Ian and I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s ship, Oasis of The Seas, this past December and we not only purchased the alcohol package, but we also purchased the ultimate dining package. Since then, I’ve had so many people ask me about the package, wondering if the ultimate dining package on Oasis of The Seas worth it, or not. If you are wondering the same thing, keep on reading because I’m about to give you all of the nitty gritty details about Royal Caribbean’s ultimate dining package.
Before purchasing it, I did a lot of research. I’m telling you – A LOT. I had no idea if the ultimate dining package would be worth it or not. I have cruised many times on Royal Caribbean, but I had never eaten at a speciality dining restaurant – we always limited it to the ‘included’ meals, mainly in the dining room, because I avoid the buffets at all costs.
I’ve tried a few specialty dining restaurants on Norwegian Cruise ships, and had amazing experiences, so I figured it was worth a shot. We booked our dining packages for our cruise on Oasis of The Seas and didn’t look back.
Am I glad that we went with the ultimate dining package, instead of just a dining package, or instead of just eating in the dining room, like most do?
100%, yes.
Would I purchase the ultimate dining package again? Definitely. Let me explain why:
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of The Seas is huge. There are many dining options, but most of them cost you extra. For example, Johnny Rockets (one of my old-time favorite fast food restaurants in Atlanta) charges for lunch and snacks. Breakfast is included, however. With the dining package on Oasis of The Seas, we were able to eat at Johnny Rockets without having to worry about paying extra, since we had already purchased the dining package. This goes for all of the other restaurants, as well. We did not get tired of our food options and I think that is exactly why the dining package is well worth the cost.
In addition to never getting tired of our food options, the ‘premium’ restaurants that are included with your dining package are much better than the dining room, and Royal Caribbean already serves up some good food, as is. Not only was the food great, but the service (at least most of it) was spectacular, as well.
What is included in your dining package on Oasis of The Seas?
When you purchase the dining package, you get to eat at one specialty restaurant for lunch (on sea days) and one specialty dinner for dinner, each day. You are not limited to the amount of food you can order, however, so if you want 10 pasta dishes, get 10 pasta dishes. One restaurant even allowed us to order cake from a different speciality restaurant, that we were not dining at.
The restaurants included in your dining package are 150 Central Park, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Sabor, Izumi, Johnny Rockets, and the coffee shop.
What is not included in your ultimate dining package on Oasis of The Seas?
This was a bit confusing for us. A lot of places say that Izumi is included in your ultimate dining package, but that’s not the full story. The same goes for the wine bar, Vintages wine bar. Let me break it down for you.
Izumi IS included in your ultimate dining package, but you are limited to only eating at the sushi side for most of your cruise. On department day, you have the option to dine at the hibachi side of Izumi, so make sure you ask Royal Caribbean to book it for you!
There are a few others things that are not included. The Chef’s Table was not included, which makes sense, but one thing that was very confusing was Vintages Wine Bar. So many people told me that it was included (literally at least 5+ people), but then once we went, they told us that it was not included, so we ended up paying out of pocket. Coastal Kitchen is also not included because this is for suites guests and pinnacle (a Royal Caribbean status) members only. The only other 2 things that are not included are the actual Starbucks (the other off-brand coffee shop IS included, so make sure you get all of the premium coffees, mochas, and lattes), and lunches on port days. Other than that, you are good to go – feel free to eat as much as you’d like!
Is The Ultimate Dining Package on Oasis of The Seas Worth it?
Yes, I think it is definitely worth it. You get what you pay for and you’ll have more restaurant options, better food + service. If you are a foodie, I highly recommend that you purchase it, but if you don’t get it, don’t worry because there are so many included food options as is.
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