Eating on a cruise ship is a major draw to going on this kind of vacation, so how does it compare on an older ship?
You may hear people discuss the value still left in older vessels. For example, I sang the praises of my cruise on Enchantment of the Seas, an older Vision Class ship.
This ship was first launched in 1996 and has a lot to offer despite her small package. Enchantment has gone through massive overhauls in the years since her first launch.
But if you’re anything like me, you might still be concerned about the quality of service and food onboard.
On a smaller ship with a cut-down selection of venues onboard, will you still find delicious food?
I took the plunge to find out and selected the best dishes from each food venue onboard.
Windjammer Cafe: Fruit
This complimentary buffet is one of the most well-known Royal Caribbean food venues.
The Windjammer features a wide selection of dishes three times a day.
In particular, the buffet never fails to amaze me with the variety of fruits available. There’s always something sweet and fresh to try, from figs to plums to pears.
Even on Enchantment of the Seas, the Windjammer wasn’t proportional to the ship's smaller size. It was huge, with wide glass windows and multiple stations of all types of food.
There were three separate drink stations and more than enough seating at any time of day.
Even better, the food was incredible. I think our Mediterranean destination had a lot to do with this because the ingredients seemed to be a much higher quality than I’d experienced before.
Large “Antipasti” stations were open at every meal. Antipasti is a plural term that refers to appetizers such as meat, bread, and cheese.
At the Windjammer, these stations were filled with gourmet items, like Prosciutto and brie. Paired with the variety of fruits available, these made for an incredible meal.
This was my favorite Windjammer I’ve ever eaten at! Even though I sailed on Enchantment for a total of 7 days, I never got tired of the meal options.
In fact, I barely had enough time to try everything I wanted to.
Read more: Where can I eat on the first day of my Royal Caribbean cruise?
My Fair Lady Dining Room: Butter chicken
Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room has a consistent menu on all her ships, so there’s nothing to fear here.
If you going on Enchantment of the Seas—no matter the itinerary—I can recommend all types of chicken. Royal Caribbean usually makes quality food, but I feel that their chicken dishes shine.
Cruise fans seem to agree that the cruise line's cooks make stellar sauces, from gravies to barbeque sauce. And I believe chicken meat pops with a good sauce.
The main dining room’s butter chicken is flavorful, warm, and delicious.
The only complaint I could make is that the Main Dining Room serves a tiny amount of rice with all its Asian dishes—it’s a staple that I could use more of.
Because it’s hard to pick just one favorite from the Main Dining Room, I will also recommend the fluffy, warm cheese buns. I’ve become addicted to them.
The waiter will bring a few in your bread appetizer, and you can always ask for more!
Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience
Park Cafe: Pepperoni pizza
I love the Park Café available on smaller ships. It’s a quick-stop venue, perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.
And with the Park Café being located in the Solarium on Enchantment of the Seas, it’s so convenient to stop sunning yourself on the pool deck and walk over to grab a bite.
The Café offers salads, sandwiches, and soups—but my favorite is the hot, cheesy pizza.
To me, it beats the pizza at Sorrento’s on larger ships. I think that it is made more frequently, and it is never cold or even lukewarm.
Cafe Latte-tudes: Caramel Pot De Creme
While the coffee drinks cost extra at this café, the food and snacks are complimentary and similar to the offerings at Park Cafe.
You’ll find a changing variety of sandwiches and sweet treats available, so be sure to give them all a try!
Personally, I love the caramel pot de creme that comes in a small plastic cup.
It is sweet and rich, with a fluffy texture underneath the caramel topping and whipped cream.
Room service: Chocolate chip cookies
I took full advantage of complimentary room service on this cruise.
Before this cruise, I had already made a habit of ordering continental breakfast at no extra charge.
However, I also discovered that I could order food items from room service at other times of the day, such as nachos, cookies, and pizza.
When I had late-night cravings, I was able to place an order over the phone.
“How many cookies would you like?” A crew member asked me one night.
I hesitated, not wanting to sound greedy, and then asked for two.
When my food arrived, it turns out they brought me three chocolate chip cookies—which I thoroughly enjoyed. They were warm and soft and made all the sweeter by the care that went into making them.
Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered
Chops Grille: Grilled bacon
For an extra charge, you can visit the renowned Chops Grille Steakhouse.
In 2024, you can expect to pay $25 per person at lunchtime and $55 per person for dinner.
Enchantment also offers the 3-night dining package for $75 per guest or the unlimited dining package for $100 per guest.
At Chops Grille, you’ll enjoy a private, modern atmosphere with a multiple-course dinner featuring quality cuts of meat and steak.
My favorite dish at Chops Grille is an appetizer offered right at the beginning: their grilled black pepper bacon.
You wouldn’t expect it from the unassuming name, but this appetizer is a thick, fatty strip of tender pork with a sweet and spicy glaze.
If you’re willing to pay extra for your meal, go ahead and give this flavorful appetizer a try!
Chef’s Table: Filet mignon
The Chef’s Table features an intimate dining experience at an extra cost.
This private, 5-course dinner is a gourmet meal paired with a selection of fine red and white wines. It is presented by the ship’s Executive Chef and attentive waiters to a table of about 16 guests.
Without a specialty dining package, the evening costs $95, which includes the dinner and the wines. Specialty drinks and other alcoholic beverages will still come at additional menu pricing.
While everything is delicious, the 5th and main course features a tender grilled filet mignon, served with truffle potato purée, asparagus, and bordelaise sauce.
