Cruise holidays have changed through the decades. In the early 20th century, they were a means of getting from one place to another in style. Then in the 1960s and 70s, they became a form of Las Vegas style entertainment with a few places of interest thrown in. The 1990s introduced the ‘bigger is better’ concept and every year cruise lines have inaugurated mega ships that are cities within themselves.
Change has been constant in the cruise industry and one staple that remained unchanged was the main venue for dining. The cruise lines kept the main dining room intact but have introduced specialty and/or flexible dining options for their passengers. However, that could be about to change with the main dining room going the same way as the dinosaur.
Royal Caribbean are well known for their top notch service in all areas, and their dining is no exception. They wowed crowds recently in New York City when they decided to unveil their new dining system. This system, called ‘Dynamic Dining’, is due to revolutionise the eating experience on a cruise ship and is as simple as it is genius. No expense has been spared when it comes to the restaurants on board these two ships.
Dynamic Dining is going to premiere on the new ships Quantum and Anthem of the Seas before eventually being rolled out on RCCL’s other ships. Say goodbye to the dining experience of the past!
The biggest change is going to be in the main dining room. Instead of having one restaurant, there are going to be five separate dining venues in the area, each with its own cuisine. A completely new reservation system that promises to make it easier to secure a time and day for trying one of the dining venues will be in place.
The selection on the Quantum and Anthem are vast. These restaurants consist of The American Icon Grill, providing regional comfort foods from the USA with a road trip décor, Chic, a contemporary spot that serves contemporary cuisine; Silk, which features delectable pan-Asian dishes.
The Coastal Kitchen serves up Mediterranean food in a Californian style but only passengers booked in suites can dine here. The Grande will be a more familiar sight to avid cruisers and situated in a refined and formal setting.
It should be noted that smart casual attire is the order for dining with the exception of The Grand, where guests can clad in elegant and formal evening wear. The Grand pays homage to those grand ladies of the sea that are long gone with a nostalgic flair.
While these dining areas all sound tempting, Royal Caribbean have also outdone themselves with their specialty restaurants. Famous British chef Jamie Oliver is planning to open up an Italian restaurant that is sure to please the palate.
Other options include Wonderland, which offers a surrealistic surrounding to its range of international food, the British themed Michael’s Genuine Pub and the Devinly Decadent at the Solarium Bistro that offers healthier dishes.
Mainstays from other Royal Caribbean ships will be available here such as their popular Izumi Japanese Tapanyaki, Chops Grille steakhouse and the Chef’s Table.
Ultra casual dining can still be located at their self-service Windjammer Marketplace buffet. SeaPlex Dog House is the first ever food truck at sea serving ‘street food.’ The Café @ Two70° will sit in the crow’s nest of the ship with 270° panoramic sea views.
Sorrrento’s, Café Promenade and Johnny Rockets are familiar to fans of RCCL and will be available for all guests.
The Quantum of the Seas is due to debut in autumn of 2015 with a total of 18 dining facilities. Both the Quantum and Anthem have scheduled many “firsts at sea”. How about indulging in a skydiving experience? It will be available as well as riding high above the ship for unlimited panoramic views in a glass pod called the ‘North Star’. Reservations are open but it will certainly be difficult on deciding which restaurant to dine in.
Images courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
Written by Veronica Shine
