Photo by Jill Weinlein
Cruise travel is experiencing a resurgence with travelers booking trips for 2023 and 2024. According to AAA, 52% of US adults are likely to consider a cruise vacation in 2023. That’s up from 45% more than a year ago
One of the many benefits of cruising is experiencing so many different dining options on board. Royal Caribbean International is known for its culinary venues that please the palate and the new Icon of the Seas will offer more than 20 new options when January 2024 rolls around.
The new Empire Supper Club offers elevated taste with a New York vibe. Guests listen to the music of a three-piece band, while indulging in premium American delights. The eight-course gourmet menu includes caviar, wagyu and sparkling drinks paired with each course.
According to Linken D’Souza, Vice President of Food and Beverage, Royal Caribbean International, “The experiences lived with great food are at the heart of so many shared memories that we could all use more of in our day-to-day lives. We designed Icon of the Seas to offer all guests, no matter their tastes, age, mood or occasion, a variety of ways to make those moments easy every day on vacation,” said D’Souzal. “Whether vacationers want to stick with their favorites, like the kids and their chicken tenders, or mix it up every night and try new flavors, more than 20 experiences in Icon’s eight neighborhoods make it possible, without compromise , more than ever”.
Representation of the Royal Caribbean International celebration table
Another elevated passenger treat is the Celebration Table, a private 12-seat VIP experience. Guests can choose from American, Italian, Asian and seafood menu options, plus upgrades and wine pairings while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
Other ocean-view restaurants include the all-day Windjammer buffet, which offers an extensive menu of culinary delights from around the world, plus a special section just for young passengers. The main dining rooms offer three-course menus that change daily with window tables overlooking the sea.
Each of the 8 neighborhoods has a place to have a bite and a drink. The new AquaDome Market is Royal Caribbean’s first Food Hall with five different stalls. Guests can enjoy sweet and savory crepes at Creme de la Crepe, and comforting macaroni and cheese with flavorful ingredients at Mac’s. Those looking for fresh sandwiches and pita bowls will want to check out Feta Mediterranean. Asian-inspired delights can be found at GNGR featuring Korean beef and broccoli.
Giovanni’s – Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas – Jill Weinlein
One of the most unique outdoor spaces on some of Royal Caribbean’s cruise lines is the green gardens of Central Park. On Icon of the Seas, guests can enjoy authentic Italian homemade pastas and old-world inspired entrées at the newly reimagined Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.
IZUMI Delights – Photo Jill Weinlein
The beloved IZUMI will have an all-day window next to the first Izumi restaurant in the picturesque Central Park neighborhood. In addition to serving fresh sushi and street food to go, they’ll have taiyaki ice cream with a topping.
Chops Grill – Photo Jill Weinlein
Returning favorites include Central Park American restaurant Chops Grille. Icona dels Mars will also have the Park Cafe in Central Park open in the afternoon for sandwiches and salads, and at night for tapas.
On Chill Island, you’ll find casual Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh. Sorrento’s makes a variety of signature pizza pies for every day of the week inside the Royal Promenade.
Trellis Bar – Photo Jill Weinlein
Nearby in the garden is the Trellis Bar, a quiet place to enjoy a craft cocktail or glass of champagne alongside a new sharing menu.
Surfside Cafe playing Royal Caribbean International
Surfside Eatery in the Surfside neighborhood is brand new and designed for young families staying in the heart of this fun boating area. This all-day dining neighborhood offers options for all ages at breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. What makes this coffee different are the adult twists on the children’s classics. Also in this area is Surfside Bites with drive-thru burgers, popcorn chicken and cinnamon sugar donut holes.
Visit Pier 7 for surf and turf tacos, smoked salmon Benedict and shareables at this new all-day brunch spot.
Representation of the icon of the seas – Royal Caribbean International
Sandwiches and salads can be discovered at Toast and Garden and The Pearl Cafe with its stunning floor-to-ceiling architectural views of the ocean on the Royal Promenade.
Returning venues include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for comfort food, festive drinks and savory snacks. The ship will also have Sprinkles for soft serve ice cream in different flavors to enjoy throughout the day.
Coco Cay – Photo by Jill Weinlein
From January 2024, Icon of the Seas will sail 7 nights in the Eastern and Western Caribbean Miami vacations year-round, visiting the award-winning Royal Caribbean Perfect day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, as well as in Philipsburg, St. Martin; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras.
