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.
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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 MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 Basecamp. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
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 MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 Empire Supper Club. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
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 ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 ROY RILEY/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 MICHEL VERDURE/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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 ROY RILEY/ROYAL CARIBBEAN
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