It's easy to work up an appetite on Royal Caribbean's high-energy ships, which is why Cafe Promenade comes in handy. Whet your appetite with a smorgasbord of delicious treats without heading to the buffet or main dining room.
Coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats are available around the clock, so you can down that double shot of espresso before taking on the FlowRider, or indulge in some chocolate cake after a long night of dancing.
Picture a coffee shop on a bustling main street, where you can grab a quick coffee or bite to eat, kick back and watch all the action. Royal Caribbean's Cafe Promenade has a similar vibe.
The casual, come-and-go venue opens onto the Royal Promenade (Esplanade, on Quantum-class ships) -- a walkway lined with bars, restaurants and shops. Passengers swing by at all hours of the day, whether it's to have a morning latte, light lunch or midnight snack.
The space is not enclosed but still manages to create a sense of being inside and outside, with tables and booths under the roof and "alfresco" seating on the Promenade/Esplanade.
The decor and layout vary only slightly by ship; all Cafe Promenade venues boast a neutral color scheme and have a counter where passengers can order drinks (both free and for a fee) off a wall menu and light bites by choosing from a display.
Stop in for a bite to eat at the casual eatery and you can be on your way quickly. Most cruisers enjoy the relaxed vibes and calm space (although it can get crowded when people feel peckish between meals).
Aside from complimentary coffee, Cafe Promenade on Royal Caribbean offers specialty hot and cold beverages for an extra charge. These include espressos, cappuccinos, chai lattes and Tazo teas along with iced coffees, frosted lattes and even spiked drinks like Irish coffee and the Icy Bourbon Mint Mocha.
Depending on the ship, Cafe Promenade serves either Starbucks or Illy coffee. Foods available 24 hours include pastries, pizza and sandwiches such as roast beef and roasted red pepper with olive tapenade. Mocha brownies, blueberry pound cake and other desserts also are available around the clock.
Cafe Promenade carries a range of “easy-to-eat” food items, so you shouldn’t roll up expecting a four-course meal. Head on over to one of the many restaurants included in your cruise fare for heavier dining when you’re feeling especially hungry.
All the food at Cafe Promenade is complimentary, as are basic coffees and teas. If you want to keep your costs low without any surprises, stick to complimentary food and drink items at the cafe.
Nonalcoholic specialty teas and coffees range from a few dollars up to $10. (Note a syrup addition costs extra, as does an extra shot of espresso). Cruisers can also enjoy spirited coffees for a fee.
Specialty drinks are typically not included in prepaid drink packages, but you can check with your cruise line to see what’s included in your overall cruise fare. Most experienced cruisers recommend leaving a little wiggle room in your vacation budget so you can enjoy extra sweet treats like specialty drinks at places like Cafe Promenade.
Find Cafe Promenade on the following Royal Caribbean ships: Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas (coming in 2024), Voyager of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.