Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

This week Royal Caribbean officially announced that self-service buffets will be coming back to their cruise ships.

As first reported by RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, beginning with cruises departing on, and after, April 2nd 2022, passengers will now be able to serve themselves at buffet locations onboard Royal Caribbean ships.

Prior to this announcement, guests had been served by crew members while eating at buffet locations.

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Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

At drink locations and stations, guests are also now able to serve themselves, where they can choose from coffee, water, and juice.

“On cruises departing on or after April 2, 2022, Royal Caribbean International will bring back self-service dining in guest-favorite venues on board, including the Windjammer Marketplace, Solarium Bistro, and at private destinations.”

"Grab-and-go dishes and single serving portions will continue as a permanent offering - they have become popular options, and keeping them is among the top requests from our guests,” said Royal Caribbean in a statement.

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Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

However, there is still precautions being made at buffet locations onboard. While guests can now serve themselves, the food choices at these locations will be that of the single-serve variety, making it so passengers will not be required to handle serving utensils.

The change and addition of crew members serving guests onboard at buffet locations, was an early change and health precaution that many cruise lines adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

Limiting the number of individuals who came in contact with serving-wear was intended to help curb any spread of the virus from person-to-person. An example of how this worked, was crew members only would handle tongs and serving spoons at buffets and would assist guests by placing food items on their plates for them.

Read more: 10 Tips for Healthier Cruising

In addition to the changes made at buffet locations, Royal Caribbean also joined the CDC’s voluntary COVID-19 monitoring program, and also was part of the ‘highly vaccinated’ program.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

Hayley Phillips

Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.

Today we are going to have a look at dining and bars on Symphony of the Seas, this guide will take you through free and speciality dining on Symphony of the Seas, how much Speciality Dining costs, what each restaurant offers, and also a little look at room service, because you have to enjoy lunch on the balcony at least once on your cruise?

As much as you want to dive in a enjoy your cruise experience, it’s also great to have the fact to help you choose your cruise, dining options and Royal Caribbean drinks packages. Or is it just me who likes to be prepared?

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

What You Will Find On This Page

  • Symphony Of The Seas, Dining And Drinks Guide
    • A Few Facts About Symphony Of The Seas?
    • Bars On The Symphony Of The Seas
    • How Much Are Drinks On Symphony Of The Seas?
    • Soda Stations Onboard Symphony Of The Seas
    • How Many Restaurants Are There On Symphony of The Seas
    • Symphony Of The Seas Dining Package
    • Restaurants On Symphony of the Seas
    • Free Dining Options On The Symphony of the Seas
      • Main Dining Room (There are 3 dining rooms, 1 on deck 3, 4 and on deck 5)
      • El Loco Fresh
      • Sorrento’s
      • Boardwalk Dog House
      • Windjammer
      • Park Café
      • Café Promenade
      • Vitality Café
      • Solarium Bistro
      • Speciality Dining On The Symphony of the Seas And 2021 Prices
      • Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
      • Johnny Rockets
      • Jamie’s Italian
      • Coastal Kitchen
      • Hooked Seafood
      • Chops Grille
      • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
    • Wonderland
      • 150 Central Park
    • What’s The Difference Between Free Dining And Speciality Dining?
    • Room Service Prices On Symphony Of The Seas
    • Can You Get Free Ice Cream On Symphony Of The Seas?
    • Where Can You Get Free Coffee And Tea On Symphony Of The Seas?
    • Conclusion
    • More Symphony Of The Seas And Royal Caribbean Posts.

Symphony Of The Seas, Dining And Drinks Guide

A Few Facts About Symphony Of The Seas?

Symphony of the Seas was launched in 2018, it is an Oasis Class Ship that holds 6,680 passengers on full capacity with 2,759 cabins and a crew of 2200.

She is 1,188 feet long, 215.5 feet wide and weighs a whopping 228,081 gross tons. You will find a total of 18 decks, 16 guest decks, 2 service/crew decks and a total of 24 guest elevators. I know all geeky information but fascinating, check out our guide for all Royal Caribbean Ships By Size.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

Bars On The Symphony Of The Seas

Symphony of the Seas has 23 bars, that includes the suite lounge, diamond lounge and pool bars. Thus giving you so much choice at all times of day and night, especially if you fancy stopping for a cocktail and spot of people watching.

If you check your Crown and Anchor there is always something going on around the ship. Whether its a pop quiz, general knowledge quiz or pre dinner cocktail music you will always find something to suit your mood.

  1. Vintages Wine Bar
  2. Vintages
  3. Schooners, Piano Bar
  4. Trellis Bar, Located In Central Park
  5. Playmakers Sports Bar And Arcade
  6. Boleros, Latin Themed Bar
  7. Diamond Club, For Diamond Members
  8. Rising Tide Bar, Rises Between Decks
  9. Solarium Bar, Adults Only Pool Bar
  10. Suite Lounge, For Suite Guests
  11. Pool Bar
  12. Sand Bar
  13. Bionic Bar, Served By Robotic Bar Tenders
  14. Copper & Kettle, English Pub
  15. Dazzles, Live Music Bar
  16. Wipe Our Bar, Up On The Surf Deck
  17. Casino Royal Bar
  18. Hooked Bar
  19. Jazz On 4
  20. Mast Bar
  21. On Air
  22. The Attic Comedy Club
  23. Wonderland Bar

How Much Are Drinks On Symphony Of The Seas?

These drinks prices are from Symphony of the Seas 2021 sailings, and will give you an idea of general prices onboard, and help you decide if a drinks package is worth the money.

  • Bud Light $7.49
  • Red Stripe $8.25
  • Guinness $7.99
  • Strongbow $7.99
  • Gin Fizz $13.00
  • Mint Berry Delight $13.00
  • Grey Goose Vodka $12.99
  • Tanqueray $9.99
  • Bailey $9.99
  • Jack Daniels $9.99
  • Pinot Grigio $10.00
  • Chardonnay from $11.00
  • Coca Cola and Diet Coke $3.50

Soda Stations Onboard Symphony Of The Seas

If you have a soda, refreshment or deluxe drinks package you don’t even need to go to the bar to get a drink, if you use your souvenir cup you can head to a soda station for a refill which offers lots of choice and can be found by Sorrento’s Pizza on Deck 5, inside the Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 16 and Inside Park Cafe Deck 8

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

How Many Restaurants Are There On Symphony of The Seas

You will find 20 restaurants on Symphony of the Seas, 11 which are included in the price of your Royal Caribbean Cruise and 9 that have extra charges or count as speciality dining.

On top of this you can opt for in room dining, just grab a coffee from Starbucks or sweets from Sugar Beach (All at an extra cost)

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

Symphony Of The Seas Dining Package

There are several choices for speciality dining packages, here is a guide of what you can expect to pay, but also check out our in depth dining package guide.

  • Unlimited Dining Package, £179.90 per adult (Roughly $250)
  • The 3 Night Dining Package, £81.62 per adult (Around $112)
  • Chops Plus 1 Dining Package, £61.83 per adult (Roughly $85.00)
  • Taste Of Royal Lunch, £28.25 per adult (Around $40)

Children are complementary from age of 0-5. You have two options for Children aged 6-12. The dining plan costs half the adult price. However you don’t need to book the package for kids, you can pay as you go, this way children 6-12 pay $10.99 per child to dine and must order from the kid’s menu.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?
Players sports bar food.

Restaurants On Symphony of the Seas

Free Dining Options On The Symphony of the Seas

Main Dining Room (There are 3 dining rooms, 1 on deck 3, 4 and on deck 5)

The main dining room offer a huge choice of meals, open every evening on a sea day for lunch and breakfast. With themed nights from around the world the menu never gets dull.

El Loco Fresh

A Mexican fast food for eat in or take out offering tacos burritos and tacos, which is also open for breakfast.

Sorrento’s

For delicious pizza, with a choice of toppings.

Boardwalk Dog House

For hot dog choices of dreams, from tradition to chicken to German thuringer or a pork bratwurst.

Windjammer

The Windjammer is Royal Caribbean’s famous buffet restaurant, offering more choice than you can ever image for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Watch out for the desserts, they are divine.

Park Café

A Deli themed snack bar to grab a quick soup, salad or sandwich and of course there is always cake and sweet treats.

Café Promenade

The Café Promenade is open around the clock for quick snacks, fresh sandwiches, pastries, fruit, cakes and coffee. There is always something delicious for a tasty snacks.

Vitality Café

For healthy snacks such as specialty wraps, fresh fruits and yogurt, and smoothies.

Solarium Bistro

The Solarium Bistro offers fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavours for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?
Mahogany Black Cod. (Photo: Tim Aylen)

Speciality Dining On The Symphony of the Seas And 2021 Prices

Please note, you need to add 18% service charge onto speciality dining. These prices are from Speciality Dining Venues on Symphony Of The Seas 2021 sailings.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Offering a wonderful selection of sushi and Asian dishes and costs, $34.99 for lunch, $45.99 for dinner, and children cost $10.99.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is a wonderful 1950s themed American Diner, offering delicious burgers and shakes with a twist and a song, and costs $9.95pp.

Jamie’s Italian

Jamie’s Italian is a delicious Tuscan grill offering homemade inspired Tuscan dishes, costing $49.99 for dinner, $22.99 for lunch, Children are $10.99 6 to 12 years old with kids Menu.

Coastal Kitchen

The Coastal Kitchen is reserved for suite and jnr Suite Guests and offers a varied á la carte menu.

Hooked Seafood

The seafood restaurant of dreams offering lobster, a fresh fish fillets, crabs and shrimp to name a few it a must for seafood lovers. Costing $24.99 for lunch, $52.99 for Dinner and Children ages 6-12 cost $10.99 eating from the kids menu.

Chops Grille

A steakhouse offering a delicious choice or steak, lobster and a selection of alternative mains. Chops Grill costs $24.99 (lunch), $54.99, (dinner) $10.99 dining charge for children 6 to 12 years old with kids menu

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Playmakers sports bar is a themed bar that offers tasty snack dishes to share, individual prices such a 2 pulled pork sliders for $7, steak topped fries $3, 24 wings for $14, burger $9.

Wonderland

Wonderland is a magical themed venue offering food that not only inspires your taste buds, but your mind, this really is an experience to try, costing $54.99 for dinner, children from 6-12 are $10.99 eating from the kids menu.

150 Central Park

150 Central Park has a carefully curated menu spotlighting locally sourced ingredients harvested at the peak of their season and costs $49.99 for dinner, children are 6-12 cost $10.99 eating from the kids menu.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas.Aerial view of deck.

What’s The Difference Between Free Dining And Speciality Dining?

Apart from the obvious, that one is free of charge and one isn’t, speciality dining offers an upscale experience, the best cut of beef or a menu curated by a celebrity chef. They feel unique and special.

However, and it is a big however, whilst I love trying out speciality dining, I personally wouldn’t book it for the whole of my cruise. The dining rooms included are fabulous, the waiters go above and beyond to make you experience special, they are accommodating, fabulous with children and generally can’t do enough to make your dining experience enjoyable.

Seriously, don’t underestimate Royal Caribbean main dining, we have never had a bad meal, a wrong meal choice maybe? But never a bad meal.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?
Outside Cafe Promenade

Room Service Prices On Symphony Of The Seas

Room service is available for guests around the clock with the exception of the first day of your cruise, when room service is available from 5 pm, and the final evening, when service ends at 12 am.

Continental breakfast is complimentary. All other orders have a $7.95 service charge plus 18% gratuity.

Room Service Hours On Symphony Of The Seas

  • Breakfast 6am – 11am
  • All Day 11am – 6am

The menus below are sample Royal Caribbean room service menus, however I have checked this against Symphony of the Seas current sailing and it’s almost identical.

Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?
Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Symphony of the Seas?

Can You Get Free Ice Cream On Symphony Of The Seas?

Yes, you will find an artic zone serving soft serve ice cream and or Frozen Yoghurt on deck 11, where you can enjoy unlimited ice cream. You will also find soft scoop ice cream or frozen yoghurt carts at intervals around the pool, and Ice cream is served the the Windjammer and main dining rooms free of charge.

However if you want all the flavours head to Ben and Jerry’s on deck 5 where for an extra charge you can grab a scoop or two.

Where Can You Get Free Coffee And Tea On Symphony Of The Seas?

Coffee and tea is served in the restaurants, and Windjammer on Symphony Of The Seas and you have a choice of free tea and coffee of can pay extra in the restaurants for speciality coffees.

The cafe promenade on deck 5 is the best place to head for free tea and coffee throughout the day. It’s also a idea to take a flask mug, then you can get a takeout, there are paper cups, however I do like to pour a coffee and go for a wander, a flask mug keeps it warm. Also check out the room service menus for tea and coffee.

If Starbucks is your thing there is also a Starbucks on deck 5 at an extra cost.

There are often tea and coffee facilities in your cabin too, however this depends on the sailing.

Conclusion

You are never to going to go hungry on your cruise vacation. There is food available around the clock and there’s something to suit everyone. Whether it’s quick dining, healthy dining to help you stay fit on your cruise or fine dining you are never going to struggle for options.

Is the Windjammer Open on Royal Caribbean for dinner?

About Windjammer Buffet The Windjammer buffet on Royal Caribbean is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a wide variety of international cuisine.

Why is Windjammer closed for dinner?

The reason why the Windjammer remains closed for dinner is there are simply not enough people onboard the ship. At dinner, specialty restaurants, the main dining room, and other complimentary dining venues all vying for guests.

What time is the Windjammer Open on Royal Caribbean?

Windjammer Cafe Hours: Afternoon Tea and Snacks: 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Dinner: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Is Windjammer open for dinner Independence of the Seas?

Windjammer Café Enjoy an assortment of global cuisines and American favorites at this casual dining destination with spectacular views and a comfortable atmospherethat welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.