Key Takeaways
- Start with included standouts. Park Café’s Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich, Pearl Café toasted sandwiches and pastries, and Sorrento’s late night slices are consistent wins.
- Use AquaDome Market for flexible meals. Five counters make it easy to customize lunches without a long sit down.
- Specialty to book once. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood, Izumi, and the Lincoln Park Supper Club if you want a showpiece dinner.
- Suite perks. Coastal Kitchen and The Grove buffet for suite guests are calmer options at peak times.
- Check hours in the app. Hours move with show schedules and port days.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Grab a Pearl Café pastry and a bench on the Royal Promenade for a stress free embarkation lunch.
Fast Picks… Included Bites You Can Trust
| Venue | Why it works | What we reach for first |
|---|---|---|
| Park Café | Central Park setting, fast lines, solid deli staples | Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich, custom salads, breakfast sandwiches |
| Pearl Café | 24 hour grab and go on the Promenade | Toasted sandwiches, pastries, coffee for early tours and late nights |
| AquaDome Market | Five counters, easy mix and match | A bowl or plate from two counters to keep it light and quick |
| Windjammer | Variety without decisions | Indian curries, fresh fruit, global daily specials |
| Main Dining Room | Relaxed sit down when you need a break | Classic mains, kids’ menu safety net |
| Sorrento’s | Open late and fast | Pepperoni slice while you plan the next show |
| Surfside Eatery | Family friendly, near splash zones | Kid ready plates, easy breakfasts |
Links
Park Café: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/park-cafe
Pearl Café: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/pearl-cafe
AquaDome Market: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/aquadome-market
Dining overview with specialty callouts: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining
Specialty You Will Want to Book Once
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen… crowd pleasing pasta and pizzas for a family celebration night.
- Chops Grille… steakhouse classics with familiar sides.
- Hooked Seafood… seafood focus; check the day’s offerings in the app.
- Izumi… sushi or hibachi depending on your travel crew.
- Lincoln Park Supper Club… a multi course, live music experience for a splurge night.
- Coastal Kitchen and The Grove… included for suite guests, quieter atmosphere.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Book specialty on a sea day at non peak times to reduce waits and enjoy the venue.
Replicate‑Worthy Shortlist
These are the dishes and concepts we think translate best back in the studio. Add yours in the comments so we can test them.
1) Royal Kümmelweck Roast Beef — Park Café
Why it is worth replicating The salt caraway roll, thin sliced roast beef, and horseradish interplay gives a clear flavor profile that is easy to scale at home.
Studio plan Bake a caraway roll, roast beef to medium rare, hold jus, assemble with a crisp pickle.
Verdict Success
Link Park Café page: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/park-cafe
2) Toasted Sandwiches and Pastries — Pearl Café
Why it is worth replicating Simple laminated doughs and pressed sandwiches show up all day. Great for make ahead dough and freezer tests.
Studio plan Laminated pastry with a simplified butter block, pressed sandwich on a stovetop griddle.
Verdict Success
Link Pearl Café page: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/pearl-cafe
3) Mix and Match Bowls — AquaDome Market
Why it is worth replicating Modular counters suggest a “choose two” bowl that keeps texture and heat balanced.
Studio plan Sauce base, quick protein, and a high‑heat veg on a sheet pan, plus a crunch topping.
Verdict Undecided… depends on the week’s counters
Link AquaDome Market page: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/aquadome-market
4) Classic Pepperoni Slice — Sorrento’s
Why it is worth replicating Dough, sauce, and deck oven cues are approachable at home with a steel.
Studio plan 65 percent hydration dough, overnight ferment, 550 F steel bake.
Verdict Success
Link Sorrento’s page: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/sorrentos-pizza
5) Desserted Milkshake — Thrill Island
Why it is worth replicating It is playful and over the top, great for parties.
Studio plan Two part thick shake with cookie crumb rim and a surprise topping.
Verdict Undecided… fun but sweet
Link Star overview mentions Desserted: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/star-of-the-seas
Your First Day Eating Plan
- Board and head to Pearl Café for an easy sandwich or pastry.
- Book show times in the app.
- Walk Central Park and grab a Kümmelweck from Park Café for a late lunch.
- Scout AquaDome Market counters so you know the two you like best.
- Pick one specialty to anchor a sea day dinner.
Photo Notes for This Post
- Add a clear photo of the Kümmelweck cross section.
- Menu photos at Pearl Café and AquaDome Market counters.
- A quick candid of Sorrento’s case during late night hours.
- A wide of Lincoln Park Supper Club exterior.
FAQ
Is Pearl Café really open 24 hours It is advertised as a 24 hour complimentary venue. Verify current hours in the Royal app on your sailing.
Do I need reservations for Lincoln Park Supper Club Yes. This is a set menu experience with limited seating. Book early in the app or Cruise Planner.
Are there included options near Surfside Yes. Surfside Eatery and Surfside Bites are family friendly and near the splash zones.
Can suite guests always use Coastal Kitchen Access varies by suite category and capacity. Check your reservation and the app for meal windows.
Sources
- Star of the Seas overview with venue mentions including Lincoln Park Supper Club, Basecamp, and Desserted: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/star-of-the-seas
- Pearl Café official page: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/pearl-cafe
- AquaDome Market official page: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/aquadome-market
- Park Café official page including Kümmelweck callout: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining/park-cafe
- Royal Caribbean dining overview with specialty restaurants: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-dining
- Independent venue roundups and hours examples: https://eatsleepcruise.com/star-of-the-seas-restaurants-menus/ and https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruise/royal-caribbean/star-of-the-seas/dining
