Most ships have large dining halls that are two or three decks high, giving a sense of space and grandeur. Few tables for two are available, most being for four, six, or eight persons. All dining rooms and eateries are non-smoking. The efficient dining operation emphasizes highly programmed (insensitive), extremely hurried service that many find intrusive. There are no fish knives.

The cuisine in the main dining rooms is typical of mass banquet catering with standard fare comparable to that found in American family-style restaurants ashore – mostly disappointing and lacking in taste (the food costs per passenger are well below those for sister company Celebrity Cruises, so you should not expect the same food quality). Dinner menus typically include a Welcome-Aboard Dinner, French Dinner, Italian Dinner, International Dinner, and Captain’s Gala Dinner, and all offer plenty of choice. There’s plenty of food, and, although it is basically well prepared, it is all rather homogenous. While menu descriptions sound tempting, what’s delivered appears to be lost in translation, and is not memorable. A decent selection of light meals is provided, however, and there is a vegetarian menu.

While the USDA prime beef supplied is very good, other meats may not be (they are often disguised with gravies or heavy sauces). Most fish (except salmon) and seafood items tend to be overcooked and lack taste. Green vegetables are scarce, although salad items are plentiful. Rice is often used as a source of carbohydrates (potatoes being more expensive). Breads and pastry items are generally good (although some items, such as croissants, may not be made on board). Dessert items are standardized, and the cheese selection is poor, as is the choice of accompanying (typically salted) crackers. The selection of breads, rolls, and fruit could be better. Caviar (once a standard menu item) incurs a hefty extra charge.

Each cruise, a “Galley Buffet” allows passengers to go through a section of the galley collecting food while noting its spotless, stainless steel backdrop (cleaner than almost any land-based dining facility).

Although prices are moderate, the wine list is not extensive, and almost all wines are extremely young (only small glasses are provided). The waiters tend to be overly friendly for some tastes – particularly on the last night of the cruise, when tips are expected.

Alternative Dining Venues: All Freedom, Radiance and Voyager-class ships have two additional dining venues: Chops Grill Steakhouse (for premium veal chops and steaks), and Portofino (for Italian-American cuisine). Both venues feature food that is of a much higher quality than in the main dining room. An additional charge of $20 per person (including gratuities) applies, and reservations are required. Dinner is usually served between 6pm and 11pm. Vision-class ships (and Empress of the Seas) have one extra-charge alternative dining venue, Portofino. You should be prepared to eat a lot of food (perhaps this justifies the cover charge), from Texas-sized portions presented on large plates. Note that menus do not change throughout the cruise. The dress code is smart casual.

Casual Eateries: All RCI ships have casual eateries called Windjammer Café for fast-food items, salads, and other casual meals. Most are of the single line (move along with your tray) type, although the newest ships have more active stations and individual islands for more variety and fewer lines. However, the actual quality of food items is extremely poor, as are the tacky counter dressings. Breakfast buffet items are virtually the same each day, monotonous and even below the standards of diner food. The same is true of lunchtime salad items, which have little or no taste. The beverage stations have only the most basic items. Hamburgers and hot dogs in self-serve buffet locations are generally left in bain-maries (steam tables), and are steamed rather than grilled, although you can ask for one to be grilled in front of you. Freedom and Voyager-class ships also have Johnny Rockets diners ($3.95 extra charge per person) featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas, and fun staff.

Drinks packages are available in bars, in the form of cards or stickers, so you can pre-pay for a selection of standard soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. However, the rules for using the pre-paid packages are cumbersome.

The Coffee/Tea Factor: Regular Coffee: Weak and poor. Score: 1 out of 10. Espresso/Cappuccino coffees (Seattle’s Best): Score: 4 out of 10 (but it comes in paper cups

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008