How Does Dining Work On A Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer complimentary dining in various venues, including the Main Dining Room, Café Promenade, Windjammer Café, or Windjammer Marketplace. The Main Dining Room serves two or three meals per day and is part of a history of cruising. Major cruise lines include four types of dining on their ships: an onboard buffet, Main Dining Room, room service, and a Dial up dinner at upscale specialty cruise restaurants like Chops Grille℠ and Giovannis℠ Italian Kitchen.

Food lovers can enjoy a variety of menu options at nearly 20 venues on a Royal Caribbean ship. Reservations are only required for dinner, and there is a service charge per person to dine at Chops Grille and Johnny Rockets. Prices are subject to change.

Guests who opt for My Time Dining can eat in the Main Dining Room anytime they like during the night. Traditional dining requires arriving at the Main Dining Room at the same assigned time each night, with the same table, waiter, and tablemates. Guests can only participate in one dining style per sailing and can only change requests once based on availability.

Guests can also enjoy specialty cruise dining, onboard restaurants, unique culinary experiences, and the best free food onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises. To save more on dining in specialty restaurants, purchase a Royal Caribbeans dining package, which includes 3, 4, or 5 cruise restaurants for a more affordable dining experience.


📹 How Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room works

It’s true that a day aboard a cruise ship can revolve around food, and the main dining room is a focal point of that experience!


Can you eat as many times as you want on Royal Caribbean?

Savor the savings with the Unlimited Dining Package! For one low price, visit multiple Specialty Restaurant every night of your sailing. And as an added perk, this unlimited package also applies to lunch at specialty restaurants on sea days. Plus, enjoy a discount of 40% off bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles above $100 while dining in specialty restaurants.

Is dinner free on Royal Caribbean cruise?

Meals from many onboard venues, such as the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Café, are included in the price of your cruise. Reservations are only required for dinner.There is a service charge per person to dine at Chops Grille and Johnny Rockets.Prices are subject to change.

Royal Caribbean food menu
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How does lunch work on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Lunch will be included for the Unlimited Dining Package depending on availability. Please check once onboard if any specialty restaurants are open for lunch on embarkation day. Does everyone in my stateroom need to purchase a Dining Package?

Dining options vary from ship to ship, but here’s an idea of what you’ll find: Enjoy a warm, full meal for breakfast and multi-course feast for dinner in the Main Dining Room Options abound in the Windjammer Café – perfect for a quick lunch or a casu…

Room service is available any time of the day or night – simply order from the room service menu located in your stateroom/suite (service charge of $7.95* applies). An 18% gratuity is additional and will automatically be added to your check.Our new…

Menus are available for each restaurant on your cruise ship.The Main Dining Room will continue to offer a different dinner menu each evening so guests can experience varying selections on the menu each night. Sample menus will be available after you…

Traditional dining Royal Caribbean
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How to cheat Royal Caribbean drink package?

How to Hack (and Share) the Royal Caribbean Drink Package1 Buy your drink package before the cruise.2 Share the drink package with someone else.3 Order top-shelf liquor at the bar.4 Take advantage of the non-alcoholic drinks.5 Take bottled water with you on excursions.

The best tips to get the most out of your drink package while enjoying your cruise.

Your cruise is booked, your itinerary is set, and your drink package is purchased! But when you take a look at the price of everything, your drink package might stick out as an expensive luxury. With a daily charge between $60 and $80, it’s no wonder that you’d want to save money and get the most bang for your buck. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled the best drink package hacks you can use on your Royal Caribbean cruise to cheat the system and save money. Let’s dive in!

  • Purchase your drink package ahead of time online to get a discount.
  • Order top-shelf liquor when you get drinks to make the most of your money.
  • Order non-alcoholic drinks, like juice, coffee, and soda, throughout the day as part of your drinks package.
Royal Caribbean dining times
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Is breakfast free in Royal Caribbean?

Yes, room service is available for all items on our All Day and Breakfast menus. All food is complimentary, however a convenience fee of USD$7.95 will be added for each order, except for orders only containing items from the Continental Breakfast menu.

Grand Suites and higher category staterooms do not pay the convenience fee.

Royal Caribbean dining package
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Do I have to pay for my time dining on Royal Caribbean?

Guests who choose ‘My Time Dining’ on all European sailings will have gratuities automatically added to their bill, as they may be served by different members of the team each night.

Guests who choose ‘My Time Dining’ on all European sailings will have gratuities automatically added to their bill, as they may be served by different members of the team each night. This means tips for your waiting staff – as well as other dining and housekeeping staff – will be included in the quoted price for ‘My Time Dining’ on your cruise holiday.

Guests who choose our open dining option may opt-in to pre-paid gratuities for dining, or add them to their account at check-out.

For all European sailings you will need to pre-pay your gratuities because you may be served by different members of the team each night. This means tips for your waiting staff – as well as other dining and housekeeping staff – will be included in the quoted price for your cruise holiday.

Is food included on a cruise Royal Caribbean
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Is room service free on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, room service is available for all items on our All Day and Breakfast menus. All food is complimentary, however a convenience fee of USD$7.95 will be added for each order, except for orders only containing items from the Continental Breakfast menu.

Grand Suites and higher category staterooms do not pay the convenience fee.

My Time Dining Royal Caribbean
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What costs extra on Royal Caribbean?

The following services are not included in the cruise price:Dining in Specialty Restaurants such as Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Izumi, and more.Dining in Johnny Rockets (Where applicable)Spa and Salon services.Gambling (Including Bingo)Art Auction.Any purchases made in the gift shops onboard.Shore excursions.

Effective July 1, 2024, all Royal Caribbean cruise advertisements throughout the United States will include the cruise fare and mandatory taxes, fees and port expenses in one simple display price.

  • Ship accommodations
  • Ocean transportation
  • Most meals onboard
  • Some beverages onboard
  • Most entertainment onboard

The following services are not included in the cruise price:

My Time dining vs traditional dining
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Do you have to pay extra for drinks on Royal Caribbean?

Not included in the cruise fare are: soda, wine, beer, liquor, cocktails, premium coffee and tea (such as Starbucks®), bottled water and fresh-squeezed juices. You can choose to pay as you go or purchase a beverage package.

Depending on your mood, you can rise and shine with a breakfast of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit and unlimited coffee at the buffet or order a big plate of blueberry pancakes in the Main Dining Room. For lunch, grab a barbecue chicken pizza at Sorrento’s (included), a fully loaded hot dog with sauerkraut at Dog House (included) or choose from international buffet selections, like paella or sushi. And dinner? It can match your mood: a casual buffet or an elegant sit-down meal with a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts from inspired menus that change daily.

The Main Dining Room offers an elegant culinary experience morning, noon, and night. At breakfast consider eggs Benedict or a chorizo-laden burrito. In the evening, you’ll find rotating menus with everything from savory duck terrine and crispy Vidalia onion tarts to marinated pork loin and Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna. Windjammer Café, another popular option, is a buffet-style choice. In the morning you’ll find custom-made omelets and fresh pastries; in the afternoon and evening selections feature salads, pastas, paninis, Asian and Indian dishes, grilled meats and fish and desserts galore.

In addition, there are a variety of included more-focused options. No family-friendly ship would be complete without a pool-side space that serves chicken tenders, hamburgers and chocolate chip cookies and Splashaway Café is as popular as you would guess. Sorrento’s. with its grab-and-go mouthwatering slices topped with cheese, pepperoni and even BBQ chicken, is a real crowd pleasure. Grown-ups and kids alike flock to El Loco Fresh® for insanely delicious Mexican burritos, tacos and quesadillas. The Dog House is a popular spot that serves up a menu of hot dogs, including a classic Coney Island and a pork bratwurst. Solarium Bistro focuses on lighter fare, with a Mediterranean buffet, featuring fruit, yogurt, Greek salad, hummus, mussels and more. Looking for a snack? Mini Bites, located near the Sports Zone, serves sliders, taquitos and mini cupcakes, all with big flavor. If you’re up early — or late for that matter — you’ll be grateful for Café Promenade, a 24-hour café that dishes out pastries, wraps and desserts as well as plenty of coffee drinks. The Café @ Two70 and Park Café each serve light meals. Highlights at The Café @ Two70 include a tasty Thai chicken salad and three kinds of grilled cheese; Park Café may be your go-to spot for deli sandwiches. Room Service is also included and complimentary, with one caveat: You can upgrade your continental breakfast with eggs, hash browns or bacon for a $7.95 per room delivery charge.

Royal Caribbean Main dining room menu
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is pizza free on Royal Caribbean?

Ask any foodie who’s ever sailed with Royal Caribbean and they’ll likely rave about Sorrento’s Pizza. The pies here are legendary, made using a secret recipe for mouthwateringly good dough and served hot from the oven while the cheese is still bubbling. Go for a classic option, like Margherita, pepperoni or cheese, or try one of Sorrento’s signature creations. The Caribbean Dream is infused with BBQ, bacon and pineapple, and brings the perfect amount of smokiness and sweetness. If you’re hungry, try the Carnivore — it comes loaded with savory, tender meat. After you’ve powered through a couple of slices, treat yourself to one of the assorted desserts on offer. Everything at Sorrento’s Pizza is included in your cruise fare, and the eatery is open late, too.

If you’re craving a little time away from the kids, head to the Solarium. This peaceful hideaway is open to guests aged 18 and older, and is the perfect place to kick back and relax. The Solarium offers multiple whirlpools, as well as plenty of room to lounge in the sunshine or the shade. It also features awe-inspiring sea views and a full bar just steps away. Drop by in the morning for some cool breezes and quiet tranquility, or settle in to watch dazzling sunsets in the afternoon — admission is complimentary for cruise guests.

7. Chase Thrills On The Perfect Storm And Tidal Wavesm Water Slides.

Main dining Room Royal Caribbean
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What is the 3 1 1 rule on Royal Caribbean?

3-1-1 Liquids Rule. You are allowed to bring a quart-size, zip-lock bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes though the checkpoint in carryon luggage.

  • These combined items need to be less than 3 ounces.
  • More information from the TSA.
  • So the 3-1-1 rule is the TSA’s quick reminder: 3 ounces, 1 quart bag and 1 bag per traveler.
  • Note that food items, such as peanut butter, sauces or beverages need to fit within this 1 bag and larger items will be confiscated and discarded. If you are buying food items as gifts or to eat at your destination, then pack them in your checked suitcase.

Medications / Travel Challenges. The TSA does allow travelers to carry medications with them while traveling and these medications do not need to be packed in you 3-1-1 bag.

  • Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening.
  • It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process.
  • Bring evidence verifying a medial implant or device if it is likely to set off an alarm while being screened. This is not a TSA requirement, but it may ease the process.TSA has extensive guidanceon this topic.
Royal Caribbean Main dining Room menu 2024
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How does main dining work on Royal Caribbean?

If you have traditional dining then you’ll have a set dining time will be listed on your c-pass card and it will be the same table. Same. Wait staff and same table mates. Every night of your cruise.


📹 What food is included with your Royal Caribbean cruise?

When you go on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you have a choice of places to eat throughout the day. So which food is included and …


How Does Dining Work On A Royal Caribbean Cruise
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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