Royal Caribbean Newset Ship Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International executives presented details of the dining options that will be available on the Oasis of the Seas later this year during a live web chat with travel agents and media.
Frank Weber, the line’s vice president, food and beverage operations, began the virtual culinary tour by saying that deciding on the culinary options for the ship was a matter of finding the right balance, with restaurants that are familiar to the Royal Caribbean product, some familiar options that have been further developed, and some new concepts.
Each option will fit into one of the ship’s distinct “neighborhoods.” Among the neighborhoods and dining options, The Boardwalk neighborhood will feature a Johnny Rockets, a familiar restaurant. It will “be in the center of activity for the first time for us,” said Kenneth Taylor, RCI’s director of restaurant operations. It will offer a large, outdoor dining area.
Across from Johnny Rockets will be the Seafood Shack, which will serve items like soups with sourdough rolls, baby back ribs and shrimp. “Surf music with surf sounds will permeate the area,” Taylor said.
The Boardwalk Donut Shop will offer 10 to 15 varieties of donuts with special fillings and other surprises, which will change daily, as well as complimentary coffee and espresso-based coffee drinks for purchase.
The Boardwalk Bar will be available for quick bites, plus wine, beer, liquor and specialty drinks.
And the Ice Cream Parlor, a new feature, will be a 1950s-style serving classic fountain treats, as well as sorbets.
In the Central Park neighborhood, 150 Central Park will be “our most exclusive dining venue on Oasis of the Seas,” Weber said. It will feature tasting menus and “an extraordinary wine selection,” he said.
Chops Grille, a familiar concept, will offer outside dining on the Oasis of the Seas.
Giovanni’s Table will replace Portofino (found on other RCI ships) and offer Tuscan cuisine in a “more casual, more active” setting, according to Weber.
Park Café will offer quick service with sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as full meals, with indoor and outdoor seating.
And Vintages wine bar is an evolving concept with a tapas menu and indoor and outdoor seating.
The Royal Promenade neighborhood will include Sorrento’s, a familiar restaurant on the Freedom-Class ships, with pizzas and other items. On the Oasis of the Seas, passengers will be able to walk up to counter, make a special request and watch as the chef prepares a customized pizza.
And Cafe Promenade, a familiar option on the Voyager and Freedom-Class ships, will offer coffees, pastries and sandwiches.
The Mondo Café, a new addition to the Royal Promenade, will feature coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to countries like Italy, Spain and Cuba.
The Pool and Sports Zone will feature the Solarium Bistro, located adjacent to solarium pool, which will offer wholesome, healthy fares buffet-style for breakfast and lunch and a full-service, health-conscious menu for dinner with individual items containing 500 or fewer calories.
The Wipeout Café, located in the teen area, will feature ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pizza and other teen-friendly items.
The Vitality Café, near the spa and fitness center, will offer health-conscious smoothies, teas and snacks.
The Windjammer Marketplace will be similar to the Windjammer Cafes on other RCI ships.
And Izumi will be a new, Asian restaurant with a sushi bar and a hot rock concept, where food is served on superheated volcanic rocks.
Some of the restaurants require a cover fee or offer a la carte items for a nominal fee. The Solarium Bistro, Chops, Giovanni’s, 150 Central Park, the Seafood Shack and Johnny Rockets have a cover charge.
Izumi offers an a la carte menu, and Vintages charges a fee for certain items. The Oasis of the Seas also will feature My Time Dining, whereby passengers can make reservations for whatever time they prefer and can request a specific waiter and table.
And, beginning July 9, passengers booked on an Oasis cruise can make reservations for any of the specialty restaurants on the online at www.royalcaribbean.com, said Adam Goldstein, RCI’s president and CEO.
