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Celebrate National Margarita Day, Royal Caribbean style!

In:
22 Feb 2019

If you have not heard, February 22 is National Margarita Day! 

We are always one to enjoy a great margarita, and rarely need an excuse to enjoy one.  To celebrate this holy of holidays, we have some recipes for how to make the amazing margaritas that Sabor Modern Mexican is renown for right in your own home!

Grab some limes, tequila and salt, and check out these must-drink margs!

Simply Perfect Margarita

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado tequila
  • 0.5 oz Patrón Citrónge Liqueur
  • 1 oz lime
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 0.25 oz simple syrup

Method:

Rim the glass with Cactus/lemongrass salt. Pour all of the ingredients in a shaker tin over ice and shake well. Double strain over fresh ice.

Grand Sabor Margarita

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado tequila
  • 0.5 oz Cedilla Acai Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
  • 0.5 oz lime
  • 0.50 oz simple syrup

Method:

Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker tin over ice and shake well. Double strain over fresh ice.

Jalapeno-Cucumber Margarita

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Don Julio Blanco tequila
  • 0.5 oz Cointreau Orange Liqueur
  • 1 small piece of jalapeno pepper (approximately 1/2 cm thick)
  • 3 springs of Cilantro
  • 3 discs of Cucumber (approximately 2 cm)
  • 1 oz lime
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup

Method:

Muddle the jalapeno, cilantro together in a mixing glass, combine all remaining ingredients in a shaker tin full of ice. Shake well, double strain over fresh ice.

Bonus: Guacamole recipe

If you are going to make margaritas at home, be sure to compliment it with a bowl of the amazing Sabor guacamole!

Ingredients (for 4 people)

  • 0.5 cup red onion
  • 2 tbsp jalapeno (omit this if you want mild guacamole)
  • 1.5 tsp garlic
  • 2 avocado
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 lime
  • 0.5 lemon
  • 0.25 cup cilantro
  • 1/3 cup tomatoes

Method

  1. In the molcajete, mix the onion, jalapeno and garlic.
  2. Score the inside of the avocado into small cubes and remove the outer skin with a spoon.
  3. Add the avocado and mash lightly to a lumpy consistency.
  4. Add the lemon and lime juices, salt, cilantro and mash again.
  5. Add the tomatoes and incorporate.

What is your favorite Royal Caribbean margarita? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Sabor Modern Mexican becomes Sabor Indian Cuisine on Navigator of the Seas

In:
24 Jul 2017

While Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas is offering cruises from the United Kingdom this summer, the cruise line has temporarily changed Sabor Modern Mexican to Sabor Indian Cuisine to cater to the tastes of its British cruisers.

Amanda Scriven-Purcell shared photos on Facebook of the changeover, with a look at the Indian food offered.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Craig Duncan is also on Navigator of the Seas, and indicated the change was made on the current sailing to cater to the U.K. market.

This is not the first time Royal Caribbean has made a temporary change to its specialty restaurants.  On Radiance of the Seas, Rita's Cantina became Rita's Crabshack while the ship was in Alaska.

Sabor Modern Mexican menu on Liberty of the Seas

Last updated on April 9, 2017

Menus provided by RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com are unofficial and subject to change.

Featured Margaritas $12

Sweet & Spicy

Don Julio Reposado tequila, fresh pineapple, carrot and lime juices, red chile pepper, garnished with chile-cinnamon salt

Avocado

Patron Silver tequila, orange liqueur, avocado and lime juices, rimmed with Aleppo pepper and lime salt.

Jalapeño-Cucumber

Don Julio Plata tequila, Cointreau liquor, cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice.

Top 5 favorites at Sabor Modern Mexican

In:
05 May 2017

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, we decided to countdown our favorites at Royal Caribbean's Sabor restaurant. Whether you prefer Sabor Modern Mexican or Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar, either choice is the perfect way to celebrate.

1. Chicken-Stuffed Jalapeños

Appetizers are the first part of any meal, and the Chicken-Stuffed Jalapeños are a crowd-pleasing favorite at Sabor.

If you are looking for something with plenty of flavor and a good kick, then the Chicken-Stuffed Jalapeños are the perfect choice. Chicken, wrapped in bacon, glazed with a sweet chiptle tomatillo salsa makes for one amazing appertizer. Plus, they are great for sharing.

2. Tacos

When you think of Mexican food, inevitably tacos come to mind.  Sabor's tacos are more than what you might find at a typical fast-food chain that incorporates a large carillon in its logo.

The tacos at Sabor come in a variety of options: barbacoa, pollo, pork and tuna.  Personally, I cannot get enough of the tuna tacos, but whichever variety you choose, Sabor's tacos blend fresh ingredients in a crispy tortilla shell.

3. Banana and Chocolate Chimichanga

The desserts at Sabor tend to be underrated in terms of what most guests talk about, but the dessert tray is something you not to be missed.

Specifically, the Banana and Chocolate Chimichanga is, well, incredible.  Melted chocolate with warm bananas, fried makes for one tasty dessert. It is the kind of dessert you eat a few of, right after declaring there is no possible way that you can eat anymore.

4. Avocado margarita

The hand-crafted margaritas at Sabor are a staple of any meal.  In fact, some guests go just for the margaritas.  Of all the choices, we pick the avocado margarita as our favorite.

What makes the avocado margarita so good? It is a smooth and tarty blend that is as refreshing as it is flavorful. The avocado margarita is the perfect accompaniment to anything on the Sabor menu.

5. Guacamole

When considering the full scope of the Sabor menu, it is hard to overlook the highlight of the entire meal and one dish nearly everyone cannot get enough of: the guacamole.

The handmade guacamole put Sabor on the map when the first Sabor restaurant debuted on Navigator of the Seas in 2014. Since then, legions of Sabor fans have made reservations at Sabor specifically to enjoy this heavenly dish.

What is your top five favorites at Sabor? Share your countdown in the comments below!

Restaurant Review: Sabor Modern Mexican on Navigator of the Seas

In:
02 Mar 2017

Sabor Modern Mexican specialty restaurant has become a popular dining choice for many Royal Caribbean guests because of the great tasting food, primarily the guacamole.  Since the restaurant opened in 2014, the guacamole has been the centerpiece of the terrific culinary choices available but in early 2017, word came down from other guests that Royal Caribbean was not making the guacamole table side anymore.  In the name of research, I decided to investigate if the rumors were true, and if the product has changed at all.

Navigator of the Seas is home to the very first Sabor location, and while the restaurant has spread to other ships in the fleet, it retains a special place in my heart for nostalgic reasons.  Great service, even better food and a quiet atmosphere combine to provide guests one of the best dining experiences on any Royal Caribbean ship. But would the change in guacamole preparation degrade the experience? 

We made a number of reservations over the course of a recent cruise to determine fully what the state of affairs is with Sabor Modern Mexican.

Atmosphere

When you hear of a Mexican restaurant, I am certain most people imagine a restaurant with lots of large woven hats strewn about, fake cacti, and a Mariachi band playing.  Royal Caribbean has none of that at Sabor Modern Mexican.  Their aim was to design a restaurant that retains favorite Mexican dishes, but also offers a more contemporary look and menu.

Located near the forward on deck 4 of Navigator of the Seas, Sabor Modern Mexican is across from the Schooner Bar and near the forward elevators. 

The restaurant is not that large, and has seating along the walls and interior.  There are no windows that look out to the ocean either. What you will notice are plenty of dark reds, bright yellows and deep blues. The only real hint that this is a Mexican restaurant is the use of dahlia flowers in much of the decorations.

Eats

The big question about the food at Sabor on this visit was about the state of the guacamole. I had read in the weeks leading up to the cruise that the table side guacamole is no more, and the guacamole is now prepared in the kitchen. I was concerned there would be this giant vat of guacamole created each day, and servers would scoop from it when serving, almost like how ice cream is served.  

As we were seated, our waiter asked us how we would like the guacamole prepared.  I asked if the guacamole was being made table side and he indicated it was not being done table side any longer.  Later in the cruise, I spoke with Navigator of the Seas' Food and Beverage manager, who indicated a new health regulation by the United States forced the cruise line's hand in how they operated.

We asked for the guacamole to be prepared in two ways, one spicy and one medium.  The waiter disappeared for a few minutes and returned with two bowls of fresh guacamole that tasted exactly like it has on all my previous trips.  While I prefer the spectacle of the guacamole to be prepared in front of us, I can assure the general public that Sabor's guacamole is still amazing.

Another wonderful aspect to any meal in Sabor are the various margaritas available.  The margaritas are not included in the restaurant's cover charge, but are included if you have an unlimited alcohol package. There are five kinds of margaritas:

  • Sweet and Spice Margarita
  • The Sabor Grand Margarita
  • Simply Perfect Margarita
  • Avocado Margarita
  • Jalapeno-Cucumber Margarita

Avocado margarita

Sweet and Spice Margarita

Jalapeno-Cucumber Margarita

Sabor Grand Margarita

My favorite is the Avocado Margarita, but the Jalapeno-Cucumber Margarita comes in a close second.  If you prefer a more traditional margarita, the Sabor Grand Margarita is an excellent choice.

If you are looking for something a bit stronger, try one of the tequila flights.  There are two varieties, and they each offer exceptionally smooth tequila that offers a good sampling of the different types of tequila.

Horizontal tequila flight

The Sabor menu is broken up into a few basic categories. Guests may order as many items as they like from any section.  The Platos Chiquitos are essentially the restaurant's appetizers.  The most popular choices are the queso fundido and the chicken-stuffed jalapenos.

Ceviche

Tortilla soup

The fundido is warm, melted cheese and it is less like traditional cheese dip, and more like a serving of cheese sticks, minus the breading or stick shape. There is a lot of cheese in this dish, so come hungry.

Queso fundido

The jalapenos are a crowd favorite because they are wrapped in bacon and have a little kick to them.  This is a great choice for sharing (assuming you actually want to let any out of your sight).

The main part of the menu is comprised of tortilla-based favorites and platos fuertes.

Tacos, quesadillas and burritos make up the tortilla section.  You will find your traditional Mexican items, like beef tacos, cheese quesadillas and burritos of many kinds.  There is also the tuna crudo tacos and the barbacoa tacos, which offer tremendous flavor.  We also like the Portobello mushroom quesadillas for something different.

Tuna crudo tacos

Portobello mushroom quesadilla

The platos fuertes offer Mexican dishes that may not be eaten with your hands.  They also tend to be a bit less traditional.  The Jalapeno-Garlic Tiger Shrimp are great for shrimp lovers.

When you talk about Sabor with friends (or random people on the internet), inevitably the guacamole and tacos dominate the conversation.  However, dessert is Sabor's secret weapon. In short, save room for dessert because it is definitely worth it.

Dessert sampler

Each table will receive a tray of desserts that are comprised of flan, chocolate-banana empanadas, churros and more.  My favorite desserts at Sabor are the chocolate crepe filled with cayenne chocolate & marscapone sauce, chocolate & banana empanadas, cafe con leche. You would not be wrong for loving any of the others, because they are all outstanding.

Overall

Having dined at Sabor Modern Mexican on three different occasions while on Navigator of the Seas, I feel confident in declaring the guacamole still as terrific as ever, and Sabor in general, an absolute favorite dining choice. When readers ask me for a recommendation of what to see or do on Navigator of the Seas, I will continue to recommend Sabor with flying colors.

Sabor's menu has barely changed since its debut and that is a testament to how good the food and experience is inside. 

The cost for dinner is $30 per guest, and lunch comes in at $20 per guest.  Prior to our cruise, Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner listed it for just $15 per person, making it an absolute steal at that price.  Even if you prefer to wait to make reservations onboard, be on the lookout for discounts.  We saw discounts being offered by restaurant staff throughout the sailing at various events and venues.

Sabor Modern Mexican is open for lunch on sea days between noon - 1:30 p.m. and dinner every night between 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. for dinner. We reviewed Sabor Modern Mexican aboard Navigator of the Seas.

Cost: The price for Sabor Modern Mexican on Navigator of the Seas for lunch is $20 per guest and dinner is $30 per guest.

Friday Happy Hour: Margaritas at Sabor on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas

In:
23 Sep 2016

Looking for an unique margarita? Well, look no further than Sabor Modern Mexican!

Located on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, this contemporary take on Mexican cuisine is something of a hidden gem.  Word is getting around about Sabor among Royal Caribbean fans, but guests new to Royal Caribbean may not yet know about the frankly amazing food and drink at Sabor.  

Sabor Modern Mexican has earned itself a solid reputation for its fresh, authentic food that boasts an impressive selection of Mexican dishes across their menu (including some amazing tuna tacos), and a staff with a passion and knowledge about what they serve.

When you talk about a Mexican meal, margaritas may quickly come to mind and if you have a reservation to dine at Sabor on your next Royal Caribbean cruise, then you need to need to treat yo self and indulge in their margarita list!

So, join me as I try the various margaritas found on the Sabor Modern Mexican menu.

Sabor Modern Mexican on Freedom of the Seas

Once seated at Sabor for lunch or dinner, your waiter will provide you with a menu of the available margaritas.  Some of the margaritas are hand crafted at your table, while the others are freshly made behind-the-scenes.

Margarita list

Featured margaritas are made table side

Of course, for "research purposes," we have no choice but to try all the margaritas from the margarita menu.  Across various Royal Caribbean ships, we have tried these great cocktails and it is easy to find a favorite.

We will begin with my personal favorite, the Avocado Margarita.  It is smooth, flavorful and has (a lot of) smooth Patrón tequila.

The Avocado Margarita consists of Patrón Silver tequila, orange liqueur, avocado and lime juice. Rimmed with Aleppo pepper/lime salt.  I dare you not to like this one.

If you are more of a traditionalist, there are two good choices for you.  First up, is the Sabor Grand Margarita.

The Sabor Grand is great for anyone who is either new to margaritas or prefers a fruitier taste to their fine Mexican beverages.  It is made of Patron Reposado tequila, Grand Marnier and Cedilla Acai liqueurs with lime juice.  The Cedilla Acai is what gives this drink its red color, and also adds a pleasant flavor.

The Simply Perfect Margarita is very similar, but more of a classic look and taste.

With a name like Simply Perfect, there are some high expectations set and I am happy to report it does not disappoint.  Unlike many conventional margaritas, there is no compromising on the tequila or flavor of the drink.  Patrón Reposado tequila, Patrón Citrónage liqueur with lime and orange juice makes for a very solid beverage.

If you fancy yourself a more adventurous margarita drinker, there are two margaritas that are great for you.

First up is the Sweet and Spice Margarita.  As the name implies, it starts off with a sweet, traditional margarita taste but once the drink passes by your lips, your mouth will be left with a little kick to it.

The Sweet and Spice Margarita is definitely a different kind of drink, and perfect for anyone that wants something different from the usual kind of drinks one might get a restaurant.  Different does not have a negative connotation, rather, it means there is little like this unique margarita.

Speaking of spice, if you prefer a little less sweet and a little more spice, go for the Jalapeño-Cucumber Margarita.

When you have bits of jalapeño floating in the drink, rest assured that this is not a wimpy drink.  It is made of Don Julio Plata tequila. Cointreau liqueur, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice and for fans of spicy, this is the perfect margarita to compliment the food that can also be ordered spicy.  A good tip is to ask your waiter to make the table side guacamole extra spicy too, and you are sure to destroy many of your taste buds by the end of the meal!

You might note that we have included all of the margaritas from the menu, but we have a bonus margarita to share!  While dining at Sabor Modern Mexican a third time during our cruise (I'm only human!), our waiter inquired if we wanted to try a margarita that is not listed on the menu, the Mezcal Margarita.  Not being one to shy away for hard-hitting "research," I bravely ventured forth into this brave new margarita world.

Our waiter explained that Mezcal is agave-based liquor. Tequila must be made from the Blue Agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from more than 30 varieties of agave, including the Blue Agave. What you need to know is that Mezcal has a smoky flavor to it, and it is unlike any other margarita on Sabor's menu.  I really enjoyed it and only wish I knew about it earlier!

I cannot be certain the Mezcal Margarita will be available on your sailing, but if you want something different, there is no harm in asking for it. 

Since Sabor Modern Mexican opened on Navigator of the Seas, the restaurant catapulted to the top of my favorites list and I look forward to seeing (and tasting) whatever come up with next!

What is your favorite margarita flavor? Please let us know with a comment below!

Restaurant Review: Sabor Modern Mexican on Freedom of the Seas

In:
15 Sep 2016

Many of us know that Sabor Modern Mexican on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is one of the best-dept dining secrets in all of cruising.  But these days, it is become less of a secret, and more of an established must-eat!

Frankly, if your list of specialty restaurant reservations does not include Sabor, then you are missing out.

Having had an opportunity to cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, we could not resist dining at Sabor Modern Mexican on a few different occasions.

Atmosphere

One goal Royal Caribbean had with Sabor was to create a restaurant experience that was not just another typical American-Mexican restaurant. When you walk into Sabor, there is very little that would remind you of a typical Mexican restaurant.

The decor of Sabor features lots of blues, reds and yellows and the restaurant evokes a very bright mood with its festive, yet not over-the-top, design.

Seating in Sabor is functional and comfortable.  Much of the seating are tables that have booth and chair options, with a few smaller tables that have just chairs.  

Unlike Chops Grille or Giovanni's Table on Freedom of the Seas, Sabor has no windows and is also considerably smaller in size. A view is always nice, but with the kind of food offered in Sabor, you will not want to look anywhere but what is on your plate.

The focal point of Sabor Modern Mexican on Freedom of the Seas are the colorful dahlia flowers that line the ceiling and wall of the restaurant.  It is quite pretty and a lovely backdrop.

Eats

After a busy day on Freedom of the Seas swimming, exploring and playing, lunch or dinner at Sabor is sure to please.

The Sabor menu on Freedom of the Seas retains many of the same options that are on other Royal Caribbean ships that offer a Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant, but there are some appetizers and entrees that are different on Freedom of the Seas.  Moreover, the drink menu of available cocktails has also been simplified, although the famous margaritas remain.  Nonetheless, there is a wide variety of Mexican classics, such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas.  There are also more sophisticated choices as well.  

If you party is large enough (more than 4 guests usually), the server will offer to bring all the appetizers out and serve them family-style.  Most of them can be enjoyed in this manner, with the exception of the soup.

Every table is served with table side guacamole and frankly, no Sabor meal is complete without the guacamole.  

In short, the Sabor guacamole is amazing and will more than likely become the best guacamole you have ever eaten.  Even if you have had guacamole for years or swore it off, you must try the guacamole at Sabor Modern Mexican.

In addition, chips and fresh pico de gallo salsa are served.  As much as I wax poetically about Sabor's guacamole, I have an unspoken love with Sabor's salsa.  Salsa is not so much a garnishment as it is a topping when I eat chips, and the salsa here has this salsa fiend's seal of approval.

The chicken-stuffed Jalapeños are the most popular options and when you read the description you will know why.  Chicken wrapped in bacon on a stick with Mexican garnishments.  Sold!

The queso fundido is also a winner, and not your typical cup of melted cheese.  This gooey and super-tasty appetizer is a great choice for even the pickiest of eaters.

While dining at Sabor, one must also indulge in the margaritas available exclusively at Sabor.  

There are five margaritas on the menu (plus a few other cocktails, including sangria) and they are like children. You do not have a favorite, but you might like one more than the other at any given time.  I highly recommend getting at least one margarita during the meal to compliment the food.

The Avocado and Jalapeño-Cucumber martinis are at the top of my list, but you cannot go wrong with any of them.  

Avocado margarita

Jalapeño-Cucumber margarita

The staff might also be able to create a Mezcal margarita, which is not listed on the menu but has a very distinct taste (reminds me of Rome burning).

The Sweet and Spice Margarita has a very unique taste to it, but is a great choice if you enjoy a non-traditional and somewhat spicy cocktail.

In terms of entrees, there are a lot to choose from and it is no easy decision.

The tacos are popular and I absolutely love the Tuna Crudo tacos, which are essentially ahi tuna tacos.  Amazing flavor and great fish!

Yes, I did order double tuna tacos.

I wanted to try something else new and ordered the Pato Gordo slow-cooked duck burrito.  I know what you are thinking, and I was thinking the same thing.  Duck is not exactly a typical burrito meat and moreover, duck is not usually my favorite meat.  But I gave it a try and I was so happy I did!

The Pato Gordo had incredible flavor and was much smaller than I was expecting.  While the Tuna Crudo tacos may be my absolute favorite entree on the menu, these burritos are really, really good too.

If you prefer a simpler entree, the quesadillas are all really good choices. They are large, oozing with freshly melted cheese and will hit the spot.

The Chicken and Roasted Corn Empandas are also very filling, and I enjoy topping them with the salsa and/or guacamole from earlier in the meal.

Every table will also receive an assortment of side dishes to enjoy with your meal.  Try them all, because they each will work well with whatever you order.

Arguably the most difficult aspect of dining at Sabor is leaving room for dessert.  Bring your stretchy pants because it is totally worth it!

Dessert is served to all guests on a tray and feel free to ask for more.  Royal Caribbean describes them as "Caja de Dulces", which means "box of sweets" and it is an indulgent selection of Mexican-inspired mini desserts.

All the desserts are rich, delicious and will leave you questioning why you ever ate anything earlier in the meal (Oh yea, it was because that food was awesome too).  

My top picks are the chocolate crepe filled with cayenne chocolate & marscapone sauce, chocolate & banana empanadas, cafe con leche.  I would not fault you for loving any of the others, because they are all outstanding.

Overall

Sabor Modern Mexican's great reputation remains unchanged.  While it may be hidden on deck 4 in what used to be a night club, savvy Royal Caribbean guests know this is where you go on your Royal Caribbean cruise for some of the best food onboard.

If it sounds like just about everything I sampled was excellent, then it is because that is exactly what happened.  There is a wonderful fix of Mexican favorites and contemporary classics to satisfy all guests.  There is as much flavor as there are options to choose from on the menu.

If you were to run into another Royal Caribbean fan and start talking about the amazing food onboard, most of the time a restaurant like Chops Grille gets mentioned, but Sabor is quickly on its way to becoming the best restaurant on a Royal Caribbean ship because of the tantalizing dishes available and incredible flavor each item has.  The word "sabor" means "flavor" in Spanish and few restaurants offer as much flavor as Sabor Modern Mexican.

Sabor Modern Mexican is open for lunch on sea days between noon - 1:30 p.m. and dinner every night between 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. for dinner. We reviewed Sabor Modern Mexican aboard Freedom of the Seas.

Cost: The price for Sabor Modern Mexican on Freedom of the Seas for lunch is $19 per guest and dinner is $29 per guest.

Sabor Modern Mexican menu on Freedom of the Seas

Last updated on September 11, 2016.

Menus provided by RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com are unofficial and subject to change.

Tableside Crafting

Sabor favorites, prepared at your table

Vertical Tequila Flight $15

Patron, Silver, Reposado and Añejo

Horizontal Tequila Flight $18

Don Julio Reposado, Sauza Hornitos, Reposado, Corazón Reposado

Featured Margarita $12

Tequila and fresh juices mingle with unexpected garnishes

Homemade Guacamole

From avocado to amazing, right before your eyes

Spotted: Sabor at Sea lunch on Explorer of the Seas

In:
28 Jul 2016

We are really big fans of Royal Caribbean's Sabor specialty restaurant because of the terrific and fresh food they serve, but not all Royal Caribbean ships have a Sabor restaurant on them. Nonetheless, it appears that may not stop some ships from offering a Sabor experience, minus the full restaurant.

On Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Blog reader Angie shared with us photos of the "Sabor at Sea lunch," which was held on day 6 of their cruise in Giovanni's Table.

It appears this was a one-time event on the ship, and cost $25 per guest to enjoy.

Angie reported that the lunch was, "extraordinarily good and there is a ton of food."

This is not the first experience of this kind on Explorer of the Seas. Earlier this summer season, we spotted an Izumi Asian Breakfast buffet offered onboard as well.

Would you be interested in a Sabor lunch on Explorer of the Seas? Tell us in the comments!

Sabor on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

In:
02 Jun 2016

One of Royal Caribbean's newest and most popular specialty restaurants is Sabor, which serves up a modern take on what Mexican cuisine can be.

While you will find favorites like tacos, quesadillas and margaritas there, Royal Caribbean also offers contemporary dishes, including ceviche, flautas, seafood and more.

There are two kinds of Sabor experiences on Royal Caribbean ships.

Sabor Modern Mexican was the original implementation, and is found on select Voyager- and Freedom-class cruise ships on Deck 4, near the Schooner Bar.

Guests dining at Sabor Modern Mexican will pay a cover charge and have access to all the food on the menu (drinks are excluded).

In addition, there are hand-crafted margaritas at Sabor Modern Mexican.

Sabor Tacqueria & Tequila Bar is a newer form of Sabor, that is found on Oasis-class cruise ships and located in the Boardwalk neighborhood.

At Sabor Tacqueria & Tequila Bar, there is a cover charge just like at the other ships.  A meal at Sabor will cost $19 per person and that includes all the food on the menu (excluding drinks).

Sabor for lunch

Sabor is open for both lunch and dinner on most days.

Sabor will be open for dinner on all evenings, and is usually open for lunch on sea days.

Additionally, Sabor is sometimes open for lunch on embarkation day.  It will depend on the ship and sailing, but usually the Oasis-class ships that have Sabor are open for lunch on embarkation day.

Reservations are not necessary for lunch.

Sabor tips

  • The freshly made guacamole is arguably the best thing on the menu. Do not miss out on having it made for you.
  • Chips and salsa are complimentary at all Sabor locations.
  • On Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, there is a bar outside Sabor, where you can order drinks and some food without going formally into the restaurant.
  • Do not miss out on the dessert tray.  The banana chocolate empanadas especially are divine.
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