As the newest ship in the Icon Class, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas shines brightly in the cruise brand’s fleet. With over 40 restaurants and bars on board, there is a perfect spot for a family dinner, a little nosh or the ultimate date night. Even with seven days onboard, it can be hard to hit them all. After tackling that momentous food and beverage task, my favorite places to eat can help you navigate all the options for the most flavorful culinary adventure at sea.
Writer’s Disclosure: I traveled on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas as part of a media preview trip.
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Star of the Seas Dining Options Celebrate Every Flavor, Whim and Fantasy
- Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse, sushi, Italian and more.
- Grab-and-go options are plentiful and offer various cuisines
- Always check the Royal Caribbean app for updates
While the seasoned cruise vacationer might appreciate the ability to graze all day long, new guests to the cruise experience might feel overwhelmed by the vast and varied options on the table. Having traveled on many Royal Caribbean ships over the years, the culinary team excels at giving multi-generational guests what they crave: variety.
From the Windjammer’s bountiful buffet to grabbing a late-night slice of pizza at Sorrento’s, I always say yes to satisfying every craving during my vacation. Plus, with all the extra steps taken to navigate the huge ship, I’m always able to say yes to that extra treat.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sought-after dinner reservations early in the cruise planning stage, especially if a particular dining time is preferred.
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Chops Is Always the Best Place for Date Night
- Food: Protein-focused with prime cuts of meat
- Vibe: Intimate but not stuffy, perfect for date night.
Chops is a Royal Caribbean staple. My husband salivates over the signature cuts. From that gigantic tomahawk to a simple filet, the chefs execute every dish perfectly.
I like Chops for date night because it feels intimate, yet it is not stuffy. Additionally, the menu works well for sharing. We each get our preferred steak entrée, and the sides are just the right size to sample all the options. It captures what is best about a signature steakhouse.
SheBuysTravel Tip: For early diners, consider having a post-dinner cocktail at Lou’s Jazz ‘N Blues in Central Park after the meal. If the dinner reservation is later, grab a glass of sparkling wine at Bubbles before dinner.
Izumi’s Hibachi Is the Best Place for Conversation
- Food: Traditional Hibachi options or sushi
- Vibe: Energetic and lively participation.
Another Royal Caribbean classic is Izumi. Sitting at the hibachi side of the restaurant is the perfect spot to converse with other guests. While I might still struggle to eat fried rice with chopsticks, the meal is always delicious and entertaining. Plus, dining with other guests can keep the conversation spirited throughout the experience.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you just want a quick sushi bite, Izumi in the Park’s to-go window is perfect. I grab a small roll, seaweed salad and then grab a cocktail from the Terrace Bar.
Lincoln Park Supper Club Is a Sophisticated Culinary Splurge
- Food: Sophisticated tasting menu with cocktail pairings
- Vibe: Elevated supper club
The most coveted, elusive dining reservations on Star of the Seas is Lincoln Park Supper Club. The Chicago jazz club, multi-course, cocktail-paired dinner is definitely a splurge. While the intimate space is the most unique of all the ship’s dining options, it is not for everyone.
My husband and I are culinary adventurers, and the menu’s unique food and beverage pairings captivate our culinary interest. For people who never venture away from plain, simple or comfort foods, this restaurant is not for them.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you don’t get a reservation to Lincoln Park Supper Club, do not fret. Look at the Main Dining menu and come up with a creative multi-course dinner and beverage pairing on your own. It might not be set to music, but it can be just as satisfying.
Pier 7 Is a Hidden Gem Guests Overlook
- Food: California cuisine
- Vibe: Laid back
Families with younger children love the Surfside neighborhood, but Pier 7 is not just for families with little ones. This restaurant is a great spot to get some California coastal cuisine. This specialty restaurant is the hidden gem that I probably should not share. From burgers to fish, it is an easy, flavorful dinner that is perfect after a long port day.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Look at the restaurants’ menus, not the locations, to narrow down dining options. The flavorful food is the most important part of the dining experience.
AquaDome Market Is the Perfect Spot for Indecisive Diners
- Food: Grab and go, food hall space with global cuisine
- Vibe: Laid back
Food markets or halls have become popular on cruise ships. This new quick service option gives guests more flavorful choices and celebrates food trends.
On Star of the Seas, the AquaDome Market includes five options: Crème de la Crepe, Feta Mediterranean, La Cocinita, Mai Thai and Pig Out BBQ. The Mai Thai is the best of the bunch for a quick lunch. The curry flavors are bold and authentic. For the person who loves a spicy meal after a late night out, Mai Thai needs to be on the agenda.
SheBuysTravel Tip: A wonderful snack or dessert is pairing the salted caramel crepe with a cocktail from Rye and Bean.
Main Dining Room is the Epitome of Classic Cruise Dining
- Food: Varies, continental cuisine
- Vibe: Sophisticated, formal
Main Dining Room dinners are a cruise staple. While my husband has never opted for formal attire, we do enjoy a classic, sophisticated multi-course dinner. Royal Caribbean tends to have a theme on various nights, and certain menu items are always available.
Given that these dinners are included, it is a great way to enjoy a refined meal without the extra cost. On every trip, I order escargot because it is something that I cannot get back at home.
SheBuysTravel Tip: On sea days, the Main Dining room may offer brunch. From chicken and waffles to a hearty burger, it is a nice option to break up the day.
Basecamp Combined with El Loco Fresh Is the Best Snack Hack on Board
- Food: Snacks
- Vibe: Casual
Snacks are always a favorite part of the Royal Caribbean vacation experience. While some people opt for endless soft serve ice cream, I prefer some salty and savory bites.
More guests are opting for this fun food hack. Although the cheese curds are no longer available, Basecamp has some tasty tots. Grab a basket and head down to El Loco Fresh’s salsa bar to make your own tot-chos. Top those tots with salsa, guacamole, cheese or any of the other toppings. Hopefully, this hack never goes away.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Tot-chos and the spicy pineapple margarita from El Loco Fresh are my favorite sunny day snacks. It is simple, flavorful and everything that I want on vacation.
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