The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean: Destinations, Dining, Drinks Packages, and More
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Royal Caribbean cruises! Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, we've got all the information you need to know about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise. This guide is designed to provide you with unbiased and friendly advice, so you can make the most of your experience without any sales pitches.
Let's dive into the key aspects of Royal Caribbean cruises:
Destinations
Royal Caribbean boasts a large fleet that offers cruises to destinations all around the world. From year-round sailings in the Caribbean and Asia to summer cruises in Europe, Alaska, Canada & New England, and winter cruises in Australia and New Zealand, you have a wide range of options to choose from.
Curious about different Royal Caribbean destinations? Check out our numerous vlog series on Royal Caribbean sailings around the world. We have video content giving you a firsthand glimpse into what you can expect on your Royal Caribbean cruise:
Entertainment
One of the highlights of a Royal Caribbean cruise is the abundance of entertainment and activities available onboard. Most of these options are included in the cost of your cruise, with only a few activities requiring an additional charge.
Dining
Royal Caribbean offers a diverse selection of dining options to suit every palate. Included in your cruise fare are the buffet, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as other venues like Cafe Promenade, Cafe Two70, Park Café, Sorrentos Pizza, and more. The main dining rooms are also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a variety of dishes to choose from.
Included Dining
Buffet and Quick Service
During your Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll have a range of dining options to enjoy. The buffet is available on all ships and is included in the cost of your cruise. It's the perfect place to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner, offering a wide variety of tasty dishes.
If you're looking for more snacking options, check out Café Promenade, Cafe Two70, and Park Café. They serve tasty snacks, sandwiches, and light bites throughout the day. And if you're in the mood for pizza, Sorrentos Pizza has you covered with freshly baked slices available all day and into the late evening. On the larger ships, you'll find even more choices like the Dogg House with traditional hot dogs, El Loco Fresh serving up Mexican fare, and Mini Bites offering convenient grab-and-go favorites.
Main Dining Rooms
When it comes to dining, the main dining rooms have you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the morning, enjoy open seating for a sit down breakfast. The menu features classic breakfast options like pancakes, eggs, muffins, and waffles. You can also help yourself to fresh fruit and pastries from the buffet.
For lunch on sea-days, you'll find open seating similar to breakfast. The menu changes daily and includes soups, sandwiches, mains, and desserts.
In the evenings, you can choose between set time or flexible time dining when booking your cruise. The dinner menu is extensive and changes each night. You'll have the freedom to select from a variety of appetizers, soups, mains, and desserts.
Watch our review of the new Main Dining Room menu’s on Royal Caribbean in 2023:
Specialty Extra-Cost Dining
For those looking for something special, there are specialty restaurants available at an extra cost. These range from upscale restaurants like 150 Central Park and Chops Grille to more casual options like Fish & Ships and Giovanni's Table. Trying out one or two of these specialty venues can elevate your dining experience.
Here is a list of some of the specialty restaurants you can find onboard. Note that availability varies between ships:
Jamie's Italian: A modern Italian restaurant in partnership with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, serving delicious Italian dishes with a contemporary twist.
Giovanni's Table: A family-style Italian restaurant offering traditional Italian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen: Another Italian dining option with a focus on classic Italian flavors and dishes made with the finest ingredients.
Chops Grille: A signature steakhouse where you can indulge in mouthwatering cuts of meat cooked to perfection.
The Mason Jar: A charming restaurant that serves comfort food and American classics in a cozy setting.
Wonderland: An extraordinary restaurant inspired by Alice in Wonderland, where you can experience imaginative and creative cuisine that delights your senses.
Izumi Hibachi/Teppanyaki: Enjoy the thrilling experience of Teppanyaki-style dining, where talented chefs cook your meal right before your eyes, creating a delicious fusion of flavors.
150 Central Park: An upscale restaurant in the heart of Central Park, offering a sophisticated dining experience with a menu curated by a celebrity chef.
Hooked Seafood: A seafood restaurant where you can savor fresh and delectable seafood dishes prepared with a focus on coastal flavors.
Samba Grill: A Brazilian-style steakhouse that offers an authentic churrasco dining experience with a variety of grilled meats.
Sabor: A vibrant Mexican restaurant where you can enjoy a fusion of traditional and modern Mexican cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
Johnny Rockets: Step back in time at this 1950s-style American diner, where you can relish classic diner fare, including juicy burgers, crispy fries, and thick milkshakes.
Sichuan Red: Experience the bold and spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine at this specialty restaurant, known for its vibrant dishes and aromatic spices.
The Hot Pot: Immerse yourself in the interactive dining experience of hot pot, where you can cook your own fresh ingredients in flavorful broth.
Chef's Table: Indulge in an exclusive dining experience where you can enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal specially crafted by the chef, paired with fine wines.
Portside BBQ: Delight your taste buds with mouthwatering barbecue dishes, including tender meats and savory sides, all served with a side of southern hospitality.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: A lively sports bar where you can catch the game on big screens while enjoying classic pub favorites and participating in arcade games.
Izumi Sushi: A haven for sushi lovers, offering a wide selection of fresh and expertly crafted sushi rolls and sashimi.
Johnny Rockets Express: A quick and casual version of the iconic 1950s American diner, serving up delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Fish & Ships: A delightful counter service outlet where you can savor the classic combination of fish and chips, perfect for a quick and tasty bite.
Enjoying the Main Dining Room on Symphony of the Seas
Dining Packages
Royal Caribbean offers Dining Packages that allow you to enjoy a variety of specialty restaurants during your cruise at a discounted rate. These packages provide an excellent opportunity to savor a diverse range of culinary experiences while saving money. Here are some key details about the Dining Packages:
Unlimited Dining Package: With this package, you can dine at specialty restaurants as many times as you like throughout your cruise. It offers tremendous value and flexibility, allowing you to explore different cuisines and flavors without any limitations.
3-Night Dining Package: If you prefer a shorter dining experience, this package offers three visits to specialty restaurants. You can choose from the participating restaurants and enjoy a memorable meal on multiple occasions throughout your cruise.
Dining Packages are subject to availability and may vary by ship and itinerary. It's advisable to check on the My Royal Cruise website for specific details and pricing related to Dining Packages for your cruise.
Drinks Packages
To make your onboard experience even more convenient, Royal Caribbean offers drink packages that cover most of your non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. They have four packages available: the Soda Package, Refreshment Package, the Café Select Coffee Card and Deluxe Beverage Package. Each package has different offerings and prices, allowing you to choose the one that suits your preferences.
To get all the details about Royal Caribbean's Drinks Packages, check out our helpful Guide to Royal Caribbean Drinks Packages. It provides clear information about the different packages, what they include, and how you can make the most of your drink options on board. Cheers to a fantastic cruise with refreshing drinks!
Gratuities on Royal Caribbean
Gratuities on Royal Caribbean cruises are automatically applied to your onboard account. For standard cabins and mini-suites, the gratuity rate is $16.00 USD per person, per night, while for suites, it is $18.50 USD per person, per night. Guests booking from Australia or New Zealand already have gratuities included.
Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to bar charges, food purchases, specialty restaurants, and spa services.
What’s Included on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of included amenities, entertainment, facilities, and activities. Here are some of the highlights:
Included Dining & Drinks:
The Buffet
The Main Dining Rooms
Sorrentos Pizza
Cafe Promenade/Cafe Two70/Park Cafe
El Loco Fresh
Dogg House
Room service menu items (with a delivery fee)
Tea, filtered coffee, juices, and water from the Buffet & Main Dining Room
Included Entertainment:
Shows in the Main Theatre, including full Broadway productions
Ice Shows in the Ice Arena
Water aerobic shows in the Aquatheater
Performances in Two70
Daytime activities
Evening entertainment and live music around the ship
Mini golf is included on Royal Caribbean
Included Facilities:
All Pools, Hot Tubs & Slides
The Gym
Jogging track
A limited number of fitness classes
Sauna & Steam Room
Children's Clubs for ages 3-17 years old until 10 pm
Baby and toddler program (6 months - 3 years)
The Carousel on Royal Caribbean
Included Activities:
FlowRider Surf Simulator
Rock climbing wall
Sports court
SeaPlex activities including Dodgems
Mini-Golf Course
Ice Skating
Laser Tag
Zip Line
Carousel
Ultimate Abyss
Water Slides
North Star (complimentary while docked in port on Non-asia cruises)
Extra Charge Dining & Drinks
Specialty Restaurants
Room Service Delivery Fee (Except Suite Guests)
Gelato, Cakes and treats from the onboard shops or Starbucks
Drinks for Starbucks branded coffee outlets
Soda, Premium Tea, Premium (Esprersso) Coffee and Fresh Juices
Alcoholic Drinks (See also drinks packages)
Wine Tasting
The North Star on Royal Caribbean
Extra Charge Entertainment & Facilities
Excursions
All Spa & Salon Treatments
Fitness Classes
Transfers
Photography
Arcade Games
Casino & Bingo
Escape Room
RipCord® by iFLY®
North Star (on sailings from Asia and while at Sea)
Nursery
Out of hours Children's Clubs (10pm to 2am)
Other Charges
The Medical Centre
Wifi/Internet Packages
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
Phone calls to land on the ship’s phones.
Service Charges/Gratuities - if booked outside Australia and New Zealand
Royal Caribbean dress code is generally casual
Dress Code
The dress code on Royal Caribbean cruises is generally casual, with some restrictions in the evening.
During the day, you can dress comfortably, but shoes and a top are required in buffet and dining areas. In the evening, caps, hats, tank tops, and bathing suits are not permitted. Some specialty restaurants may have a specific dress code, such as requiring a collared shirt and long pants.
On formal nights, the dress code remains relaxed and flexible. Some cruisers prefer to dress up in cocktail dresses and suits, while others feel comfortable in shorts and t-shirts. It's entirely up to you how you want to express your style and enjoy the evening. The important thing is to feel good and have a great time on your cruise!
Who Goes on Royal Caribbean:
Royal Caribbean cruises attract a diverse range of passengers. While the larger ships tend to appeal more to families, with plenty of activities for children, the older ships attract a mix of couples and families.
The passenger demographics vary depending on the itinerary. For example, North American and English-speaking passengers dominate Alaska, Mexican Riviera and Caribbean sailings, while European and North American passengers are more evenly represented on European sailings.
Cruises originating from Asia primarily cater to passengers from Asian countries, such as China, The Philippines, India, and Singapore, with a smaller number of Australian and New Zealand passengers. Similarly, cruises departing from Australia predominantly consist of Australian, New Zealand, and Asian passengers.
The Ultimate Abyss is a included slide!
Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean:
As with any cruise line, there are pros and cons to consider when choosing Royal Caribbean:
Pros:
Flexible dining options and a variety of included dining choices
Extensive entertainment and onboard activities, with most included in the cost
Abundance of activities for children and families
Two private destinations, Labadee and CocoCay, offering unique experiences
Cons:
Newer ships can feel crowded due to their large size
Lines and crowds may be more prevalent on the larger ships
Main Dining Room food quality can vary
Increased number of families and children, especially during school holidays
We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your Royal Caribbean cruise. For more tips and advice, be sure to check out our article on 5 Things You Should Do To Improve Your Royal Caribbean Cruise. Bon voyage!