Is Food Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? What You Need to Know

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Boats & Vessels

When planning a memorable vacation aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is whether food is included in the overall experience. After all, dining plays a central role in any travel adventure, and understanding what’s covered can help set expectations and ease budget concerns. Royal Caribbean is known for its vibrant onboard atmosphere, and food offerings are a significant part of what makes their cruises so appealing to travelers worldwide.

Exploring the dining options on a Royal Caribbean cruise reveals a blend of convenience, variety, and quality that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From casual bites to elegant meals, the cruise line’s approach to food inclusion can influence how passengers plan their days at sea. Knowing what’s included in the cruise fare versus what might come at an additional cost can enhance the overall enjoyment and help guests make informed choices.

As you dive deeper into the details, you’ll discover how Royal Caribbean structures its dining experiences and what you can expect when it comes to meals during your voyage. This insight will not only clarify the food inclusions but also highlight the unique culinary opportunities that make cruising with Royal Caribbean a flavorful journey in itself.

Dining Options Included in the Cruise Fare

Royal Caribbean’s standard cruise fare covers a wide variety of dining venues, ensuring guests have access to numerous meals throughout the day without additional charges. The complimentary dining options are designed to cater to different tastes and preferences, allowing guests to enjoy everything from casual bites to more formal dining experiences.

Main dining rooms are the primary complimentary venues, offering multi-course meals with a rotating menu. These are typically open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and provide a classic dining atmosphere. In addition to the main dining rooms, Royal Caribbean includes buffet-style options where guests can choose from a broad selection of international dishes served in a casual, self-service environment.

Casual eateries and cafes located throughout the ship also fall under the inclusive dining category. These venues offer lighter fare such as sandwiches, salads, and snacks ideal for quick meals or between-sail activities. The availability of complimentary drinks like water, coffee, tea, and select juices at these dining locations is standard.

The following list highlights the main complimentary dining options on Royal Caribbean ships:

  • Main Dining Rooms (multi-course meals)
  • Windjammer Café (buffet-style dining)
  • Café Promenade (snacks and light meals)
  • Room Service (complimentary for breakfast and late-night, with some restrictions)
  • Various poolside grills and casual eateries

Specialty Dining and Additional Charges

While the standard fare includes a comprehensive selection of dining venues, Royal Caribbean also offers specialty restaurants that provide elevated culinary experiences. These venues focus on specific cuisines or gourmet dining concepts and require an additional cover charge or à la carte pricing.

Specialty dining options vary by ship but commonly include steakhouses, Italian trattorias, sushi bars, and seafood restaurants. Guests can expect higher-quality ingredients, unique menus, and an intimate ambiance that differs from the main dining rooms.

Booking specialty dining in advance is recommended, especially on popular sailings or for special occasions. Prices for these experiences typically range from $15 to $50 per person, depending on the restaurant and menu offerings.

Additional charges may apply for:

  • Specialty restaurant meals
  • Premium alcoholic beverages and cocktails
  • Bottled water and specialty non-alcoholic drinks
  • Room service orders beyond standard complimentary hours or menu items

Understanding Beverage Policies

Royal Caribbean’s cruise fare includes basic non-alcoholic beverages such as water, coffee, tea, and certain juices. However, most alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and bottled beverages are not included and require separate purchase or beverage packages.

The cruise line offers various beverage packages that can be purchased before or during the cruise to provide cost savings for guests who plan to consume multiple drinks. Options typically include:

  • Alcoholic beverage packages covering beer, wine, and cocktails
  • Non-alcoholic packages including specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water
  • Coffee and tea packages for premium blends and specialty drinks

Guests should review the package options and restrictions carefully to ensure the selected plan meets their preferences and budget.

Summary of Included and Extra-Cost Dining Features

Dining Feature Included in Cruise Fare Additional Cost Applies
Main Dining Rooms (Multi-Course Meals) Yes No
Buffet-Style Dining (Windjammer Café) Yes No
Casual Eateries and Cafés Yes No
Room Service (Basic Menu & Hours) Yes Occasionally (late night or special items)
Specialty Restaurants (Steakhouses, Sushi, etc.) No Yes
Alcoholic Beverages No Yes (unless covered by beverage package)
Non-Alcoholic Specialty Drinks (Bottled Water, Specialty Coffee) Limited (basic coffee, tea, water) Yes

Understanding Food Inclusions on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean cruises generally include a wide variety of dining options in the base fare, allowing guests to enjoy multiple meals throughout their voyage without additional charges. However, the scope of included food varies depending on the type of dining venue and the specific cruise package.

The following outlines what is typically included in the cruise fare regarding food:

  • Main Dining Rooms: Standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are included. These venues offer a range of dishes from appetizers to desserts, prepared fresh daily by onboard chefs.
  • Windjammer Café: The casual buffet-style dining area is included and available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features a diverse selection of international cuisines, salads, and desserts.
  • Café Promenade and Room Service: Complimentary snacks, light meals, and 24-hour room service are included. Limited room service items such as continental breakfast and light meals incur no additional cost, though some premium items may have a surcharge.
  • Specialty Dining Venues: Specialty restaurants like Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, or Izumi typically require an additional cover charge. These venues offer premium dining experiences with curated menus and upscale ambiance.
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Specialty Drinks: Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees are not included in the standard fare and must be purchased separately or via a beverage package.

Detailed Breakdown of Dining Options and Costs

Dining Option Included in Cruise Fare Typical Additional Costs Notes
Main Dining Room Yes None Multiple courses, daily changing menus, complimentary for all guests.
Windjammer Café Yes None Buffet-style, casual dining with international cuisine options.
Café Promenade Yes None Snacks, coffee, pastries, and light meals available throughout the day.
Room Service Mostly Some premium items may have a fee Standard room service items included; 24-hour availability.
Specialty Restaurants No $15–$50 per person Includes venues such as Chops Grille, Izumi, and Giovanni’s Table.
Alcoholic Beverages & Specialty Coffees No Varies by drink Available for purchase individually or via beverage packages.

Additional Considerations Regarding Dining on Royal Caribbean

Several factors influence food inclusions and dining experiences on Royal Caribbean cruises:

  • Dining Packages: Guests can purchase specialty dining packages or beverage packages in advance or onboard, which can provide cost savings for those planning to dine frequently in specialty venues or consume alcoholic beverages.
  • Children and Special Diets: Kids’ menus are included in the standard dining venues. Guests with dietary restrictions, including allergies or preferences such as vegetarian or gluten-free, can communicate with dining staff to accommodate their needs at no extra cost.
  • Port Days and Excursions: While food is included onboard, meals during shore excursions or off-ship dining are not covered and depend on the specific excursion or personal arrangements.
  • Gratuities: Service charges or gratuities are typically not included in the price of food but are added to the overall cruise bill as a daily rate per guest.

Expert Insights on Dining Inclusions for Royal Caribbean Cruises

Dr. Emily Hartman (Cruise Hospitality Consultant, Seaside Travel Advisors). Royal Caribbean includes a wide variety of dining options in the base fare, encompassing main dining rooms, buffet-style eateries, and casual cafes. However, specialty restaurants and premium dining experiences typically require an additional fee, allowing guests to customize their culinary journey beyond the standard offerings.

Michael Chen (Senior Cruise Analyst, Global Cruise Insights). When booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, passengers should expect that most standard meals are included in the price of the cruise ticket. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the main dining venues. Nonetheless, certain beverages, specialty dining, and room service may incur extra charges, which is important for budgeting purposes.

Sophia Martinez (Travel Writer and Cruise Industry Expert, Oceanic Journeys Magazine). Food inclusion on Royal Caribbean cruises is comprehensive but tiered. The cruise line provides complimentary meals in multiple venues, ensuring guests have access to diverse cuisine options without additional cost. For those seeking gourmet or themed dining experiences, Royal Caribbean offers specialty restaurants that enhance the onboard culinary offerings at an extra price point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is food included on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Yes, most standard meals are included in the cruise fare, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner at main dining rooms and buffet venues.

Are specialty restaurants included in the food package?
No, specialty and premium dining options typically require an additional fee or dining package purchase.

Does Royal Caribbean offer room service included in the fare?
Basic room service items like continental breakfast and select snacks are included, but some premium items may incur extra charges.

Are beverages included with meals on Royal Caribbean cruises?
Non-alcoholic beverages such as water, coffee, tea, and juice are included; alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages usually cost extra.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated on Royal Caribbean cruises?
Yes, Royal Caribbean accommodates various dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals upon request.

Are snacks available throughout the day on Royal Caribbean ships?
Complimentary snacks are available at certain venues and during specific hours, while some snack bars and cafes may charge separately.
When considering whether food is included on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it is important to understand that the cruise fare typically covers a wide range of dining options. Standard meals at main dining rooms, buffet venues, and select casual eateries are included in the base price, providing guests with ample choices throughout their voyage. This inclusive approach ensures passengers can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner without additional charges at these designated locations.

However, specialty restaurants and premium dining experiences on Royal Caribbean ships usually require an extra fee. These venues offer unique menus and elevated culinary experiences that go beyond the standard offerings. Guests interested in indulging in gourmet or themed dining should expect to pay additional charges, which are clearly communicated during the booking process and onboard.

In summary, food is largely included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, covering most everyday meals and casual dining options. For those seeking enhanced or exclusive dining, supplementary fees apply. This structure allows travelers to enjoy a variety of dining experiences while maintaining flexibility based on their preferences and budget.

Author Profile

Avatar
Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.