What's Included in Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Fare

Royal Caribbean includes most meals and snacks in your base cruise fare. When you book a cabin, your ticket covers dining at the main dining room (called the "dining room" or "main restaurant" depending on the ship), the buffet, the poolside grill, and the coffee bar. You also get access to most bars and lounges, though alcoholic drinks cost extra unless you purchase a beverage package.

The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a set schedule — typically dinner is at 5:45 p.m. or 8:15 p.m., depending on which seating you choose when you book. The buffet (called the "Windjammer Marketplace" on most ships) is open during the same meal periods and offers a wider selection if you prefer to choose your own food rather than order from a menu. The poolside grill serves burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches during the day at no extra charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Your cruise fare includes meals at the main dining room, buffet, and poolside grill, plus coffee and basic non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
  • Specialty restaurants on the ship charge an additional fee per person, typically $15 to $35 per meal depending on the restaurant.
  • Room service breakfast is free, but other room service items and late-night snacks from the room menu cost extra.
  • Alcoholic drinks, bottled water, and premium coffee drinks are not included and are charged to your onboard account unless you buy a beverage package.
  • Kids' menus and dietary accommodations (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) are available at no extra charge in included dining venues.

Specialty Restaurants and Extra-Cost Dining

Beyond the included venues, Royal Caribbean operates specialty restaurants on each ship that charge an additional fee. These are separate from the main dining room and offer different cuisines — steakhouse, Italian, Asian fusion, or seafood, depending on the ship. The per-person charge typically ranges from $15 to $35 per meal, and you must reserve in advance. Some ships have more specialty restaurants than others, so check your specific ship's dining plan when you book.

You can also order from the room service menu in your cabin, though most items cost extra. The exception is the complimentary breakfast room service menu, which is free and available during set hours. Late-night snacks, sandwiches, and other items ordered to your room are charged to your onboard account.

Beverages and Drink Packages

Water, coffee (basic drip coffee, not specialty drinks), tea, and most non-alcoholic beverages are included in your fare. However, bottled water, premium coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos), fresh-squeezed juices, and smoothies are not included and cost extra if ordered individually.

Alcoholic beverages — beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails — are not included in your base fare. You can buy drinks one at a time, or you can purchase a beverage package before your cruise that covers most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the duration of your trip. Beverage packages vary in price and coverage, so compare options when you book your cruise.

Dietary Restrictions and Special Requests

Royal Caribbean accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals at no extra charge in all included dining venues. When you book your cruise, you can note dietary restrictions in your reservation, and the ship's kitchen will prepare appropriate meals for you at the main dining room and buffet.

If you have a severe allergy or uncommon dietary need, contact Royal Caribbean's dietary department before your cruise to discuss your specific requirements. They can coordinate with the ship's galley to may support safe food preparation and appropriate options throughout your voyage.

What to Expect at Each Dining Venue

The main dining room is the formal restaurant where you sit at an assigned table and order from a menu. Dinner dress codes vary by night — casual, smart casual, or formal depending on the itinerary. Breakfast and lunch are typically more casual. You eat at the same table each night with the same server, which many cruisers prefer for the social experience.

The buffet (Windjammer Marketplace) offers a self-service spread of hot and cold dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages. It is open during meal times and is less formal than the dining room. You can eat whenever you arrive during the buffet's open hours and sit wherever you like.

The poolside grill serves casual lunch items like burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and sandwiches. It is open during the day and requires no reservation. The coffee bar offers basic coffee and tea at no charge, though specialty drinks cost extra.

Ordering and Reservations

For the main dining room, you choose your seating time (early or late dinner) when you book your cruise, and your reservation is held for you each night. You do not need to make a new reservation each day — you straightforward show up at your assigned time.

For specialty restaurants, you must reserve in advance, either when you book your cruise online or once you are onboard. Reservations fill up quickly on popular ships, especially for dinner, so book early if you plan to dine at a specialty venue. The buffet and poolside grill do not require reservations — you straightforward walk in during operating hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do kids eat free on Royal Caribbean cruises?

Children's meals are included in your cruise fare at the main dining room, buffet, and poolside grill, just like adult meals. Kids' menus are available with age-appropriate portions and familiar foods. Specialty restaurants charge the same per-person fee for children as for adults.

Can I eat at the specialty restaurants without paying extra?

No, specialty restaurants charge an additional fee per person per meal. However, you can dine at the main dining room, buffet, and poolside grill at no extra cost. If you want to try a specialty restaurant, budget $15 to $35 per person for that meal.

What if I don't like the main dining room menu?

You can eat at the buffet instead, which offers a wider selection and no set menu. You can also eat at the poolside grill during the day. If you want a different cuisine, specialty restaurants are available for an additional fee. Most ships also have casual cafés and grab-and-go options throughout the day.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options?

Yes, Royal Caribbean provides vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary accommodations at no extra charge in all included dining venues. Notify Royal Caribbean of your dietary needs when you book so the kitchen can prepare appropriate meals for you throughout your cruise.

Can I bring my own food onto the ship?

Royal Caribbean allows you to bring non-perishable items like snacks, candy, and sealed beverages into your cabin. However, outside food is not permitted in dining venues or public areas. Most cruisers find the included meals and snacks sufficient, and specialty restaurants are available if you want additional dining options.