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Does Royal Caribbean provide Italian food?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 1/10/2025
  • 6 min read

Does Royal Caribbean Provide Italian Food? A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers

When you think of cruise dining, Italian food probably makes the top of the list—freshly baked pizzas, creamy pastas, homemade focaccia, tiramisu, and rich tomato sauces that taste like they came straight from a family kitchen in Naples. If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean and wondering, “Does Royal Caribbean provide Italian food?”, the short answer is: Yes, absolutely—and plenty of it.

Italian cuisine is one of the most popular options across the entire Royal Caribbean fleet, available in both free and specialty venues. From hand-tossed pizzas at Sorrento’s to elevated multi-course meals at Giovanni’s Table, you’ll find Italian dishes spread across the ship from morning to night.

This pillar guide explores every place you can find Italian food on Royal Caribbean, what’s free, what costs extra, the best dishes to try, dining tips, and how to maximize the Italian cuisine experience during your cruise.

Let’s dive in!

Where Can You Find Italian Food on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean offers Italian food in complimentary dining rooms, buffet spreads, casual cafés, and signature Italian specialty restaurants. Whether you want something quick or a full dining experience, you will find an Italian option that fits your taste and schedule.

Below are all the main places that serve Italian cuisine onboard.

1. Complimentary Italian Food on Royal Caribbean

You don’t have to pay extra to enjoy Italian meals. Some of the best cruise-approved Italian options are found at free dining venues, available to all guests.

Italian Dishes in the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room (MDR) offers Italian dishes almost every night, including:

  • Spaghetti Bolognese

  • Chicken Parmesan

  • Lasagna Al Forno

  • Shrimp Scampi

  • Penne Arrabbiata

  • Alfredo pasta

  • Tiramisu

The MDR rotates menus daily, so there’s always something new—including themed nights with Italian classics.

Italian Options at the Windjammer Buffet

Windjammer is Royal Caribbean’s largest buffet, and it almost always includes:

  • Margherita pizza slices

  • Garlic bread

  • Grilled vegetables with olive oil

  • Fresh salads

  • Parmesan-shaved pasta bowls

  • Meatballs in marinara

  • Fresh-baked rolls

  • Herbed focaccia

  • Minestrone soup

Breakfast also includes fresh ciabatta and focaccia-style breads.

Sorrento’s Pizza — The Hub for All-Day Italian Snacking

Nearly every ship has Sorrento’s, Royal Caribbean’s dedicated pizza venue.

It is completely free and open until late night.

Popular choices include:

  • Pepperoni pizza

  • Margherita pizza

  • BBQ chicken pizza

  • Daily rotating specialty slices

  • Antipasti bar (on select ships)

You’ll also often find Italian-style desserts like panna cotta or mini cannoli on some sailings.

2. Specialty Italian Restaurants (Paid Options)

If you’re craving more authentic Italian cuisine, Royal Caribbean offers several specialty options. These restaurants provide a more premium dining experience, from homemade pasta to multi-course meals inspired by various Italian regions.

Here are the main specialty Italian venues.

Giovanni’s Table / Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen

This is Royal Caribbean’s flagship Italian restaurant, available on many ships.

Expect:

  • Handmade pasta

  • Fresh mozzarella

  • Fried calamari

  • Bruschetta

  • Braised short rib

  • Chicken Marsala

  • Burrata

  • Tableside tiramisu

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, the newest version, features:

  • Gourmet pizzas baked in a stone oven

  • Italian sandwiches

  • Prosciutto appetizers

  • Creative pasta dishes

  • Desserts served in family-style portions

It’s known for comfort-style Italian food with a home-cooked feel.

Jamie's Italian (Selected Ships)

Created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, this venue focuses on rustic, modern Italian dishes, including:

  • Truffle tagliatelle

  • Handmade ravioli

  • Burrata with balsamic glaze

  • Lamb lollipops

  • Prawn linguine

  • Amalfi lemon cheesecake

Jamie’s Italian is especially loved for fresh pasta and huge portion sizes.

Coastal Kitchen (Suite Guests Only)

While not exclusively Italian, Coastal Kitchen (for suite guests & Pinnacle members) often includes Mediterranean-Italian fusion dishes.

Menu highlights may include:

  • Caprese salads

  • Olio pasta

  • Seafood risotto

  • Braised lamb with Italian spices

This restaurant blends flavors of Tuscany with California cuisine.

3. Casual Italian-Inspired Snacks Across the Ship

Italian flavors pop up in small spots everywhere on Royal Caribbean ships.

Café Promenade

Offers:

  • Prosciutto sandwiches

  • Tomato mozzarella paninis

  • Italian-style pastries

Great for quick bites.

Park Café

Found on Oasis-class ships, serving:

  • Focaccia paninis

  • Fresh mozzarella salads

  • Herb-seasoned roasted meats

Light, flavorful, and conveniently located.

What Italian Dishes Are Free vs. Paid?

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you plan your meals.

Free Italian Food

Included at No Charge

  • Pizza (Sorrento’s)

  • Italian pasta dishes in Main Dining Room

  • Lasagna (MDR or Windjammer)

  • Pizza slices at Windjammer

  • Italian soups like minestrone

  • Garlic bread

  • Some Italian desserts

You can enjoy these without spending anything extra.

Italian Foods That Cost Extra

Paid Italian options include:

Specialty Dining Restaurants

  • Giovanni’s Table

  • Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen

  • Jamie’s Italian

These offer the most authentic Italian cuisine onboard.

Premium Italian Desserts

Sometimes sold in:

  • Café Promenade

  • La Patisserie

  • Room service menu

Think cannolis, gourmet cakes, and gelato.

Are Royal Caribbean’s Italian Restaurants Worth It?

Specialty Italian restaurants are extremely popular, but are they worth the added cost?

Benefits of Specialty Italian Dining

You get:

  • Fresh handmade pastas

  • Authentic ingredients like truffle oil, buffalo mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano

  • Higher quality meats and seafood

  • Larger portion sizes

  • A quiet, romantic atmosphere perfect for date nights

  • Unique desserts not available elsewhere

For many guests, Giovanni’s and Jamie’s Italian are among the best specialty dining choices on the ship.

The Best Italian Dishes to Try on Royal Caribbean

Looking for recommendations? These dishes are consistently praised by guests.

Top Picks at Complimentary Venues

Main Dining Room

  • Chicken Parmesan

  • Shrimp Scampi

  • Spaghetti Bolognese

Windjammer

  • Cheese-loaded lasagna

  • Garlic herb focaccia

Sorrento’s

  • Pepperoni pizza

  • Margherita pizza

Top Picks at Specialty Restaurants

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen

  • Meatball Gigante

  • Lasagna della Nonna

  • Burrata Caprese

  • Tiramisu

Jamie’s Italian

  • Truffle Tagliatelle

  • Prawn Linguine

  • Amalfi Lemon Dessert

Dining Tips: How to Maximize Your Italian Food Experience

Italian food onboard can be a highlight if you know how to plan your meals. Here are helpful tips.

Book Specialty Dining Early

Italian venues fill up, especially on sea days. Book early on:

  • Royal Caribbean app

  • Cruise Planner website

Booking pre-cruise is often cheaper than onboard prices.

Try Both Free and Paid Options

Sample:

  • Sorrento’s for quick bites

  • MDR for classic dishes

  • Giovanni’s for a premium experience

This gives you a broad Italian flavor experience.

Don’t Miss Italian-Themed Nights

Windjammer sometimes holds themed dinner nights featuring:

  • Lasagna stations

  • Italian carving meats

  • Dessert displays with tiramisu and cannoli

Ask for Gluten-Free or Vegetarian Italian Dishes

Royal Caribbean can accommodate special diets, including:

  • Gluten-free pasta

  • Vegetarian sauces

  • Vegan marinara options

Just ask your server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions travelers have about Italian food on Royal Caribbean.

Does Royal Caribbean have Italian restaurants onboard?

Yes. Many ships have Giovanni’s Table or Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. Some older ships feature Jamie’s Italian.

Is Italian food free on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, many Italian foods like pizza and pasta are free in venues such as:

  • Sorrento’s

  • Main Dining Room

  • Windjammer

Specialty restaurants cost extra.

Does every ship have Giovanni’s Table?

Not every ship, but most Royal Caribbean ships have either Giovanni’s Table or Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Are reservations required?

For free venues, no.For specialty Italian venues, reservations are strongly recommended.

Is the pizza on Royal Caribbean good?

Yes! Sorrento’s pizza is one of the most popular onboard snacks—fresh, hot, and available almost all day.

Final Thoughts: Does Royal Caribbean Provide Italian Food?

If you’re craving Italian cuisine on your cruise, you’re in luck. Royal Caribbean delivers a huge variety of Italian food across its fleet, from free pizzas and pastas to premium dining experiences featuring fresh handmade dishes.

Whether you want a quick slice at Sorrento’s, a romantic dinner at Giovanni’s, or a multi-course Italian feast with chef-crafted recipes, Italian lovers will find no shortage of delicious options onboard.

Royal Caribbean understands that Italian food is a universal favorite—which is why it’s available all day, every day, throughout the ship. Sail confidently knowing you’ll enjoy authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and plenty of options no matter which ship you’re on.

If you need help writing more pillar articles, SEO content, or Royal Caribbean guides, just tell me—I’ll create as many as you need!

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