Royal Caribbean is rarely one to shrink back from making an attempt one thing new, and it radically modified areas of its signature Italian restaurant on its two latest ships with blended outcomes.
There’s been an Italian specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean ships for many years, however the cruise line has tinkered with methods to enhance it.
Through the years we have seen the evolution of an additional price Italian restaurant transfer from Portofino’s to Giovanni’s Italian Desk to the latest model, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.
I’ve dined at the entire variations and all the time made some extent to eat at Giovanni’s on all of their latest ships. Italian meals is just not solely an extremely widespread delicacies, it is all the time satisfying and I actually just like the menu modifications Royal Caribbean’s Meals & Beverage staff have made lately to enhance the menu with new additions.
We thought we knew what to anticipate with Giovanni’s till Royal Caribbean’s two latest cruise ships launched and experimented with Giovanni’s in new areas of the ship.
The modifications have introduced enhancements and in addition some questions in consequence.
A daring placement on Icon
I believe it is secure to say the choice to place Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on the Royal Promenade of Icon of the Seas opened a couple of eyes.
Historically, specialty eating places have not often been placed on the the principle thoroughfare of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship due to all of the noise and exercise.
The Promenade is the place you will discover plenty of actions, parades, and events.
Icon of the Seas is a model new form of cruise ship, and it options two ranges for the primary time. In consequence, Giovanni’s was placed on the second stage of the Promenade.
There is a little bit of a “rooster and the egg” scenario right here, as it isn’t clear was Giovanni’s moved to the Promenade first and Izumi took over its conventional house in Central Park? Or did Izumi get preferential placement in Central Park and Giovanni’s wanted a brand new house?
Regardless, placing Giovanni’s on the busy promenade is an attention-grabbing alternative for 2 causes.
First, is the noise issue given there’s lots of ambient noise on the Royal Promenade even when there is not a component or occasion.
To be truthful, I do not assume eating places have to love a library when it comes to sound. You are on a cruise ship trip, not a tiny cafe tucked in a aspect road of Naples.
Nonetheless, it’s kind of louder on this location. The query is do informal cruisers or those that have by no means cruised earlier than even seen?
Royal Caribbean is curious of that reply too, as a result of they have been surveying its passengers to find out if the placement on the Royal Promenade is a good suggestion or not.
The second notable distinction is the position of the wine bar, which is basically an island in the midst of the walkway.
Positioned on the other aspect of the walkway from the restaurant is a round bar that serves because the wine bar for the restaurant.
There’s additionally seating that faces the Royal Promenade, which may be the most effective individuals watching spot you will ever discover on a cruise ship.
If you sit down for a drink subsequent to Don & Judy on the wine bar right here, you are more likely to shortly choose up on all the opposite passengers strolling previous you.
Identical to the restaurant, the wine bar is way from quiet. However one main advantage of this wine bar placement is you may simply discover it.
On Royal Caribbean ships which have the wine bar in Central Park, it is simply neglected and infrequently utterly empty as a result of I consider persons are unaware it exists.
The selection of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on the Royal Promenade makes for a really handy place. You’ll be able to’t miss it, and when inspiring dialog runs out, you’ve the individuals watching component.
An unimaginable view on Utopia
Royal Caribbean as soon as once more moved Giovanni’s to a brand new house on its latest ship, Utopia of the Seas.
You may discover Giovanni’s on Deck 12 in a spot that had been the place Wonderland was situated on different Oasis Class ships.
Whereas the cruise line wont ever admit it, I believe this determination was equally as a result of they thought it was a good suggestion and since Wonderland simply is not as widespread.
Whatever the impetus, the result’s my favourite Giovanni’s view of all time.
The restaurant is about throughout two decks, with a grand staircase right down to the seating space.
There is not any doubt while you stroll in that the enormous glass window with a view in the direction of the again of the ship and the Boardwalk will seize your consideration.
It is a good looking vista, and such a fairly view to take pleasure in together with your meal.
Each desk within the restaurant can see out to the window, and thought the Product staff actually bought it proper with this location and think about.
What’s much more attention-grabbing is that they constructed an outside patio on the opposite aspect of the window to have the ability to dine al fresco.
Admittedly, most months of the yr within the Caribbean, you may’t pay me to eat outdoors as a result of it is simply too sizzling and humid, however I’ve a serious aversion to being sizzling.
For winter sailings, it could appear to be the proper spot to take pleasure in a meal with the solar setting at dinner.
Not every part is ideal with this Giovanni’s location, nonetheless, as I’ve seen a couple of oddities about its placement.
First, there are a couple of Boardwalk balcony cabins that really feel like they’re inches away from the out of doors seating space.
I am unsure who it is extra awkward for if there was somebody seated at a desk close to the balcony whereas somebody is on their balcony, however I would not wish to expertise it.
The opposite subject is that there is no elevator or door out from the tables on the decrease stage. So it’s essential to go up the steps and out the restaurant to get to the toilet.
Nonetheless, I like the selection to place Giovanni’s on this location on Utopia. I believe it actually enhances the vibe of the restaurant and