There are different places you can eat dinner on a cruise ship, but there are compelling reasons to eat the buffet instead of the Main Dining Room.

Royal Caribbean offers different choices in where to eat dinner, including fancy sit down meals, restaurants that cost extra, and casual options too.

Over the years I've eaten at all of them, and I think the Windjammer Cafe is vastly underrated for dinner.  It doesn't come with the level of service the Main Dining Room has, but I think the variety, ease of getting in and out, and flexibility really make it a top choice.

In thinking about where to eat on my next sailing, I had to consider both options and ultimately picked the buffet.  I'm on vacation, and I sometimes I want to relax more and not concern myself the pomp and circumstance that comes with the dining room.

If you're trying to decide where to eat on your cruise, here are the top 11 best reasons to choose the Windjammer buffet instead.

It's fast

The cruise ship experience has evolved over the decades, and sitting down for a long meal isn't what some people consider to be a fun experience.

The Windjammer offers a way to quickly grab the food you need and be on your way.  There's no waiting for a seating time, no waiters to deliver your food.  You can eat as quickly as you can serve the food from the buffet trays and sit down and eat it.

It's quite possible to have a full meal in the Windjammer in less than 20 minutes, whereas a "fast" meal in the Main Dining Room would easily take one hour.

Having a fast meal is useful if you want to get to a show or some other activity onboard the ship. Or perhaps you need to make an appointment.

Crew members keep the food supply moving, so there's rarely any long waits.  Occasionally there can be a line for certain foods, but it's not much more than a minute or two.

There are so many different choices

I love how many choices of food you'll find in the Windjammer, especially for dinner.

Royal Caribbean goes well beyond just burgers and hot dogs.  You'll find salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas, carved meats, desserts, and plenty more.

There's usually a set of options that don't change every day, along with a rotating mix of food.

I've found it advantageous to be able to find a wide range of foods every day, because what I'm in the mood to eat can vary.

Plus, I like to mix and match my foods and not limit myself to a single cuisine.

Some of the same food from the Main Dining Room

At dinner Royal Caribbean offers many of the same food that you'll find in the Main Dining Room right in the Windjammer.

It's not exactly the same offerings, but if you're feeling conflicted about where to eat, you can often find overlap between the menus. That means less compromise about what you can choose from.

The added bonus of the buffet is if you want seconds or thirds, you can quickly go up and get some more without waiting.

No dress codes

You're on vacation, so who needs to bother with a different outfit for dinner?

Royal Caribbean has no dress code for the Windjammer anytime of day, with the exception you cannot come in with a wet bathing suit and must wear shoes and a cover up.  That's it.

Eating at the Windjammer for dinner means less to pack, and less prep each evening.  It also means more time to enjoy at the pool or in port because you don't have to get back to your room to get dressed up.

Easier to indulge with lots of food

Let's be real, one major reason people like eating at a buffet is because you can eat as much as you want.

You serve yourself exactly how much you want, even if it's an entire plate full of just one food. I know I've come back to my table at times with just a plate full of Indian curry with zero regrets.

Of course, if we're talking about indulging, the desserts available are probably where most will gravitate towards. Some evenings there are really incredible sweets there, such as funnel cake, fondue station, or personal-sized lava cakes.

Overeating isn't what everyone will do, but sometimes you're in the mood for extra and the Windjammer has that whereas the Main Dining Room does not.

Easier to get a great view

It's so easy to get a table near a window and see what's happening around you while you eat in the Windjammer.

On most ships, the Windjammer is at the very back of the ship and it's surrounded by glass.  Even if you don't get a table right at the window, you can see outside from many tables nearby.

Plus, on Radiance and Quantum Class ships, there's an outdoor seating area at the very back where you can enjoy the sunshine and ocean breeze with your meal.

I never miss an opportunity to dine outside when possible because it's so enjoyable to see right out to the ocean as you eat.

It's the best choice when you had a busy day in port

On a day when you spend many hours exploring a port of call, the last thing I want to do is get dressed up for dinner.

I love to hit up the Windjammer for dinner on a port day when we come back to the ship in the late afternoon or evening. It's so much easier to drop off my things in my cabin, and then head up to the Windjammer for a quick, but satisfying meal.

This is especially true when I'm on a cruise to Alaska or Europe, where it's easy to spend 6-8 hours walking, kayaking, or bussing around town.

Along those lines, I'll often eat my way around the ports I visit.  So having the Windjammer open until 9:30pm or so leaves a late dinner option that goes beyond a slice of pizza.

My favorite place to bring picky eaters

When my kids were younger, the only place I took them to eat was the Windjammer because they were so picky.

Royal Caribbean's buffet does a good job of offering traditional favorites and more adventurous food, but it's definitely a great spot for those that know what they want.

You'll find burgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers every night of the cruise. Plus, there is usually a grilled meat or two.  And the salads are all build-your-own, so you can customize it the way you want it.

The cooking stations are worth eating here alone

My favorite thing about the Windjammer are the cooking stations, and the chef will make the dish exactly the way you want it.

At breakfast there is an omelet station to make eggs as you'd like them.  I've even seen recently waffles being made on the spot in the mornings on some ships.

For lunch and dinner, there's usually a rotating option and it is a not-so-guilty pleasure of mine to eat here.

I personally could eat the Asian stir fry station food every day, and pretty much did when I was on Anthem of the Seas last summer in Europe.

Fresh food will always be a step ahead of prepared food, and the cooking stations are my first stop in the Windjammer on every visit.

No set dining times

Flexibility is kind at the Windjammer, as you can come in whenever you like.

While the Windjammer isn't open all day long (it takes short breaks between meals to clean and reset), they have longer serving hours compared to the Main Dining Room.

First and foremost, this means you don't have to make a reservation or adhere to a dining time. As long as they are open, you are welcome to go in.

Plus, they serve for long periods of time.  You can get breakfast in many cases right up until lunch, whereas the Main Dining Room offers it for just a few hours earlier in the morning.

Opens up your nighttime fun

Because you can get in and out of the Windjammer, you can take advantage of all the fun activities onboard your ship.

Each evening there are various events held throughout the ship, and if you're at a sit down restaurant for 90 minutes or more, you're going to miss out on some of them.

I love that I can get a satisfying meal at the buffet and then be right back out to enjoy live music, catch a trivia session, or attend a show. This can be really important on the big ships where the signature show performances are must-sees.

If you're used to eating in the dining room, I think you'll find the evening so much longer when you get back more time after eating at the Windjammer.

Cruise ship buffets are well known for offering a wide variety of food, but it's so easy to grab the first thing you see instead of the best items.

Part of the appeal of a buffet is arguably to load up on just about everything you care for, whether or not the food goes together is secondary.

After all, indulging on a cruise is part of what makes vacation fun.

I've found Royal Caribbean's Windjammer buffet to be a great choice for any meal. While I might not want to eat there for every meal, it always satisfies in a pinch.

Without a doubt, the hidden secret to the Windjammer is to look past the buffet lines and head to the cooking stations towards the back.

Freshly prepared food

It's hard to go wrong with the sheer variety of food around the buffet, but it's all food that was made in a batch.  It's not bad by any means, just not as fresh or customized as you'd like it.

Within the Windjammer are one or two cooking stations on every ship, and this is where I go first.

The cooking stations offer a specialty that a chef will make on the spot, and just the way you want it.

In the morning, this will be an omelet station where you can have your eggs prepared just as you want them. 

Moreover, there's a selection of vegetables and meats you can include in your eggs so you have them just the way like it.

Usually you can place your order and are given a pager to be notified when it's ready.  Most of the time, it's about a 5-10 minute wait.

Not only are the eggs made as you like them, but the taste is so much better than the mass-produced eggs you'll get elsewhere.

For lunch and dinner, the cooking stations shift to a specific food type and it varies each day and meal.

I've seen all sorts of cooking stations across different ships including:

• Asian stir fry
• Pasta
• Fried rice
• Soup

My two favorites are the Asian stir fry and pasta.

On my recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, they had stir fry on just about every evening for dinner, and I kept going back again and again.  Sure, the rest of the buffet changed things up, but nothing ever quite compared.

Without a doubt, the appeal of these cooking stations is you can customize it exactly the way you want and it's all prepared on the spot. This is especially helpful for vegans or vegetarians.

And best of all, it's included in your cruise cost! It's surprising you can go to the cooking stations as many times as you want for no additional cost.

In my experience, a lot of cruisers head straight to the buffet lines and load up before they even see the cooking stations.  That's partly not their fault because the cooking stations are always in the back.

It's fairly common to hear from a cruiser they were unaware that was even an option. They assumed the stations were meal prep areas for the rest of the buffet.  

Cooking stations address the biggest problem with a buffet

Eating at a buffet is controversial for some people because it feels cheap and there's food quality concerns.

Because the cooking stations are all made when you order it, you don't deal with food that may have been sitting under a heat lamp for a bit.

Plus, the serving size is usually big enough to be considered an entree in and of itself. 

I especially like it when my kids want to go and have chicken fingers, hot dogs, or a burger and I don't have to feel like I'm compromising on my meal.

More Windjammer tips

Ready for a few more Windjammer secrets? Here's my best advice to take full advantage of Royal Caribbean's buffet.

Go there early

The Windjammer is open most hours of the day, but there are definitely peak times where it can feel very crowded.

• Embarkation day lunch
• 8am to 10am every morning

Ideally, you'll go on embarkation day before noon.  Get an early check-in time for your cruise, and then head up in the 11am hour before it gets really crowded.

As for breakfast, you should either try to wake up early and go, or sleep in and make brunch happen instead.

On ships that don't have Coastal Kitchen, there is usually a reserved area for suite guests or Pinnacle Club members for breakfast nearby, so ask a crew member where it's located.

Don't stop at the first station

When you walk in, everyone seems to stop at the first station to get food.

A lot of the food around the Windjammer repeats itself, with the same dish available in the back. Moreover, there's more options in the back and you don't need to go to each station in a linear fashion.

In fact, I think the food in the back is a better selection and far less crowded.

Get your drinks after your food

There's self-service drink stations where you can get water, coffee, and flavored waters, but get them after you have your food.

If you get your drinks first, you're going to have to try to balance the cup, your plate, and the serving tongs.

Take advantage of seating all the way in the back

If you're struggling to find a table, keep heading back.

Most people plop down at the first table they find, so look towards the rear to find more options.

On Royal Caribbean's Radiance and Quantum Class ships, there are outdoor seating areas at the very back that offer fresh air and great views with your meal.

A cruise ship buffet may be a casual dining venue, but that doesn't mean proper etiquette should be ignored.

You're on vacation, you're serving yourself at the buffet, it's easy to not think twice about what you shouldn't do at the Windjammer.

Pretty much all cruise ships have at least one all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

On Royal Caribbean ships, this buffet is a complimentary venue called the Windjammer. It is a popular choice for its convenience and variety, with long hours open and a constant spread of all different kinds of food. Icon of the Seas actually has two buffets with Surfside Eatery.

If you’re craving a simple salad, but someone else in your travel party wants a heartier meal—like beef stew or hamburgers—there’s something to satisfy everyone’s desire.

However, before you dive right into the smorgasbord of food, there are certain do’s and don’ts you need to understand.

From not washing your hands to bypassing the made-to-order stations, here are 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet. 

Forget to reserve a seat 

Unlike the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer does not have assigned seating. 

If you’re not alert, you might have trouble finding and saving your seat. I’ve even seen cruisers forced to eat while standing at countertops.

At busy times, like peak mealtimes, breakfast, and embarkation day, it can get crowded!

My strategy to save a seat is to look for a table when I first enter and leave an item like a water bottle, book, or jacket so others know I’ve reserved the spot.

Along these same lines, keep in mind that crew members are likely to clear your cups and plates away if you leave them unattended. To avoid their helpful hands, don’t leave the table until you’ve finished your serving.

Skip the handwashing station

Before you enter, make sure that you stop at the handwashing station. 

If you’re not able to wash your hands, at least remember to use hand sanitizer found in dispensers located throughout the ship.  

Since the Windjammer is a self-serve buffet, so many passengers will be grabbing the utensils. It’s easy for germs to spread, so remember to avoid touching your face and hair at the buffet.

Additionally, if you're not feeling well, you should avoid the buffet. Instead, consider ordering something from room service or having someone else in your travel party bring some food back to your stateroom. Not only will rest help you feel better quicker, but it's kindest to think about the safety of other guests, too. 

If you eat multiple servings—finishing one plate and going back for more—be sure to sanitize your hands in between, as well.

You don’t want to lick your fingers and then return to the serving utensils with dirty hands.

Dive in before assessing all of your options 

From salad bars to a variety of different hot dishes and desserts, cruise ship buffets have seemingly endless options for you to choose from. 

Before making any decisions, you should walk through the entire buffet to see what's available.

While one of the first dishes you see might look appealing, you could also find something you'd rather try elsewhere. 

If you fill up your plate too early, you'll likely end up wasting food. Moreover, options tend to change daily, especially for dinner. 

Don’t get stuck to one option, but rather open up your tastebuds, and save room to try many types of dishes! 

Waste food

Evaluating your options before selecting what sounds the most delicious is smart to ensure that you don't waste food. 

Even if you feel like you will eat everything that you put on your plate, it's smart to start with one plate of food and return to the buffet for seconds if you're still hungry. 

Plus, you never know if your cravings will change. Maybe the pasta you grabbed will satisfy your need for carbohydrates and you'd rather get a side salad or vegetables. 

Rather than assuming you'll want three pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and fruit for breakfast, start with what you know you'll eat and return for seconds. 

Avoiding waste is the most polite thing to do, for the cruise line, crew members, and for other guests.

Reuse the same plate

Reusing your plate is a big no-no at all buffets, as it can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of germs. 

If you are finished with your plate or food, or just unsatisfied with what you got, leave your dirty dishes at the table while you go grab something else to eat. There will be crew members walking around to clear tables, so you don't have to worry about removing the dishes yourself. 

Even if you're returning for just a single dessert or small side, always grab a new plate. 

You can reuse the same silverware, but only if you leave it at your table. Don’t bring it up to the self-serve stations and risk contamination.

Grab food with your bare hands

Serving utensils are available for a reason. Even if you just washed your hands and are sure that they're clean, it is still considered impolite to grab food from the cruise ship buffet with your hands. 

If the roles were reversed, you would not want to eat food that someone else had touched. 

Even if you want finger foods like chicken tenders and fries, there will be tongs available for you to place however much you want on your plate. 

The only exception would be pre-packed items, such as a carton of milk or small yogurt. 

Cut anyone in line

Everyone's in the buffet for the same reason: you all want to eat. It’s important to exercise patience while on a cruise ship, as there are thousands of other people onboard trying to enjoy their vacation, too. 

Even if there aren't any defined lines, you should not cut people off who appear to be waiting for a specific station. Don't be afraid to ask if someone's in line! 

If you interrupt the flow of traffic, you are being disrespectful to those who have been waiting longer.

Imagine if everyone thought that they had first dibs; chaos would ensue.

Skip the made-to-order stations

The buffet is a great option for quick meals, like before a shore excursion in the morning or an event in the afternoon.

But even if you’re looking for a quick bite, don’t be afraid to place an order at the made-to-order station. If you don't see something pre-made that sounds good, you can always construct your own fresh dish. 

While the cuisine itself usually varies (i.e., you might find a pasta bar one night and stir fry the next), you can rest assured knowing that not everything in the buffet has been sitting under heat lamps for hours. 

The made-to-order station is a good compromise for those who aren't in the mood to sit through a three-course meal after spending a long day ashore but don't want standard buffet food. 

Eating dinner in the buffet is also great for those who don't want to adhere to traditional cruise ship dining times. Rather than having to stick to a specific time (like dinner assigned at 5:45 P.M. or 8:00 P.M.), you can simply show up at any point during operating hours. 

Rush to the buffet on embarkation day

One of the first places people visit on the ship is the buffet. If you happen to have an arrival time that's in the middle of the boarding process, you'll want to avoid the buffet for a little bit. 

Read more: 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise

People often board in the middle of the day, and then rush to the Windjammer for lunch. While it’s a good idea, it means that the buffet fills up quickly and sometimes defeats the purpose of showing up for a quicker meal.

Some cruise ships have other options, so you can eat without venturing into the buffet on the first day. On Oasis Class ships, for instance, you can visit Park Cafe in Central Park on embarkation day.

There, you’re able to get a custom salad and sandwich without dealing with the crowds that are present at the buffet. 

Not speak up if you have food allergies 

Food allergies can be life-threatening, and cruise lines know the importance of having allergen-free menus. If you don't see anything at first, don't be afraid to ask a crew member at the buffet. Some cruise lines recommend sending an email to their dining team ahead of time. 

Royal Caribbean states, "Lactose-free/soy milk, ensure, and kosher meals are available at no extra charge. All you have to do is notify us at least 45 days prior to sailing (90 days for European/South American Itineraries)."

Even if you've discussed your dietary needs with the dining staff, also be sure that you keep your emergency medication, such as an EpiPen, on you at all times in case you're accidentally exposed. 

Wear a swimsuit or go barefoot

The Windjammer is more casual than the Main Dining Room. 

If you don't feel like dressing up on formal night, you can go to the buffet for dinner in a T-shirt and shorts without feeling underdressed. 

However, even though the Windjammer is a more casual venue onboard, it still has a dress code that you must abide by.

For example, don’t waltz in from the lido deck in a wet swimsuit. 

If hunger strikes while you’re swimming in the pool or lounging in the hot tub, you need to dry off and throw a cover-up on.

Shoes are required, too.

Read more: What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

Many cruise fans have been wondering what Royal Caribbean's plan will be for keeping guests healthy while onboard their ships, including what the fate of the Windjammer buffet will be.

It seems we have a definitive answer from the head of Royal Caribbean's food and beverage: there will be a buffet.

Royal Caribbean Global Vice President Culinary, Dining & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, spoke on the fate of the buffet in a webinar question and answer with travel agents on Wednesday and confirmed the buffet will remain.

Mr. D'Souza was asked about if there will be a buffet on Royal Caribbean's ships, and while Royal Caribbean has not divulged its plans for which policies and changes will be made onboard its cruise ships, he was able to dispel rumors and concerns surrounding what will happen to the buffet.

"Windjammer is one of my favorite spots, and we will continue to have a buffet at Royal Caribbean. We have worked through a variety of different scenarios, from employee service to individual portions to individual tongs for self-service, to finger koozies that you can pick up hot dishes with that can be washed and sanitized. So we continue to work through a lot of the details."

"But rest assured, the buffet will exist. There may be some small modifications that allow us to ensure that we have a really great, healthy return to service. But your favorites and what you're used to at the Windjammer will still be there."

"So I'll I'll put that to rest. We will absolutely have a Windjammer with all of your favorites in a very similar fashion to what you've had previously and maybe some different service steps to ensure healthy service."

Buffet indecision

The origins of the idea that the Windjammer might go away started in May, when Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley mentioned the cruise line was working on their plan to keep guests healthy and the buffet experience came up.

"I think in the beginning, there will not be a buffet in the beginning, that's how I see it. It depends again upon the timing. We will utilize the space, we will utilize the Windjammer, but in all probability it won't be a classical buffet. It will be something more akin to a restaurant."

While Mr. Bayley did not say the Windjammer buffet was gone, it opened up the idea that significant change could occur. A week later, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain had a different take on the buffet's fate.

"It doesn't mean that you don't have a buffet. I think it's very likely that you're not going to see that on land or sea."

The changing nature of recommendations by health professionals, as well as the organic discussions Royal Caribbean has had internally likely caused the answer to change depending on the week.

With Mr. D'Souza's affirmation today, it appears guests will have a buffet experience to look forward to once cruising resumes.

Not just Royal Caribbean with buffets

If the idea of a buffet remaining on a cruise ship when cruises resume sounds odd, other cruise lines are keeping theirs as well.

When Norwegian Cruise Line announced their new policies for guests, they indicated buffets and beverage stations will be full service with staff available to serve guests.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced while self-service buffet stations have been suspended, all food and beverage will be served by crew members wearing face masks, hats, aprons, and gloves.

Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe is the cruise line's preeminent buffet option and a popular choice for many guests throughout the day. The Windjammer serves up food for all meals, and offers a laid-back experience with enough variety to satisfy nearly any palate.

Here is what you need to know about The Windjammer Cafe on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Atmosphere

The look and decor of the Windjammer depends on the ship you are sailing on, but in general, it features a classic nautical look with lots of deep blues and wood around the entire venue. After all, the word "windjammer" refers to a merchant sailing ship.

Most Royal Caribbean ships have two entrances to the Windjammer, one on each side of the elevator banks closest to the Windjammer.

As you walk in, in most cases the Windjammer is a mirror split, where buffet stations on either side of the restaurant offer the same food as a means of splitting up crowds.

You will find ample seating in the Windjammer, with tables, booths, and even high tops on some ships. Seating is first come, first served and there is wait staff that roam the restaurant to help clear tables, serve drinks, and assist in any special requests.

All Windjammer locations have lots of seating with views of the ocean. On certain classes of ships (Quantum and Radiance class), there is outdoor seating towards the rear of the Windjammer. Regardless of where you sit, it is usually quite easy to get a good view of the ocean.

How it works

If you have ever been to a buffet-style restaurant, the Windjammer Cafe should be no different in approach. As you enter the Windjammer Cafe, you pick up a plate and utensils that are rolled in the napkin. You then proceed to any buffet station you like and wait your turn to serve yourself.

There is no limit on how many servings or visits you can make to the Windjammer. The Windjammer is a complimentary dining choice on all ships.

The proper protocol for serving yourself in the Windjammer is to always take a new plate when you go up to get more food. Reusing plates is a health hazard on a cruise ship, so you simply leave any used plates and utensils on your table and one of the Windjammer waiters will collect it.

Royal Caribbean typically breaks up cuisines offered via each Windjammer buffet station. For lunch or dinner, there is a salad station, an international foods station, a soup area, etc. You can easily walk around the Windjammer to "scope out" the choices and then enter the line for whichever station appeals to you.

For breakfast, you will find a myriad of traditional breakfast options, including eggs, bacon, cereal, sausage, yogurt, fruit, and more. There is a custom egg ordering station that is a really popular and fabulous choice. The breakfast food choices rarely change (if ever) during your sailing.

There are also coffee and tea stations set up near the entrance of the Windjammer for easy access to getting a cup of coffee to start your day. 

At lunch and dinner, you will find a wide selection of food, with dinner offering the greatest variety of choices. Meals at these times combine typical American cruise fare (burgers, hot dogs, salads, and sandwiches) with a lot of international foods. 

The exact menu will change on a daily basis, but there are usually a few consistently offered choices that will form the core options.

In the evening, the Windjammer Cafe usually has a theme to the menu, where a special menu is offered in addition to the usual fare. Some examples are Mongolian grill, Mexican, pasta station, etc. The great thing about these stations is the food is prepared just for you and that means you get exactly what you want in your dish.

The Windjammer is also home to a lot of vegetarian and gluten-free choices. The signs for each food will indicate if they satisfy a particular need, but you can always speak with the head waiter of the Windjammer about special requests.

In terms of drinks, the Windjammer regularly offers milk (chocolate and regular), lemonade, water, flavored waters, iced tea, coffee, tea, and juices (in the morning).

In addition to the regular food, the Windjammer always has a large array of desserts to choose from. You will find ice cream, cakes, gelatin, fruit, cookies, and pretty much everything needed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Windjammer hours

The exact hours will vary from ship to ship, but the Windjammer is open for most, but not all hours of the day. Your Cruise Compass will list exact times, but plan on breakfast, lunch, mid-day snacks, and dinner.

The Windjammer will offer the widest array of dining times, which is great for those who sleep in or are looking for off-hour meals. The Windjammer is also open for all meals, regardless of whether your Royal Caribbean ship is in a port or at sea.

By far, the most crowded time for the Windjammer is breakfast, with a peak in the 9:00am hour.  There are times when seating may be full, but the Windjammer crew members do a great job of helping clear tables quickly and encouraging guests to vacate their tables once they are done.  If you are having trouble locating an open table, ask a crew member for assistance.

For those wondering, no, Royal Caribbean does not offer a midnight buffet option either at the Windjammer or anywhere else onboard. 

Windjammer dress code

The dress code for dining in the Windjammer Cafe is always listed as casual, regardless of the main dining room dress code.

This means you can wear shorts, and t-shirts are all okay. The only real dress restrictions in the Windjammer are no bare feet and bathing attire will not be permitted at any time.  

Windjammer Cafe tips and strategies

• When you enter the Windjammer, you will be required to wash your hands and/or sanitize your hands. Yes, you have to do it and yes, it is worthwhile to avoid getting sick.
• You can take food from the Windjammer to go at any time. Feel free to bring the food back to your stateroom, pool deck, or wherever your family is located.
• If you have trouble finding a table, ask the waiters roaming the restaurant for assistance.
• The Windjammer waiters are happy to bring you beverages, straws, booster seats, and anything else you may need.
• If you have a dietary need, ask to speak to the head waiter. They are quite good at accommodating most needs, but keep in mind they may need advanced notice to prepare something in particular.

• If you want eggs of any kind at breakfast, skip the eggs in the buffet area because they tend to be powdered eggs. Instead, go to the custom-made egg station and have them made there.
• On Oasis Class ships, the Windjammer does not have a custom-made egg station, but you can find that at other locations onboard.
• Try to go to the Windjammer at least once for dinner when they open up for the evening. We usually find the crew members welcoming guests with clapping, singing and/or dancing. It is a fun display!
• If there is outdoor Windjammer seating, take advantage of it for the great ambiance. The Windjammer often boasts some of the best views onboard.

Have you dined at the Windjammer Cafe? Tell us about your experience and share your favorite tips in the comments!

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If you've been on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the fairly recent past, more than likely you've eaten at the Windjammer Café, the ever popular and somewhat ubiquitous buffet that fans of Royal Caribbean look forward to on each of their cruises.  The Windjammer is a buffet restaurant that is included in the price of your cruise.  It offers a wide variety of food from fresh fruit and salad to sandwiches, burgers, dessert and much more.  

The exact menu of the Windjammer varies from ship to ship as well as what's in season and fresh.  Don't be confused, the Windjammer isn't your typical stale buffet with old food. Rather, it's a great place for meals or snacks at many times of the day. 

Many guests get their first taste of the Windjammer on embarkation day when they first board the ship.  The Windjammer is typically open for lunch for those boarding the ship and a great opportunity to get your vacation started off right.  Throughout the cruise, you will find opportunities to sample different food depending on the meal.  

Some Windjammers, like those on Navigator of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas, feature a Jade section to the Windjammer, which serve Asian foods such as soup, rice and even sushi.

Windjammer Cafe Hours: 

• Continental Breakfast: 6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m.
• Full-Buffet Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
• Lunch: Noon-2:00 p.m.
• Afternoon Tea and Snacks: 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.