Making dining choices on a cruise ship can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re torn between the buffet and the Main Dining Room. It’s completely understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed; many guests share your sentiments, often wishing for a broader selection of dishes that can pique their interest. The key is to discover a dining experience that brings together both variety and ease, allowing you to relish each meal without any stress. Thankfully, the buffet stands out as a wonderful option, offering an impressive tapestry of international cuisines in a laid-back atmosphere where spontaneity and socializing thrive. By opting for the buffet, you can savor a delightful mix of flavors while embracing the fun and connection that truly elevates your cruise adventure.

Royal Caribbean presents an impressive array of dining options that cater to every guest’s tastes and preferences. With exquisite multi-course meals crafted by world-renowned chefs and a selection of specialty restaurants that offer exceptional ambiance and unique flavors for an additional cost, the choices are abundant. For those who prefer a laid-back atmosphere, casual dining spots provide a welcoming setting where families and friends can relish hearty meals without pretense. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet dishes, international cuisine, or a quick snack, Royal Caribbean satisfies all culinary cravings, ensuring memorable dining experiences after a thrilling day at sea. In my extensive experience with their dining options, I can confidently assert that the Windjammer Cafe deserves more recognition for dinner, as it boasts variety, convenience, and flexibility, even if it doesn’t quite reach the service level of the Main Dining Room.

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, with many travelers finding that lengthy dining experiences can feel cumbersome rather than enjoyable. This shift has created a problem for cruise lines aiming to provide memorable vacations. To address this, cruise operators are now offering flexible dining options that cater to diverse preferences, allowing guests to enjoy shorter, more casual meals that fit their schedules while still savoring exquisite culinary delights.

The Windjammer lets you quickly grab food and go. There’s no wait for seating or servers. You can serve yourself from the buffet and eat right away. 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 activity onboard the ship, especially when schedules are tight. Whether you’re enjoying a theatrical performance or participating in various onboard activities, grabbing a quick bite ensures you won’t miss out on the entertainment. Additionally, if you need to make an appointment for a spa treatment or a guided shore excursion, a swift meal helps keep your plans on track without feeling rushed. With many dining options for quick service, you can enjoy your meal while immersing yourself in the wonderful opportunities that await during your journey.

Crew members ensure the food supply is always flowing, so you’ll never face long waits to satisfy your cravings!
Every moment counts on this adventure, and while there might be a brief line for some mouthwatering treats, it’ll only be a minute or two before you’re diving into a delicious feast. Get ready for a culinary experience like no other!

There are so many different choices

I love how many choices of food you’ll find in the Windjammer, especially for dinner, where the expansive buffet offers an array of international cuisines that cater to every palate. Each evening, diners can explore a vibrant selection of dishes, from succulent roasted meats to fresh seafood, and an impressive assortment of vegetarian options that ensure a delightful experience for everyone. The atmosphere is always lively and inviting, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of activities, while savoring delectable flavors and engaging in great conversations with friends and family.

Royal Caribbean goes well beyond just burgers and hot dogs. You’ll find an extensive array of delicious options, including fresh salads bursting with vibrant vegetables, hearty soups perfect for a cozy meal, and a variety of gourmet sandwiches crafted with quality ingredients. Additionally, there are mouth-watering pastas in rich sauces, tender carved meats served to perfection, and an indulgent selection of desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With such a diverse culinary offering, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy, ensuring that each dining experience is both memorable and satisfying.

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. 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, guests often face the problem of deciding where to dine on Royal Caribbean, especially when both the Main Dining Room and Windjammer feature appealing options. This decision can lead to conflicting feelings, as the menus don’t exactly match but have enough overlap to cause uncertainty. The complication arises when diners wish to enjoy the best of both worlds but feel restricted by the different offerings. The solution lies in the buffet-style service at the Windjammer, where patrons can savor a variety of dishes without the need for compromise. Plus, if you’re still hungry, the buffet allows for quick and easy access to seconds or thirds, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

No dress codes

On vacation, you don’t need to worry about dressing up for dinner at the Windjammer, as there is no strict dress code, except for wet bathing suits and the requirement to wear shoes and cover-ups. This convenience allows for less packing and more time to relax at the pool or explore the port.

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, making every meal an experience to remember. On most ships, the Windjammer is located at the very back of the ship and is beautifully surrounded by glass, providing panoramic views of the stunning seascape. Even if you don’t get a table right at the window, you can see outside from many tables nearby, ensuring that you are never too far from the scenery. Plus, on Radiance and Quantum Class ships, there’s an inviting outdoor seating area at the very back where you can bask in the warm sunshine and feel the refreshing ocean breeze as you savor your meal. The combination of delicious food and vibrant surroundings adds an extra layer of joy to dining. I never miss an opportunity to dine outside when possible because it’s simply so enjoyable to gaze out at the endless horizon and watch the waves roll by as you eat, making every bite more delightful in this picturesque setting.

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 key at the Windjammer, as you can come in whenever you like. While it isn’t open all day (taking short breaks between meals), it has longer serving hours than the Main Dining Room. This means you don’t need a reservation or a set dining time. You are welcome as long as they are open, and breakfast is often available until lunch, unlike the Main Dining Room, which serves it for just a few hours 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, making your cruise experience even more memorable and enjoyable. Each evening there are various events held throughout the ship, ranging from dance parties to engaging workshops, and if you’re at a sit-down restaurant for 90 minutes or more, you’re going to miss out on some of them, which can really leave you feeling like you didn’t fully experience the vibrancy of the cruise. I love that I can get a satisfying meal at the buffet, indulging in a diverse selection of dishes that cater to all tastes, and then be right back out to enjoy live music, catch a trivia session, or attend a spectacular show that highlights the talents of the onboard performers. This can be really important on the big ships where the signature show performances are must-sees, often featuring breathtaking acrobatics, mesmerizing dance routines, and impressive musical numbers that create unforgettable memories. If you’re used to eating in the dining room, I think you’ll find the evening so much longer and more fulfilling when you get back more time after eating at the Windjammer, allowing you to soak in the festive atmosphere and connect with fellow travelers, all while savoring the excitement that fills the air on the ship.