Is Chops Grille on a Cruise Ship Worth It?

When it comes to specialty dining on a cruise ship, the big question is always: Is it worth the extra cost? With included options like the main dining room and buffet, does a premium steakhouse like Chops Grille on Royal Caribbean justify the price tag? I took my foodie instincts (and restaurant experience) to put it to the test.

The Price vs. The Expectation

Chops Grille charges $30 for lunch and a hefty $65 for dinner. That’s a significant upcharge, so I was expecting next-level steakhouse quality. Unfortunately, what I found didn’t quite match the hype.

Ambiance and Service

I’ll give credit where it’s due—Chops Grille delivers a refined, intimate atmosphere with ocean views and attentive service. It’s a clear step up from the buffet or main dining room in terms of experience. But, as we all know, ambiance only gets you so far if the food doesn’t hold up.

The Food: A Mixed Bag

The "fine dining" options on cruise ships aim to emulate the ambiance and presentation of upscale restaurants. However, the food quality and preparation may not always align with true fine dining standards. While the presentation may be elevated, the food is often mass-produced and not necessarily made-to-order, unlike in dedicated fine dining establishments.

Some of the dishes at Chops Grille fell short of expectations. The mushroom soup was underwhelming and similar to what was served in the buffet. The red velvet cake, usually a favorite, was dry, and the cream cheese filling lacked flavor. Even the red wine reduction sauce for the steak was surprisingly bland.

On the positive side, the cheesy tater tot croquettes were the standout of the meal—crispy, cheesy, and utterly addictive. The asparagus was well-cooked and seasoned perfectly, and of course, the ocean view added a nice touch to the experience.

One of the most disappointing revelations was that the steak in Chops Grille is the same cut and quality ("Angus") as the steak served in the main dining room. The only real difference was the preparation method—Chops Grille grilled their steak for a charred flavor, whereas the main dining room’s version was prepared differently. But was that minor difference worth the premium price? Not really.

Is It Worth the Money?

For me, the answer is a clear no. When you’re paying extra, you expect food that’s noticeably better than what’s included, and that just wasn’t the case. Knowing the steak is the same as what’s in the buffet or main dining room was the real dealbreaker.

A Better Use of Your Food Budget

Instead of dropping $65 for dinner at Chops Grille, I’d recommend saving that money for an amazing meal at a local restaurant in one of the cruise’s port cities. Supporting local restaurants and businesses offers a more authentic culinary experience and benefits the local economy. That way, you get a truly memorable dining experience rather than paying premium prices for what’s essentially the same food you can get elsewhere on the ship.

Final Verdict

If you’re after a more upscale dining atmosphere and don’t mind the upcharge, Chops Grille might be worth it for you. But if you’re looking for the best value, stick to the included dining options and spend your food budget onshore instead.

Would I go back? Nope. But I will be spending my money on local eats at my next destination!