This restaurant costs $200 to eat here!

[@EricBarnhart]

You can call me cheap, but I can't bring myself to pay for any extra dining. I think the food is already great and I wouldn't want to skip a meal at main dining to go. Skipping main dining makes me feel like I'm already paying double. However, you are on vacation and if it's something you enjoy, go for it!

[@tduck828]

Agreed. Been cruising 24 years and never felt a need to buy specialty dining, drink packages, spa services, etc. Just no need for it.

[@normamejias6587]

Agree.

[@davidstephan5116]

Maybe you shouldn’t be on a cruise if you’re pinching pennies.

[@EricBarnhart]

Not sure about that. I have an absolute great time and my stomach is full the whole trip!😀

[@Lavassin]

​@@davidstephan5116People are allowed to go on vacations and still be reasonable with what they purchase. I have never felt compelled to purchase any additional dining, all the included options are good for me.

[@pw-sz6ds]

No way, Jose’😂 However, I truly thank you for experiencing this costly meal for us😀

[@angelinatana]

Yes and twice

[@car_tar3882]

The lights behind the band looks like the loony toons outro

[@KK-tr8tf]

I'd take a bubbly hot pepperoni pizza + a nice cold beer over this menu anytime! 😄

[@TheMaxRebo]

We board in 4 days and have this booked for day 5 of the cruise for my birthday and all the reviews, including this one, have me even more excited than when we booked

[@richscary]

We absolutely loved Empire! We were warned to go in sober and hungry because you aren't coming out either. LOL The service is insanely good... starting with your waiter already knowing who you are when they come out to greet you. The food was excellent and three hours sounds like a long time but it goes by really fast. Absolutely worth every cent in our opinion and can't wait to see what they do with Star of the Seas. Last thought is don't be late. They say once the doors close... They stay closed.

[@tduck828]

For that price, it should not only be phenomenal it should be superb like times 10...

[@richardwallerstein539]

Reminds me of the movie The Menu without the chef being insane

[@sl4193]

Thank you for sharing your experience of the Empire Supper Club, sounds amazing. I'm persuaded that it could be worth it, especially for a special occasion. Appreciate your valuable insights, Matt.

[@fletcherprince]

You clean up real nice, Matt! Wishing there were more jackets and ties on cruises!

[@isaacfrohlich4575]

On my three cruises, I’ve paid for 2 specialty dining meals. They’ve been the two most disappointing meals on any of my cruises, so I’m sticking to the main dining room from now on! Saves money and the best food

[@angelinatana]

Cruising is to have fun, you can always eat specially foods when you go back home

[@youtubeviewer4489]

Had a completely different experience with specialty dining. Maybe you have a hard time getting over the cost 🤷‍♂️

[@isaacfrohlich4575]

@@youtubeviewer4489 certainly possible, I had higher expectations when it costs that much. Both times it was someone else who paid though. Additionally, I've talked to multiple waiters on board who have said that most specialty restaurants serve the same ingredients, just presented differently.

[@gmkarliah6528]

Not my cup of tea but it definitely seems like a great experience for folks that enjoy things like this!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Food looks amazing! Also the restaurant atmosphere is stunning!

[@jjl2290]

Good review, have gone from never doing that to i can't wait to experience!!!

[@connie_360]

Thank you for this! I hope the Train Experience on Utopia will be something like this 💖💖💖💖

[@JCity156]

As fancy as Empire is and with having to dress formal, you would think they would have tablecloths.

[@normamejias6587]

Wow! Everything looked so good. I hope they have all those at the Utopia of the seas. Thank you for sharing.

[@christinemarino5732]

I looked on the RC application, and it is not listed.

[@brentshuffler1234]

@normamejias6587 That is a nice thought, but keep in mind that Icon of the Seas is a world-class mega-ship and the first of its kind in a new class of ship, whilst Utopia of the Seas is in the previous class of mega-ship. So it is understandable and expected that Icon of the Seas has things to taste, to see, to do, and to experience that are not on any other ship.

[@massysett]

That thing behind the stage looks straight out of Looney Tunes, I’m waiting for Bugs Bunny to jump out.

[@angelinatana]

The music is great but the singer is something else 😱she doesn’t have a nice voice

[@iloveowls90]

it would be the pig not bugs bunny just saying lol

[@sf3413]

Oh man, the food doesn't call to me, but I want every single drink!!!!!

[@Trav_W]

Same here.

[@familyocean]

I wouldn't eat anything there, but I would drink all those drinks-twice LOL

[@pw-sz6ds]

You nailed it! 💯

[@JohnSkyLey]

This is the most elegant meal I have ever seen - wow!

[@dylanmccarthy3342]

Thank you for posting this! Booked this as a surprise for my partner and I but he is not a big seafood fan and I had heard they had alternative offerings but couldn't find it. This video is certainly appreciated!

[@EBoone503]

it's absolutely worth it! we've spent more than that on anniversary dinners, so I think this is like you said-- an experience. Looks amazing!

[@papigrande1971]

😮I wish I had your money. Lol

[@jonparkus7307]

Worth every Penny, A highlight of my Cruise.

[@kirkl0766]

We are going on Icon in a grand suite end of October. Thank you for a great review. We are Travel Agents. I am ACC with CLIA.

[@blswagger0764]

You sold me! I'd love to try the Empire Supper Club someday. It actually looks better than Palo or the new specialty restaurant on the Wish.

[@Jrsun4ever]

OMG I’d go for sure! Thank you for sharing. This looks even better then I imagined.

[@commonsense246]

We booked this with our large OBC for our Sept. cruise...based on you tube reviews, so we're very excited! We've never even done the Chef's Table yet! Toasted Almond was my go to in Las Vegas at the Bellagio, I must've had a hundred...so can't wait to taste theirs.

[@NewandOldFunkoPopUnboxings]

What I learned from this video: I am not the target demo for The Empire Supper Club.

[@damonried1720]

Excellent observation. If one does not have the DISPOSABLE income to pay for said item, then simply move on.

[@schamber1000]

I just booked it for next year! Can't wait!

[@mikekipar]

Great video. Thank you. Do you know if the Empire Supper Club is included with the dining package that you get for having a star class suite?

[@dewaynefreeman543]

Yes. If you have unlimited dining package, the cover is 130 instead of 200.

[@cindyabbott9128]

You did a great job reviewing the supper club Matt.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thank you

[@BIGJATPSU]

Taken on a course by course basis WITH a full cocktail with each, it's worth the price easily honestly. The issue is can you drink that much AND will you like the food served. Whenever I get a chance to sail on an Icon class ship it might be worth it to try IF the menu is to my liking.

[@iloveowls90]

im going to assume its the same menu each sailing at least in the icon of the seas, because of the theme

[@laurieh5489]

Thanks for the review and insight into what this restaurant experience is really like. I think I would not consider it without the review. I may do this at some point in the future when on an Icon ship.

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Very impressive courses for dinner! Looks like some very delicious food and cocktails! The price point is more for a Celebrity cruise ship is my feeling than a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. I realize Icon needs some exclusive dining options for the passengers dropping up to 75K for a suite on that ship. I thought the 150 Central Park offered more practical but elegant dining for a far lower price point.

[@Adventuregirl96]

I have heard about the Empire Supper Club, and it looks exquisite.

[@swift1374a]

I was on icon last week (amazing cruise!) and did not have any interest in the Empire supper club. After watching this though, I think I will have to give this a go on my next sailing (which i booked today!).

[@Wolfcathorse]

we'll pass on ESC. We (as diabetics and one with celiac) just can't eat nor drink that much. I did Chef's Table once and never again, too much to eat and drink

[@memelissa2]

I'd certainly try it! Looks great!

[@schamber1000]

I will definitely bee booking that dinner when I book the Icon. What a treat!

[@JCity156]

If you don’t drink alcohol, do they have mock tails?

[@serel777]

Hi Matt thanks again for your thoughts. But what if you don’t drink alcohol, would you still be able to enjoy?

[@JClark2600]

@4:45 With the mixed drinks did you see them make it with brand name spirits? Also drinks with ice in them tend to taste watered down.

[@roddick1185]

I have a cruise on Icon this October and have reservation on this dinner.Wandering if I should leave tip after dinner when we already paid gratuity.Thanks.

[@JClark2600]

@5:00 Matt when the wait staff brought your food you almost jumped out of your chair to let them place it, but thats why we learn as kids to keep your elbows off the table. Its not only rude but also interferes with the wait staff.

[@burningisis]

I think once in like ever would be enough for me for this venue. I think it looks lovely, the food looks great and I'd be afraid of consuming 8 cocktails in a sitting. But 200 dollars is pretty rich. And I like getting a drinks package so the value dips if you have a drinks package. Granted you cant get those drinks anywhere else on the ship but I'm sure some creative people will be able to make a pretty good facimile of these drinks with what is already available at the bars onboard.

[@katcalico9142]

I would love if there a bar option where you could go for like an hour for cocktails and like an appetizer or entree. I would pay extra for the atmosphere but I don’t want to sit there for three hours - I am more of an entree and a cocktail girl.

[@oneperson5760]

When i book for Icon, i will certainly be gunning for Empire. I rarely do anything fancy, so i certainly would enjoy the novelty.

[@elizabethcarnahan8676]

It won't let me book for a solo person. My daughter would not want to go, but I do. So sad I can't book...

[@brentshuffler1234]

@@elizabethcarnahan8676 Thank you for posting that most important comment. It means that the actual price for this experience is a MINIMUM of U.S.$400 . . . and if it is like most surcharges on cruise-ships, there is an additional 18% or 20% which would put the final bill closer to U.S.$500.....

[@elizabethcarnahan8676]

@brentshuffler1234 Funny thing is, while watching this video, I thought that I saw at least one person dining alone. There was not any plates or glasses across from him. Unless this was before the inaugural January 27th sailing.

[@robertk4552]

We enjoy the atmosphere at these venues but not so much the food or the alcohol (we don't drink). We don't take cruises for the opportunity to eat at specialty restaurants and we enjoy the food in the MDR / Buffet so we're all good. We did pick up a package on our next cruise in June 2024 that includes 2 specialty dining venues so it will be our first specialty dining on a cruise since our honeymoon on the Disney Magic almost 25 years ago.

[@csmith2435]

I think this is a FOMO and YOLO experience. I would fear missing out and since we only live once, I would try to include The Empire experience in my cruise budget. Love your review and how your broke down the cost of the meal. And I have dined at the Chef's table and I agree with your comparison of the two venues. Thanks again! 😎😎😎

[@teresacahlik6887]

I wouldn’t because I do not drink alcohol. But glad you enjoyed it and thanks for all the explanation.

[@mitchelshapiro4465]

Probably won't book this venue on my September sailing on Icon as i am traveling with some picky eaters. With that said, i might splurge if my husband and i are on Icon by ourselves or with other foodies.

[@fogtownrog]

I’d go for it, but I wouldn’t like having a dozen different cocktails. Most pairings involve a variety of wines.

[@DaveLeskovec]

If you have never splurged on a 8 course meal. You need to! How many dinners do you remember? You will never forget this one. Guaranteed

[@kilrathi827]

Already booked at the ESC for my upcoming cruise in May! I did book just for myself, as my husband is a picky eater, and getting him into a jacket would be impossible. Do you happen to know if a single diner is given a table by themselves or if they'll be matched with another single diner?

[@InMyCruisingEra]

This is a good question

[@fanficrocks]

Nice, in terms of being on the ground at Eurovision.

[@p712ynj0kl]

this looks so good. ive had a single steak for $200 this dining experience is a steal!!

[@p712ynj0kl]

i hate dressing up though so i probably wont ever do this.

[@bretthines4257]

We are so looking forward to this in May of 2025. We were on the fence, but thank you for your review. It helped us make our decision.

[@brentshuffler1234]

Thanks, Matt. [1] Not allowing solo bookings means that the actual price for this experience is a MINIMUM of U.S.$400 . . . and if it is like most surcharges on cruise-ships, there is an additional 18% or 20% which would put the final bill closer to U.S.$500..... [2] Did you say that any male guest who does not have a jacket would have one provided? Nice to know....because so many people are casual these days to the point that most young people that I know do not even have a jacket/suit in their otherwise large wardrobes.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes, jacket is required. Are you sure on the no solo bookings? I wasn't aware of that rule, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't allowed.

[@abril438]

But I saw an old man sitting at the corner. He was alone.

[@TheDavignGuy]

What time is the dining? Ive read it starts at 6pm. Which has me wondering how would a couple with kids be able to attend when adventure ocean will not open until 7pm? Would it mean its a no go unless we can bring the kids too? Any insight would be appreciated if anyone has any

[@mikeymutual5489]

What a great idea - for Royal Caribbean. Rejigger their food somewhat, throw in a little music, make you buy their cocktails - all for a supplemental fee of $200pp. People will be taken in by anything, I think.

[@stevenhill1954]

We would love to try this.

[@kenyattaclay7666]

I certainly would never tell anyone to spend $200 per person on a dinner however for this type of dinner that actually isn't a bad price. High end restaurants, especially ones in large cities, can easily add up to twice that. I've done it on land a couple of times because it was a VERY, VERY special occasion so I probably won't ever dine here because it's just not my personality but if you are celebrating something & view it as a once in a lifetime experience I think it can be a nice experience.

[@sylvialucas7755]

I would like to book but am wondering if they will allow solo reservations.

[@christinedelrossi2819]

Sounds fab! Wish I traveled other than solo or with teen grandkids who most likely would not love it. Maybe someday!

[@MarcelHarding]

a burger and fries please

[@trbstang]

At first I thought that was expensive, but after seeing what it includes, it certainly seems worth what you get. I'd certainly like to try it out sometime, but I don't see myself on the Icon anytime soon. Hopefully they will offer it or something similar on other ships. Thanks for your sacrifices for us, Matt! 😂

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Anything I can do to help! 😆

[@bgregg55]

It's a heck of a deal for that price. I suspect that'll be completely booked up early once word gets around.

[@dchenkin02]

Matt, I have been to high end restaurants in Boston, Massachusetts. Eight cocktails alone can cost $200 including tips at a fancy restaurant in many US cities. For me personally, who can only have one cocktail without feeling buzzed, this is definitely not for me.

[@mikeymutual5489]

3:24 Amuse-bouches are *not* palate cleansers. That is more like a mid-dinner cup of sorbet. Amuse-bouches are more to wake up the palate and get excited it for the meal.

[@jonparkus7307]

Not everyone is a Foodie, or watches Top chef, class is not correcting people especially in Person.

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@jonparkus7307 Bleh, bleh, bleh.

[@banplayer]

do they have a vegan menu and/or non alcoholic drinks?

[@chopperh4090]

Seems like a great experience but I have a health condition and cannot drink. This is similar to chefs table in that I feel like I would be paying for a lot of boose I can’t drink

[@RaymondMullen-t9j]

All the Food sounds Great and I would HAVE IT ALL , I just don't know if I can set for 3 Hours to Eat ... But would try for a Special Event ..

[@wandabrown8446]

Great review!

[@careysmithjr.1541]

👍🏾

[@bradjorban]

Since the cocktails do not add value to those buying the drinks package, I was unsure whether this dinner would really be worth $200, but then I saw they provided a gimmick to hold a purse and I was sold!

[@juliatarrel1674]

I understand that the dining experience is meticulously crafted, but could you please find out (if you conveniently can) if they can modify courses for people with specific dietary issues. I can't eat seafood, or drink alcohol.

[@2012puddles]

It would totally be worth the money. If I ever go on this ship I will eat there.

[@fanficrocks]

In terms of a follow up video, could you please tell us about things like the mocktail list (for those who dont or don't like the higher proof drinks and in terms of the formal and the jacket min requirement, are you allowed to get away with say a waistcoat, instead of a full jacket if you have a specific disability that would prevent you from wearing one?

[@tomlee7651]

Speaking for myself this would be a complete waste of money. I couldn't eat that much, I don't drink alcohol, and all I saw that even interested me is the ribeye and maybe the salad.

[@jessicawatson79]

Is it $200 US dollars. From Australia wanting to see what it would be in AUD. This looks AMAZING. Would love to do this one day.

[@davidc5191]

$200 seems about right for what you get. But it's not Michelin Star high-end dining, an example of which can be seen in Alexander the Guest's KZbin review of the restaurant Alchemist, which cost him about $3600 for two people, including a wine pairing.

[@UTeewb]

You also have to include the fact that food is included in your fare. E.g. what do you value a 3-course meal in the MDR, $30-$40? Still I guess if it emulates a tasting menu at a really nice restaurant on land, doesn't seem a bad deal.

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

can you get virgin versions of the drinks?

[@athlon9394]

Does the Ultimate Dining Package give a discount? Similar to the Chef's table and Teppanyaki

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes, $130 with UDP

[@annbenson9257]

We don’t drink or eat seafood so the supper club won’t work for us. Thanks for the information.

[@user82938]

Do you tip on top of the $400?

[@baddogdax69]

Sounds great!

[@dawnpowers7626]

I travel alone now and this is the one restaurant where I think I'd feel uncomfortable dining alone, so it's a no go for me.

[@angelinatana]

$200 per person for 8 small servings with drinks, it’s a bit expensive, some people just love to pay for limited offerings

[@wb6anp]

The wall behind the stage reminds me of the Looney Tunes logo.

[@andrewwaters2498]

Was there any information on solo pricing? Do they charge double?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

I'm not aware of any issues for a solo person to book it on their own.

[@dong-hyuklee2140]

I have a question. I have plan to go harmony of the sea for 7night. Have any recommend for shore excursion? Which one is worth to try which one not worth money. Thansk!! 😊

[@julieb7882]

You provided no worrhwhile information. My recommendation is captain Cook snorkel.

[@soremekun]

To confirm, is the kid's club open when seating starts for the Empire Supper Club?

[@susanhaines6417]

I believe the kid's club opens after the doors close at the Supper Club.

[@soremekun]

@@susanhaines6417 Thank you.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

It’s not. Dinner starts at 6:30 but Adventure Ocean doesn’t open until 7

[@BrianAlt]

Would I pay it? I already have it booked! Can't wait.

[@sircharlesmormont9300]

I'd try it. You only live once, after all. I don't like the idea of being escorted to the restroom, though. That's a little creepy. If you ply me with eight cocktails plus water, I'm definitely going to need to use the restroom - but I don't really want a waiter to follow along.

[@xocaitlinnpattz]

Very interested in this experience but one thing: supper clubs like this and high end food out on land is at the top end of this budget or less money than this experience in general. The price point is too high, should be closer to 150 pp which is what I paid on average in NY and Vegas at experiences like this

[@LadyJoey1953]

Lucky for me I'll be spending that $200 elsewhere because I'm a very picky eater (wouldn't eat most of what you mentioned in the video) and I don't drink. If those 2 things weren't the case, I highly doubt I'd ever pay that amount for this option.

[@user82938]

Yeah, I could see myself going, but my wife would not eat most of the things they serve, so that kind of eliminates it.

[@jonbentley2412]

Where can you buy a cabana for 400?

[@rockanroleropr3467]

Shoutout to the coquito! 👊🏻❤️🇵🇷😂

[@GerardPinzone]

One of the drinks they should have used for this restaurant is an Advocaat. BTW, can someone get the recipe for the Toasted Almond?

[@AdamS32828]

Tito’s, Kahlua, amaretto, heavy cream, and nutmeg - I’d probably start with 2 parts Tito’s and one part everything else and then taste and adjust to your preference!

[@papigrande1971]

😮😮😮😮hellz no! I dont even go to specialty restaurants. MDR is our fav time on RC ships.

[@SinisterMD]

Too bad a drinks package wouldn't impact the price of the club. No point in paying for the drinks twice.

[@bradleyeis7319]

Who can drink 8 beverages at dinner.