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What the heck is kummelweck? This food has a cult following on Royal Caribbean cruises

Aug. 13, 2024
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5 min read
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Royal Caribbean fans love the cruise line for its huge ships filled with over-the-top attractions and shows, but did you know they also rave about a humble sandwich?

It isn’t new, but the Royal Kummelweck beef sandwich has become such a staple on Royal Caribbean cruises that it's a hot topic of conversation across YouTube, TikTok and Facebook. Many passengers look forward to enjoying one so much that it's one of the first things they eat on embarkation day.

A deli service counter with two chefs and a TV sign that says "The Royal Kummelweck"
The Royal Kummelweck serving station at the Park Cafe on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Royal Caribbean introduced the sandwich in 2009 when the line’s groundbreaking Oasis Class debuted with Oasis of the Seas. Fifteen years and several ships later, this freshly made finger food is now available fleetwide and continues to be a traveler favorite.

Here’s all you need to know about this delicacy that’s anything but delicate.

What is the Royal Kummelweck on Royal Caribbean cruises?

The Royal Kummelweck is Royal Caribbean’s take on the beef on weck sandwich. Readers familiar with the Buffalo area of New York know that it stands for beef on a kummelweck roll.

“The word is a long one, and it’s not an easy one,” said Fritz Halbedl, a food and beverage quality assurance consultant for Royal Caribbean, in a YouTube video produced by the line to highlight the sandwich. “’Kummel’ is standing for caraway, and ‘weck’ is the roll. It’s a combination between a European and an American roll, meaning spongy inside and crusty outside.”

What is the Royal Kummelweck recipe?

A cut of beef and a stainless steel bowl of jus wait at a carving station while a chef adds jus to a sandwich
A cut of New York strip loin waits to be cut next to a bowl of jus. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

The Royal kummelweck recipe starts with rolls that are sprinkled on top with caraway seeds and salt. Inside are slices of thinly sliced beef, usually on the rare side, topped with jus and a choice of horseradish, mustard or both. (I went with both and didn’t regret it one bit.) When the ingredients are combined, the flavor is wonderful.

Two white serving dishes, one with mustard and one with horseradish
Passengers can choose from mustard and horseradish to accompany their kummelweck sandwiches. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Royal Caribbean specifically uses New York strip loin, which chefs rub with a signature (and secret) Royal Caribbean spice mix, as well as rosemary and thyme. Then, the beef cooks in special ovens for 12 to 14 hours at 250 degrees before appearing at carving stations.

A woman holding a beef on weck sandwich
My Royal Kummelweck sandwich on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

I recently tried the sandwich for the first time when I was on board Utopia of the Seas and found myself in need of a quick lunch. I’m not generally a huge fan of red meat, but I loaded it up with all the sauces and found the experience deliciously flavorful and delightfully messy.

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A chef at the ship’s Park Cafe, found in the leafy Central Park area on Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, told me he estimates he serves about 100 sandwiches per day. After the experience I had, I’m surprised it’s not a higher number.

How much does the Royal Kummelweck sandwich cost?

A Royal Kummelweck roast beef sandwich on a plate on a table in front of a Utopia of the Seas brochure
A Royal Kummelweck sandwich on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

The Royal Kummelweck sandwich is free on Royal Caribbean ships — so eat up!

Where can you find the Royal Kummelweck?

This Royal Caribbean version of beef on weck is available at the Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships and at Cafe @ Two70 on Quantum Class vessels.

Find out more about Royal Caribbean:

Featured image by ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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