Quantum class ships – A guide to dining for a fee.

In my last post I identified all the restaurants on the new Quantum class ships from Royal Caribbean where you could dine for free – if you haven’t read it & would like to just click on this link http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-blogs/collettescarryoncruiseblog/quantum-class-ships-a-guide-to-dining-for-free/

 I was pleasantly surprised at the number of restaurants and the variation of cuisines that were on offer for absolutely no charge whatsoever.

However…if you are anything like me on holiday it’s all about treating yourself and trying new things – especially when it comes to food.

Below is a rundown of the 8 restaurants available at a supplement. Let’s start with the premium (and most expensive) options at the top & work our way down to the ones that are more casual &  easier on the pocket:

The Chef’s Table

This is an intimate affair with a maximum of 16 guests. The menu is constantly changing, but both the Chef and the Sommelier play a part in the evening, talking about the dishes on offer & the wines chosen to match each course. It’s worth noting that you also receive  a Royal Caribbean recipe book which is on sale for over $30.

Approximate cost – $85 per person.

Serving times – Dinner only.

Dress code – Formal.

Type of cuisine – A 5 course feast served with expertly picked wines . Not suitable for picky eaters as you get what you’re given – no menu choice.

Signature dishes- Due to the ever-changing menu there are no dishes constantly available but expect offerings such as duck consomme, roasted double lamb cutlets served with potato & pancetta risotto & for dessert a warm apple & pecan torte & butter almond ice cream.

Wonderland

Based around the theme of Alice in wonderland the food here is experimental & exciting – think along the lines of Heston Blumenthal. Again, a smaller restaurant seating 62 guests.

Approximate cost $50-$60 per person.

Serving times – Dinner only.

Dress code – Smart casual.

Type of cuisine – Quirky, modern & contemporary with a very strong possibility of seeing liquid nitrogen. The ‘sweet shop’ inspired cocktails add to the experience. A little hard to put in to words, so here are some example dishes to give you a better idea:

Signature dishes- Liquid lobster, gazpacho cones, truffle beignet, toffee caramel bread pudding with white olive ice cream.

Jamie’s Italian

There’s no escape from Jamie Oliver these days – not even in the middle of the ocean!  He brings his famous Italian kitchen to Quantum class passengers.

Approximate cost – $35 per person

Serving times – Lunch & dinner.

Dress code – Smart casual

Type of cuisine – Rustic Italian food & an award winning kids menu.

Signature dishes – Jamie’s famous planks covered in cured meats, cheeses & vegetables, Sausage pappardelle & Amalfi lemon merengue cheesecake.

Izumi

Japanese inspired venue with its own sushi bar offering Asian dishes & table-side cooking with hot rocks.

Approximate cost – $35 per person (items are individually priced so can depend).

Serving times- Lunch & dinner.

Dress code – Smart casual.

Type of cuisine – Typical Far Eastern offerings such as dim sum, sashimi & ramen.

Signature dishes – Hand-rolled sushi, steamed shrimp shu mai, soba noodles & green tea mochi ice cream.

Chops Grille

A signature dining venue across the Royal Caribbean fleet, the restaurants on the Quantum class ships have been been give a revamp with more contemporary decor.

Approximate cost $35.

Serving times – Dinner only.

Approximate cost – $35 per person.

Dress code – Smart casual.

Type of cuisine – typical steakhouse fair with dry-aged steaks and seafood.

Signature dishes – Caesar salad, ‘colossal’ shrimp cocktail, dry-aged porterhouse steak & huckleberry cheesecake.

Devinly Decadence at the Soarium

A famous food writer & TV personality in America, Devin Alexander brings healthy, guilt-free  foods to the plate disguised as the real deal. The restaurant delivers panoramic views of the solarium by day & the ocean sky by night.

Approximate cost – Breakfast is complimentary. Lunch & dinner $25-$35.

Serving times – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Dress code – Casual.

Type of cuisine – Fresh ingredients for flavoursome, low calorie dishes including a selection of desserts under 150 calories.

Signature dishes – Cheesy jalapeno chicken sandwich, pulled pork tacos & gooey chocolate brownie.

Michael’s Genuine Pub

If a pub has to tell you that it’s genuine – is it really? Michael Schwartz is an American chef who has brought the gastropub concept to the Quantum ships. The hype says it is serving simple food, but I wouldn’t expect to be served chicken in a basket. Specialist cocktails & craft beers will also be on offer.

Approximate cost – No set price – from around $5 for a bar snack up to $35 for a 3 course meal.

Serving times – Lunch & dinner.

Dress code – Casual.

Type of cuisine – Nibbles, light bites, charcuterie boards & desserts.

Signature dishes – Chilli chicken wings, slow roasted pork sliders, ‘The Pub Board’ – a selection of cured meats with artesan cheeses& pickles & peanut butter pie in jar.

Johnny Rockets

A long-time favourite across the fleet of Royal Caribbean, this is atypical American 50’s style diner complete with jukebox and the brilliant staff who don’t just flip burgers, but also entertain you by dancing en masse to the rock n roll tunes you select.

Approximate cost $5.

Serving times – Lunch & dinner.

Type of cuisine – Calorific comfort food including burgers, sandwiches, fries & thick shakes.

Signature dishes – The Rocket double burger, onion rings & apple pie a la mode.

So there it is! We have explored all the main dining venues on board the Quantum class ships. It’s clear to see that with 12 free dining options (including complimentary room service) & 8 alternative restaurants you will not be going hungry during your cruise. There are some great new culinary innovations for Royal Caribbean on these ships & I hope that this new ‘Dynamic Dining’ concept runs smoothly. NCL have been using a similar system with their freestyle dining for almost 15 years and therefore prove it can work, even on a mega-ship.

If you are booked on a sailing (lucky you) on one of these ships the best piece of advice I can give you is to book these restaurants early. Make no mistake despite the size of these huge ships they will be sailing with a full capacity, meaning up to 4180 people on board & many will be wanting to sample all the new culinary innovations. You can make reservations via the manage my booking section on the Royal Caribbean website, so I urge you not to miss out. The food in the Windjammer buffet is top class, but with all the other delicious options available I wouldn’t  be wanting to spend every day & night eating in there.

Bon Appetit!