Explorer of the Seas Main Dining Rooms
The Sapphire Main Dining Room:
Located aft on Decks 3, 4, and 5, the Sapphire is your tri- level main dining room. Chandeliers and burgundy and cream columns contribute to this opulent décor celebrating ballet. Look forward to steaks, shrimp, poultry, beef, and vegetarian selections among main entrees on your daily menu. There are assorted salads and soups among starters, and always a selection of desserts to try at the end of your five course meal.
You may choose between My Time Dining, early dinner (6:15 PM), or late dinner (8:30 PM) seating when you make your cruise reservation. With My Time Dining, you are welcome to show-up at any time to be seated for dinner. However, it is advised that you inform the Maître D' of your preferred dining time earlier in the day, or, set a consistent time with the Maître D' on the first day of your cruise. If you show-up and you have not set a dining time previously, you may have a short wait until a table becomes available.
Tips for the main dining room on Explorer of the Seas:
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Dining Hours for Explorer of the Seas main dining room: Breakfast is served from 7:30am to 9:30am. Lunch is from noon to 2:00pm.
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Early dinner time is 6:15pm, and the late dinner is 8:30pm. Reservations for dinner are required, and it's best to make your dining choices during your booking process.
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No reservations are required for breakfast or lunch. Dress Code for Explorer of the Seas main dining room: For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, bare feet and tank tops are not permitted.
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For gentlemen, nice shirts and shorts are acceptable but smart casual such as slacks and polo style shirts are more appropriate at dinner time. You'll be most comfortable in elegant attire for formal evenings. More on what to wear on the Explorer of the Seas.
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Meals are no cost, but special beverages, wines, beer, and soft drinks may be purchased via current bar menu.
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When ordering steaks and other meats, specify your grilling preference.
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While your main dining room has recently received positive guest reviews, Chops Grille is noted for its gourmet fare and we highly suggest you plan at least one evening to include this experience. Additionally, you may want to consider Giovanni's Table, which features great Italian cuisine.
+++ Menu for the Main Dining Room Menu on Royal Caribbean
Guest Reviews of Explorer of the Seas Main Dining Rooms
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The main dining room of the Explorer of the Seas has great staff service but needs to increase food variety.
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The Prime Rib and Shrimp & Mahi Mahi Tempura are generally rated superb by past Explorer of the Seas cruisers.
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Send us your review of the Explorer of the Seas Main Dining Rooms! We need your thoughts on what you liked about the restaurant, and, what you think could be improved. Use the form at the bottom of this page to let us know your impressions.
My Time Dining and Special Dietary Needs on Explorer of the Seas
Throughout your Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas cruise, you'll be able to savor cuisine as you wish on your time! You may choose between My Time Dining, early dinner (6:15 PM), or late dinner (8:30 PM) during the cruise booking process. My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean may also be opted once aboard. To participate in My Time Dining, you must pre-pay your gratuities (tips). My Time Dining does mean you have the ability to show up at the dining room anytime between 6:00 and 9:30 PM, however, past cruisers suggest that the best way to enjoy My Time Dining is to let the maitre d' know what time you plan on arriving. This way your table will be most likely ready when you arrive. If you show up without making prior arrangements with the maitre d', there may be a short wait to be seated. For more information, check out our article on Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining.
Royal Caribbean is sensitive to special dietary concerns. The Explorer of the Seas can accommodate dietary requirements, including, gluten free, food allergies, kosher, low-fat, lactose-free, soy milk, Ensure, and low-sodium meals. Vegetarian meals (including Indian-style vegetarian) are available in both the main dining room and the Windjammer Cafe (lido buffet) at every meal. But it's best to make special arrangements earlier than later. Royal Caribbean does request that you notify them at special_needs@rccl.com 45 days prior to sailing of your special dietary requests -- in particular for kosher meals and lactose-free meals.