Just lately, I sailed aboard Attract of the Seas on a brief 4-night cruise to the Bahamas and loved eating at eating places like Samba Grill, the Most important Eating Room, and even the Chef’s Desk for the primary time.
I had a fantastic expertise eating on Imaginative and prescient of the Seas earlier this yr and was curious to see how the meals on a ship as massive as Attract of the Seas would evaluate.
Furthermore, having branched out to different strains like Superstar and Princess, I questioned whether or not Attract would change my opinion on the standard of Royal’s eating.
Even higher, I introduced my dad alongside, who sailed on Attract in 2014. He had reminiscences of the meals being superb, so he was desirous to see if it lived as much as his recollection.
Total, the meals on Attract of the Seas was fairly good! Some meals had been much better than others, with some being mediocre. Here is a breakdown of every part I ate throughout my 4-night cruise aboard Attract, together with a number of dishes I would skip subsequent time.
Of notice, I am not a meals critic and am not classically educated in something cuisine-related. Others could come to their very own conclusions, as everybody has completely different style buds and preferences.
Embarkation Day Lunch
One among my favourite locations to kickstart a cruise is the Park Cafe. Often, it’s far much less overwhelming than the Windjammer, and it’s good to get a made-to-order salad whereas enjoyable in Central Park forward of a busy schedule.
I’ve a tried-and-true salad order that by no means disappoints: combined greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, pink onion, boiled egg, croutons, and honey mustard dressing. At any time when I’ve a salad from Park Cafe, I’m reminded of how a lot I take pleasure in honey mustard dressing however in some way fail to neglect the second I disembark.
I additionally had the signature Kummelweck sandwich with spicy mustard and horseradish. Nonetheless, the roast beef was too uncommon for my liking.
Embarkation Day Dinner
Although this was my third time on Attract of the Seas, I had by no means tried Samba Grill. When strolling across the ship on embarkation day, my dad and I had been provided a deal too good to move up: dinner for 2 for simply $70, or $35 every.
We had been grateful we had a lighter lunch since we had an unexpectedly massive meal deliberate for dinner. It was actually a meat overload. Nonetheless, we undoubtedly felt as if we bought our cash’s value.
My favourite meats had been the filet mignon, beef ribs, and sirloin. Every was tender and cooked to perfection, and I beloved the varied sauces—particularly the chimichurri—offered to reinforce the flavour of the meats.
The celebrities of the present, although, had been the desserts. The caramel flan and chocolate rum cake had been each scrumptious. My dad even debated asking if we may take an additional rum cake to the room.
In case you’re too full to benefit from the heavier desserts, I like to recommend no less than making an attempt the grilled pineapple. It’s a easy but refreshing method to cleanse your palate in spite of everything that meat.
Sorrento’s
Later that night time, we snacked on pizza from Sorrento’s, regardless of saying I wouldn’t eat once more till breakfast. Sorrento’s is my least favourite cruise ship pizza; nonetheless, it’s onerous to withstand late-night pizza when the scent fills the Royal Promenade.
That stated, after making an attempt Princess Cruises’ pizza final month, Sorrento’s appeared much more mediocre than I remembered. In my view, the dough was approach too chewy.
Breakfast Day 2
We awakened early on our solely sea day, arriving at Johnny Rocket’s about fifteen minutes earlier than it opened at 8:00am. We loved immediate service after being seated. The espresso was piping scorching—nearly too scorching to drink! Nonetheless, it’s higher than the lukewarm different.
I ordered the Veggie Lover’s scramble with out mushrooms. There aren’t a whole lot of issues that I refuse to eat, however mushrooms are considered one of them. My solely criticism is that I want it had been served with further cheese. As soon as I combined the scramble up, the cheese taste wasn’t as prevalent as I hoped.
That stated, it had a very good egg-to-veggie ratio. I didn’t wish to really feel like I used to be simply consuming bell peppers and onions early within the morning!
The atmosphere was maybe the most effective a part of breakfast. It was peaceable, and eating outdoors on the Boardwalk earlier than it bought scorching and crowded was a pleasant method to begin our day at sea.
Lunch Day 2
My dad and I returned to Park Cafe for lunch, desirous to keep away from the crowds on the Windjammer. I initially ordered the jerk pork wrap earlier than noticing a Cuban sandwich within the show case after the Kummelweck carving station.
Not desirous to waste meals, I attempted the wrap earlier than realizing it wasn’t all that good. The rice-to-meat ratio was off, with approach an excessive amount of rice and never sufficient of the juicy pork I anticipated.
I additionally seen the Poblano pepper soup once I returned to order a Cuban sandwich. Being a fan of the soup served on Mexican night time within the Most important Eating Room, I gave it a attempt, and it was the most effective factor I ate within the Park Cafe whereas on Attract of the Seas!
The Cuban sandwich was a lot better than the jerk pork wrap. For an informal lunch on a cruise, it was satisfying.
Sabor
Later that afternoon, we had been craving chips and salsa. This isn’t out of the unusual, as my dad and I are enormous followers of spicy meals and love including completely different scorching sauces to our salsa.
After I completed up some work, he determined he wished to ask the wait employees at Sabor if we may take pleasure in chips and salsa with out paying the quilt cost for your complete meal. That they had no points accommodating our request and even introduced freshly chopped habanero peppers to boost the guacamole and salsa.
This was a spotlight of our trip, as we bought to take pleasure in considered one of our favourite actions collectively whereas sitting on the Boardwalk and taking within the sights of an Oasis Class ship.
Dinner Day 2
It is virtually inconceivable to go improper with Royal Caribbean’s French Onion Soup. This yr, I’ve had it on Quantum, Imaginative and prescient, and Attract of the Seas, and it has been scrumptious every time!
The broth is wealthy and savory; the onions are completely caramelized; and the melted cheese topping provides simply the correct quantity of indulgence. Critically, if you happen to’ve by no means tried Royal’s French Onion Soup, I urge you to order it in your subsequent cruise.
Learn extra: I spent per week on a cruise ship to Alaska, and whereas the Most important Eating Room was disappointing, the specialty eating places actually impressed me
Whereas I believed I used to be finished consuming meat, the opposite entrées did not sound too interesting. I’ve tried the seafood linguine twice this yr and have been disenchanted each occasions.
Quite than risking one other letdown, I ordered the meat tenderloin, which was cooked to an ideal medium. Not solely did I benefit from the reduce of meat itself, however the peppercorn sauce added simply the correct quantity of spice with out overwhelming the dish.
Lastly, I had the nice and cozy apple cobbler for dessert. That is considered one of my favourite treats, and I by no means move up the chance to have it when it is on the menu.
Nonetheless, I nearly determined to combine issues up and order the toasted almond cream puffs, however I couldn’t resist the acquainted consolation of the apple cobbler.
Learn extra: Royal Caribbean menus: Most important eating room, specialty eating places & extra
Breakfast Day 3
At any time when my dad and I cruise collectively, we restrict our time within the Windjammer. Not solely do we discover the meals to hit and miss, however we aren’t followers of the hectic atmosphere. It makes for a less-than-ideal eating expertise for us.
As such, we did not step foot within the Windjammer whereas on Attract of the Seas. As an alternative, we loved breakfast at Johnny Rocket’s, the Solarium Bistro, and the Most important Eating Room. Whereas the Solarium Bistro’s meals high quality is comparable, it is way more relaxed than the Windjammer.
On the morning we arrived in CocoCay, we wished one thing fast, so we may head to Thrill Waterpark and knock off as many rides as attainable earlier than the crowds constructed up.
Usually, I’ve a lighter breakfast in favor of heavier lunches and dinners; nonetheless, I wished to gasoline up for our day within the solar, so I added a waffle to my ordinary go-to order of eggs, fruit, and a hashbrown patty.
Lunch Day 3
Although my dad’s final go to to CocoCay was in 2010, he spoke about how a lot he loved the beachside BBQ lunch buffet, so, initially, our plan was to depart Thrill Waterpark and benefit from the choices on the Chill Grill. Nonetheless, after strolling previous Captain Jack’s, my dad determined he’d slightly attempt the mango habanero rooster wings.
Whereas the wings aren’t included—priced at $9.95 for ten—we discovered the additional value value it. The wings had been crispy on the surface and juicy on the within. Plus, the mango habanero sauce added the right quantity of warmth and sweetness. We additionally ordered steak fries for an extra $3.
Professional tip: attempt the TLC (tequila, lime, and chipotle) sauce. The chipotle taste added a smokey richness that paired effectively with the tangy lime, making for a fantastic dipping sauce that wasn’t your common honey mustard or ketchup.
Dinner Day 3
After a protracted day of climbing numerous flights of stairs, we freshened up and returned to the Most important Eating Room for dinner. Tonight’s theme was Caribbean—considered one of my favorites due to the crispy coconut shrimp on the menu.
That stated, I’ve discovered that typically, they don’t seem to be essentially the most beneficiant with the candy chili dipping sauce. Nonetheless, I ordered further, which made an enormous distinction.
I attempted one thing new for my entrée: the Caribbean rooster. I used to be shocked by the portion of juicy rooster breast, making certain that even essentially the most ravenous friends would not depart hungry.
Your complete dish was flavorful, aside from the dry Jamaican fried dumpling. Every little thing else, from the pineapple and black bean salsa to the rice and candy plantains, was satisfying.
The blueberry cobbler wasn’t as memorable because the apple cobbler the night time earlier than. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic candy deal with to wrap up the meal.
Breakfast Day 4
Our assembly time for our tour to Blue Lagoon Island wasn’t till 10:30am, so we had a leisurely breakfast within the Most important Eating Room. Whereas I want savory breakfasts, I believed I would attempt the French Toast.
It was tasty with a gentle, fluffy inside and generously dusted with powdered sugar. Nonetheless, I nonetheless want my go-to of eggs. I am simply not an enormous fan of sweets within the morning.
Lunch Day 4
Our 5-hour tour to Blue Lagoon Island included lunch. It was a normal beachside cookout, with burgers, scorching canines, BBQ rooster, and veggie patties.
I most well-liked the burger to the BBQ rooster and located the inexperienced bean salad fairly tasty! It was served chilly with a robust vinegary style, which everybody won’t take pleasure in.
Nonetheless, on the subject of island meals, it is onerous to compete with Excellent Day at CocoCay! From tacos to burgers and loads of desserts, there’s a greater variety accessible, and you may get as a lot meals as you need!
Dinner Day 4
Whereas I have been on over 20 cruises, I had by no means tried the Chef’s Desk earlier than crusing on Attract of the Seas. Within the days main as much as our cruise, I seen a fantastic deal on the 6-course meal on the Cruise Planner.
The specialty meal value $165.16 for 2 folks; nonetheless, after making use of our $50 in onboard credit score, the worth per particular person decreased to only $57 every.
The thyme and lemon bread was full with melted truffle oil butter and, as our waiter Allen stated, was the most effective bread on the ship.
After bread, we dove into the principle programs, beginning with scallop carpaccio. The thinly sliced scallops had been fairly flavorless; nonetheless, they allowed the yuzu French dressing to shine by means of.
To me, the smoked tomato soup was the star of the present.
It was strong, with a smoky depth that integrated a complete new dimension to the basic dish, and the drizzle of crème fraîche added a creamy distinction.
Learn extra: I take over 10 cruises a yr as a cruise reporter. I all the time e book a specialty restaurant — despite the fact that it prices extra cash
The Maine lobster salad introduced the recent, candy flavors of the lobster entrance and heart.
I wasn’t an enormous fan of the vanilla dressing or the hearts of palm, however the tender lobster was much better than any I’ve ever had within the Most important Eating Room.
My least favourite course was the roasted branzino. Fish is not one thing I sometimes take pleasure in; nonetheless, I used to be prepared to attempt it throughout our Chef’s Desk expertise.
The fish itself was cooked effectively, being moist and flaky. That stated, I could not get previous the distinct taste of the branzino, which was too fishy for my liking. One among our desk companions steered I attempt it with one of many orange slices on the plate, which helped stability the flavour a bit. Nonetheless, it wasn’t sufficient to utterly change my opinion of the dish.
Others who take pleasure in fish stated it was scrumptious, so I’d take my phrases with a grain of salt. Everybody has completely different preferences on the subject of meals!
Compartively, the filet mignon was a favourite. The steak was tender and completely seared on the surface whereas juicy and pink within the heart. Every chunk melted in my mouth and was complemented by the bearnaise sauce!
I additionally beloved the accompanying truffle mashed potatoes. The potatoes had a clean texture, with simply the correct quantity of seasoning to stability out the richness of the steak.
Chocolate lovers will adore The World, that includes layers of wealthy, chocolate mousse, silky ganache, and a crisp, darkish chocolate shell that encases all of it.
Contained in the sphere, the salted caramel ice cream provides a salty distinction to the in any other case chocolate-heavy dessert. Even higher? It pairs effectively with the included salted caramel espresso martini!
Disembarkation Breakfast
We weren’t in a rush to get off the ship on disembarkation morning, so we headed to the Most important Eating Room for one closing meal within the three-story restaurant round 7:40am.
As anticipated, I went with eggs and fruit, slightly than loading up on sugar earlier than going to the airport. The eggs had been much better than these within the Solarium Bistro a number of mornings prior, and I used to be shocked by how recent the fruit was on the final day of the cruise.
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