Majesty of the Seas Dining
Moonlight (Deck 3) and Starlight (Deck 4) are the new main dining rooms, and the atmosphere is just lovely. Both were outfitted with new carpeting, drapes and seating upholstery. The artwork on the walls didn't seem to match the new decor too well, but that didn't make it any less cozy. The food is standard shipboard dining room fare, including shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, roast duck, salmon and steak. A Royal Lifestyle menu offers lighter and healthier menu items and vegetarian cuisine is also available. Low-salt, low-sugar and other special diets are also accommodated. Royal Caribbean's entire fleet is trans-fat free.
For dinner, passengers can choose between assigned early (6 p.m.) or late (8:30 p.m.) dining, or opt for RCI's My Time Dining, in which you pick a preferred mealtime (anytime between 6 and 9:30 p.m.), but can change your reservations on a daily basis or simply walk in when you're hungry. (Note: Those opting for My Time Dining will need to pre-pay gratuities.) The restaurant is open seating for everyone at breakfast and lunch every day.
The Windjammer Marketplace has been completely redone on Deck 10 -- a mini version of the extraordinary Windjammer on Freedom of the Seas. Perfect, made-to-order omelets, crisp bacon, light and airy biscuits (and even homemade gravy if you're inclined) are just some of the components of a great breakfast. Fruits galore, baked goods, waffles, French toast and pancakes, as well as oatmeal and assorted cereals are there for the taking as well.
Lunches are equally varied; one day I had a hard time choosing between salads, varied cheeses and meats, Asian entrees, chicken wings and tacos. Sweets are tempting. Drinks are readily available and crew often helps out with a "cuppa."
Up a short flight of stairs, on Deck 11, is Compass Deli, which is new to Royal Caribbean and features paninis and wraps; Sorrento's Italian Pizza (no cover charge); and a Johnny Rockets, a 50's-style restaurant where hamburgers and milkshakes reign supreme. The deli is gratis. There is a $4.95 cover charge in Johnny Rockets that covers all you can eat through dessert, but drinks and shakes are extra (but worth it!).
A poolside barbecue is scheduled one night on each cruise and a barbecue on the beach in Cococay is also part of the drill.
Coffee and an array of sweets are available on Deck 5 at Latte-tudes featuring Seattle's Best Coffee, another Royal brand. Coffee drinks are in the $3.50 range. Next to Latte-tudes is Freeze Ice-Cream, with another average $3.50 price tag for its ice cream confections.
Room service is available 24 hours a day, offering a limited menu and Continental breakfast only. Food is free between 5 a.m. and midnight; late-night orders incur a $3.95 surcharge.
