See How the World's Largest Cruise Ship Feeds 10,000 People Every Day
Learn about the food preparation process on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas cruise ship.
Feeding Thousands on the Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas ship can accommodate 9,950 people, making feeding everyone a huge task.
With over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges, the dining experience on the ship goes beyond traditional cruise food.
From spaghetti Bolognese to raw oysters and rabbit, the ship offers a wide variety of dishes to satisfy everyone on board.
Food Preparation Process
Food preparation starts on land in Miami, where the ship receives its provisions before every sailing.
Fresh goods are refreshed weekly, while frozen items are received every two to three cruises.
Royal Caribbean orders massive amounts of ingredients, including 20,000 pounds of rice and 3,500 pieces of lobster for a typical weeklong cruise.
Dining Options on the Ship
Icon of the Seas offers a wide range of dining options, including complimentary venues and upcharged specialty restaurants.
The ship has more than 20 restaurants and cafés, with options like a grab-and-go sushi stand and a luxurious $200 per person dinner featuring rabbit.
Travelers who prefer not to splurge can dine at the complimentary Main Dining Room, which serves a rotating menu of classic dishes.
Behind the Scenes in the Ship's Kitchens
The ship has a three-deck main dining room with its own kitchen on each floor.
These kitchens work tirelessly to feed thousands of guests during busy dinner services.
The ship also has a large bakery that produces 35,000 to 40,000 baked goods daily, including popular items like croissants.
