Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas Review

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I’ve visited Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland restaurant three times over the course of five years— twice as a crew member on Anthem of the Seas and once as a guest in 2022 on Symphony of the Seas— and it’s continued to amaze me every single time.

Whether you’re visiting Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas or any other Quantum or Oasis Class ship, I promise this will be a treat for all the senses.

What is Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas?

Symphony of the Seas’ Wonderland restaurant is one of the specialty dining options onboard Royal Caribbean ships that boasts imaginative cuisine.

From the minute you walk into the restaurant, you’re whisked away into the fantasy world of Alice in Wonderland with whimsical decor and even a Mad Hatter to greet you.

It’s important to note that you’re not just paying for a meal— you’re getting a full sensory experience from appetizer to dessert.

The dishes will have you mesmerized by their enchanting looks and then take your taste buds for a twist when they’re not what they seem (in the best way possible!).

For example, the Mystical Mushroom Garden dessert appears to be exactly that, but is really made of cake, merengue, and so much more!

Bottom line— there’s no fine dining restaurant like Wonderland anywhere else in the world, at sea or on land.

🚢 Book your next adventure on Symphony of the Seas here! 🚢

Wonderland Menu

All Wonderland restaurants on Royal Caribbean ships have the same unique menu.

Designed after five natural elements, you’ll find your meal divided into the following categories: sun, ice, fire, earth, and sea.

Wonderland Royal Caribbean Review

So what exactly is an evening like at Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland specialty restaurant?

I’ll walk you through it.

At Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas, you’ll begin your culinary adventure by walking through a whimsical golden door.

The Mad Hatter escorts you to your table where your culinary guide and waiter then meets you.

You’ll be given a framed menu that you have to paint over with water in order to reveal the night’s offerings.

You can either pick individual items from the menu or let your culinary guide surprise your party and bring their top recommendations to the table.

Insider crew member secret: a lot of guests don’t realize, or simply forget, that at prix fixe specialty restaurants, you can order as many items from the menu as you’d like for the same price.

So go crazy and get everything that catches your eye, especially if it isn’t part of the recommended set of dishes that the culinary guide brings you!

Wonderland Specialty Restaurant Starters

The dining portion of your evening at Wonderland begins with an eclectic mix of appetizers. 

Our culinary guide brought out an assortment of items from elements sun, ice, fire, and sea.

Reconstructed Caprese

First, from the sun element, was the Reconstructed Caprese. 

While the main item of the dish appears to be a tomato, it’s actually a tomato that’s been blended with other savory ingredients and then recreated back into the shape of a tomato.

The Reconstructed Caprese is also paired with ricotta pieces, basil, and liquid olives that pop into a burst of flavor as soon as you take a bite.

You’ll quickly learn that whatever dish is placed in front of you is not what meets the eye!

Citrus Seas Shhhh

From the ice element comes Citrus Seas Shhhh, served in a hollowed out lime.

Spicy tuna and floral yuzu granité perfectly compliment each other and produce a wonderful balance between a hot flavor and cold temperature.

Crispy Crab Cones

Another ice element dish that comes as part of the recommended set of items is the Crispy Crab Cones.

The cones combine cilantro, avocado mousse, and ohba leaf, making for an interesting— and delicious— texture combination.

The Bird’s Nest

Perhaps one of the most memorable dishes from Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland is the Bird’s Nest from the fire element.

Designed to look exactly like that, the deviled eggs are prepared with a bit of blue cheese and a small dollop of hot sauce for a kick.

Then, the dish is smoked and encapsulated in a glass cover for a stunning presentation.

Your culinary guide will open it in front of you so you’ll definitely want to have your cameras ready for this one!

Mad Hatter’s Purple Potted Shrimp

Also from the fire element is the Mad Hatter’s Purple Potted Shrimp.

Enjoy a crispy fried shrimp combined with a scotch bonnet served in a mini cup for a picture-perfect bite.

Liquid Lobster

From the sea element, the culinary guide might bring the Liquid Lobster.

This starter is served on a spoon and has just enough to fully enjoy the bone marrow and caviar-topped dish in one bite.

Baby Vegetables in the Garden

When I visited Wonderland on Anthem of the Seas as a crew member, the recommendations then were the Baby Vegetables in the Garden and Tomato Water, both from the sun element.

The Garden was definitely a conversation starter and the epitome of Wonderland.

It looks exactly like a tiny garden, complete with “dirt,” but everything is edible and not at all what you would expect it to taste like!

Tomato Water

While I enjoyed the novelty of the Tomato Water, it was mostly “meh.”

At first glance, the dish appears to be something you’d find in a science lab with the small, colorful balls floating in test tubes.

It’s a shot of Wonderland’s interpretation of a tomato gazpacho and definitely fun to try out, but as far as flavor goes, this one missed the mark for me.

🚢 Check prices and availability for Symphony of the Seas here! 🚢

Wonderland Specialty Restaurant Main Entrees

The main entrees come from the Earth element.

One of the first things you’ll notice when the mains are brought out is that the plates are massive and, in true Wonderland fashion, look nothing like plates. 

Snap, Crackle and Pork

This is probably my favorite main dish.

Due to the size of the platter it comes on, the portion at first glance looks small.

But trust me, it’s enough to fill you up— especially after all the starters!

The balance of crispy and melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked pork is perfection.

The dollops of creamy sauce is also the right amount for accenting each bite of the mouth-watering meat.

The Rib “I” Luscious Short Rib

The short rib entree comes with a heaping portion of meat front and center.

There is a variety of relishes and puree on the sides to choose from as well as a Bordelaise sauce that is poured over the short rib in front of you by your culinary guide.

This entree also comes with a small side of mashed potatoes, so it’s a perfect main for those looking for a more familiar dish amongst all the whimsical options.

Wonderland Specialty Restaurant Desserts

Wonderland’s desserts are the highlight of the meal.

Ever since my first visit to Wonderland five years ago, I still talk about it whenever the topic of memorable meals come up!

Trust me when I say to make sure you leave room for the desserts. Plural.

The Mystical Mushroom Garden

The Mystical Mushroom Garden, of course, looks just like one.

But break into it and you’ll find the mushrooms are all made of different flavors!

Paired with a mango sorbet, the mushrooms are comprised of merengue stems and white chocolate mousse.

The “dirt” is comprised of red velvet and chocolate soil.

The Forbidden Apple

The Forbidden Apple comes with a brown butter crumble, yogurt ice cream, and a few decorative berries.

But the “apple” itself breaks open to reveal it’s really a yummy raspberry crémeux.

The World

If you’re ever heard of Wonderland, then you’ve seen The World.

It’s probably one of, if not the most iconic dish from the specialty dining restaurant.

The World comes to your table as a simple chocolate sphere.

Then, the culinary guide pours hot caramel over it, melting the orb before your very eyes.

Once the spherical coating has melted, a peanut butter ganache and Valrhona chocolate mousse medley highlighted by the salted caramel sauce await you!

Wonderland Cocktails

The whimsy doesn’t end with the decor and food.

In true Wonderland style, its signature cocktails are just as intriguing.

Here’s a sample of their unique drinks, all priced at $13 each:

Down the Rabbit Hole

• Belvedere Pink Grapefruit vodka
• St-Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
• Fresh lemon juice
• Simple syrup
• Splash of sparkling wine
• Your choice of red or blue pill

Smoke Rings- Cold Smoked and Served Tableside

• Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon
• Sweet vermouth
• Maple syrup
• Angostura bitters

White Rabbit-Rita

• Patron tequila
• Cointreau
• Blue Curacao
• Fresh lime juice
• Simple syrup
• Salt foam

Cheshire Cat Cosmo

• Grey Goose vodka
• Fresh lime juice
• Patron tequila Citronge
• Cranberry juice
• Raspberry cotton candy

FAQ: Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas Wonderland Restaurant

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have Wonderland?

Wonderland is featured on most Quantum and Oasis Class ships:

How Much is Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas?

Wonderland is $60 per person before gratuities.

How Do You Make a Reservation for Wonderland?

Making a reservation is highly recommended. 

You can do so online up to two days prior to the start of your cruise or via the Royal App once onboard.

Bookings can also be made on the ship in person or by phone.

If you purchased a dining package through My Royal Cruise, you can set your preferences for meal time and party size, and a courtesy booking will be made for you.

You’ll then be notified of the final reservation onboard.

What is the Wonderland Dress Code?

The suggested dress code for Wonderland is smart casual.

This means no “straight from sunbathing on the pool deck” attire; no cargo shorts, flip flops, t-shirts, and definitely no bathing suits.

While these items are perfectly acceptable for the Windjammer buffet, you might want to ensure you have a “Sunday Best” pair of slacks or dress and nice pair of shoes for your evening at Wonderland.

Need some outfit ideas? Check out my post about women’s clothing for cruises!

Who is Wonderland Specialty Dining For?

Wonderland is great for fine dining enthusiasts who love exploring new flavors and uniquely presented dishes.

If you love taking pictures of your food (no shame, I’m at fault here too… I mean, can you blame anyone with a meal like this?!), then a night at Wonderland is an absolute must.

Wonderland is also great for celebrations, whether it’s an anniversary or birthday or just a special night out with your significant other.

Is Wonderland for Kids?

While Wonderland does have a kids menu, the short answer is not all children would enjoy or appreciate the full Wonderland experience.

You have to know your children.

How old are your kids? Will they be able to stay seated for the duration of the meal? Will they enjoy the whimsical culinary adventure?

A typical dinner at Symphony of the Seas’ Wonderland restaurant might take at least an hour and a half; more if you’re taking your time.

Personally, I’ve never seen babies, toddlers, or young kids under the age of eight at Wonderland.

However, if you have children who will dig this kind of evening— this will definitely be a treat!

If you feel it’s not the right setting for your young ones, Royal Caribbean has a great (and mostly free!) kids program open every evening that might be more enjoyable.

(I would know— that’s the department I worked for as a crew member!)

Final Thoughts: Is Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas Worth It?

Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas is an imaginative cuisine unlike any other.

After working on Royal Caribbean ships for three years, this is always the most highly recommended restaurant that I suggest to all Quantum and Oasis class cruisers.

This specialty restaurant is not to miss if you love indulging all of your senses in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.

So what are you waiting for?!

Book your next Royal vacation now!

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• The Ultimate Symphony of the Seas Review
• Symphony of the Seas Ocean View Balcony Room Review
• How to Pack for a 7-Day Caribbean Cruise in a Carry On
• Women’s Clothing for Cruises: Simple and Affordable Outfit Ideas
  How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship: Step by Step Tips from a Crew Member
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