A Comprehensive Guide to Dining and Drinks on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Unpacking the culinary wonders and drink experiences aboard Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas—your ultimate cruise ship food and beverage guide.
Dining and Drinks on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, delivers a dynamic and diverse culinary and beverage program. With over 20 dining venues and just as many bars, guests are never short of options, whether they’re seeking casual bites, world-class specialty dining, or creative cocktails. This guide unpacks everything travelers need to know about dining and drinks onboard, from included restaurants to luxe experiences worth splurging on, plus expert tips for making the most of your cruise getaway.
Inside Star of the Seas: The Ultimate Floating City
Spanning 1,196 feet in length and rising 219 feet above sea level, Star of the Seas is a floating metropolis, home to nearly 3,000 staterooms accommodating up to 5,610 guests at double occupancy, and serviced by 2,350 international crew members. Beyond its vast amenities—like the Category 6 water park and Royal Bay, a record-setting 40,000-gallon pool—dining is central to the onboard experience, with culinary options laid out across distinct neighborhoods, lively promenades, and tucked-away speakeasies.
Dining: What’s Included vs. What’s Extra?
Star of the Seas offers both complimentary dining venues (included with your fare) and specialty options that incur an upcharge. Understanding where each fits is key to planning your onboard meals and budgeting for extra-special treats.
Complimentary Dining Venues
- Aquadome Market: A modern food hall serving global favorites in a convenient, casual setting. Upgraded from earlier ships, it includes grab-and-go options like fruit cups and sandwiches.
- Basecamp: On Deck 16 in Thrill Island; newly streamlined to offer only complimentary kid-friendly bites (like smash burgers, tater tots, and chicken tenders), a highlight for families.
- Windjammer Marketplace: The classic cruise buffet. On embarkation day, it’s a go-to for seafood, charcuterie, Indian dishes (paneer tikka masala), cheeses, beet salad, and more.
- Sorrento’s Pizza: Known for always-hot slices, from classic cheese to rotating specialties.
- El Loco Fresh: Tex-Mex spot serving fresh tacos, burritos, and nachos.
- Park Cafe: A favorite for crisp salads and handheld options.
- The Grove: Buffet-style venue exclusively for suite guests on the sun deck.
- Surfside Bites/Eatery: Located in the outdoor Surfside neighborhood, ideal for families and quick bites.
- Pearl Cafe: A grab-and-go café, serving deli sandwiches, fresh fruit cups, and pastries.
- Main Dining Room: Full-service classic cruise dinner, available nightly.
- Coastal Kitchen: Suites-only, akin to a private main dining room.
- Sprinkles: Self-serve frozen yogurt and soft serve.
Specialty Dining Venues & Extras
- Izumi: Renowned for sushi and teppanyaki—sushi rolls, sashimi, and fun hibachi grill theatrics. A crowd-pleaser, worth the extra fee.
- Lincoln Park Supper Club: The must-try, reservations-required experience. Each night, its 42 seats transform into a three-hour multi-course dinner with live music, cocktails, unlimited champagne, Wagyu prime rib, crab ravioli, peanut butter brownies, and house-made chocolates. Starts at $200 per guest.
- Specialty Venues: A selection of venues offering à la carte or fixed-price menus (including Johnny Rockets and various fine-dining concepts). Packages are available for discounted multi-meal experiences.
- Starbucks: Licensed on board, serving the full standard menu (not included in drink packages).
Drink Packages and Bar Highlights
- Classic Soda Package: $12–$18/day; covers only soft drinks.
- Royal Refreshment Package: $29–$42/day; adds premium coffees, fresh juice, bottled water, mocktails, Johnny Rockets milkshakes.
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $63–$120/day; includes cocktails, beer, wine, premium coffee, sodas.
Nearly all bars and specialty coffees are extra (unless included in your beverage package). Pricing varies by sail date and venue; some bars offer signature cocktails not found elsewhere.
Bubbles Champagne Bar
- Located in Central Park, this elegant champagne bar pours sparkles of all kinds.
- Signature Cocktail: Garden Breeze (Bacardi rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, mint, Domaine Chandon) is the only cocktail on the Bubbles menu.
Other Must-Try Bars
- 1400 Lobby Bar: An elegant, round bar with special drink menus; try the bubble drink.
- Thorn and Thistle Pub: Vibrant English pub with afternoon and late-night live music.
Where to Find Late-Night Snacks
- Aquadome Market and Pearl Cafe both offer snacks late into the night.
- Surfside Eatery is ideal for families staying in the Surfside neighborhood.
Embarkation Day: Start Your Food Adventure
Most cruisers begin their culinary exploration at the Windjammer Marketplace—a staple buffet brimming with options for all tastes. Seafood, international dishes, salads, and comforting classics are all laid out in a lively, welcoming space. Even on busy embarkation days, the venue is designed to handle crowds efficiently, ensuring you never feel rushed or crowded while you enjoy your first meal at sea.
An Evening of Indulgence: Lincoln Park Supper Club
If there’s one specialty dining experience worth booking ahead, it’s the Lincoln Park Supper Club. Its 42 seats fill for a nightly three-hour show-with-dinner, pairing multicourse menus (think Wagyu prime rib and crab ravioli) with flowing champagne, cocktails, live music, and a performance-driven ambiance. Desserts are a highlight, from peanut butter brownies to innovative takes on grasshopper pie. At $200 per person, it’s a splurge, but delivers on luxury and exclusivity.
Suite Life Dining: Coastal Kitchen & The Grove
- Coastal Kitchen: A private restaurant exclusive to suite guests, serving refined takes on classic dishes in an intimate setting.
- The Grove: A sun deck buffet available only to suite guests, perfect for breakfast and lunch with panoramic views.
Family Favorites & Kid-Friendly Eats
- Basecamp: Newly streamlined to be 100% complimentary. The smash burger is highly recommended, and tater tots and tenders are perfect for young cruisers.
- Surfside Eatery: Located in the lively Surfside neighborhood, this is a go-to for kids and parents alike.
- Sprinkles: Always a crowd-pleaser with free soft serve frozen yogurt.
Specialty Snacks and Grab & Go
- Pearl Cafe: Features convenient fresh fruit cups, sandwiches, and pastry selections for busy travelers.
- Grab-and-go items are available at Aquadome Market and several other venues for cruisers on the move.
The Best Pizza at Sea: Sorrento’s
Sorrento’s has built its reputation on reliably fresh, hot pizza, with rotating specialty toppings. Perfect for a quick lunch between activities or a late-night snack.
Iconic Specialty Dining: Izumi
Izumi stands out for fresh sushi, sashimi, and a lively hibachi experience. Options include sampler platters, cooked dishes, and shareable appetizers. A perennial favorite among cruise regulars.
Comparing Dining and Drink Packages
| Package | Price per day | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Soda | $12–$18 | Soft drinks only |
| Royal Refreshment | $29–$42 | Sodas, premium coffee, fresh juice, bottled water, mocktails, milkshakes |
| Deluxe Beverage | $63–$120 | All of the above + cocktails, beer, wine |
Pricing fluctuates based on sail date, itinerary, and promotional offers. Specialty coffees (like Starbucks) are generally not included, except at Pearl Cafe for package holders.
Neighborhoods and Unique Venues
- Central Park: Home to Bubbles champagne bar and several fine dining options.
- Royal Promenade: The hub for shopping, bars, live music venues, and casual eateries.
- Surfside: Dedicated to families, with casual dining and play spaces.
Signature Drinks Not to Miss
- Garden Breeze Cocktail at Bubbles: Bacardi rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, mint, Domaine Chandon.
- Bubble Drink at 1400 Lobby Bar: A photogenic crowd favorite.
Live Entertainment and Lounge Atmosphere
- Thorn and Thistle Pub: English pub ambiance, craft beers, live music.
- Music Hall: Home to cover bands and energetic performances.
- Lincoln Park Supper Club: Combines dinner with entertainment for a memorable evening.
Tips for Maximizing Your Dining Experience
- Reserve specialty restaurants well in advance, especially Lincoln Park Supper Club and Izumi.
- Consider drink and dining packages if you plan to sample multiple venues for cost savings.
- Explore complimentary venues for breakfast and lunch to spend strategically on luxury dinners.
- Sample grab-and-go items for quick snacks in between activities.
- Suite guests should take advantage of exclusive venues for quieter, high-quality dining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all restaurants aboard Star of the Seas included in my cruise fare?
A: No. Many venues are complimentary, but specialty restaurants, Starbucks, and some bars require extra payment, either à la carte or via packages.
Q: What’s the difference between the drink packages?
A: The Classic Soda Package covers sodas only. Royal Refreshment adds non-alcoholic specialties (coffee, juice, milkshakes). Deluxe Beverage includes all of the above plus alcoholic drinks like cocktails, beer, and wine.
Q: Can specialty dining reservations sell out?
A: Yes, especially for in-demand venues like Lincoln Park Supper Club and Izumi. Reservations are recommended pre-cruise if possible.
Q: Is there good food for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
A: Yes. Buffet venues and many complimentary restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Staff are trained to accommodate dietary needs.
Q: Is entertainment included with dining?
A: At venues like Lincoln Park Supper Club and Thorn and Thistle Pub, entertainment is part of the experience. In most complimentary venues, live music and shows are offered separately throughout the ship.
Final Thoughts: Cruising as a Food Journey
Star of the Seas delivers an unparalleled variety of dining and beverage experiences—from crowd-pleasing free pizza to unforgettable high-end dinners. Travelers can sample international cuisine, relax with bespoke cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment, all while sailing the high seas. Whether you stick to complimentary choices or splurge on luxury meals, the ship offers flavors and memories for everyone.
