It’s no secret that Wonderland is a favorite restaurant at sea—so much so that guests plan their cruises around ships that feature this remarkable venue. Having dined at Wonderland nearly seven times, I was ready to be wowed once again. And Royal Caribbean never disappoints! Naturally, I made my reservation months in advance for Symphony of the Seas, eager for another unforgettable meal. After an incredible experience on Harmony of the Seas just months before, I thought I knew what to expect. But I was wrong—the Wonderland experience on Symphony defied all expectations.
The Atmosphere:
Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas is the most enchanting Wonderland dining experience I’ve ever had. The attention to detail in this two-story venue is extraordinary, from Waterford crystal glasses to whimsical chandeliers and imaginative furniture. While Harmony’s Wonderland is beautifully done, Symphony’s design truly feels like stepping into a dreamscape.
And the Food? Next-Level.
Put: "The best meal I have had on board a Royal Caribbean ship." To put that in perspective, I’ve cruised over 150 nights with Royal. At Wonderland, the dining experience is thoughtfully curated, with dishes brought to your table as a delightful surprise. As a party of eight, we enjoyed sampling nearly every item on the menu—culinary creativity at its finest.
Appetizers (or "Sun, Ice, and Fire") included:
Reconstructed Caprese: A deconstructed tomato reimagined with precision—paired with crumbled cheese, olive crumble, and “liquid olives” that burst in your mouth.
Citrus Sea Shhhh: A spicy tuna delight served in lime and topped with refreshing lime sorbet—an irresistible blend of flavors.
Mad Hatter’s Crispy Purple Shrimp: Wrapped shrimp with a mysterious puree that’s both unexpected and delightful.
The Birds Nest: A smoky deviled egg served with dramatic flair right before your eyes.
Entrees (or "Earth and Sea") delivered more magic:
Liquid Truffle Mushroom Risotto: This is risotto, as you’ve never seen it.
The Chicken and the Egg: Roasted chicken paired with pumpkin puree, crispy chicken skin, and mashed potatoes—Wonderland’s unique take on a classic.
Branzino with Crispy Bread: Mediterranean sea bass over a rice medley, topped with a thin, crispy bread layer.
Desserts were a show of their own:
The World: A chocolate sphere melts from hot caramel to reveal an ice cream sundae that belongs in a fairytale.
Forbidden Apple: An iridescent apple reveals an ice cream sundae when sliced—the ultimate “apple” experience!
And don’t forget to leave a seat for the Mad Hatter himself—he’s a resident of Symphony of the Seas!
Wonderland is a specialty dining experience available in Harmony, Symphony, Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, and Wonder of the Seas. Prices start around USD $60 per person and are currently included in the ultimate dining package, though they may vary by ship.
Please note that this is a special dining experience with an additional surcharge, and we highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Additionally, this restaurant is included in Royal Caribbean International's ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE.
This article was first published in September 2021 and was republished in November 2024 to reflect current offerings and prices.
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