Windjammer - The Buffet Restaurant on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas (Cruise to Nowhere)

Given its status as the only large scale buffet restaurant with ample seating on the ship, it's no doubt that Windjammer was the most popular eatery during our cruise on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas.

I understand that before the pandemic, Windjammer was opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During our cruise, the operating hours were as follows: breakfast from 7.00 am to 10.30 am and lunch from noon till 3.00 pm. Do check your cruise compass (daily newsletter placed in your stateroom) for the actual timing. 

With full length windows on the sides, it was always so comfortable to have our meals, in the midst of cool air-conditioning and with the therapeutic view of the beautiful ocean. Of course, you have to be mindful of the sun's position; its glare can be damaging! 

Those who prefer the natural air can consider the alfresco area at the back of Windjammer. Being true blue Singaporean means I am better off within colder, indoor premises.

While common drinks like water, tea (using teabags), brewed coffee, fruit punch etc were covered in the buffet, there were upgradable options that required a separate charge unless you have signed up for the beverage packages. Do note that the pricings were in US dollars and if I remember correctly, subject to an 18% gratuity. 

Buffet counters - due to current restrictions for buffets, the service staff would plate everything and pass to you based on per portion; you may request for a reduced portion depending on the food; for example, just one slice of bacon, but definitely not half a cinnamon bun.  

Offerings were quite similar to a international buffet in a normal hotel; the usual western, Chinese, Indian cuisines, together with breakfast cereal, dessert bar, bread counter etc. No Japanese even though there was a cheese and ham section. 

Vegetarian options.

Menu generally remained unchanged, with just slight variations between day 2 and day 3 of the cruise. However, it was a different scene for the last lunch at Windjammer on our 4th day! 

For one, finally an ice cream station although flavors were pretty boring; your usual vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. There was a pistachio though, and it was not bad. Being a kid at heart, I was hoping for rainbow sprinklers / balls as toppings but there weren't any; nevertheless, strawberry compote was a great alternative.

Dessert section was nicely dressed up like in a fairy tale book, with chocolate fondue, fruits on sticks, parfait, colorful cakes! I kid you not; I stuffed so much that day that my tummy was abashedly bloated! 

They even put out a replica of Marina Bay Sands at the dessert counter. In normal times, the display was placed beside the pastry counter. 

Even the fruits counter was expanded; there were pomelos, plums, rambutans, tangerines and kiwis. Usually, you would find watermelon, cantaloupes and pineapple. 

I am not complaining about their usual fruit selections though as they were served cold and tasted sweet. My love for them was evident; to the extent I would pay Windjammer a visit for the fruits even if I already had my meal at the main dining rooms! 

Another item you would frequently see on my table would be a bowl of porridge! I was so happy to see the many toppings we could mix into the plain porridge; e.g. tofu, pickled turnips, black beans, fried garlic, lao gan ma, fried onion, preserved olive leaf, pork floss. Ingredients that were bold were considered favorites of mine. 

Food I had at Windjammer throughout the cruise! I wouldn't say the food was spectacular and their pastries failed to impress. However, there were surprises like the decadent warm chocolate cake, thick beef burger patty, juicy roast chicken with crisp skin, delicious yet fatty beef brisket. 

Interestingly, I enjoyed their Indian cuisine, especially the lamb curry!

 

While I wasn't blown over with the food served at Windjammer, the staff members did make a lot of difference in the dining experience; exceptionally friendly, and always ready for the camera.

Hot chocolate might not appear to be a free option but it was and came in a sachet form. What I did was requested for hot milk to go with the chocolate powder. Mmmmm, heavenly! 

Note the latest rules and regulations.

p.s. purple wristbands were worn by fully vaccinated indivudals.

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For the summary of my 4 nights' ocean getaway cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, please click here.