go-to for soft-serve ice cream in multiple flavors.
Available: Fleetwide
Starbucks
A la carte; snacks
Freestanding Starbucks locations serve the same drinks and snacks you can find in land-based outlets. You can use your Starbucks gift cards (if you bring them onboard) and your Starbucks app to order and pay at these locations. You’ll earn Starbucks stars for purchases but cannot redeem them.
Other Royal Caribbean cafes might serve Starbucks-branded beverages, but they are operated by Royal Caribbean. In those locations, you can only pay for drinks with your Sea Pass card (including via either the Refreshment or Deluxe Beverage Package) or a coffee card purchased onboard.
Stand-alone Starbucks locations available on: Allure, Harmony, Icon, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Odyssey, Symphony, Utopia of the Seas
Sugar Beach
A la carte; snacks
You can purchase colorful candies, fudge and cupcakes at Sugar Beach.
Available on: Allure (Candy Beach), Icon, Independence, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Surfside Bites
Included; all-day dining
Surfside Bites is the place to grab kid-favorite finger food on the fly. Think popcorn chicken, hot dogs and churros.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Surfside Eatery
Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner
Surfside is Royal Caribbean’s new family-friendly, stay-all-day onboard destination with multiple pools and attractions. Surfside Eatery provides a place for families to sit down to a meal without leaving the neighborhood. The buffet serves three meals daily with dishes for both kid and grownup palates.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Teppanyaki
Fixed price; lunch and dinner
Though both Odyssey and Spectrum have an Izumi Sushi location, Teppanyaki is a separate Japanese steakhouse located on Deck 14 on these two ships. Choose from either a single protein or a combo for the fixed-price meal, similar to Izumi Hibachi. Appetizers are priced a la carte.
Available on: Odyssey and Spectrum of the Seas
The Bamboo Room
A la carte; snacks
The Bamboo Room is another onboard bar with somewhat secretive bar snacks — including Hawaiian barbecue sliders and coconut crab bruschetta. Don’t miss this treat if you’re sailing on Mariner of the Seas, the only ship in the fleet with this venue.
Available on: Mariner of the Seas
The Grove
Included; all day dining
The Grove is the exclusive sun deck snack bar for Sky- and Star-tier suite guests on Icon of the Seas. The venue serves upscale Mediterranean mezes (small dishes) in an outdoor setting.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
The Mason Jar
Fixed price; brunch and dinner
If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary brunch or dinner on board the newest Oasis Class ships, the Mason Jar is your spot. The atmosphere is relaxing, the menu is deeply Southern and the iced tea (sipped from Mason jars, of course) is sweet. Expect shrimp and grits, barbecue and fried chicken.
Available on: Wonder and Utopia of the Seas
The Spare Tire
Included; all-day dining
Royal Caribbean brings a food truck-themed eatery poolside for handheld favorites like burgers and fries.
Available on: Utopia of the Seas
Trellis Bar
A la carte; all-day dining
Say yes to upscale bar bites Icon of the Seas’ version of this Central Park watering hole. Snack on mac & cheese poppers or truffled french fries while you sip your wine or commit to a meal with a drink with options like steak bites, Chops dry-aged burger and a chicken Caesar salad.
Available on: Icon of the Seas
Vintages
A la carte; snacks
Vintages is home to another secret bar snack menu you might not know about. Expect bruschetta, olives, meat platters, seafood bites and other tapas, served from 5 p.m. until they’re gone.
Available on: Allure, Anthem, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Oasis, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony of the Seas
Vitality Cafe
Included; breakfast and lunch
Located next to the spa and workout facilities on select ships, Vitality Cafe is what you would expect to find in such a health-oriented spot. Custom-blended fruit and veggie smoothies and protein shakes cost extra but are included in the Deluxe and Refreshment beverage packages. On some ships, the cafe also serves fruit cups and granola bites to get you through your workout.
Available on: Allure, Harmony, Icon, Oasis, Symphony, Utopia, Wonder of the Seas
Windjammer Marketplace
Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner
Expect an extensive multistation buffet with ample choices for everyone. In addition to the food, complimentary beverages include drip coffee, various hot teas, hot cocoa, milk, lemonade, punch and iced tea. Soft drink machines are available for those who have bought beverage packages. Larger ships have a bar within the Windjammer and servers rotate regularly.
Available on: All ships
Wonderland
Fixed price; dinner
The menu is described as “imaginative” as befits a restaurant inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Expect a multicourse dinner experience featuring food that is deconstructed, reconstructed and otherwise created to generate an entertaining gourmet meal.
Available on: Anthem, Harmony, Odyssey, Ovation, Quantum, Spectrum, Symphony, Wonder of the Seas
Royal Caribbean food: Frequently asked questions
How does the main dining room work?
At booking, you are offered a choice between traditional times designated as early or late, or flexible dining called My Time Dining, allowing you to show up anytime during restaurant open hours.
Do I need reservations for dinner in a specialty restaurant?
Waiter-served, extra-fee restaurants — whether fixed price or a la carte — typically require reservations. On the rare occasion when a ship is sailing at lower than full occupancy, you might find you can walk up during nonpeak hours and be seated at a specialty restaurant without a reservation. Those opportunities are the exceptions. Better to make a reservation to ensure you get the time slot you prefer.
What do “a la carte” and “fixed price” mean on Royal Caribbean ships?
A la carte pricing refers to restaurants where the food is individually priced. You only pay for the dishes you order. An entire menu might be individually priced, or you might only see a few items with prices on an otherwise complimentary menu.
Fixed price indicates that dining at the restaurant has a single cover charge for the full meal. This may also be stated as “Prix Fixe.” You will generally choose an appetizer or salad, an entree, sides and a dessert. Beverages other than tea, coffee and water are an added charge unless specifically stated that they are included.
What beverages are included with my cruise fare?
Drip coffee, tap water, hot and iced tea, milk, and one or more flavored drinks like fruit punch or lemonade dispensed from drink machines. All other beverages may be purchased individually or you can buy a beverage package to pay for unlimited drinks in advance (fine print applies). Read our complete guide to Royal Caribbean drink packages for details.
Is there room service and what does it cost?
Room service is available in all cabins. Continental breakfast, including coffee, pastries, fruit and cold cereal, is free. Hot breakfast, lunch, dinner and all snacks incur a delivery charge of $7.95 plus 18% gratuity. The food itself is mostly complimentary, but selected dishes are priced a la carte.
How do specialty dining packages work?
To reduce the cost of specialty dining, you can buy a three- or five-restaurant package or an unlimited dining package. Some sailings also offer a combo option of Chops plus one other restaurant. These are all available for purchase in the cruise planner before your sailing. The unlimited package allows you to dine at any specialty restaurant each night of your cruise, plus lunches where they are available.
Can children eat in the specialty restaurants on board?
Most Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants cater to children with special menus and reduced prices. There are a few examples where children are allowed, but not catered to. Empire Supper Club is an example of that. The line states that children under 12 are allowed, but the experience is designed “for adult guests.”
Does Royal Caribbean charge extra for lobster?
Lobster tails may be ordered any night of the cruise at Chops Grill or for an extra charge in the main dining room. Only one lobster tail is included when complimentary lobster is served in the dining room as part of the menu. Additional lobsters are charged to your bill.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- Top ways cruisers waste money
- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
