Cruise Calories Don't Count: Our Family's Obsession with Royal Caribbean Eats.
📅 Published by Here for the Badge | Cruise Culture Blog
Let’s just get this out of the way: we did not come on this cruise for salad.
If you know our family, you know the drill. The moment we board a Royal Caribbean ship, it becomes a full-blown culinary adventure — from the Windjammer buffet to specialty dining to late-night pizza runs. There are 29 ships in the fleet, and yes, we plan to eat our way through all of them.
This isn’t a vague appreciation — we’ve actually tried the food. All of it. Across multiple ships and countless itineraries, from the Eastern Caribbean to the Mediterranean, we’ve forked, sliced, sipped, and scooped our way through Royal’s onboard cuisine. So today, we’re giving you our honest, hungry, and slightly overstuffed review of what it’s like to eat your way through a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Great Buffet at the Wind Jammer
🍕 The Windjammer Café: Comfort Food Capital
You either love the Windjammer or you really love it. It’s buffet-style, open nearly all day, and always stocked with enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest grandkid. Some may turn up their nose at the idea of cruise buffets — but let us assure you, Royal’s Windjammer is not cafeteria food. We’ve enjoyed fragrant curries, crisp salad bars, made-to-order omelets, and warm bread that tastes like it came from a Parisian bakery.
Each ship puts its own spin on the offerings. On Odyssey of the Seas, we were wowed by the Indian selection (the butter chicken was next-level), while Ovation impressed us with its Asian stir-fry station and build-your-own noodle bowls.
Pro Tips:
Hit breakfast early for the fluffiest pancakes and zero wait.
Scope out the seating near the windows — best view in the house.
Ask crew for what’s coming next. Sometimes they’ll tip you off on a special dish being prepped.
🥩 Chops Grille: Classic, Upscale, Reliable
If you’re celebrating something (or just feel fancy), Chops Grille is the place. We’ve dined here more times than we can count, and it’s consistently solid. The filet mignon is buttery-soft, the seafood tower is share-worthy, and the truffle fries? We dream about those.
On Symphony, we added the mushroom soup and were stunned — it’s rich, earthy, and served with flaky pastry on top. On Mariner, our server paired a Syrah with our lamb chops that still comes up in family dinner conversations.
Hot tip: Book Chops on night one for discount deals or embarkation specials!
🍝 Jamie’s Italian & Giovanni’s Table: Pasta Night, Elevated
Pasta on a cruise ship? Yes, and it’s legit. Jamie’s is vibrant and flavorful with a modern twist, while Giovanni’s leans a little more traditional, a little more romantic. Both are full of personality. We’re still debating which ship had the best bruschetta, but we’re giving Harmony of the Seas a slight edge.
The garlic bread at Jamie’s could be a meal on its own. But you’ll want to save room for dessert — the lemon cheesecake is light, tangy, and unforgettable.
Other favorites: Tagliatelle bolognese, the cured meat board, and tiramisu that’s the perfect post-show nightcap.
🍰 Café Promenade, Sorrento’s, and Snack Stops Galore
It’s 11 p.m. You’ve danced at the silent disco. You’re laughing with cousins on Deck 5. You know what you need? A slice of Sorrento’s pizza. It’s not New York-style, but it hits the spot every time.
Café Promenade is your hub for pick-me-ups — quick sandwiches, pastries, and coffee that gets you through sea days with grace. Freedom of the Seas had a roast beef sandwich that still lives in our memory.
And we can’t talk snacks without mentioning Ben & Jerry’s or the Vitality Café smoothies. Hydration meets dessert. No complaints.
Don’t skip:
Dog House on the Boardwalk (hello, bratwurst!)
Free soft-serve on the pool deck — best enjoyed after a nap in the sun.
🧁 The Sweet Life: Desserts You Can’t Miss
Across ships, the dessert game is strong. From classic crème brûlée to molten chocolate cake and airy mousse domes, the options cater to both sweet-tooths and skeptics. Our youngest grandchild, Carmen, cried actual tears when her cupcake tower fell over before she could take a bite — don’t worry, the crew brought her another. (And probably a better one.)
On Ovation of the Seas, we fell in love with a caramelized banana tart that somehow felt gourmet and nostalgic at the same time.
On Wonder, the Baked Alaska was theatrical and delicious — flambéed right at the table.
🍽️ Beyond the Plate: Dining as an Experience
The food is great — but it’s the moments around the table that matter most. We’ve had birthdays celebrated with sparklers and surprise cakes. We’ve had long dinners stretched across three generations, where the laughter lasted longer than the entrees.
We once met a couple on Independence who had eaten at every specialty restaurant on every ship — their glowing review of Wonderland inspired us to book it for our next cruise. (Spoiler: It was whimsical, weird, and wonderful. The "liquid olive" is still a hot topic.)
Dining is about the vibe, the service, the unexpected, and yes — the calories you forget to count.
🛎️ Tips & Tricks for Dining Success
Eat early or late to avoid the rush at Windjammer.
Reserve specialty dining before you board — it fills up fast!
Skip the crowds: Try Solarium Bistro for a quieter, still-tasty option.
Ask for extra: Most items are included — don’t be shy about seconds.
Check the Cruise Compass for daily themed menus and hidden gems.
Lunch in the Main Dining Room is quieter than dinner — and surprisingly fancy.
📸 Share Your Cruise Bites
If you’re like us and plan your cruise outfits around your dinner reservations, you’re in good company. Share your foodie moments with us @HereForTheBadge and tag your ship. Bonus points if it involves lobster, soft serve, or your third espresso martini.
Until next time: eat well, cruise often, and always say yes to the bread basket.
Try all the food on a RoyalCaribbean.com Cruise
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