Category: Dining

Dining Royal Caribbean Ships

A Guide to Complimentary Dining Aboard Icon of the Seas

Food lovers, rejoice! Icon of the Seas is more than just a cruise ship—it’s a floating paradise for anyone who loves good food. From hearty meals with the family to quick bites between adventures, the complimentary dining options on board cater to every palate. Here’s your go-to guide on where to satisfy your cravings while exploring this incredible ship.

Main Dining Room (Decks 3, 4 & 5) 

The Main Dining Room is the heart of Icon of the Seas’ dining experience. Spread across three stunning levels, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant setting. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a three-course dinner to wind it down, the menu offers something for everyone, with options that change daily. Ideal for families and couples looking to enjoy a classic cruise dining experience.

Sorrento’s (Deck 5 – Royal Promenade) 

Who doesn’t love pizza? Located on the Royal Promenade, Sorrento’s serves fresh, hot slices of pizza until 3 a.m. every night. It’s the perfect spot for a late-night snack or a quick bite between activities. Families with kids (or hungry adults) will especially appreciate the no-frills deliciousness of this spot.

Pearl Café (Deck 6) 

Hungry at 2 a.m.? No problem. Open 24/7, Pearl Café is a one-stop spot for warm pressed sandwiches, grab-and-go snacks, and delicious desserts. Its convenient location behind the Pearl makes it a great choice for travelers on the move or anyone craving a midnight treat.

Surfside Eatery (Deck 7 – Surfside Neighborhood) 

For those traveling with kids (or just feeling young at heart), Surfside Eatery delivers a buffet of kid-friendly favorites that adults will love too. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s perfect for families looking to relax while enjoying an easy, tasty meal.

Surfside Bites (Deck 7 – Surfside Neighborhood) 

If you’re in a hurry, Surfside Bites has you covered. This grab-and-go spot offers snacks like hot dogs, fries, and more. Quick, satisfying, and ideal when you’re juggling pool time or other activities with little ones.

Sprinkles Soft Serve (Decks 7 and 15) 

Soft serve anytime, anywhere. Sprinkles has two convenient locations—one in Surfside and another in the Pool Neighborhood on Deck 15. With chocolate, vanilla, and twist cones, it’s a fun stop for kids and adults alike.

Park Café (Deck 8 – Central Park) 

Hidden in the lush greenery of Central Park, Park Café is a charming escape offering light options for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. From fresh salads to sandwiches, its variety makes it a perfect choice for a relaxing meal with gorgeous surroundings.

Vitality Café (Deck 6 – Spa & Fitness Area) 

If you’re all about health and wellness, stop by the Vitality Café. While specialty drinks come at an additional cost, the café offers complimentary granola bars and other small bites to keep you energized without overindulging.

Aquadome Market (Deck 15 – Aquadome) 

Step inside the stunning Aquadome and explore a food hall-style dining experience with five unique stalls to choose from:

  • Crème De La Crepe serves mouthwatering sweet crepes made to order.
  • GNGR offers bold and delicious Asian-inspired dishes.
  • Mac’s features a variety of decadent mac & cheese creations.
  • Feta provides Mediterranean fare like hummus, wraps, and fresh veggies.
  • Toast & Garden has sandwiches, salads, and fresh, healthy options. 

This diverse lineup ensures there’s something for everyone.

El Loco Fresh (Deck 15 – Pool Deck) 

Your go-to spot for quick and tasty Mexican cuisine! El Loco Fresh serves dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, complete with a self-serve toppings station to customize your creation. It’s fast, flavorful, and fantastic after a swim.

Windjammer (Deck 15 – Pool Deck) 

No cruise dining guide is complete without mentioning Windjammer. This all-day buffet serves up a rotating menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Highlights include a made-to-order pasta, omelet, or ramen bar, a vibrant salad station, and a variety of international dishes. For families, Windjammer offers the ultimate convenience and variety.

Basecamp (Deck 16) 

Basecamp is now fully complimentary, making it a fan favorite! Relax in its spacious seating area and enjoy quick-serve comfort foods like Smash burgers, pretzel bites, and crispy chicken fingers. It’s the ideal spot to fuel up before heading out for adventure.

Room Service- Continental Breakfast

While there is a small charge for general room service, if you are just doing the continental breakfast (cereal, pastries, coffee, fruit, and more), it is complimentary. You can easily order by calling or leaving the filled out menu hanger on your door the night before. We love doing this on sea days and enjoying a relaxed breakfast on our balcony. We do recommend tipping the attendant who brings your food.


Savor Every Bite

From traditional sit-down meals to quick snacks and ice cream on the go, dining aboard Icon of the Seas is an experience in itself. Whether you’re traveling as a family or enjoying some “me time,” there’s something delicious waiting for you around every corner.

Stay tuned to thecrusingcompass.com for information, news, tips, and tricks on all things cruising and join in the conversation in The Cruising Compass Facebook group.

AquaDome Market - Star of the Seas
Dining News & Updates Royal Caribbean

AquaDome Market Changes on Star of the Seas

If you’ve sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, chances are you’ve made a beeline for AquaDome Market – a standout spot for inclusive dining with an impressive array of global flavors. After all, we’ve been onboard Icon twice now, and AquaDome Market has quickly become one of our favorite places to grab a bite. That’s why we were a bit apprehensive when we first heard that Royal Caribbean was making changes to this popular venue for the upcoming Star of the Seas. But now that we’ve taken a closer look, we’re happy to report that the updates sound like a serious upgrade.

AquaDome Market on Star of the Seas will continue to offer its signature food hall experience, but with a few fresh additions. The market will now feature:

  • Pig Out BBQ: Savor smoky pulled pork and tender beef brisket, bringing Southern-style comfort to the high seas.
  • Mai Thai: Spice things up with regional favorites like pad thai and beef panang, a perfect option for those craving vibrant Asian flavors.
  • La Cocinita: A South American-inspired stand serving up hot, flaky empanadas, arepas, and other delicious staples.
  • Crème de la Crepe: Indulge in sweet and savory French delights, from classic crepes to delightful surprises.
  • Feta Mediterranean: A returning favorite where you can mix up fresh pitas, bowls, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

These new options replace a few of the previous offerings, including GNGR, Mac’s Mac & Cheese, and Toast and Garden. And honestly, we’re not too sad to see them go. While they were solid options, they felt a bit less adventurous and were dishes you could often find elsewhere onboard – especially at Windjammer Marketplace.

We’re particularly relieved to see that Feta Mediterranean has made the cut. Amy might’ve been ready to raise a pitchfork if they had dared to take it away! With these new food stands, AquaDome Market seems poised to become an even better go-to spot for a quick and satisfying bite onboard Star of the Seas.

We’re set to experience Star of the Seas this August, and we can’t wait to dive into these new flavors for ourselves. What do you think of these changes? Are you excited to try the new options? Let us know in the comments!