Introduction: What is the Solarium Bistro on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean’s Solarium Bistro is a complimentary dining venue that offers a slimmed down alternative to the Windjammer buffet for breakfast and lunch (props to me for figuring out how to use “slim” and “buffet” in the same sentence) and a lovely Mediterranean dinner in the evenings. While the dinner is complimentary, you do need a reservation and, if interested in trying it, it’s wise to make one via the app before your cruise date or right after you board to get the day and time you want. It’s a small space that can only accommodate so many.

Upon being seated, you will be presented with a menu describing some of the featured offerings, but on most ships everything (except for a few upcharge items) is served buffet style. Full drink service is provided and you will have a dedicated server to clear dishes and assist you with any questions or needs you may have.

Solarium Bistro Menu on Royal Caribbean

Here’s the Solarium Bistro dinner menu. All items are complimentary except for the Whole Maine Lobster which has an upcharge of $29.95 and the Filet Mignon which has an upcharge of $16.95.

Which Royal Caribbean Ships have the Solarium Bistro?

The following Royal Caribbean ships have the Solarium Bistro:

  • Allure of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Wonder of the Seas
  • Utopia of the Seas

Can Kids Dine at the Solarium Bistro on Royal Caribbean?

While on several ships you can enter the Solarium Bistro through the adults-only solarium area, there is also a separate entrance at the front and kids CAN dine there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Solarium Bistro Food Photos

Yes, I’m that person who photographs everything she eats – both for my website and associated social media sites and also to gawk at during my post cruise diet as a bizarre form of masochism. Here are photos of all the Solarium Bistro food offerings on my latest Royal Caribbean cruise (you’ll notice a few “off menu” items):

Solarium Bistro Starters

Shrimp Ceviche and Watermelon Salad
Mediterranean Meat and Cheese Plate and Arugula Salad
Breaded Zucchini, Falafel, Grilled Bell Peppers, Grilled Mushrooms, and Roasted Greek-Style Potatoes
Baba Ganoush, Tabbouleh, Msabbaha, Tahini, Hummus
Various Starters

Solarium Bistro Entrees

Grilled Red Snapper, Half Roasted Chicken, Roasted Atlantic Salmon, Lamb Tangine Duo

Solarium Bistro Desserts

Fruit Plate, Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Baklava, Panna Cotta, and Tarte Tropezienne
Crema Catalana
Tarte Tropezienne, Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, and Bakalva
Crema Catalana and Panna Cotta

Royal Caribbean’s Solarium Bistro Review

So, would I recommend Royal Caribbean’s Solarium Bistro? Yes! Without reservation! But remember you DO need a reservation to dine there. Sorry, that was confusing. So let me be clear, dinner at the Solarium Bistro is among my favorite complimentary dining experiences on Royal Caribbean. The venue is intimate and the service is friendly and attentive. And as for the food, it’s fresh and delicious and I’ve always enjoyed everything I’ve eaten there. Highlights for me have included the watermelon salad and the baklava. Speaking of baklava, I’m told the Mediterranean diet is the healthiest on earth, so I’m going to start eating baklava for three meals a day to shed some of this cruise weight. And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Homework (10 points): Have you dined at the Solarium Bistro? If so, share your experiences to the comments. Also feel free to ask any questions I didn’t address and I’ll do my best to answer them.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog to receive new Cruising 101 content direct to your e-mail (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

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Today’s Bonus Cruising Tip

I always buy travel insurance (especially during these uncertain times) to cover my cruises, but I never purchase it through Royal Caribbean. It costs more and usually covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like travelinsurance.com* to compare plans and prices, read reviews, and get the best deal for the coverage I want. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!

*I earn a small commission on purchases made through affiliate links on my site at no extra cost to you. All funds go to maintain the website. Thanks for your support!

Prof. Cruise

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