izumi on royal caribbean

We’re currently enjoying our time at Izumi on the Ovation of the Seas, soaking in the amazing views and delicious food. Christina just took an exciting trip up in the Northstar, the observation capsule that rises 300 feet above the deck, giving a unique perspective of the ship and ocean. While she experienced that thrill, we settled into some great dining options and explored what the ship has to offer.

Our days are a nice balance of trying new things, relaxing, and savoring tasty meals onboard. We’ve also spent some time in Cabo, navigating the busy market scene, but mostly we’re looking forward to quiet moments, sea days, and more good food as the cruise continues.

Onboard Dining at Izumi

Atmosphere and Scenic Views

We enjoyed our meal with a pleasant view overlooking the Royal Esplanade. The setting felt peaceful—quiet enough to relax and take in the surroundings. It’s a nice spot to unwind while watching the ship’s activities below.

Standout Dishes on the Menu

Our choices included a variety of flavorful items. We tried the dynamite shrimp and a crispy chicken dish with spicy chili sauce as starters. For mains, we went with beef teriyaki, a champagne lobster roll, shrimp firecracker roll, and a tempura futomaki roll.

Starter Plates Delight

The appetizers truly impressed us—they were hands down the best food we’ve had on the ship so far. The shrimp was crispy and packed with flavor, while the chicken offered a nice spicy kick. This set a high standard for the rest of the meal.

Main Course Variety

Our main dishes arrived fresh and inviting. The beef teriyaki was tender and well-seasoned. The rolls brought a good balance of textures and bold flavors that made the meal exciting. We were eager to finish every bite.

Sweet Ending Treats

Dessert featured a rich chocolate lava cake that was deeply satisfying, though we were quite full by then. A few bites were enough to enjoy the sweet finish after such a fulfilling meal. The whole dining experience at Izumi left us happy and content.

Discovering One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Soaring on the Northstar Viewing Capsule

We had the chance to ride the Northstar, an observation capsule that lifts you around 300 feet above the ship. It’s one of the tallest observation rides found on any cruise ship worldwide, available only on a few vessels. The views from up there are incredible, giving us a whole new perspective on the ocean and ship below.

Snapping Photos from the Sky

While some of us enjoyed the Northstar ride, others made sure to capture it all on video and in pictures. Being able to see the ship and the surrounding water from such a height lets us grab some unique, breathtaking shots. Having these moments documented really adds to the memories we’re making on board.

Sea Days and Relaxation

Enjoying Time on the Balcony

We often take advantage of the quiet moments on our balcony. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the views and just breathe. Sometimes, we sit there with a drink, watching the ocean stretch endlessly before us.

Reading and Personal Interests

Catching up on reading has become a favorite way to relax. We bring along books and sometimes try out little hobbies like crochet. It’s nice to have some calm time to indulge in things we might miss at home.

Ways We Unwind

Unwinding means different things for us, but mostly it’s about slowing down and enjoying simple pleasures. Eating good food, watching the ship sail smoothly, and chatting over drinks all help us feel refreshed. The focus is on relaxing and recharging during these sea days.

Cabo Adventures Ashore

Exploring Local Bazaars

When we wandered through Cabo’s lively markets, vendors eagerly showcased their crafts and goods. While it was a bit overwhelming at times, we appreciated that these sellers work hard to support their families. Sampling local flavors, like pizza topped with parmesan and chili flakes, gave us a tasty break amid the hustle.

Quiet Moments Off the Beaten Path

Choosing to retreat to the ship during busy shore hours gave us a peaceful vibe. Watching the Royal Esplanade from our dinner spot and enjoying calm evenings onboard felt like a win. We found time to chill, read, and even try some crochet, soaking in more relaxed moments before the next day’s adventures.

Cruise Highlights and Recommendations

Our Favorite Dining Spots

We had some standout meals onboard. Izumi really stole the show with amazing appetizers and mains. The dynamite shrimp and crispy chicken with spicy chili sauce were highlights.

Other places worth mentioning:

• Sorrento’s pizza was surprisingly good with parmesan and red chili flakes.
• Wonderland offers a fun dining experience.
• Jamie’s Italian didn’t impress us much, so we’d skip it.

What We Enjoyed Eating

We tried a variety of dishes:

• Beef teriyaki
• Champagne lobster roll
• Shrimp firecracker roll
• Tempura futamaki roll

The appetizers were the best food we’ve had so far, and the mains did not disappoint. We ended with chocolate lava cake, which was a satisfying finish. Drinks like Jack and Coke Zero kept the evening going smoothly.

Wrapping Up and Handy Travel Advice

We enjoyed some incredible dining experiences, especially at Izumi—definitely a top pick if you want a standout meal on the ship. Ordering appetizers before mains worked well to try a variety of flavors without getting too full too fast.

When exploring ports like Cabo, be ready for lots of vendors, which can get intense. We found it best to take advantage of quieter times on the ship to unwind and recharge.

For downtime, we recommend balancing relaxing balcony moments with light activities like reading or even a little crochet. Staying flexible allows us to enjoy the cruise at our own pace.

Travel Tips:

• Try to book unique ship features early, like the Northstar observation pod.
• Sample local eats ashore but save room to explore varied ship dining options.
• Use sea days fully for rest or hobbies — they’re perfect for recharging.
• Keep drinks and snacks handy to stay refreshed between meals and excursions.