Royal Caribbean Specialty Dining
By Alara Shannon, Marketing | April 01, 2013 ( Comments)
Royal Caribbean is constantly innovating and creating delicious dining options. From cozy settings to Mexican fiestas, cupcakes to canapés, sample an array of culinary treats on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Although tasty, this culinary explosion can be hard to follow. Which dining venues on Royal Caribbean are complimentary? Which restaurants require a fee?
We’ve put together your go-to Royal Caribbean dining guide below - detailing what restaurants are available at an extra charge and what restaurants are included in the cruise fare.
Complimentary Dining on Royal Caribbean
In addition to specialty dining experiences and the main dining rooms onboard, Royal Caribbean offers an abundance of exciting and unique complimentary dining options.
- Café Promenade. The multi-level Royal Promenade is the heart of Voyager-, Freedom-, and Oasis-class ships - and the best spot for people watching. Pick a table with a view at Café Promenade, serving Seattle’s Best Coffee, snacks, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and into the night.
- Sorrento’s Pizza. For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento’s for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine - with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call. On Oasis class, Freedom class, and Majesty of the Seas.
- Jade Sushi. Jade features innovative Asian-fusion dishes along with classic favorites like sushi, fried rice and more. On Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.
- Park Café. A casual-eats deli cafe offering made-to-order salads, paninis and freshly prepared sandwiches. On Radiance of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, and Oasis-class ships.
- Solarium Bistro. A hearty but healthful lunch destination in Solarium onboard Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, with lighter options for breakfast and lunch.
- Boardwalk Dog House. Take a seat at the counter for traditional hot dogs, brats, sausages and other delicious linked meats, plus a variety of toppings to split a long bun. On Allure of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Splendour of the Seas.
- Boardwalk Donuts. Hit the Boardwalk on Oasis-class ships and choose from a variety of doughy goodness - chocolate, frosted, sprinkled and more - with fresh brewed coffee and specialty drinks.
- Vitality Café. A healthful selection of specialty wraps, fresh fruits, yogurts, and smoothies created with wellness in mind. On Oasis-class ships.
- It’s vacation, don’t forget about room service! Room Service is available 24 hours a day on Royal Caribbean ships. Enjoy breakfast in bed, cheesecake on the balcony, or a delicious dinner. Complimentary except between midnight and 5 a.m., when a $3.95 service charge applies.
Specialty Dining on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (Additional Charge)
Reserve a night at a Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant for an intimate fine dining experience - or one packed with colorful personality. There’s a range of cuisines and atmospheres for every taste. Pay one cover charge and order anything you’d like off the menu, or sample from a la carte menus at select venues.
We recommend that you reserve specialty dining in advance. You may make specialty dining reservations when you complete your Royal Caribbean Online Check-in. Please contact your iCruise.com Cruise Specialist for more details.
Chops Grille
Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse features grade-A premium cuts of steak, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes and delicious desserts in an elegant, yet contemporary, atmosphere. From filet mignon to mesquite-grilled salmon, this great restaurant offers much more than simple meat and potatoes.
Reservations are recommended. Dinner is served 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. nightly. A charge of $30 per guest includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
Chops Grille is featured on 13 ships : Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas.
Portofino
From the first bite of the antipasto to the last spoonful of tiramisu, dining in the elegant atmosphere of Portofino is an evening to remember. Sample some of the chef’s new creations or have one of your favorites prepared the classic way. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Reservations are recommended. Dinner is served 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. nightly. A charge of $20 per guest includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
Portofino is featured on Voyager class ships, Freedom class ships, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.
150 Central Park
Royal Caribbean’s most upscale dining venue (but yet not stuffy) is only available onboard Oasis-class ships in the heart of the Central Park Neighborhood. Everything in 150 Central Park is pitch-perfect – it’s intimate without being crowded, detailed without being fussy. Be greeted by name the moment you enter the mellow earth-toned environment, full of unique textures and decorative details inspired by nature and art nouveau.
150 Central Park serves up an intimate multi-course experience of leading-edge cuisine in a modern setting with service that is personalized, yet unobtrusive. Enjoy seasonally, locally-sourced menus developed by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz and Molly Brandt, winner of the Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge. Don’t miss the cucumber martini!
Reservations are recommended; please allow at least two hours for dining. Dinner is served 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. nightly. A charge of $40 per guest includes gratuities. There is an optional, 6-course dinner with wine pairing, for an additional $75 per person. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings onboard, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
Isumi Asian Cuisine
The tranquil ambiance and traditional Asian dishes at Izumi will impress with their pure, delicate flavors, freshness of ingredients and impeccable presentation. Choose from popular sushi rolls, sashami, Hot Rock (Ishiyaki) Plates, sukiyaki and more.
Reservations are recommended. Lunch hours are 12:00pm-1:30pm; dinner hours are 6:00pm-10:00pm. A $3 cover fee per person applies for lunch; a $5 cover fee per person applies for dinner. Menu items are charged individually. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
*If making reservations in advance online, the cover fee is $10. The $10 per person charge will be applied to the check in the restaurant. If your guest check is more than $10 per person, you will be charged the additional amount in the restaurant. If your guest check is less than $10 per person, your Seapass account will be credited with the difference.
Izumi Asian Cuisine is featured on Radiance of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, and Oasis-class ships.
Giovanni's Table
A casual, classic Italian restaurant with indoor and al fresco seating, Giovanni’s Table offers rustic dishes including toasted herb foccacia and fresh pesto, Zuppa di Porcini, Gnocchi di Patate, Lasagna Tradizionale, and more. Menu items vary daily and are served traditional style or family style.
Lunch hours are 11:30am-3:30pm; dinner hours 6:00pm-10:00pm. A $15 charge per guest applies for lunch; a $20 charges per guest applies for dinner, includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Giovanni’s Table is always casual.
Giovanni’s Table is featured on Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.
Samba Grill
A new steakhouse experience, Samba Grill is a churrascaria with personality and flare. Samba Grill serves a variety of meats and seafoods carved tableside straight from the skewer, plus a wide selection of soups, salads and appetizers at the buffet. Brazilian music fills the air as the Solarium Bistro transforms into this hearty authentic churrascaria.
The dining experience begins at self-serve salad bar, filled with a delectable selection of appetizers, soups and salads. Main course features various cuts of rotisserie-roasted meat carved tableside. Traditional Brazilian desserts are served à la cart and are included in the cover charge.
Reservations are recommended. Dinner is served 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. nightly. A charge of $25 per guest includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Preferred dress is smart casual, however, jeans are accepted.
Samba Grill is featured on Allure of the Seas near the solarium pool and cantilevered whirlpools. It is also available on Radiance of the Seas.
Solarium Bistro
Located in the tranquil Solarium on Deck 15 forward, this contemporary bistro offers an unforgettable dining experience when the Solarium pool transforms into a fine dining destination. Explore a menu of inspired, sumptuous dishes that embrace healthful living through healthy eating. Ocean breezes and friendly service encourage you to relax and soak in the moment.
Breakfast and lunch are complimentary; enjoy fresh and exhilarating flavors while taking in panoramic views of the Solarium pools.
Reservations for dinner are recommended. Dinner is served 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. nightly. A charge of $20 per guest includes gratuities, breakfast and lunch buffets are complimentary. Fruit juice and smoothies can be purchased from an ala carte menu throughout the day. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
The Solarium Bistro is featured only on Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas in the near our solarium pool and cantilevered whirlpools.
Rita's Cantina
Dive into a fiesta of flavor at Rita’s, serving scrumptious Mexican fare along with the widest selection of margaritas at sea. Rita’s Cantina caters to families by day and grownups by night, with live guitar music and dancing.
The menu features fresh made pico de gallo salsa, party nachos, fiesta guacamole, fajitas and a variety of beef, chicken and seafood dishes complemented by both contemporary and classic Margaritas.
Rita’s Cantina’s hours are generally 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m., but can vary by ship and itinerary. A cover charge of $3 per guest for lunch or dinner applies, and a la carte menu pricing. An alcoholic and non-alcoholic package is also available for Rita’s Fiesta, a Mexican-inspired celebration held at least once every voyage; availability varies by ship and itinerary. Rita’s Cantina is always casual.
Rita’s Cantina is featured on Allure of the Seas on the Boardwalk near the Aqua Theatre and on Radiance of the Seas near the Windjammer Café.
Seafood Shack
Dive right in to a hearty, seafaring meal on Oasis of the Seas’ Boardwalk – start with appetizers like crab cakes, coconut shrimp or sweet potato fries, then dig into fish and chips or the fresh-off-the-hook catch of the day. Not in the mood for seafood, even if the rest of the family is? Bite into a juicy delicious burgers and tasty salads
Lunch hours are 11:30am to 3:30pm and dinner hours are 5:30pm to 10:00pm, hours may vary. Menu items are available a la carte. Seafood Shack is always casual.
The Seafood Shack is located in Boardwalk neighborhood on Oasis of the Seas.
Johnny Rockets
Get the family together for good old-fashioned hamburgers and fries at Johnny Rockets - complete with authentic 1950s décor, friendly service, a menu filled with all-American favorites and a jukebox at every table.
Johnny Rockets is open 11:30am-1:00am. A charge of $4.95 per guest includes gratuities. Soda, bottled water and milk shakes are offered at current menu prices. Dress is always casual.
Johnny Rockets is featured on Oasis-class, Freedom-class ships, Voyager-class ships, and Majesty of the Seas.
Chef's Table
A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience – join up to 16 guests (varies by ship) in an exclusive enclave to savor a five-course, gourmet menu specially prepared and presented by the Chef de Cuisine. Every course pairs with a wine chosen to enhance your enjoyment of the dish.
Reservations are recommended, all guests must be over the age of 21. Dinner is served at 7:30 p.m., hours may vary by ship. A charge of $95 per guest includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
The Chef’s Table is featured on Radiance of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Oasis-class ships. The menu, wine selections and price vary from ship to ship and itinerary.
Cupcake Cupboard
Royal Caribbean gives guests the chance to savor the sweetness of fresh baked cupcakes at this adorable 1940s-style shop featuring fresh-baked gourmet cupcakes, plus private decorating parties and cupcake design classes.
Cupcakes are priced a la carte. A fee of $22.00 applies for the adult decorating class. A fee of $15.00 applies for the kids’ decorating class. Reservations are required.
The Cupcake Cupboard is located on Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
Vermont’s Finest Ice Cream hits the high seas. Grab scoops served up with a smile, or indulge in a sundae, shake or smoothie. A la carte pricing.
Vini D'Italia
Enjoy a flavorful evening at Portofino, Royal Caribbean’s Italian specialty dining venue. Experience a four-course seasonal menu designed to perfectly complement the flavor profiles of wine from the Frescobaldi family vineyards, a leading Italian producer for centuries.
Reservations are recommended. Dinner is served 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. A charge of $54.50 per guest includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
Vini D’Italia is featured on Radiance-class ships, Voyager-class ships, and Freedom-class ships. Limited space, so please reserve early.
Chops Grille California Vineyard
In Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, savor five incredible courses paired with wine from one of California’s most iconic wineries, the Wagner family vineyards, renowned for fine pinot noir and chardonnay and revered for their Caymus cabernet. From smoked duck salad to the crème brulee, learn how each wine was selected to enhance enjoyment of the dish. On select ships and sailings.
Reservations are recommended, all guests must be over the age of 21. Dinner is served at 7:00 p.m., hours may vary by ship. A charge of $74.50 per guest includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices. Dress is smart casual. On formal evenings, formal attire is also appropriate in the restaurant.
California Vineyards is featured on select ships of the Radiance-class and Freedom-class, Mariner of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas.
Mystery Dinner Theater
Held once per week, Royal Caribbean’s professional cast hosts an evening of theater packed with mystery, intrigue and lots of laughs. Solve the crime in Portofino, the gourmet Italian specialty restaurant, over an exquisite multi-course dinner paired with fine wine.
Reservations are recommended, parent or guardian must accompany guests younger than 18 years of age. Dinner is served 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. A charge of $49.50 per guest includes gratuities. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are offered at current bar menu prices.
Mystery Dinner Theater is an exclusive event onboard select ships; sailings vary. Limited space, please reserve early.
DreamWorks Character Dining
Special characters from DreamWorks Animation are onboard and ready to deliver non-stop entertainment. Meet characters from popular movies like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. The whole family will have fun as the characters stop by each table for some playful shenanigans. Be sure to get a photo taken with each character to show friends back home!
Reservations are required. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. The DreamWorks Character Dining menu (including coffee, tea, water, iced tea or lemonade) is complimentary; however, traditional breakfast items are available à la carte. During breakfast hours, casual clothes are fine for the Main Dining Room
DreamWorks Character Dining takes place in the Main Dining Room of Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Special Restaurant Tips:
- Royal Caribbean offers specialty dining packages on five of its ships, providing savings of more than 20% off the normal cost of dining at these outstanding restaurants individually. Available on Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas. Applicable packages will be available to purchase online in advance. Or they may be booked onboard.
- Specialty Restaurants can typically be reserved online at least 90 to 4 days before sailing.
- Advanced reservations are limited to parties of 6 - or less in all specialty restaurants. Tables cannot be combined or rearranged in order to preserve the intimate atmosphere.
- Specialty Restaurant Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged a cancellation fee.
- Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the Specialty Restaurants’ galleys, Royal Caribbean cannot customize the offerings in these locations. Most special dietary requirements can be accommodated in the main dining room.
- Children with a parent or guardian are welcome in Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants throughout serving hours. The only exceptions are Chef’s Table which requires all guests to be 21 years of age or older and 150 Central Park which requires families with children under 13 years of age to dine before 7 p.m.
- The cover charge does include gratuity, however, to reward exceptional service guests may give an extra gratuity to their waiter or waitress. A 15% gratuity is automatically added to items ordered from the bar.
- Smart Casual Attire includes resort-casual wear and jackets for men, dresses or pantsuits for women – no jeans, shorts, or sneakers. On formal evenings onboard, formal attire – suits and ties or tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses for women – is also appropriate in the restaurant.
- Specialty Restaurant hours may vary according to the ship and itinerary, so be sure to check your Cruise Compass and Daily Planner.
Hungry? Ready to taste test? Give one of our iCruise.com cruise specialists today for more information on a Royal Caribbean cruise: 800-i-CRUISE or 800-427-8473.
