Royal Caribbean might be considering going in a different direction with one of its new restaurants that was launched earlier this year.
Surveys have been sent out to select past cruisers to gauge their interest in a new specialty restaurant concept to potentially replace Pier 7 on Icon of the Seas.
To be clear, no change or announced has been officially announced. Surveys are just an opportunity to gather an opinion, and often lead to no change.
Pier 7 is currently on Icon of the Seas in the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.
It was the first time the restaurant was offered on a Royal Caribbean ship and represents one of 20 new ways to eat on Icon of the Seas.
Read more: I ate at every new restaurant on Icon of the Seas and here's how I would rank them
The restaurant comes at an extra-cost for adults and has served up cruiser favorites like Korean fried chicken and Budha bowls.
However, Royal Caribbean is now looking at other options for Surfside neighborhood.
The survey includes a total of six new venue concepts, with each offering a different twist on updating Pier 7.
The survey presents six new restaurant concepts
The survey that was sent out to select cruisers asked respondents to rate potential venues in Surfside.
These fleshed-out concepts would come at an extra cost, the survey said.
Respondents were asked to select the one venue they would be most likely to visit.
Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals new restaurants, bars, and activities on Icon of the Seas
Pier 7 by Momofuku
Immerse yourself in Asian fusion flavors crafted by Momofuku at our laid-back, casual quick-service restaurant (i.e. order at the counter with seating available). Surrounded by vibrant colors and street art, enjoy comfort dishes ranging from hearty bowls to Korean crunchy fried chicken sandwiches, perfect for those on the go.
Sample Dishes: Fried chicken sandwich, Poke Bowl, Bao Buns
Sweet 7
Get a sweet pick-me-up treat while you lounge and play around Surfside. Sweet 7 is a fun colorful quick service cafe (i.e. order at the counter with seating available) offering snacks and desserts. From fresh acai bowls to colorful popsicles to fruity smoothies, there's something for everyone.
Sample Dishes: Acai Bowl, Popsicles, Ice Cream Sandwiches
The Surfshack
Dive into poolside perfection at The Surfshack, our quick-service restaurant (i.e. order at the counter with seating available) offering made-to-order favorites for any time of day. Start your morning with fresh smoothies and acai bowls, or enjoy afternoon classics like lobster rolls, fried chicken sandwiches, and fish tacos. Featuring a vibrant color palette and casual seating, The Surfshack is the ideal spot for a pool day snack or a play pitstop.
Sample Dishes: Acai Bowl, Poke Bowl, Lobster Roll
Play Cafe
Enjoy a fun play-centric lounge featuring a quick service window (i.e. order at the counter with lounge seating available) offering snacks and refreshing drinks. Adults can relax and sip on iced coffee or smoothies while kids play with the seating's built-in toys. Indulge in delicious offerings like donuts and fresh sandwiches, making it the perfect spot for a family-friendly break.
Sample Dishes: Iced Latte, Bacon-egg-cheese croissant sandwich, smoothies
Pier 7
Inspired by beach towns and chill vibes, Pier 7 is a casual sit-down restaurant featuring modern seafood dishes. Parents can enjoy a tuna poke bowl, shrimp tostadas, and fish tacos while watching kids play in the nearby splash pad and playscape. Kids have their choice of classic favorites such as chicken tenders and grilled cheese.
Sample Dishes: Shrimp Tostada, Baja Fish Tacos, Whipped Ricotta Bruschetta
Surfside Kitchen and Surfside Village
Step into a whimsical surf town of make-believe with our immersive family experience, combining culinary adventures and wacky arts and crafts. At Surfside Kitchen, families can customize sweet and savory dishes, from rainbow grilled cheese to candy sushi.
Do guests prefer sit-down or speedy dining?
The survey goes on to ask respondents to imagine they are visiting Surfside with their travel group and want to take a break from the main attractions. In and around Surfside, there are various restaurants and activities the group could enjoy.
Thinking about the groups you are traveling with, please indicate your preferences for the types of restaurants or activities you would like to visit while taking a break in Surfside.
Respondents can select between quick bites, sit-down dining, or a mix of both.
Then, the survey asks respondents to rate specific restaurant brands based on how familiar they are.
Cruisers can select one of four options regarding the brand:
- I eat from this brand often
- I have eaten from this brand before, but not frequently
- I have never eaten from this brand, but have heard of it
- I had not heard of this brand
The 12 brands listed are as follows:
- PF Chang's
- Milk Bar
- Sweetgreen
- Applebees
- Chilis
- Momofuku
- Bonchon Chicken
- Morimoto
- Qdoba
- Benihana
- Wagamama
- Peiwei
Seven of these 12 brands serve Asian cuisine, so Royal Caribbean could be considering replacing Pier 7, which currently serves Californian dishes, with a specifically Asian restaurant.
Surfside neighborhood caters to young families
Icon of the Seas introduced Surfside neighborhood as an area dedicated to families and young children.
The cruise line has always aimed to provide stellar family vacations.
Surfside neighborhood has a variety of arcade games, water experiences, and dining options, so no one has to compromise.
The vibrant designs, creative amenities, and relaxing atmosphere provide the perfect experience for multiple generations.
Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship, is set to be released in the summer of 2025, and will likely mimic Icon's eight neighborhoods.
However, considering the survey sent to cruisers this week, the Pier 7 on Star of the Seas (or the third, unnamed Icon-Class ship) could be replaced by a different specialty restaurant.
Read more: Royal Caribbean will homeport Star of the Seas in Port Canaveral
Pier 7 has served up "California-inspired" cuisine and is complimentary for kids under the age of 12.
Adults pay a cover charge of $14.99 for two plates. The venue serves rice bowls, surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict, Korean fried chicken, and shareable platters for the whole family.
Should the restaurant be replaced, it looks like Royal Caribbean is considering Asian cuisine, or partnering with well-known brands such as PF Chang's or Sweetgreen.
