Royal Caribbean International Announces New Dining Packages

Royal Caribbean International has announced seven dining packages that include its specialty restaurants available aboard the Oasis of the Seas, the Allure of the Seas, the Radiance of the Seas and the Splendour of the Seas. Package prices range from $50 to $120 per guest for a savings of at least 25 percent total. Additionally, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas are offering reservation-only theme parties for special occasions, such as anniversaries and birthdays.

Three dining packages are available aboard the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas -- The Central Park Dining package at $65 per guest includes Giovanni’s Table Italian Trattoria, 150 Central Park fine-dining restaurant and Chops Grille steakhouse. The Chef’s Dining package at $120 per guest includes the five-course, gourmet Chef’s Table and wine pairing, as well as 150 Central Park and Chops Grille. The Choice Dining package includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and a choice of Izumi Asian Cuisine or Solarium Bistro aboard the Oasis of the Seas ($50 per guest) or the Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse aboard Allure of the Seas ($55 per guest).

Aboard the Radiance of the Seas, the Radiance Dining package includes Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi and Samba Grill for $70 per guest. The Radiance Chef’s Dining package adds the Chef’s Table for $120 per guest. The Splendour of the Seas also offers a Chef’s Dining package for $105 per guest, which includes the Chef’s Table, Chops Grille and Izumi.

Theme parties include Rita’s Fiesta in Rita’s Cantina on the Allure of the Seas’ Boardwalk, which features the restaurant’s most popular dishes and up to three non-alcoholic beverages for a $10 cover charge per guest, or up to three alcoholic beverages for $20 per guest. The Surf’s Up Party in the Seafood Shack on the Oasis of the Seas’ Boardwalk also features the restaurant’s most popular dishes and three non-alcoholic beverages for a cover charge of $15 per guest, or up to three alcoholic beverages for $25 per guest. The Allure of the Seas also offers a 1920s-themed Prohibition Party on every fifth night in the Jazz on 4 lounge in Entertainment Place. Guests age 21 and older can don Jazz Age outfits and attend for a cover charge of $35 per person, which includes alcoholic beverages. To reserve any specialty dining package or theme party, visit www.royalcaribbean.com/precruiseplanner. Reservations also can be made aboard the ships.

We had the opportunity to spend the day and entire evening on the Brand New Carnival Magic now sailing from Galveston.

We really enjoyed this new ship and it will be great having this large and new ship here in Galveston year round. So what did we think of the ship? I thought it was great. Now with that being said I want to give you all some pointers of what to expect. First of all this is a Carnival Cruise. Those of you who have been on Carnival probably know what I mean here. She is a glitzy, flashy floating Las Vegas Resort. Carnival has always been known to have a flashy design and this ship is no different. So if you think, “Las Vegas at Sea” you will be in the right mind-set. Also please keep in mind that Carnival is different than Royal Caribbean or Princess. That’s why one cruise line is called Carnival and one is called Royal Caribbean. Carnival is very laid back and casual and is different from its competitors. So compare this Carnival ship to another Carnival ship, but do not compare it to other lines. 

Life on board

Carnival has always been known as the “Fun Ships” catering to people of all ages.

The waiters sing and dance in the dining room and only on this ship do they have a Maitre’d in the dining room with a fantastic singing voice. The night we were on board he sang a great Frank Sinatra song as we dined. The Piano Bar was hopping, the Comedy club was standing room only, the night club was going strong till early in the morning, there were movies playing on the big screen up by the pool, and the pizzeria is open 24 hours a day.

The Red Frog Pub will be a big hit. They have a special red lager made just for this ship called “Red Frog Ale”. I tried it and it was very good. They also serve some light Caribbean fare as well as coconut shrimp and conch fritters. There is a small restaurant fee for the Red Frog Pub.

We were only on the ship for one night so we only got to see one of the Broadway style shows in the big Showroom. The show was good with lots of singing, dancing and costume changes.

The Spa was incredible. I had never seen a 3-story spa and fitness center, but I have now. The “Serenity” area (21 and above) was a great place to get some quiet time and they also have these awesome 2 person hammocks.

The waterpark is huge with many adults enjoying this new perk.

For those active folks there is a rope obstacle course at the very top of the ship with an awesome view of the ocean once you make it up there.

So all in all there should be plenty to keep you busy and entertained during this cruise.

 More on the Food

We didn’t get to try the “Steakhouse” (additional cover charge) on board but the dining room looked very nice and everything on the menu sounded fabulous.

The “Cucina de Capitano” is a brand new restaurant for Carnival and its decorated with lots of old ship photos and specifically a lot of pictures from all the Captains of all the Carnival ships from the early days of Carnival, hence the name translated to “The Captains Kitchen”. They serve a complimentary pasta lunch in this great Italian themed restaurant overlooking the ocean and then they have a small service charge for the heavier Italian specialties on the menu.

There are 2, two-story dining rooms on this ship serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, and as always the dinner menu changes each evening.

The Lido restaurant up by pool had a lot to offer. Besides the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet they also have a very popular “Mongolian Grill”.

Then by the pool you had the Pizzeria, and the Grill serving your typical grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs and such.

Out at the very back of the ship, you have a New York Style deli serving freshly made deli sandwiches and a Tandoor styled buffet with lots of great Indian dishes such as the famous Tandori Chicken and Flatbread.

On the Promenade deck not too far from the Red Frog Pub and Plaza Bar you also have sushi served each evening beginning at 5pm. 

Just to summarize, all the meals are included with the exception of the specialty steakhouse and the Cucina de Capitano at night.