If it’s your first time cruising, you probably want to know; do Royal Caribbean cruises include food?
The short answer is yes; the cruise ticket price covers meals and some drinks for passengers.
So you’ll definitely get at least three square meals a day on the cruise without having to shell out cash.
However, some extra food options – and most drinks – aren’t included in the base fare.
In order to avoid unexpected charges, it’s important to know which menus are free and which ones will require you to pay extra.
Here’s a quick – but helpful – guide.
What Food Is Included on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
There are many free places to eat on a Royal Caribbean ship.
These are called “complimentary dining venues.”
Here are some of the best complimentary dining options:
Main Dining Room
Royal Caribbean’s main dining room is a sit-down affair with service and waitstaff.
Here, you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for free.
The options are quite varied too, with different menus for different meals each day.
And the best part?
You can ask for extra food or try more than one dish at each meal — for free!
Yes, even second (or third) helpings are covered by your cruise fare, as long as you’re dining on the food offered in the Main Dining Room.
Windjammer Café
Windjammeris Royal Caribbean’s buffet.
Here, passengers can grab whatever they want, whenever they want.
It’s open for all meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner – and has a lot of variety.
You’ll find salads, appetizers, international dishes, and more.
Café Promenade
This spot is open 24/7.
If you’re in the mood for quick snacks, sandwiches, and pastries, this is a great dining option onboard.
Sorrento’s Pizza
Sorrento’s is where you can get free hot, cheesy pizza on the ship at any time, day or night.
You’ll find it near the promenade, which is a very distinct and easy-to-find location onboard.
El Loco Fresh
This is where you should go when you’re in the mood for tacos and burritos.
It’s one of Royal Caribbean’s more popular casual dining spots, which makes it perfect for a chill lunch or last-minute snack.
Dog House
As the name suggests, this is where you can try different types of hot dogs.
It’s a fun, comforting, familiar – and completely free! – snack option.
Park Café
Park Caféserves sandwiches, soup, and small salads.
Their roast beef sandwich, in particular, is recommended by many frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers.
Solarium Bistro
Not all Royal Caribbean ships will have a Solarium Bistroonboard.
If you’re on one that does, it’s a good place to grab some light, healthy meals for free.
It’s also quieter and often less crowded.
Are Drinks Included on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
So, do Royal Caribbean cruisesinclude food and drink?
Technically, yes.
As with the food options, your cruise fare covers some beverage choices.
Some drinks are free, but others are not.
Here’s what you can get without paying extra:
- Ice water
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Milk
- Fruit juice at breakfast
- Hot chocolate
- Regular coffee and tea
If you want soda, alcohol, or fancy coffee, you’ll need to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package.
Many people find this selection to be sufficient.
However, if you’re the kind who can drink a lot of alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic drinks in a day, the options may feel limited.
In this case, Royal Caribbean’s drink packages can help you save money.
What About Special Restaurants?
Most of the food on the cruise is complimentary.
However, Royal Caribbean does have some restaurants onboard that require you to pay for food and drink if you eat there.
These are called “specialty dining venues.”
Here are a few popular examples:
Chops Grille. A steakhouse with prime cuts of meat.
Izumi. They serve sushi and Japanese food.
Jamie’s Italian. Italian meals made with fresh ingredients.
Hooked Seafood. Lots of fresh fish and seafood options; seafood lovers are sure to enjoy.
Wonderland. A popular dining spot with fun, creative, and whimsical ideas.
Is It Worth Paying for Specialty Dining?
Do Royal Caribbean cruises include food from the specialty restaurants?
No, the base fare doesn’t cover these dining options.
So you don’t haveto eat at any of the places listed.
But if you want to try something extra or different, these specialty restaurants make for fancy and memorable dining.
Are they worth the extra money you’ll have to spend?
That really depends on you — specifically, your preferences and budget.
Honestly, Royal Caribbean’s free food is already good.
But, as mentioned, if you’d like to treat yourself to high-end dining on the sea, these restaurants can deliver.
Just prepare to pay premium price for the food quality and experience.
A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Royal Caribbean has dining packages that let you try more than one specialty restaurant at a lower price.
Many people use these packages to book one or two specialty meals for special occasions i.e., birthdays, anniversaries, personal achievements, and so on.
If you like good food and you’ve got the cash for it, we’d say Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants are worth the extra spend.
Can You Customize Your Food?
Yes, you can!
In the Main Dining Room, you can ask for changes to your meal.
You can skip the sauce, ask for extra sides, or get smaller portions.
And if you have allergies or special diets, tell Royal Caribbean before your cruise.
They’ll do their best to help you.
What’s the Best Free Food on Royal Caribbean?
Now that you know the answer to, do Royal Caribbean cruises include food, you probably want to know which free option is the best.
Here are some dishes that come highly recommended by frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers:
- Lobster tail on formal night in the Main Dining Room
- Roast beef sandwich at Park Café
- Fresh tacos at El Loco Fresh
- Pizza at Sorrento’s
- Made-to-order omelets at Windjammer
Remember that each dining spot on Royal Caribbean cruises has something different to offer.
So don’t limit yourself to these recommendations.
Trying different dishes and cuisines can make your cruise more fun.
And since it’s all covered by the cruise fare, you’re free to mix it up as much as you want!
Ready to Dine Like Kings While Out at Sea?
So, do Royal Caribbean cruises include food?
Yes — and some drinks, too!
So if you’re planning to go on a little trip with this cruise line, why not give us a call?
At RSC Vacations, we can help you find the right ship with the best food options for your taste.
Whether you want all-day pizza or a romantic steakhouse night, we’ve got you.
Let us plan your next cruise so you can focus on relaxing, exploring, and – of course – eating great food for free.
Contact us today!