Food Hall on Legend of the Seas to Get 5 New Concepts
Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, is just months away from launch, and we’re starting to see how it will differentiate itself from her sister ships.
Like the other Icon Class vessels, Legend of the Seas will feature Category 6 Waterpark, the Dueling Pianos bar, and the breathtaking AquaDome. She will also include the cruise line’s food hall concept, AquaDome Market.
But Royal Caribbean is not simply repeating what worked on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Once again, the cruise line is refreshing the lineup inside the food hall, continuing its strategy of giving each Icon Class ship its own personality.
New AquaDome Market Food Hall Offerings for Legend of the Seas
Located at the front of the ship just outside the AquaDome, AquaDome Market has quickly become one of the most popular casual dining venues on Icon Class ships. The venue benefits from its prime location near the theater, making it a natural stop before or after shows.
Everything here is made to order. Instead of traditional buffet trays, guests order from individual food stalls and receive freshly prepared dishes. It is also often open late, providing a welcome alternative to Sorrento’s for post show snacks.
On Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean debuted AquaDome Market with five concepts. On Star of the Seas, two of those returned while three new concepts were introduced. (See the other menus here)
Now, on Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is bringing back just one returning concept, adding four brand new food stalls, and introducing a juice and smoothie bar.
Here is the full lineup.
Creme De La Crepe (Returning)
One of the most popular stalls on the other Icon Class ships, Creme De La Crepe will return on Legend of the Seas.
This venue consistently draws long lines, serving sweet French crepes filled with fruit, chocolate, and other indulgent toppings. It has been a standout hit in the food hall, so its return is no surprise.
Seoulmate (New)
Korean cuisine has historically been underrepresented on many cruise ships, especially in complimentary venues. Royal Caribbean is addressing that with Seoulmate, which will serve Korean inspired rice bowls and flavorful dishes.
It is encouraging to see the cruise line continue expanding its global flavor offerings beyond the typical cruise staples.
Cajun Kitchen (New)
Cajun Kitchen will bring New Orleans style dishes like gumbo and other Louisiana favorites to the high seas.
Royal Caribbean has leaned into regional themed concepts on its newer ships, and this fits that approach perfectly. Bold flavors and comfort food tend to perform well at sea, particularly on longer itineraries.
Adobo (New)
Adobo will focus on Mexican street tacos.
At first glance, this may feel redundant since Legend of the Seas will also feature El Loco Fresh. However, based on descriptions, Adobo appears to emphasize more traditional Mexican flavors rather than the Tex Mex style typically associated with El Loco Fresh.
If the menus are clearly differentiated, this could offer more variety rather than overlap.
La Espanola (New)
La Espanola will serve Spanish style bites.
With Legend of the Seas scheduled to spend time sailing in the Mediterranean before repositioning to the United States, adding a Spanish inspired concept makes strategic sense.
Simply Pressed (New)
Simply Pressed is the new juice and smoothie station being added to AquaDome Market. It will feature fresh juices and smoothies and is likely replacing the small bar stand location seen in previous versions of the venue.
It is somewhat surprising given that Vitality Cafe already offers smoothies and juices just one deck below. However, placement near the AquaDome could make it a convenient option for guests attending shows or relaxing in the space.
My Take: A Strong Evolution of the Food Hall Concept
We recently discussed how food halls appear to be the future of casual dining at sea. They allow cruise lines to offer greater variety, fresher food, and more made to order options compared to traditional buffets.
I like that Royal Caribbean is refreshing the lineup for each Icon Class ship. It gives loyal cruisers a reason to try different sister ships rather than feeling like they are sailing the same experience repeatedly.
That said, I do question the addition of another taco venue and a second juice concept when similar options already exist onboard. On paper, it feels slightly redundant.
Overall though, this is another strong evolution of AquaDome Market. If Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are any indication, Legend of the Seas will once again deliver one of the best complimentary casual dining setups in the fleet.
Want to Stay Up-to-date on Royal Caribbean News?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
CruiseSpotlight is an Amazon Associate. We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods.
