Royal Caribbean recently launched a new brunch option that I wanted to try because this has historically been an underserved meal option.
The cruise line has offered brunch occasionally in the Main Dining Room, and it does have it at the Mason Jar specialty restaurant. But Chops Grille rolling out a brunch option means the opportunity to try it on every ship in the fleet.
After booking a 4-night cruise on Radiance of the Seas, I reserved brunch on one of our sea days to give it a try.
Lunch is still offered on some days, but Royal Caribbean has now added a brunch option with its own menu.
Booking it pre-cruise, I was able to get a reservation for $48 per person.
Chops Grille brunch menu
At first glance, the brunch menu is quite large.
You start off with the choice of a specialty beverage. The first round is included, but any additional drinks will cost you extra (unless you have a drink package).
Starters and desserts are served family style, but you can request as many as you like.
The rest of the menu is all a la carte, similar to other meals at Chops Grille.
I was impressed by how much food you could have, especially when you mix and match
I usually over order when I'm on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship because serving sizes are usually smaller than on land. I quickly found myself surrounded by food.
As you're seated, a selection of bakery items are brought to you. Many of the items are the same ones you could get at Cafe Promenade or the Windjammer, such as the very popular cinnamon roll.
I chose a cappuccino for my beverage, which may seem like a faux pas to brunch aficionados who always opt for a mimosa or Aperol spritz. I needed caffeine, so I stand by my decision.
Next was the avocado toast, which I was disappointed by because the avocado is that prepared stuff that comes out of a bag.
I then made the always difficult choice of waffles or pancakes, and went with pancakes.
I was pleased to see two freshly made pancakes that even had searing on the edges. Certainly not something off the buffet here.
They were fluffy and very satisfying. I tried to go healthier and skip the syrup, but that was a mistake and I quickly dunked each piece in it with great enjoyment.
The bowls is the heart of this menu, and I struggled what to order. There were so many good options to consider, but I ultimately went with the Steak & Eggs. How can you go wrong with filet mignon?
The menu says you get filet and fried egg, but my server informed me they didn't have fried egg that day and scrambled egg was the option. Personally, I don't like runny eggs, so this substitution didn't bother me one bit!
As I'd expect from Chops Grille, the steak was fantastic. Having eggs along with it is a nice touch.
I was very tempted to order a second item from the Hearty Bowls section, but there was already so much food. There's no way I could have finished it all.
For the sides, I went with the mashed potatoes and arugula and parmigiano salad. Both sounded good because I wanted the potatoes with the steak, and a salad seemed like a good lighter option to delve into.
The salad reminded me of the Giovanni's Italian Kitchen house salad, and I thought it was quite tasty.
Brownie from Chops Grille
"Chocolate Bar" from Park Cafe
To finish my meal, I had the chocolate brownie. I was surprised to see this was straight out of the Park Cafe menu, because I had it earlier in the cruise.
I wanted to love brunch, but the high price and some items disappointed me
I love that Royal Caribbean is trying to offer a quality brunch option, because it's a meal that's largely been underserved despite how popular it is on land. Nonetheless, I think the price is too high for what's being served.
The main courses look like the real winner here. You can argue the filet mignon alone is worth $20, given that's how much it costs to order one from the Main Dining Room at dinner.
The steak was top quality, and I really enjoyed it.
But I think there are ways to improve brunch going forward.
First and foremost, I don't think a specialty restaurant should serve food you can get at other complimentary venues. At least two of the main menu items were things I've had elsewhere, and I'm guessing the entire bakery option is also.
To be fair, I doubt anyone but someone like me notices that.
Regardless, I think they just priced brunch too high.
Brunch cost $47.99, but lunch at Chops Grille was just $21.99. Moreover, the cruise line's dining packages include lunch but brunch has a $30 surcharge applied once on board.
I suspect Royal Caribbean will listen to the feedback from guests and adjust the price moving forward, but in the meantime, it's a pricey meal.
If I could offer one more piece of advice, I think brunch should have a bottomless mimosa or champagne option to go with it. That seems to be a fairly standard practice among brunch options, including Royal Caribbean's Sip. Tour. Brunch. experience.
I'd return to brunch if it was fully included with a dining package. I'm hopeful we'll see tweaks soon.
