Royal Caribbean Exploring Alternative Restaurant Options in Surfside NeighborhoodRoyal Caribbean Exploring Alternative Restaurant Options in Surfside Neighborhood Royal Caribbean is considering a potential change to one of its newer specialty restaurants on Icon of the Seas. The cruise line has reportedly sent surveys to gauge interest in replacing Pier 7, a family-friendly Californian-inspired eatery, with a different concept. Survey Details The survey presents six potential restaurant concepts, each offering a unique twist on the neighborhood’s dining scene. These concepts include: * Pier 7 of Momofuku: Asian fusion flavors with a casual fast-food setting * Sweet 7: Quick-service cafe offering desserts and snacks * The Surfshack: Poolside favorites like lobster rolls and fried chicken * Play Cafe: Play-oriented lounge with light bites and beverages * Pier 7 (Current Concept): Modern seafood in a beach town ambiance * Surfside Kitchen and Surfside Village: Immersive family experience with culinary adventures and arts and crafts Focus on Asian Cuisine Notably, seven out of the twelve restaurant brands mentioned in the survey serve Asian cuisine. This suggests that Royal Caribbean is considering replacing Pier 7 with an Asian-themed restaurant. Surfside Neighborhood and Family Focus The Surfside neighborhood on Icon of the Seas caters specifically to families and young children. It offers a range of entertainment options, including arcade games and water activities. Replacing Pier 7 with an Asian-inspired restaurant would further enhance the global culinary offerings available to guests in this area. Potential Implications for Future Icon-Class Ships Star of the Seas, the second ship in Icon class, is expected to launch in summer 2025. The results of the survey may influence the restaurant options available on both Star of the Seas and the third unnamed Icon-class ship. Current Status It’s important to note that no changes have been officially announced. Surveys are often used to gauge guest preferences and do not always lead to actual changes. However, the survey findings suggest that Royal Caribbean is exploring the possibility of offering alternative dining options in the Surfside neighborhood on its Icon-class ships.
Royal Caribbean may be considering going in a different direction with one of the new restaurants that opened earlier this year.
Surveys have been sent to a number of former cruisers to gauge their interest in a new specialty restaurant concept that could replace Pier 7 on Icon of the Seas.
To be clear, no change or announced is officially announcedSurveys are just an opportunity to gauge opinion, and often do not lead to change.
Pier 7 is currently located at Icon of the Seas in the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.
It was the first time the restaurant was offered on a Royal Caribbean ship and is one of 20 new ways to dine on Icon of the Seas.
read more: I’ve eaten at every new restaurant on Icon of the Seas and this is how I would rate them
Adults pay extra for the restaurant, which serves popular cruise dishes such as Korean fried chicken and Buddha bowls.
However, Royal Caribbean is now looking at other options for the Surfside neighborhood.
The study includes a total of six new location concepts, each of which gives a different twist to the renewal of Pier 7.
The research presents six new restaurant concepts
The survey, which was sent to a select number of cruise passengers, asked respondents to rate potential locations in Surfside.
The research shows that these elaborated concepts entail additional costs.
Respondents were asked to select the location they were most likely to visit.
read more: Royal Caribbean Unveils New Restaurants, Bars and Activities on Icon of the Seas
Pier 7 of Momofuku
Immerse yourself in Asian fusion flavors prepared by Momofuku in our relaxed, casual fast food restaurant (i.e. order at the counter with seating available). Surrounded by vibrant colors and street art, enjoy comfort food ranging from hearty bowls to Korean crispy fried chicken sandwiches, perfect for those on the go.
Sample dishes: Fried chicken sandwich, Poke Bowl, Bao Buns
Sweet 7
Get a sweet pick-me-up while you hang out and play at Surfside. Sweet 7 is a fun, colorful, quick-service (i.e., order at the counter with seating) café that offers snacks and desserts. From fresh acai bowls to colorful ice creams to fruity smoothies, there’s something for everyone.
Sample dishes: Acai Bowl, Popsicles, Ice Cream Sandwiches
The Surfshack
Dive into poolside perfection at The Surfshack, our quick-service restaurant (i.e. order at the counter with seating available) that offers made-to-order favorites for any time of day. Start your morning with fresh smoothies and acai bowls, or indulge in afternoon classics like lobster rolls, fried chicken sandwiches, and fish tacos. With a vibrant color palette and casual seating, The Surfshack is the ideal spot for a poolside snack or a play pit stop.
Sample dishes: Acai Bowl, Poke Bowl, Lobster Roll
Play café
Enjoy a fun play-oriented lounge with quick service (i.e. order at the counter with lounge seating available) featuring snacks and refreshing beverages. Adults can relax and sip on iced coffee or smoothies while kids play with the seating’s built-in toys. Enjoy delicious dishes like donuts and fresh sandwiches, making it the perfect place for a family-friendly break.
Sample dishes: Iced Latte, bacon-egg-cheese croissant sandwich, smoothies
Pier 7
Inspired by beach towns and laid-back vibes, Pier 7 is a casual restaurant serving modern seafood. Parents can enjoy a tuna poke bowl, shrimp tostadas and fish tacos while watching the kids play in the nearby splash pad and playground. Kids can choose from classic favorites like chicken nuggets and grilled cheese.
Sample dishes: Shrimp Tostada, Baja Fish Tacos, Bruschetta with whipped ricotta
Surfside Kitchen and Surfside Village
Step into a whimsical surf town full of fantasy with our immersive family experience, combining culinary adventures with wacky arts and crafts. At Surfside Kitchen, families can create sweet and savory dishes to order, from rainbow grilled cheese to candy sushi.
Do guests prefer a sit-down dinner or a quick meal?
The survey then asks respondents to imagine they are visiting Surfside with their travel group and want to take a break from the main attractions. In and around Surfside there are several restaurants and activities for the group to enjoy.
Consider the groups you will be traveling with and indicate which restaurants or activities you would like to visit during your Surfside vacation.
Respondents can choose between a quick bite, a sit-down dinner or a combination of both.
read more: I spent a week on the largest cruise ship in the world, the free food was the best of any Royal Caribbean ship
Respondents are then asked to rate specific restaurant brands based on how familiar they are with them.
Cruisers can choose from four options regarding brand:
- I often eat from this brand
- I have eaten this brand before, but not often
- I have never eaten from this brand, but have heard of it
- I had never heard of this brand before
The 12 brands mentioned are as follows:
- PF Chang’s
- Milk bar
- Sweet green
- Applebees
- Chili Peppers
- Mother of the mother
- Bonchon chicken
- Morimoto
- Qdoba
- Benihana
- Wagamama
- Peiwei
Seven of these twelve brands serve Asian cuisine. Royal Caribbean is therefore considering replacing Pier 7, which currently serves Californian cuisine, with a dedicated Asian restaurant.
The Surfside neighborhood is aimed at young families
Icon of the Seas introduced the Surfside neighborhood as an area specifically for families and young children.
The cruise line has always strived to provide fantastic family vacations.
The Surfside area offers a variety of arcade games, water activities and dining options, so you don’t have to compromise.
The vibrant designs, creative amenities and relaxed atmosphere create the perfect multi-generational experience.
Star of the Seas, the second ship in the Icon class, is expected to launch in summer 2025 and will likely mimic Icon’s eight neighborhoods.
However, a survey sent to cruise passengers this week suggests that Pier 7 on the Star of the Seas (or the third, unnamed Icon-class ship) could be replaced by another specialty restaurant.
read more: Royal Caribbean will house Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral
Pier 7 serves California-inspired dishes and is free for children under 12.
Adults pay $14.99 admission for two dishes. The venue serves rice bowls, surf and turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict, Korean fried chicken and shared platters for the whole family.
If the restaurant is replaced, it appears that Royal Caribbean is considering offering Asian cuisine or partnering with well-known brands like PF Chang’s or Sweetgreen.
