Touted as a 'locomotive culinary tour through the golden age of rail travel,' it will be 'knock-your-socks-off stuff,' Bayley told media aboard Icon of the Seas, with changing scenery and the feel of a moving train.
Aboard the sixth Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas — set to debut on three- and four-day cruises from Port Canaveral in July‚ diners will go to a Deck 4 venue that looks like a train station between the main dining room and the casino. They'll present the conductor their ticket and be seated at tables inside carriages where the scenery through the windows changes thanks to high-tech projections.
Trips to different destinations will be offered. 'The meal will reflect your train trip, and other experiences will happen,' Bayley said.
Upscale journey from Venice or a Wild West shoot-out
For example: An upscale journey from Venice with fine cuisine, a Wild West adventure where diners get caught in a cowboy shoot-out and a winter wonderland experience. Parents can drop kids off for a couple hours for a trip with pizza and sweet treats.
There will be a charge for the venue. Vicki Freed, SVP sales, trade support & service, suggested it would provide a great buy-out opportunity for a family or corporate group.
Developed in-house
The Royal Railway is being developed by Royal Caribbean's Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer, and his team. A model was built for testing at the company headquarters' Innovation Lab at PortMiami.
'It is fantastic. I think it's one of the best concepts we've created,' Bayley said. 'I think it will be really popular.'
