Royal Caribbean fixes big problem Carnival arguably made worse
Icon is the first of its class. Image source: Royal Caribbean International
You'll never go hungry on a Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line cruise ship.
Without spending any extra money, you can eat three meals a day at sit-down restaurants or opt for a buffet with a changing lineup, at least for lunch and dinner, every day.
You also have options like free pizza, which is generally available into the late night, as well as free cookies, snacks, and other small items.
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It depends on the ship, but there are usually at least one and sometimes many more alternative free venues. That could be something like the famed Guy's Burgers on Carnival from celebrity chef Guy Fieri or or the less famous - but some would say equal equally as good - El Loco Fresh Mexican restaurant on many Royal Caribbean ships.
There are, however, some complaints about food that both cruise lines hear. After midnight, your options get limited.
Royal Caribbean has pizza until roughly 3 a.m. as well as room service for a small fee, along with snacks in Café Promenade. Carnival has controversially stopped serving its individually-made pizzas at midnight.
Now, you can still order a fresh-made pizza via room service for an added charge, but the walk-up counter is closed. Instead, the cruise line has added a late-night buffet, which includes what many consider a lesser-quality pizza, as well as a changing variety of other options.
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Pizzeria del Capitano on a Carnival cruise ship now closes at midnight.Image source: Carnival Corp.
Carnival offers more late-night choice
At the moment, Carnival does offer more late-night variety than Royal Caribbean. The problem is that people have not been very thrilled with the late-night buffet.
Generally, passengers have been happy to have more choice, but the reviews for the food have not been great.
At that same time of night, Royal Caribbean does still offer fresh-made pizza, but aside from room service and some very simple snacks, that's it. Many passengers wish they had more options after 10-11 p.m., when places like the added-fee sports bar stop serving food.
The cruise line's newest ship, Icon of the Seas, has fixed this problem with its AquaDome Market. That's a food hall that has five different stands and remains open until the late hours.
You can get crêpes, Mediterranean food, Chinese food, a variety of mac and cheese choices, as well as salads from a place that also serves fancy toast.
It's a concept that cruisers appear to love, and it's one that the cruise line seems willing to lean into on its next Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas.
Everything in AquaDome Market is free, and the stands stay open until at least 2 a.m. most nights.
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Royal Caribbean expands AquaDome Market
Royal Caribbean has quietly added some text to its website to show that Star of the Seas, which begins sailing in August from Port Canaveral, will see some changes at its AquaDome Market.
"AquaDome Market is the only food hall in the fleet, exclusive to Icon Class ships. Five unique food stands serve up a smorgasbord of global selections with a side of awe-inspiring views. Newcomers to Star of the Seas include Pig Out BBQ, serving up smoky pulled pork and beef brisket; Mai Thai, spicing up regional favorites like pad thai and beef panang; and La Cocinita, where you can savor South American staples like hot, flaky empanadas, arepas, and more," the cruise line shared.
It appears that the number of stands is staying the same and that not all that's offered on Icon will make the trip to Star.
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"Or grab yourself a bite of delicious, like sweet and savory French delights at Crème de la Crepe. Or mix up fresh pitas and bowls at Feta Mediterranean. Top it all off with a beer, wine, or seltzer from the bar," the cruise line added.
Royal Caribbean has not specifically shared what will or won't be offered at this venue on Star of the Seas, but it does appear that the Chinese, mac and cheese, and salad/fancy toast stall won't make the cut, since the total number of choices will remain at five.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 9:47 AM.
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