There are countless things you may miss in between cruises on your favorite ships: Whether it’s the top-rated beaches, the underwater adventures just offshore or exploring the picturesque ports aplenty. But one other crucial ingredient that makes cruising such an ideal vacation for the whole family is the food, of course!
Feast your eyes on this. We’ve rounded up several of our guests’ favorite Royal Caribbean recipes that you can recreate at home for a family dinner, holiday celebration or a taste of your next vacation.
From our ships and the destinations we visit to your home kitchen, check out these recipes:
Nonna’s Biscotti
What better way to cap off dinner—or any meal, really—than with a sweet ending? Save the best for last by baking this Royal Caribbean recipe in just a few easy steps: nonna’s (that’s grandmother in Italian) delectable biscotti cookies. And since you’re at home, we recommend adding your favorite chocolate dipping sauce to take these cookies to the next level.
Inspired by the new Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar on Odyssey of the Seas, this treat is one of many hits on the restaurant’s menu. From veal meatballs in a Roman-style sauce and hand-tossed pizzas straight out of the oven to specialty dishes, like pappardelle served with scrumptious radicchio cream, the lineup of Italian classics with a twist are complemented by an extensive wine list and delicate limoncello. Don’t miss dining here while on board. In the meantime, have fun recreating this heavenly dessert at home.
Pro tip: You can also find Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on Freedom of the Seas—and on upcoming ship Wonder of the Seas, which will set sail in 2022.
Smoked Barbecue Ribs
They say the best things in life are worth waiting for. Topping that list are these barbecue ribs created by Royal Caribbean’s head of Food and Beverage, perfect for a backyard celebration like the Fourth of July. They’re dry rubbed, smoked and slow cooked (for four hours) on the grill!
But what’s the secret to making the meat “fall off the bone”? Once you’ve slow cooked the ribs for three hours, pour a mixture of BBQ sauce (1/4 cup) and water (1/4 cup) over the ribs, wrap in foil and cook for another hour before serving it with your favorite southern-style side. This Portside BBQ-inspired dish will melt in your mouth.
Shack Burger
Shhhh—the secret is in the sauce! Another favorite from Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Shack Burger from Snack Shack is sure to please. Best of all, you’ve likely got most of the ingredients handy already.
You can take a page straight out of Snack Shack’s menu and pair it with a side of fries or a fresh Greek salad.
Funnel Cake
Crispy, sweet, compatible with countless toppings; what’s not to love about funnel cake? Bring this Perfect Day at CocoCay favorite right to your table. The longtime state fair staple is traditionally topped with powdered sugar, but don’t be afraid to experiment with more decadent options like hot fudge, ice cream and pie filling. Trust us, you’ll have no trouble sharing it (if you want to!).
Chiko Rolls
Craving a savory snack from the land Down Under? Look no further than the Chiko roll, the Australian adaptation of the Chinese spring roll or egg roll that was first sold in 1951. With a crispy outer layer and filled with ingredients like cabbage, celery, carrots, onions and some spices for good measure, this on-the-go snack is the ultimate treat for a world traveler.
Pro tip: Serve Chiko rolls with a side of sweet chili sauce for a sweet and savory spin.
Counting the days till you’re able to set sail and have these Royal Caribbean favorites and more? Head here to plan your cruise.