Ranking EVERY SINGLE Free Restaurant on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (2024)

The 2024 rankings of all the places you can eat at on a Royal Caribbean cruise that are included with your cruise fare. How I would rank each of the complimentary restaurants across Royal Caribbean's fleet!
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[@maureenwebb9716]

Thank you for saying "not to my taste" rather than dissing the whole restaurant. Nicely done.

[@DrewZaun]

Maybe this video should be renamed Matt loves the food on Icon.

[@wittkevin222]

I think that we can all agree that Sorrento’s moves up to #1 at 2 AM after some drinks and the casino.

[@andrewmaiewski4743]

I would drop Coastal Kitchen and the Grove to the bottom / NA status simply because I don't ever see myself ever sailing in a suite. Unless I hit one of these mega lottery jackpots and have money to burn.

[@proudmoon3]

We were on the Wonder a few months ago, and our room was near the Solarium Bistro, so we decided to check out their breakfast offerings. We wound up eating there almost every day of our cruise. Especially loved taking our food into the solarium to enjoy the ambiance and the ocean views!

[@debbiekeltz-wolk7691]

We had an issue in the MDR and found the Solarium Bistro and they were so amazing. We ate there just about every single night for dinner and many lunches.

[@trbstang]

We tried it for breakfast one day and really enjoyed it, so we ended up going there several times. We didn't try it for lunch or dinner, but maybe next time!

[@ladymax23]

I can't wait to try them on Symphony Of The Sea next month. I have dinner scheduled, but I'm going to try breakfast the first day and lunch👏🏽💯

[@user-nw1fj5fv2m]

When I was on Allure in 2019 I ate at Solarium Beastro every morning for breakfast. I found it to be much less crowded than the Windjammer. I am not a morning person but like my breakfast so this was perfect for me. I also ate there a few times for lunch for same reason. Maybe not a good idea to advertise this option for fear more people will go there. 😅

[@edobkin]

Was on Symphony a couple weeks ago. The buns at the dog house were FANTASTIC! SO MUCH BETTER than years past. They fixed this issue imho.

[@intriguedviewer501]

I'm on Symphony next month. You turned my frown upside down, thanks!

[@edobkin]

@@intriguedviewer501 I’m dead serious, too! The buns were soft and fresh and had a really nice texture. It was a surprise.

[@proudmoon3]

We tried out the Boardwalk Dog House on the Wonder recently, and the buns there were much better than they were reputed to be as well.

[@bigguy1403]

Thanks Matt you are awesome bro...

[@sweetlou1074]

Going on my first cruise on royal this week . Thank you for the tips and knowledge on your videos. Can’t wait to go !!!

[@aaronolejniczak6604]

Have a great time Lou! We have only ever cruised through Royal Caribbean and only ever had a good experience :)

[@37wall81]

matt is great but bias at times with certain things. youre going to have a great time, enjoy !

[@tears2040]

@@aaronolejniczak6604 Going on a cruise with Royal and the phone app shows all of these paid restaurants, is there not food included for Free?

[@NWBLWIFFLEBALL24]

@@tears2040 yes, there is food that costs money on ships

[@309gti8]

I love going to the MDR for breakfast. I feel like it’s easily overlooked. I haven’t been for lunch, but would like to check that out on my next cruise.

[@anadominguez4422]

Thanks Matt, I do love the MDR for their daily menu change and atmosphere. I can’t wait to go try the new places on Icon next year! I went on HOS in November and tried the Solarium and wasn’t impressed, I know you call it a gem but you’ve said a lot that I don’t think it’s a gem anymore 😂 it was busy and didn’t have much selection. Again thank you for your videos!

[@Jim-Halp1234]

Gotta do a best add on restaurant list now. Great video

[@christinedelrossi2819]

I can't wait to try the Aqua Dome market! I had a feeling that's what you would pick as your #1.

[@user-nr8xr7lg4j]

We went there every day of our Icon cruise for lunch. We had a party of five, so everyone loved the variety. Problem is seven days of build you own crapes is not helpful to the waistline.

[@toddtesta5228]

Matt, I totally enjoy all your videos. Hands down the most informative in my opinion. But you mentioned being from CT and how the pizza is the best! Fellow CTer here! I hope your pick is Pepe's!! LOL Thanks again for all the great videos!

[@keyman6689]

Mini Bites on Harmony was actually a go-to spot for us. The menu seems like it was borrowed from El Loco Fresh (which I've never had, but seen in your videos), and we loved the tacos and quesadillas. It was close to our stateroom and had a Coke freestyle machine so we went all the time!

[@keyman6689]

MDR breakfast... I love, love, love the French toast! I can eat that every morning.

[@proudmoon3]

I usually grab something quick in the morning, but I loved my breakfast in the MDR because I was able to get a custom omelet without standing in line!

[@connie_360]

Hi Matt. I have the opportunity to eat dinner at Coastal Kitchen on Ovation. Do you recommend taking it while I can or just enjoy the other venues paid or free - does the menu change? Thank you. BTW, last year I asked if any ships have Mac N Cheese venue, glad to see it!

[@DMS0929]

Wonderful list of free food options, and the ones on Icon look fantastic. At this point, I can not afford a cruise on this ship and wish that Royal Caribbean will consider adding these food options (especially crepes) on their older, more affordable ships.

[@kurtkoenig1044]

I really suggest you call a travel agency! My travel agent is always able to find me sailings that are in my budget! You just have to be flexible with time of year/cabin options

[@pw-sz6ds]

No matter what season, day or year whether inside cabin or top tier, booking online or using a TA, the ICON is expensive….just like Disney.

[@iloveowls90]

@@pw-sz6ds disney is still probably more expensive than icon though, if you want especially if you're talking about their cruise ships lol and icon is a new ship so its going to be popular, kinda like Sun princess in that way

[@Angledevoid]

The Solarium is a great place to go for breakfast when you don't want to be overwhelmed by the food selection like you would at Windjammers. Plus, since it's in the adult area, there's usually not a lot of kids there.

[@kvom01]

I haven't been a fan of the MDR on the two RC transatlantic cruises. I cruise solo and have bought the unlimited specialty package both times. I rise early and always breakfast in the Windjammer. Aside from the substandard bagels I found there, I liked the buffet and also had some lunches and dinners there as well. I like the fact that they have Indian and other ethinic foods as well. Promenade cafe and the next door Sorrento are good for late night and nothing special. I like Cafe270 for lunch once or twice.

[@KK-FL]

Aqua Dome Market sounds a whole lot like Virgin Voyages Galley (which I love so I would probably love it too if I ever get to go on Icon)

[@rllapte]

Exactly right on Cafe Promenade. In the last two or three years they have cut way back on both selection and rotation through the day. Liberty was my second or third ship. On Liberty the selection was very wide for both breakfast and lunch/dinner. Cakes cookies fruit items and salads. Several different finger sandwiches daily etc.

[@DMS0929]

Thanks for the info on Liberty. I will be on that ship next month and hope Cafe Promenade still has a very wide selection. Anthem OTS last December was good, but limited.

[@rllapte]

@@DMS0929 Good hearing from you. My first sail was in 2015 on the Norwegian Spirit. I chose that sailing for the itinerary which was exactly what I wanted. At the time Spirit was 20 yrs. old and second hand. Cosmetically in fine condition but the food was very disappointing. Twice since then Spirit has been slated for the scrapyard but has continued to elude that fate. My second voyage was on RC Mariner. Mariner remains my sentimental fav but Liberty is second or third with Ovation. While on the Liberty I had an enjoyable conversation with the piano bar player while on a smoke break. I'm in Memphis and he live near Hernando MS which is about 30 miles south. I had his card, got it home but have since lost it. Absent any sarcasm, good luck with Promenade and other similar venues. Post Covid cutbacks are likely still in place. Best wishes for a great cruise.

[@Anna-fb5zf]

The fries at the surf side bite were the best!

[@LMMorrris2020]

Is there another than pizza for an evening snack? Something we love on NCL is the evening snacks & ice cream machine. Wondered if anything like that on RC

[@marksorvala8133]

We found that the Coastal Kitchen was what the MDR use to be a few years ago.

[@rigobertobautistaperez3245]

Merecidas vacaciones de Royal Carribean crucero 🚢 de excelencia presente

[@btab5332]

Hope RCI adds some of these Icon eateries on other ships. Unfortunately Icon cruise fares are way out of out budget. We agrees that Park Cafe is a great quick lunch spot. And I love El Loco Fresh

[@jacquelinestewart5550]

I use to love cafe prom. But now it’s just ok, I was on Wonder and I only went 2 times. Back in the day on Allure if you wanted to find me just go to Cafe P.

[@rachellenale]

We were not a fan of mini bites🥴I’m excited for loco fresh because our next cruise ship has it and I’m a big Mexican fan. I personally loved sorrientos lol. Dog house was cool on Harmony.

[@ggjr61]

For those of you wondering why Matt would rank the MDR so high he has always had a soft spot for it even when they lowered the quality of food a while back. I suspect he likes the more formal sit down aspect of it that you don’t get in the other included restaurants. That’s probably more important than the food quality to him since you have to pay extra to get it anywhere else.

[@pw-sz6ds]

He explained his reason very well. Surprised people are surprised with his rank.

[@CK-cz6ml]

While the MDR has fallen in quality it still has some standout dishes and wonderful servers if you appreciate a sit down longer form meal

[@proudmoon3]

He also mentioned enjoying the ambience. I don't disagree with his assessment; the three best meals I had on my RC cruise were all in the main dining room.

[@christineshin7035]

Windjammer is very subjective based on what ship you are on. Was on Adventure OTS and they didnt have fruit compote & whipped cream by the pancakes & waffles at breakfast, When I asked a crew member, he pointed to jam in the condiment area. However was just on Anthem and they had fruit compote, chocolate sauce and whipped cream by the pancakes and waffles!

[@sf3413]

Is solarium bistro open for lunch on embarkation day? Thanks team RCB!!!! Ya'll are the best!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I don't think so, but you can always refer to a past Cruise Compass to get an idea www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass

[@user-vm8zk4lc1t]

I was very disappointed with Coastal Kitchen on Oasis of the Seas. I found the dinner service to be very loud; it felt like I was sitting in a mall area due to the noise. We opted to go to the MDR instead.

[@mercyrodriguez5780]

On Icon, we enjoyed all the new venues!

[@kappatvating]

Very true assessment of dog house

[@maytemcconnell8957]

One or our favorite places wasn't mentioned - Johnny Rockets for breakfast. It's FREE, unlike lunch or dinner. We love El Loco Fresh, Park Cafe, Sorrento's and the Windjammer. Haven't eaten in a main dining room in over 10 years. Too many other options. Keep cruising 🛳️❤️🍹

[@MaxrunnMutt]

So your favorite free is NCL Indulge Food Hall. The concept they came up with first. lol I love both RCCl and NCL but icon did is second.

[@SinisterMD]

Is the Grove available for Jr. suite guests?

[@IAmMiami]

+1 for Aquadome Market Surfside Eatery is the sleeper hit of Icon of the Seas. Wonder Woman Lasagna Cubes? Beat that!

[@so4reelz]

We really like Surfside eatery for breakfast, especially when you’re not super hungry and don’t feel like pushing through crowds at the windjammer.

[@andyl9920]

Cafe promenade items are identical to the Windjammer.

[@macmcclellan4695]

In my experience Solarium Bistro just has a smaller subset of Windjammer foods. I've always been underwhelmed.

[@joegadget670]

Coastal Kitchen is way better than the MDR. The personalized service is similar to what a Disney cruise provides.

[@msreesegirl4063]

18:21 I agree with you on the Dog House at least on oasis class ships. The bun is terrible and it prevents me from actually getting a good ole mustard dog! My question is how can it be right next-door to Johnny Rockets, who’s hotdogs are phenomenal?!! I am completely baffled! I was on wonder of the seas two weeks ago I should’ve tried the dog house to see if they change the buns!

[@ashleynicholegibbs]

The buns were perfect on Anthem of the Seas. Hot dogs became our go to quick lunch.

[@proudmoon3]

We had no issue with the buns at the Dog House on Wonder OTS when we went in February.

[@kristengabbard5351]

Top 5. 1a.sprinkles 1b.MDR 2.El Loco Fresh 3. Sorrento’s. 4.windjammer 5.park cafe

[@kathytorrington9164]

Any tips for vegan dining on Rhapsody of the Seas?

[@gingercassidy3629]

When can you reserve entertainment for a cruise?

[@Nrustica]

what is the menu at fish and ships, do they have lobster roll?

[@ToddHandell]

Disappointed Mini Bites was so low. Going on Harmony in September and was looking forward to trying that. But otherwise I mostly agree with your list! Never been on Icon though so can't really rate those.

[@zuffy8778]

Didn't know about solarium bistro. Never had free time to roam there since my kids was always with me.

[@joannatassin3238]

it's a great place for kids, take them next time! Quieter than Windjammer, on the same floor as the H2O zone and pool, it's got kid friendly food like fruit and chicken and desserts.

[@zuffy8778]

@@joannatassin3238 Thanks. I didn't bring my kids because the Solarium said adults only so I didn't explore further in my previous Oasis trips.

[@Sawyersaviation]

Hello Matt, quick question, I wanted to know which Royal Caribbean ships offer five person rooms, I know Icon does but are there any others?

[@proudmoon3]

I know that Wonder Of The Seas has some standard rooms that sleep five.

[@Sawyersaviation]

@@proudmoon3 Really? When we tried to book it only allowed four.

[@jimward7881]

Until 2 years ago you could get a freshly made to order antipasto at Sorrento’s

[@christymurphy6571]

I love RCL's included food. I'm a picky eater & I always find something to eat.

[@teresa978]

The Dog House should include hot fries made to order, chili & cheese, Italian hot dog on a regular warm hot dog bun. Better yet turn the area into a Gelato stand because Johnny Rocket's hot dogs are 100% better.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

There's so many ways we could improve the Dog House

[@jacquelinestewart5550]

Hotdog at Dog house are cold

[@dymonicreed7521]

Can I use a Starbucks gift card at the Starbucks kiosk on the ship?

[@eileencohen6461]

Yes you can and enjoy your cruise!

[@ashleynicholegibbs]

I really wish these sort of videos would be honest about the Solarium Bistro. It's the exact same food as the Windjammer, just a much more limited assortment. It's only Mediterranean at dinner time.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

..and way less crowded. Many of the included restaurants are different by degrees, not giant leaps. So there's something to be said about convenience and ease of getting in.

[@Tony_Z__]

I would actually put Fish and Ships more towards the middle, otherwise generally agreed with the list

[@dawnlarch1516]

I'm from Branford, Connecticut. Sally's has the best pizza 🍕😋

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

You know what's up!

[@rick4wade]

Too many restaurants that are almost exclusively on Icon. Not many of us Royal Cruisers will experience them as Icon is way too expensive. On every Royal Cruise I am on we can't wait until we go to Chops. Awesome steaks. I would put Chops at the top of my list. Samba is also a top 3 for us. I can't believe it will be going away. Central Park I would agree with. Maybe a little higher on my list. We also love Park Cafe. It should be on the list.

[@nathanharper7851]

Sorrento is definitely last on the list for me.

[@joannatassin3238]

Aquadome market was a hit among nearly every KZbin influencer who went on the inaugural cruise. I can't wait to try it! Main dining I would rank lower ONLY because I dislike their lunches every time I go there, and breakfast is pretty boring. However dinner is outstanding, I agree with you there. And I would have ranked Windjammer #2 because I have gotten some of the best food on the ship, especially on smaller ships, at the Windjammer. They have specialty food you won't see anywhere else, such as the daily asian servings. And... Tacos. Yes! Mini Bites and Dog House are the reason Harmony of the Seas is my least favorite ship in the fleet. I can't wait for it to be amplified, so they can remove those awful eateries.

[@Controversy101]

I hope crepes are back on harmony. They stopped during Covid

[@aggieguy93]

it's your list, and technically free, but the suite only options have a cost of booking a suite.....

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Correct, and restaurants on new ships that cost more than older ships have a higher barrier of entry too. It's just the fairest way I could come up with

[@aggieguy93]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Fair enough. i rarely sail in suites, usually balconies, and i don't do specialty dining. I am looking forward to aquadome market when i finally get to sail on Icon. (next cruise is Southern Caribbean on Rhapsody in Nov.) any plans to blog about that itinerary? pretty light pickings on you tube for RC

[@owasso8775]

Hungry now, lol.

[@khronick3596]

Call me classy but in my opinion the #1 free restaurant is the magnificent Windjammer. WASHYYY WASHYYYYY!!!!!!!

[@robertsmith9080]

MDR on recent cruise was really mediocre every night. On any night, more than 1/2 the offerings were terrible, and some were decent.

[@Charles.Wright]

Not toasting the bagels on eggs benedict is disappointing

[@chiaking2787]

Ughhhh! Sorrento’s should be higher in the list. El Loco Fresh much lower

[@3dcreations99]

So true, dog house needs different buns... They ruin it.

[@jduke989]

wonderland should have made it to the end of the video

[@markgum2636]

Why dont they have cream at the coffee shop? Inexcusable.

[@band3513]

El Loco Fresh no. 1.

[@DJsBeautique]

Agreed!

[@jbob1548]

Wait.....kids can eat in the solarium bistro? Seems weird. Seems like the only reason for it to exist, it IS in the solarium.

[@funcatvideos3732]

Yes, kids can eat at Solarium Bistro. My 11 year old loves it!

[@ashleynicholegibbs]

Unfortunately. Should be adults only like the rest of the solarium.

[@jbob1548]

@@ashleynicholegibbsTotally agree, why else would it be in the solarium????

[@proudmoon3]

On Wonder OTS, the bistro was adjacent/connected to the solarium, so technically not in a restricted area (although on my cruise I didn't really see many kids eating there).

[@billybob7088]

Kiddie pool hot tubs....ahhhhhhhh

[@car_tar3882]

Mdr at two is crazy. Dirty paper menu and food somewhere between McDonalds and a low end sit down. Also base camp should be at last because charging for those things especially charging double digits for them is a hate crime

[@sl4193]

That sounds really unpleasant.

[@car_tar3882]

@@sl4193it was. We went twice the first and the 7th night. The first we had steak that tasted as if they airdropped them in from ihop and the 7th was the second formal night and in the middle of dinner they played party music and paraded the culinary team through which is fine but not on formal night imo.

[@jbob1548]

Lunch?

[@car_tar3882]

@@jbob1548 dinner

[@GerardPinzone]

Dog House: ...and no BROWN mustard.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Amen!

[@37wall81]

park cafe is 👎👎.its lackluster. this is thee only place i walked out of and didnt eat from, on my week long cruise. i wouldve put it right before dog house

[@GentlemanMcmike]

Gluten free options are rarely mentioned.

[@jimward7881]

The hot dog rolls are more like a sandwich or sub roll. Too bread too big for the dog and chewy

[@LennyinFlorida]

Fish > Dogs

[@Brittanyb0509]

Main dining room is awful. Wind jammer is 100 times better!!!!! Worst steak I've ever had was in the wind jammer!!! Nothing is cooked fresh for you, thry have it all sitting in hot boxes waiting to be served. To each their own, but i wont be visiting the MDR in the future.

[@cynthiahowe]

Sorrento's pizza tastes like cardboard.

[@ItsCarlnotCarla]

I have to say the hot dog place is the worst and they do not open until 11 .. They literally boil their hot dogs and have to be the cheapest they can find they are not even pure beef.. Stay away

[@AllisonJaffeID]

At best they the food is the quality of a holiday inn conference dinner. I had to set my bar very low on the voyager of the sea. Subpar and mediocre

[@StevenWangler]

This is just not true at all

[@milesw8756]

As of March 2023 the food in the MDR is horrible. The steak is not even close to Denny’s - Holiday in is a big step up. Many of the other top 5 eateries are much better than the MDR.

[@nickstark8479]

Interesting. Not my experience at all.

[@Justjakelive]

Not my experience either went on Harmony in Feb 2024 food quality was good 👍🏼

[@Jim-Halp1234]

Couldn't disagree more

[@ricklatouch2263]

Disappointing to see bathing suits/bare chests/hanging bellies at the El Loco buffet. Hardly appetizing. Is barefoot ok too? Ugh.

[@itzrowz]

[@kristengabbard5351]

Paying for a suite is no different then paying for a dining package, IMO. I disagree with including suite only restaurants. That’s my only criticisms, Matt. ❤️✌🏻🤟🛳️🎯