After multiple cruisers reported spotting a new brunch option aboard Royal Caribbean ships, the cruise line clarified that the new menu is simply being offered in addition to the affordable specialty lunch deal — not replacing it.
The "Chops Grille — Brunch" option was first spotted on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported, with Cruise Planner listings stating the experience costs $60 per adult and $40 per child. The brunch also comes with an additional $30 upcharge per person for guests with the Unlimited Dining Package.
Unsurprisingly, the new brunch option sparked immediate backlash among cruisers, with many stating that the price was too steep to justify.
"That menu doesn’t look like anything special and certainly not something I would pay an extra $50 pp to experience," wrote one Redditor on the r/royalcaribbean thread.
(Credit: Rick Rettinger / Facebook)
Someone else added, "Nothing on that menu would cause me to choose over the [Main Dining Room]. You already paid [for] food. Is that menu worth a $50/pp premium over what you already get? I think not."
"Chops Lunch you at least get steak and it's usually less than $20. This is just paying $40+ for windjammer food with better seating," said another cruiser.
Not only that, but many guests feared that the new brunch menu would replace the specialty lunch deal available at Chops Grille.
"Chops and Giovannis lunches on sale are the best values you'll ever get on the cruise," chimed in one fan, while another guest noted that the specialty lunches are one of the best ways to avoid the embarkation crowds in the Windjammer buffet.
Thankfully, a Royal Caribbean spokeswoman confirmed that the standard specialty lunch will not be phased out to accommodate the new brunch.
"Brunch does not replace the lunch option, it is scheduled once a week only. Standard lunch at Chops remains an option," they said in a statement given to Royal Caribbean Blog.
They did not specify which ships across the fleet will offer the new brunch menu. However, it's been spotted on vessels like Star of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.
How much is Chops Grille on Royal Caribbean?
Pricing for Royal Caribbean's specialty steakhouse varies. However, it's more expensive for dinner than lunch, explaining why the afternoon deal is so popular among cruisers.
For instance, on my upcoming Liberty of the Seas cruise, lunch is priced at $17.99 per person, while dinner skyrockets to $46.99 per person.
These prices reflect current pre-cruise sales, meaning I could end up paying more for lunch or dinner at Chops if I wait until onboard to make my reservation.
It's cheaper to book Chops new specialty brunch through the Cruise Planner, too. On the same aforementioned Liberty of the Seas sailing, the brunch is offered for just $47.99 per adult, compared to the onboard pricing of $60 per person.
What is the Chops Grille lunch menu like?
Compared to the dinner menu, the Chops Grille lunch menu is a little more simplified, offering just four appetizers, six entrées, and three desserts, along with six shareable sides.
Despite the smaller selection, the Chops Grille lunch remains popular among cruisers for its strong value, with options like a colossal shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, and warm chocolate cake for typically less than $20 per person.
Lunch isn't available at Chops every day, either. While it's open nightly for dinner, it is usually only available for lunch on sea days.
Chops Grille Royal Caribbean Brunch Menu (NEW 2026)
The new brunch menu is divided into eight different sections, giving guests a wide range of options from classic breakfast favorites to elevated steakhouse offerings.
"Gather your crew for an irresistible specialty brunch experience at Chops Grille℠, featuring bold flavors and elevated favorites. Start with cheese and charcuterie selections, avocado toast, and freshly baked breads and pastries," reads the Cruise Planner's brunch description.
"Dig into a variety of family-style sides like gooey mac and cheese and more. Then indulge in mouthwatering brunch favorites including the succulent Royal Crab Benedict or the Very Berry Waffle. And don’t forget to save room for crave-worthy desserts like the luscious Cherries Jubilee and fudgy Vegan Chocolate Brownie."
Beverages:
Aperol Spritz — Sparkling wine, Aperol, club soda, orange wheel garnish ($14)
Shirley Temple — Sprite, grenadine, cherry garnish ($7)
(Credit: Rick Rettinger / Facebook)
Bakery (Selection of freshly baked breads and pastries):
Loaves
Croissants
Muffins
Danishes
Starters (Served family style):
Sliced fruit selection
Cheese and charcuterie selection
Scallops wrapped in bacon
Toast:
Avocado toast — Feta cheese, arugula, and cherry tomatoes
Brunch sweets (Served à la carte):
Buttermilk pancakes — Fluffy, served plain, banana, and chocolate
Very Berry Waffle — Fresh buttermilk waffles topped with whipped cream, berries, and honey dairy-free whipped cream and caramel drizzle
(Credit: Rick Rettinger / Facebook)
Hearty bowls (Served à la carte):
Steak & Eggs — Cooked to perfection tender filet mignon, topped with fried egg
The Royal Crab Benedict — Crab cake, two poached eggs, spinach, hollandaise, and English muffin
Grilled beef short ribs — Fork tender short ribs served with Romesco sauce
Shrimp tortellini alfredo — Homemade Alfredo sauce poured over golden shrimp and cheese tortellini
Grilled tofu — Peppers, shelled edamame, and sweet chili
Desserts (Served à la carte):
Floating island — Silky meringue floating on vanilla cream sauce with spun caramel sugar
Cherries jubilee — Red cherry cooked in a wine cinnamon served with vanilla ice cream
Chocolate brownie — Rich, dark fudge with dairy-free whipped cream and caramel drizzle
Sides (Served à la carte):
Mac & cheese
Roasted baby vegetables
Mashed potatoes
Arugula and Parmigiano salad with lemon vinaigrette
