Royal Caribbean will add a new cruise ship this summer, and there are a few dining surprises that were announced.
Legend of the Seas will be the third Icon Class cruise ship, and it will have 28 places to eat onboard. It's not only among the biggest cruise ships in the world, but it will be home to more casual, sit down, and fine dining choices.
I scoured the full list of restaurants and dining choices on the ship, and there were a few things that jumped out because they're new and unexpected.
In addition to returning foodie favorites, here are the four surprises we can look forward to eating at on Legend of the Seas.
The first Korean food choice
Royal Caribbean will add its first dedicated Korean food offering when Seoulmate opens.
This is one of six stations that will make up Aquadome Market, the complimentary food hall.
Royal Caribbean trademarked the name last year, leading to speculation a Korean offering was coming.
Korean rice bowls are on the menu, and it signals a new kind of option never before offered on Royal Caribbean ships. I think it's exciting when we get variations.
Tacos coming to Aquadome Market too
Royal Caribbean is pretty much overhauling the Aquadome Market lineup with, five out of six locations new options.
- 🆕 Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
- 🆕 La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
- 🆕 Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
- 🆕 Adobo: Mexican street tacos
- 🆕 Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
- Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes
What surprised me is one of the food halls is offering Mexican food, when there's an El Loco Fresh down the deck.
To be fair, El Loco Fresh is more Tex-Mex than traditional/authentic Mexican food, and that may be the difference.
If you've never eaten at Aquadome Market, it's my favorite included restaurant on any Royal Caribbean ship. The variety of food, the fact it's open late night, and how fresh everything is prepared truly makes it stand out.
Plus, it's convenient to the pool deck since you can easily get to it from the Chill Island neighborhood.
To be clear, I'm all for more tacos in my life. So I'll take it upon myself to "research" the differences between this and El Loco Fresh.
Pier 7 isn't going anywhere
After the launch of Icon of the Seas, it looked like Pier 7 was going to be removed on Star of the Seas. Fast-forward two ships and it's still here.
It's easily overlooked because it's located deep within the Surfside neighborhood, which is an area guests without young kids usually avoid.
To be clear, I think Pier 7 is the most underrated Royal Caribbean restaurant and given how cheap it's priced, I think it's worth eating at for everyone.
Kids under 12 eat free, and if you pre-book a reservation, adults can have brunch for as little as $9.
I appreciate the menu offers very different options than what you'd find elsewhere, and there are some great healthier options available.
Plus, having an all-day brunch menu is welcome for anyone that enjoys breakfast for dinner.
The immersive train restaurant will have fine dining choices
We already knew Legend of the Seas will debut the first Royal Railway on an Icon Class ship, but now we have a look at what the menu will have.
I was able to test an early version of the restaurant at a mock-up at Royal Caribbean's headquarters, but everything at that point was conceptual.
Travel through China and indulge in mouthwatering Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai garnished with delicate caviar. And feast on butter chicken and palak paneer in India before awe-inspiring explorations through Persia, Turkey and Italy.
Since the Royal Railway Utopia Station was based in the Old West and a family-focused show, the menu had a different aim.
It looks like Legend Station will lean more into cuisine, and less on schtick. This is a welcome change for those that eat at any specialty restaurant for the food first.
All the restaurants coming to Legend of the Seas
Royal Caribbean says Legend of the Seas will have the most places to eat at sea, so here's a look at what's coming.
- Quick Bites
- Park Café ✅
- El Loco Fresh ✅
- AquaDome Market ✅
- Surfside Bites ✅
- Izumi in the Park $
- Basecamp ✅
- Trellis Bar $
- Around-the-Clock Cuisine
- Pearl Café ✅
- Sorrento’s ✅
- Sit-Down Eats
- Surfside Eatery ✅
- Windjammer ✅
- Pier 7 $
- Dining Room ✅
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade $
- Celebration-Worthy Meals
- Celebration Table $
- Chops Grille $
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar $
- Hooked Seafood $
- Savor the Show
- Hollywoodland Supper Club $
- Royal Railway: Legend Station $
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi $
- Sweet Treats
- Sprinkles ✅
- Desserted $
- Starbucks $
- Sugar Beach $
- Suite Exclusives
- Coastal Kitchen ✅
- The Grove ✅
