I Tried Royal Caribbean's Taste of Royal — Here's the Honest Truth
Is Royal Caribbean’s Taste of Royal worth booking - and should you add the wine pairing? In this dining experience review aboard Harmony of the Seas, Sean shares the menu, food, and value that earned this specialty lunch five out of five stars. Our Taste of Royal lunch takes place at 150 Central Park on Oasis Class Ships, and brings together dishes from several Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants. This particular visit also includes a welcome cocktail, a surprise opening course, bread from 150 Central Park, and a kitchen visit led by the chef. I try tuna tartare, cheese risotto with crab, filet mignon with spicy jumbo shrimp, and fried cheesecake. The risotto is cooked perfectly, and the steak is enjoyable, though it's slightly underdone for my preference. The fried cheesecake is a favorite, although I’d happily skip the popcorn topping. I also share the optional wine pairing, including my reactions to the Merlot and the port served with dessert. The pairing was an additional charge, separate from the lunch reservation. My verdict: outstanding food and excellent value on this visit. I enjoyed it enough to record my review immediately afterward and consider choosing it over Sushi & Sake or Chef’s Table on future cruises. Two drawbacks for me: the noise from children during this particular meal and the 11:30 a.m. start. It’s a substantial lunch, especially with wine, so I'd prefer the same experience at dinner. 🍽️ DINING DETAILS Experience: Taste of Royal Ship: Harmony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Venue on this sailing: 150 Central Park Meal: Specialty lunch featuring dishes from across the fleet Menu on this visit: Four listed courses plus a surprise opening course Drinks: Welcome cocktail, with an optional wine pairing purchased separately Start time on this visit: 11:30 a.m. Sean’s overall rating: 5 out of 5 Video quality: 4K Prices discussed in the video reflect this visit, rather than a current offer. Check your sailing’s Cruise Planner for pricing, availability, and wine-pairing options. The venue, menu, and extras such as our kitchen visit may vary by sailing. 📍 VIDEO CHAPTERS 00:00 Is Royal Caribbean’s Taste of Royal Worth It? 01:01 Taste of Royal Menu & Welcome Cocktail 01:23 Chef Introduction & 150 Central Park Kitchen Visit 02:09 Surprise Opening Course & Bread 02:31 Tuna Tartare 02:54 Cheese Risotto with Crab 03:04 Filet Mignon & Spicy Jumbo Shrimp 03:53 Fried Cheesecake & Port Pairing 04:23 Sean’s Review: Food, Price & Value 05:23 Drawbacks: Noise & the Early Start 05:57 Final Verdict: Would I Book Again? 🛳️ EXPLORE MORE Watch more Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant reviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdHP0yyduERTtup8ANYR3Qm40-C21FGm Explore our Royal Caribbean ship tours: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGdHP0yyduETKFGP5mM1yu7fF4vfb3qKi Become a channel member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpIN_hM7S329VtJtOXBxI9A/join Would you book Taste of Royal for lunch, or would you prefer this kind of tasting menu in the evening? ABOUT 3RD ORBIT TRAVELERS We’re Sean and Kat, sharing firsthand Royal Caribbean experiences through specialty restaurant reviews, ship walking tours, and full-length Let’s Cruise adventures. Subscribe to explore the ships, destinations, and dining with us. 🌬️ Remember, if you ever feel lost and don’t know where to go, simply follow the wind. #TasteOfRoyal #HarmonyOfTheSeas #RoyalCaribbean