Are Meals Included on Royal Caribbean International Ships?

One of the biggest attractions of going on a cruise vacation is the thought of enjoying unlimited meals without constantly worrying about the bill. Royal Caribbean International, one of the most popular and innovative cruise lines in the world, is known for offering a wide variety of dining options that suit every traveler. But many first-time cruisers ask an important question: Are meals included on Royal Caribbean ships?

The short answer is yes, meals are included in your cruise fare—and not just any meals. Your ticket price covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at multiple restaurants across the ship. From multi-course dinners in elegant dining rooms to casual bites at the buffet and poolside eateries, there’s something for everyone. However, Royal Caribbean also offers specialty dining venues that come with an additional charge.

This comprehensive guide will break down exactly what meals are included, what costs extra, and how you can make the most of your dining experience at sea.

What Meals Are Included in Your Fare?

When you purchase a ticket with Royal Caribbean International, your fare includes a wide variety of complimentary dining experiences. These cover all your basic meals and snacks throughout the day.

1. Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is the centerpiece of Royal Caribbean’s dining program. Here, guests enjoy:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily
Multi-course meals featuring appetizers, entrées, and desserts
A rotating menu with international cuisine and regional specialties
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available
Flexible dining choices, including traditional assigned seating or “My Time Dining”

Meals in the Main Dining Room are included in your fare, and the quality often rivals fine dining restaurants on land.

2. Windjammer Marketplace

The Windjammer Marketplace is Royal Caribbean’s signature buffet restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It includes:

An extensive selection of hot and cold dishes
International flavors, from Asian stir-fries to Italian pastas
Fresh salads, fruits, breads, and desserts
Kid-friendly items like pizza, fries, and chicken nuggets

Because it’s buffet-style, guests can eat as much as they want, making it a favorite among families.

3. Café Promenade

Located in the ship’s Royal Promenade, this 24-hour café is a lifesaver for late-night cravings. It includes:

Freshly baked pastries
Sandwiches and wraps
Coffee and tea
Light snacks throughout the day

Everything here is complimentary and perfect for quick bites.

4. Sorrento’s Pizza

Available on most Royal Caribbean ships, Sorrento’s offers unlimited slices of New York-style pizza. With different toppings served throughout the day, it’s a casual and tasty option included in your fare.

5. Park Café

Found on select ships, the Park Café offers:

Made-to-order paninis
Salads and soups
Roast beef sandwiches (a guest favorite)
Fresh fruit and pastries

It’s an excellent choice for a quick and healthier meal.

6. El Loco Fresh (Ship-Dependent)

Some ships feature El Loco Fresh, a complimentary venue serving Mexican-inspired food:

Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos
Salsa bar with fresh toppings
Casual outdoor setting near the pool

7. Dog House (Ship-Dependent)

Another fun inclusion is the Boardwalk Dog House, where you can enjoy a selection of gourmet hot dogs with different sausages and toppings—at no extra cost.

Snacks and Casual Eats Included

In addition to full meals, Royal Caribbean offers plenty of snacks and casual food options that don’t cost extra:

Poolside snacks such as burgers, fries, and soft-serve ice cream
Room service continental breakfast (complimentary, though service charges may apply for other meals)
Sweet treats from complimentary dessert stations at various venues

This ensures that you’ll never go hungry onboard.

Beverages Included with Meals

Along with meals, certain beverages are also included in your fare. These are typically available in dining rooms and buffets:

Regular coffee and tea
Iced tea
Lemonade
Milk and chocolate milk
Filtered water
Hot chocolate on select ships

Specialty coffees, sodas, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased individually or through beverage packages.

Specialty Dining – Not Included in Fare

While the complimentary dining options are plentiful, Royal Caribbean also offers specialty restaurants for those seeking a more elevated experience. These come with additional charges, either as à la carte pricing or a fixed cover fee.

Popular specialty venues include:

Chops Grille – Classic steakhouse serving premium cuts.
Giovanni’s Table – Italian dining with handmade pastas and family-style dishes.
Izumi – Sushi and Japanese cuisine.
150 Central Park – Fine dining with farm-to-table concepts.
Jamie’s Italian – Celebrity chef restaurant (on select ships).
Wonderland – Creative molecular gastronomy experience.

While not included, these specialty venues are optional and designed to enhance your dining variety.

Dietary Accommodations

Royal Caribbean is highly attentive to dietary needs, and most accommodations are included in your fare. Guests can request meals that are:

Gluten-free
Vegan or vegetarian
Kosher
Halal (upon request, with advance notice)

This makes dining stress-free for travelers with dietary restrictions.

How to Maximize Complimentary Meals

To get the most out of your included meals, consider these tips:

Mix Dining Venues – Don’t stick to just one option; try both the Main Dining Room and Windjammer to experience variety.
Eat at Off-Peak Times – Avoid long lines by eating at less busy times, especially at the buffet.
Check Daily Menus – Royal Caribbean publishes menus in the app and outside restaurants so you can plan your meals.
Use Casual Venues – Places like Café Promenade and Sorrento’s are perfect for snacks without taking time out of your day.
Save Specialty Dining for Special Nights – Complimentary dining is more than enough for most meals, so reserve specialty restaurants for a special celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all meals free on Royal Caribbean ships?Yes, your cruise fare covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in multiple venues. Specialty dining, however, costs extra.

2. Can I get free room service?A continental breakfast is free, but other room service orders may have a small delivery charge.

3. Are kids’ meals included?Yes, children can dine for free at all complimentary venues, and kids’ menus are available in the Main Dining Room.

4. Do I need to reserve meals in advance?Reservations are recommended for specialty dining but not required for complimentary venues.

5. Are there midnight snacks available?Yes, Café Promenade and other venues are open late, offering complimentary food around the clock.

The Value of Included Meals

Royal Caribbean’s dining program is one of the best values at sea. Unlike land vacations, where dining can quickly add up, the cruise fare bundles in almost all your meals. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines without ever reaching for their wallet, unless they choose to upgrade with specialty dining.

For families, this is especially valuable because it means kids can eat as much as they want without additional costs. For food lovers, the ability to try different restaurants, cuisines, and styles every day adds excitement to the trip.

Conclusion

So, are meals included on Royal Caribbean International ships? Absolutely. Your cruise fare includes access to the Main Dining Room, buffets, casual cafés, and snack bars—all offering unlimited meals and snacks. Complimentary beverages such as coffee, tea, water, and lemonade are also included.

While specialty restaurants, premium beverages, and some room service options come at an additional cost, most guests find that the included dining options more than satisfy their needs. By exploring the variety of complimentary venues, you’ll enjoy an endless array of flavors, styles, and experiences without spending extra.

Royal Caribbean makes sure that mealtime is never just about food—it’s about atmosphere, variety, and the joy of discovering something new every day. For cruisers, this means one less thing to worry about, allowing them to focus on making memories at sea.