Thank you for saying "not to my taste" rather than dissing the whole restaurant. Nicely done.
@wittkevin2224 ай бұрын
I think that we can all agree that Sorrento’s moves up to #1 at 2 AM after some drinks and the casino.
@DrewZaun4 ай бұрын
Maybe this video should be renamed Matt loves the food on Icon.
@debbiekeltz-wolk76914 ай бұрын
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.
@trbstang4 ай бұрын
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!
@ladymax234 ай бұрын
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-nw1fj5fv2m4 ай бұрын
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. 😅
@andrewmaiewski47434 ай бұрын
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.
@sweetlou10744 ай бұрын
Going on my first cruise on royal this week . Thank you for the tips and knowledge on your videos. Can’t wait to go !!!
@aaronolejniczak66044 ай бұрын
Have a great time Lou! We have only ever cruised through Royal Caribbean and only ever had a good experience :)
@37wall814 ай бұрын
matt is great but bias at times with certain things. youre going to have a great time, enjoy !
@tears20404 ай бұрын
@@aaronolejniczak6604 Going on a cruise with Royal and the phone app shows all of these paid restaurants, is there not food included for Free?
@AmyFrost814 ай бұрын
@@tears2040 yes, there is food that costs money on ships
@proudmoon34 ай бұрын
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!
@edobkin4 ай бұрын
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.
@intriguedviewer5014 ай бұрын
I'm on Symphony next month. You turned my frown upside down, thanks!
@edobkin4 ай бұрын
@@intriguedviewer501 I’m dead serious, too! The buns were soft and fresh and had a really nice texture. It was a surprise.
@proudmoon34 ай бұрын
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.
@ggjr614 ай бұрын
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-sz6ds4 ай бұрын
He explained his reason very well. Surprised people are surprised with his rank.
@CK-cz6ml4 ай бұрын
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
@proudmoon34 ай бұрын
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.
@DogDayz0fSummer4 ай бұрын
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.
@kurtkoenig10444 ай бұрын
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-sz6ds4 ай бұрын
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.
@iloveowls904 ай бұрын
@@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
@jacquelinestewart55503 ай бұрын
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.
@christinedelrossi28194 ай бұрын
I can't wait to try the Aqua Dome market! I had a feeling that's what you would pick as your #1.
@user-nr8xr7lg4j4 ай бұрын
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.
@keyman66894 ай бұрын
MDR breakfast... I love, love, love the French toast! I can eat that every morning.
@proudmoon34 ай бұрын
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!
@309gti84 ай бұрын
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.
@rllapte4 ай бұрын
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.
@DogDayz0fSummer4 ай бұрын
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.
@rllapte4 ай бұрын
@@DogDayz0fSummer 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.
@derrik53292 ай бұрын
I just sailed on Navigator of the Seas and thought El Loco Fresh was just ok. The quesadillas were always a hit but the premade burritos were mid and the beans were lacking. I just booked a trip on quantum next and am excited for the larger variety of food choices and really hoping that dog house is better than this video made it seem. Some comments are giving me hope.
@marybronzich9733Ай бұрын
I sailed on Liberty of the Seas back in 2019 and loved every minute of it. We are planning another cruise in 2026 in Alaska and will sail with RC. I agree that the main Dining Room has plentiful and delicious options. My roommate preferred Cafe Promenade for the simple fact that they offered sugar free cookies. My question is, with all the restaurants and high quality foods and catering to gluten free eaters, why do they not offer more for diabetics? The only dessert options my roommate had were ice cream in the MDR or the cookies.
@maytemcconnell89574 ай бұрын
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 🛳️❤️🍹
@macmcclellan46954 ай бұрын
In my experience Solarium Bistro just has a smaller subset of Windjammer foods. I've always been underwhelmed.
@toddtesta52284 ай бұрын
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!
@kvom014 ай бұрын
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.
@btab53324 ай бұрын
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
@KK-FL4 ай бұрын
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)
@christineshin70354 ай бұрын
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!
@Angledevoid3 ай бұрын
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.
@joegadget6704 ай бұрын
Coastal Kitchen is way better than the MDR. The personalized service is similar to what a Disney cruise provides.
@anadominguez44224 ай бұрын
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!
@keyman66894 ай бұрын
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!
@Anna-fb5zf3 ай бұрын
The fries at the surf side bite were the best!
@rachellenale4 ай бұрын
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.
@marksorvala81334 ай бұрын
We found that the Coastal Kitchen was what the MDR use to be a few years ago.
@rigobertobautistaperez32454 ай бұрын
Merecidas vacaciones de Royal Carribean crucero 🚢 de excelencia presente
@bigguy14034 ай бұрын
Thanks Matt you are awesome bro...
@kappatvating4 ай бұрын
Very true assessment of dog house
@Sowerskf01Ай бұрын
LOL Solarium BEASTro.... spelled this way in the chapters on the timeline.
@msreesegirl40634 ай бұрын
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!
@ashleynicholegibbs4 ай бұрын
The buns were perfect on Anthem of the Seas. Hot dogs became our go to quick lunch.
@proudmoon34 ай бұрын
We had no issue with the buns at the Dog House on Wonder OTS when we went in February.
@Jim-Halp12344 ай бұрын
Gotta do a best add on restaurant list now. Great video
@kristengabbard53514 ай бұрын
Top 5. 1a.sprinkles 1b.MDR 2.El Loco Fresh 3. Sorrento’s. 4.windjammer 5.park cafe
@user-vm8zk4lc1t4 ай бұрын
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.
@sf34134 ай бұрын
Is solarium bistro open for lunch on embarkation day? Thanks team RCB!!!! Ya'll are the best!
@RoyalCaribbeanBlog4 ай бұрын
I don't think so, but you can always refer to a past Cruise Compass to get an idea www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass
@MaxrunnMutt4 ай бұрын
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.
@LMMorrris20204 ай бұрын
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
@aggieguy934 ай бұрын
it's your list, and technically free, but the suite only options have a cost of booking a suite.....
@RoyalCaribbeanBlog4 ай бұрын
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
@aggieguy934 ай бұрын
@@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
@jacquelinestewart55503 ай бұрын
Hotdog at Dog house are cold
@ashleynicholegibbs4 ай бұрын
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.
@RoyalCaribbeanBlog4 ай бұрын
..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.
@connie_3604 ай бұрын
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!
@IAmMiami4 ай бұрын
+1 for Aquadome Market Surfside Eatery is the sleeper hit of Icon of the Seas. Wonder Woman Lasagna Cubes? Beat that!
@so4reelz4 ай бұрын
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.
@mercyrodriguez57804 ай бұрын
On Icon, we enjoyed all the new venues!
@rick4wade2 ай бұрын
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.
@andyl99204 ай бұрын
Cafe promenade items are identical to the Windjammer.
@owasso87754 ай бұрын
Hungry now, lol.
@jimward78814 ай бұрын
Until 2 years ago you could get a freshly made to order antipasto at Sorrento’s
@ToddHandell4 ай бұрын
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.
@teresa9784 ай бұрын
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.
@RoyalCaribbeanBlog4 ай бұрын
There's so many ways we could improve the Dog House
@zuffy87784 ай бұрын
Didn't know about solarium bistro. Never had free time to roam there since my kids was always with me.
@joannatassin32384 ай бұрын
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.
@zuffy87784 ай бұрын
@@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.
@joannatassin32384 ай бұрын
Aquadome market was a hit among nearly every KZfaq 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.
@gingercassidy36294 ай бұрын
When can you reserve entertainment for a cruise?
@kathytorrington91644 ай бұрын
Any tips for vegan dining on Rhapsody of the Seas?
@Nrustica4 ай бұрын
what is the menu at fish and ships, do they have lobster roll?
@christymurphy65714 ай бұрын
I love RCL's included food. I'm a picky eater & I always find something to eat.
@Tony_Z__4 ай бұрын
I would actually put Fish and Ships more towards the middle, otherwise generally agreed with the list
@SinisterMD4 ай бұрын
Is the Grove available for Jr. suite guests?
@nathanharper78514 ай бұрын
Sorrento is definitely last on the list for me.
@band35134 ай бұрын
El Loco Fresh no. 1.
@DJsBeautique4 ай бұрын
Agreed!
@dawnlarch15164 ай бұрын
I'm from Branford, Connecticut. Sally's has the best pizza 🍕😋
@RoyalCaribbeanBlog4 ай бұрын
You know what's up!
@jduke9893 ай бұрын
wonderland should have made it to the end of the video
@jbob15484 ай бұрын
Wait.....kids can eat in the solarium bistro? Seems weird. Seems like the only reason for it to exist, it IS in the solarium.
@funcatvideos37324 ай бұрын
Yes, kids can eat at Solarium Bistro. My 11 year old loves it!
@ashleynicholegibbs4 ай бұрын
Unfortunately. Should be adults only like the rest of the solarium.
@jbob15484 ай бұрын
@@ashleynicholegibbsTotally agree, why else would it be in the solarium????
@proudmoon34 ай бұрын
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).
@chiaking27874 ай бұрын
Ughhhh! Sorrento’s should be higher in the list. El Loco Fresh much lower
@MarcelHarding2 ай бұрын
up next
@billybob70884 ай бұрын
Kiddie pool hot tubs....ahhhhhhhh
@dymonicreed75214 ай бұрын
Can I use a Starbucks gift card at the Starbucks kiosk on the ship?
@eileencohen64614 ай бұрын
Yes you can and enjoy your cruise!
@khronick35964 ай бұрын
Call me classy but in my opinion the #1 free restaurant is the magnificent Windjammer. WASHYYY WASHYYYYY!!!!!!!
@Controversy1014 ай бұрын
I hope crepes are back on harmony. They stopped during Covid
@Sawyersaviation4 ай бұрын
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?
@proudmoon34 ай бұрын
I know that Wonder Of The Seas has some standard rooms that sleep five.
@Sawyersaviation4 ай бұрын
@@proudmoon3 Really? When we tried to book it only allowed four.
@robertsmith90804 ай бұрын
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.Wright4 ай бұрын
Not toasting the bagels on eggs benedict is disappointing
@markgum26364 ай бұрын
Why dont they have cream at the coffee shop? Inexcusable.
@car_tar38824 ай бұрын
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
@sl41934 ай бұрын
That sounds really unpleasant.
@car_tar38824 ай бұрын
@@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.
@jbob15484 ай бұрын
Lunch?
@car_tar38824 ай бұрын
@@jbob1548 dinner
@3dcreations994 ай бұрын
So true, dog house needs different buns... They ruin it.
@GentlemanMcmike4 ай бұрын
Gluten free options are rarely mentioned.
@jimward78814 ай бұрын
The hot dog rolls are more like a sandwich or sub roll. Too bread too big for the dog and chewy
@LennyinFlorida4 ай бұрын
Fish > Dogs
@37wall814 ай бұрын
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
@GerardPinzone4 ай бұрын
Dog House: ...and no BROWN mustard.
@RoyalCaribbeanBlog4 ай бұрын
Amen!
@cynthiahowe4 ай бұрын
Sorrento's pizza tastes like cardboard.
@Brittanyb05094 ай бұрын
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.
@JSTRonline22 ай бұрын
"Ranking EVERY SINGLE Free Restaurant on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (2024)"...as long as you're on Icon of the Seas...
@ItsCarlnotCarla4 ай бұрын
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
@AllisonJaffeID4 ай бұрын
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
@StevenWangler4 ай бұрын
This is just not true at all
@milesw87564 ай бұрын
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.
@nickstark84794 ай бұрын
Interesting. Not my experience at all.
@Justjakelive4 ай бұрын
Not my experience either went on Harmony in Feb 2024 food quality was good 👍🏼
@Jim-Halp12344 ай бұрын
Couldn't disagree more
@ricklatouch22634 ай бұрын
Disappointing to see bathing suits/bare chests/hanging bellies at the El Loco buffet. Hardly appetizing. Is barefoot ok too? Ugh.
@itzrowz4 ай бұрын
@kristengabbard53514 ай бұрын
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. ❤️✌🏻🤟🛳️🎯