Dinner might get all the attention on a cruise, but some of the most memorable meals happen long before the sun goes down. From complimentary diner breakfasts to freshly made tacos and afternoon tea, plenty of cruise ship restaurants have daytime offerings worth seeking out. As Royal Caribbean’s cruise food guide points out, there are plenty of breakfast and lunch options beyond the traditional dining room. Better yet, some of these meals are already included in your fare, so you can enjoy something special without paying for another fancy dinner. Here are 12 places where breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack might steal the show.
Johnny Rockets on Oasis of the Seas for Breakfast
Most people associate Johnny Rockets with burgers, fries, and milkshakes, but the restaurant aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas has a little morning secret. Breakfast is complimentary, even though lunch and dinner come with an extra charge. Instead of battling the buffet crowds, passengers can settle into a retro diner setting for familiar American breakfast favorites such as eggs and pancakes. It’s a fun change of pace, especially for families. Just check the morning hours, since breakfast service doesn’t run all day.
Park Cafe on Wonder of the Seas for Lunch
A roast beef sandwich might not sound like the most exciting thing to eat on a cruise, but Royal Caribbean’s Royal Kummelweck has developed quite a following. Served at Park Cafe aboard Wonder of the Seas, the sandwich features roast beef on a seasoned roll and makes a satisfying alternative to another buffet lunch. The cafe also offers salads, paninis, and other deli favorites. Best of all, the food is included in your fare. Seating can get busy around lunchtime, so consider visiting outside the rush.
Solarium Bistro on Oasis of the Seas for a Lighter Lunch
After several days of rich desserts and oversized dinners, a lighter lunch can sound surprisingly appealing. Solarium Bistro aboard Oasis of the Seas offers Mediterranean-inspired selections, salads, and other casual dishes in a setting away from the main buffet. Breakfast is another good reason to stop by, with familiar morning staples available without an extra dining charge. It’s not necessarily the place for an elaborate culinary adventure, but that’s part of its appeal. Check the daily schedule, since the venue’s format and hours can change between meals.
Grand Dutch Cafe on Rotterdam for Afternoon Treats
Holland America’s Dutch heritage comes through in the Grand Dutch Cafe aboard Rotterdam, where the menu goes beyond ordinary coffee-shop pastries. Passengers can try traditional pea soup, savory Dutch snacks, and stroopwafels without paying extra for many of the food selections. Specialty coffees and alcoholic drinks cost more, so it’s worth checking before ordering. The cafe is particularly appealing when you want a small afternoon meal rather than another large buffet plate. It’s also a chance to sample Dutch flavors without leaving the ship.
Indulge Food Hall on Norwegian Prima for Lunch
Why settle for one cuisine when you can try several? Norwegian Prima’s Indulge Food Hall brings together dishes inspired by Indian, Italian, Latin American, and other food traditions, with small plates that make mixing and matching easy. Most food hall selections are complimentary, although nearby specialty treats and drinks may cost extra. Passengers frequently praise the variety, but finding a table can be frustrating during peak lunch hours. Arriving a little early may make the experience considerably more enjoyable, especially when traveling with a group.
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International Cafe on Royal Princess for Breakfast
Not everyone wants to devote an hour to breakfast before heading ashore. The International Cafe aboard Royal Princess offers pastries, breakfast parfaits, sandwiches, and other convenient bites in the ship’s Piazza. It’s open around the clock, making it particularly useful for early excursions or an afternoon snack between activities. The standard food selections are complimentary, although specialty coffees and certain beverages cost extra. For passengers who prefer a quick coffee-shop breakfast to a crowded buffet, it’s an easy option to overlook until they discover it.
Royal Afternoon Tea on Regal Princess
Afternoon tea might feel like something from another era, but that’s part of the charm aboard Regal Princess. The ship offers a Royal afternoon tea experience with finger sandwiches, scones, sweets, and premium tea selections in the Piazza. It’s a pleasant alternative to another restaurant meal, especially for travelers who enjoy a slower afternoon. Unlike a quick complimentary cafe snack, this is a special service, and premium selections or packages may involve additional charges. Check the current schedule and pricing before making plans around it.
Eden Cafe on Celebrity Edge for Lunch With a View
Celebrity Edge’s Eden Cafe makes a strong case for skipping the usual lunch buffet. Surrounded by the ship’s striking three-story Eden space, the cafe serves sandwiches, soups, and other casual dishes, with outdoor seating available when conditions allow. It’s a particularly pleasant stop for passengers who would rather enjoy a relaxed lunch than spend time in a crowded dining room. The cafe is among Celebrity’s complimentary dining options, although drinks may cost extra. Its daytime opening hours are worth checking, since it isn’t an all-day restaurant.
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El Loco Fresh on Symphony of the Seas for Tacos
Sometimes a freshly made taco is more appealing than a three-course meal. El Loco Fresh aboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas offers Mexican-inspired favorites such as tacos, burritos, and nachos, with toppings that let passengers customize their lunch. It’s included in the cruise fare, making it a practical choice when you want something quick without paying for specialty dining. Don’t expect a quiet, formal restaurant experience, though. This is casual, popular poolside food, and the busiest lunch periods can bring lines.
The Dog House on Oasis of the Seas for an Afternoon Snack
Hot dogs might seem like ordinary cruise food, but The Dog House aboard Oasis of the Seas gives them a little more personality. The complimentary stand offers choices such as a classic Coney Island dog, German-style bratwurst, and chicken sausage with apple, along with familiar toppings and sides. It’s an easy place to stop when you’re hungry between activities but don’t want a full restaurant meal. The menu is relatively narrow, and the venue closes earlier than many evening dining spots, so don’t save it for a late-night craving.
Coastal Kitchen on Wonder of the Seas for Breakfast
For passengers staying in qualifying suites, Coastal Kitchen aboard Wonder of the Seas offers a calmer alternative to the morning buffet. The restaurant serves breakfast in a more intimate setting, with table service that makes the first meal of the day feel less rushed. There’s an important catch: access is restricted to eligible suite guests and certain top-tier loyalty members, so it isn’t a complimentary option for everyone onboard. If your accommodation already includes access, however, it’s worth taking advantage of before paying extra for another dining experience.
BlueIguana Cantina on Carnival Celebration for Breakfast
Carnival Celebration’s BlueIguana Cantina isn’t just a place to grab tacos at lunchtime. The casual Mexican-inspired counter also serves breakfast, offering a change from the usual eggs-and-toast routine. Passengers can look for breakfast burritos and other morning selections before returning later for tacos, tortillas, and salsa. The food is included in the cruise fare, which makes it an appealing alternative to paying for a specialty breakfast. Expect a quick-service atmosphere rather than a leisurely sit-down meal, and check the hours before heading over.
