Knowing what to do when kids are picky eaters can be stressful—and even more so when you’re planning a cruise vacation. Instead, you should be worrying about which bathing suits to pack and how to fit in numerous family-fun activities each day. If you’re cruising with hard to please eaters, we’ve put together a “picky eater approved” Royal Caribbean dining guide to minimize frustrations and leave everyone happy.
Windjammer
If you have a finicky eater on your hands, you need to come prepared with plenty of options. And that’s exactly what the Windjammer provides! With hundreds of complimentary options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, your child will be able to pick from a wide array of basic foods like grilled chicken, burgers, hotdogs, cheeses, bread, fruit, and more. Most of the foods come out plain and can be jazzed up to your child’s exact preferences with different sauces and toppings.
The Main Dining Room
Similar to the Windjammer, the Main Dining Room provides complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but in a sit-down restaurant with waiters. You’ll get to enjoy a slightly more upscale atmosphere, while still appealing to your picky eater’s needs. The Main Dining Rooms offers classic dinner kids menu items that are loved by picky eaters like personal pizzas, chicken tenders, spaghetti, and burgers. If your child is feeling a little adventurous, they might even order off the adult menu and customize plain meat options like grilled chicken or steak.
Johnny Rockets
From the retro red booths to the jukebox, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing the joy on your child’s face as they take in the retro ambiance of Johnny Rockets. Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something on the complimentary breakfast menu or lunch and dinner (with cover charge). Let’s face it, no one can turn down a classic hamburger or a plate of crispy french fries—especially when dipped in a creamy chocolate or vanilla milkshake! This will be one of your family’s favorite meals of the vacation!
Sorrento’s
Who doesn’t love pizza?! This popular eatery is open 24-hours, so your hard to please eater will be able to find a snack even when other options like the Main Dining Room or the Windjammer are closed for the evening. For the pickiest of eaters, there are always hot, fresh cheese slices available. If your child feeling a bit more adventurous, they can grab a slice (or two!) of pepperoni—both are equally tasty and fan favorites of finicky eaters!
The Dog House
Hot diggity dog! Take a stroll down the “boardwalk” and enjoy a gourmet hot dog from The Dog House. There’s something for everyone on the menu. Your picky eater can indulge in a classic all-beef kosher-style hot dog in a classic bun, while more adventurous members of the family can try a variety of hot dogs flavors and styles. Mom and dad can spice things up with toppings like mayo, ketchup, mustard, and sweet relish and sides like sauerkraut, sautéed onions, sautéed mixed peppers, and potato salad. The best part? The Dog House is complimentary, a win-win for parents of picky eaters in case the snack isn’t a hit.
El Loco Fresh
If you’re looking to introduce your finicky eater to new cuisine without taking them too far outside of their comfort zone, El Loco Fresh is a great option. Because of the customizability of the menu, everyone can indulge in the flavors they love without making compromises. Your picky eater will love the simple menu items like the cheese quesadillas or chicken and steak tacos. They can keep or remove any of the toppings, creating a customized meal to expand their culinary experiences.
If you have a picky eater on your hands, it can be hard to know which Royal Caribbean cruise ship to choose and what dining options will cause minimal frustrations for everyone involved. We can help you select a ship with the best dining options to appease your entire family. Contact us today at natalie@castleandcruiseadventures.com to get started planning your next family vacation!