The Liberty of the Seas Windjammer Buffet is one of the main dining venues you’ll probably use at least once. It’s the main buffet restaurant onboard and is included in your cruise fare. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it’s one of the easiest places to eat if you want flexibility, choice and a more casual meal.
But it’s worth understanding how the Liberty of the Seas Windjammer actually works, because it isn’t open all day. It can get busy at peak times, and the evening themes can change from night to night.
This guide explains where the Windjammer is, what food you’ll usually find, when it opens, what drinks are included, when it gets busy, and how to use it properly during your cruise.
Watch My Liberty of the Seas Dining Guide
If you want to see the Windjammer and the other dining options onboard, you can watch my full Liberty of the Seas dining guide here. This article focuses specifically on the Windjammer buffet, but the video also covers the main dining room, El Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s, Café Promenade, room service, speciality dining and late-night food.
Where Is the Windjammer on Liberty of the Seas?
The Windjammer is located at the aft of Deck 11 on Liberty of the Seas. It sits at the back of the ship, close to the pool deck area and not far from Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table. If you’re already on Deck 11 for the pools, Splashaway Bay, El Loco Fresh or the outdoor areas, it’s easy to get to.
Because the Windjammer is right at the aft of the ship, some of the tables have lovely views out over the wake or along the side of the ship.
It’s worth walking further into the restaurant before choosing where to sit. People often stop at the first available tables near the entrance, but there may be quieter seating further round, especially if you’re willing to walk a little.
Is the Windjammer Included on Liberty of the Seas?
Yes, the Windjammer buffet is included on Liberty of the Seas. You don’t pay extra to eat there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s one of the main included dining options onboard, along with the main dining room, El Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s Pizzeria, Café Promenade, Sprinkles and continental room service breakfast.
The Windjammer is useful because it gives you a lot of choice in one place. It works especially well if you’re travelling with people who all want different things, or if you don’t want a sit-down meal in the main dining room.
Liberty of the Seas Windjammer Opening Times
Windjammer opening times can vary depending on your sailing, port days, sea days and the daily schedule, so always check the Royal Caribbean app once you’re onboard. It’s also shown on
As a general guide, on my sailing the Windjammer was usually open for breakfast from around 7:00am until 11:00am.
Lunch was usually around 11:30am until 3:00pm.
Dinner was usually around 5:30pm until 9:00pm.
The important thing to know is that the Windjammer doesn’t stay open all day. It usually closes after lunch at around 3:00pm, and then closes again in the evening at around 9:00pm.
That can catch people out, especially if you’ve been ashore and come back onboard in the middle of the afternoon expecting the buffet to still be open.
If the Windjammer is closed, you’ll need to use other options such as El Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s, Café Promenade, Sprinkles or room service depending on the time of day.
Windjammer Breakfast on Liberty of the Seas
Breakfast is one of the busiest times in the Liberty of the Seas Windjammer, but it’s also one of the most useful. The Windjammer is usually open from around 7:00am until 11:00am for breakfast, which makes it one of the most flexible morning options onboard.
You’ll normally find a wide range of breakfast items, including bacon, sausages, hash browns, pancakes, cooked eggs, breads, toast, bagels, pastries, cereals, fruit, yoghurt and continental-style options.
There’s also usually an omelette and egg station, which is useful if you want eggs cooked to order rather than taking what’s already out on the buffet.
Tea, coffee, water and juice are available in the Windjammer, so you don’t need to go somewhere else for your morning drinks.
The Windjammer is probably the easiest breakfast option if you want the widest choice, but it can get busy later in the morning, especially on sea days. If you want a calmer breakfast, the main dining room on Deck 3 may be a better option. But if you want speed, flexibility and plenty of choice, the Windjammer is hard to beat.
Windjammer Lunch on Liberty of the Seas
Lunch in the Windjammer is one of the safest choices on Liberty of the Seas because there’s usually something for everyone. It’s normally open from around 11:30am until 3:00pm.
At lunchtime, you’ll usually find a large salad section with lettuce, vegetables, cold items, dressings and toppings. This works well if you want something lighter or want to build your own plate.
There are also hot food stations with different dishes depending on the day. You might find pasta, rice dishes, vegetables, curries, carved meats, fish, chicken, burgers, fries and other hot lunch options.
There’s normally a bread section, along with desserts, cakes, cookies and fruit.
The Windjammer works well at lunch because you can make it as light or as filling as you want. You can have a full meal, a salad, a few hot dishes, or just pick up something small. It’s also useful if you’re eating with people who all want different food. That’s where the buffet has an advantage over some of the smaller venues.
Windjammer Dinner on Liberty of the Seas
The Windjammer is also open for dinner, usually from around 5:30pm until 9:00pm. This is a good option if you want a more relaxed evening meal and don’t want to use the main dining room.
You don’t need to book. You don’t need to arrive at a fixed time. You can just turn up during the opening hours, choose what you want, and eat at your own pace.
This can work well if you’ve had a long port day, don’t want to dress up, have children who need something easier, or simply don’t feel like sitting through a full main dining room meal.
One thing I liked is that the Windjammer often follows the same general theme as the main dining room. So if it’s Italian night in the main dining room, you may also find Italian-style dishes in the Windjammer. The Royal Caribbean app usually shows the Windjammer theme each evening, so it’s worth checking before you decide where to eat.
Alongside the theme, you’ll usually still find regular buffet choices such as salads, soups, hot dishes, vegetables, breads, desserts and lighter options.
Liberty of the Seas Windjammer Dinner Themes
One useful thing to check each evening is the Windjammer dinner theme. The themes can help you decide whether to eat in the Windjammer, main dining room or somewhere else that night.
On Liberty of the Seas, the Windjammer theme often follows the same general style as the main dining room. That means the buffet can be a good alternative if you like the sound of the evening theme but want a more casual meal.
I saved the Windjammer evening themes from my sailing and have added them as a downloadable PDF below.
These can vary by sailing, so don’t treat them as a guaranteed schedule for your own cruise. But they should give you a useful idea of what to expect and how the Windjammer works in the evening.
What Drinks Are Included in the Windjammer?
The Windjammer has self-service drinks included with your cruise fare. You’ll usually find water, tea, coffee and juice available in the buffet. This makes it convenient at breakfast and lunch because you don’t need to go elsewhere for basic drinks.
Speciality coffees, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks from a package and other premium drinks are different. Those depend on whether you have a drinks package or choose to pay separately.
For most meals, the included self-service drinks in the Windjammer are enough if you’re happy with tea, coffee, water or juice.
When Is the Windjammer Busiest?
The Windjammer can get busy, especially at peak times.
Breakfast is usually busiest later in the morning on sea days, when lots of people are up and heading to the buffet at the same time.
Lunch can also get busy on sea days and when passengers come back onboard after a morning in port.
On embarkation day, the Windjammer is often one of the busiest places on the ship because many passengers head there as soon as they board.
Dinner can be calmer than breakfast or lunch, especially because many people use the main dining room or speciality restaurants in the evening.
If you want a quieter experience, it helps to go slightly earlier or slightly later than the obvious peak times. It’s also worth walking further into the Windjammer before deciding it’s too busy. The entrance area can feel crowded even when there are still tables further round.
What Is the Best Time to Use the Windjammer?
The best time to use the Windjammer depends on the meal. For breakfast, go earlier if you want it to feel calmer. The later you leave it on a sea day, the busier it’s likely to be.
For lunch, either go when it first opens or wait until the main rush has passed. If everyone is coming back from excursions or heading in after pool time, it can feel busier.
For dinner, the Windjammer is useful when you don’t want to commit to a fixed dining time or My Time Dining reservation. It’s also a good option if the main dining room timing doesn’t fit your evening plans.
The main thing is not to assume the Windjammer is always available. Check the app for opening times each day, especially if you’re planning to eat outside the main breakfast, lunch or dinner periods.
What To Do When the Windjammer Is Closed
The Windjammer usually closes after lunch at around 3:00pm, then opens again for dinner at around 5:30pm.
If you want food in the middle of the afternoon, El Loco Fresh is one of the best included options. It’s on Deck 11 near Splashaway Bay and is usually open until around 6:00pm.
Sorrento’s Pizzeria on Deck 5 is also useful for pizza during the day and later into the evening.
Café Promenade is open 24 hours a day and offers lighter bites, snacks, pastries, sandwiches, cakes and drinks depending on the time.
Sprinkles on Deck 11 is the included soft-serve ice cream station, and it’s a good quick option if you just want something small.
Later at night, once the Windjammer closes at around 9:00pm, Sorrento’s and Café Promenade become the main included late-night food options.
Windjammer vs Main Dining Room on Liberty of the Seas
The Windjammer and main dining room are both included, but they offer very different experiences.
The Windjammer is best for flexibility. You can choose what you want, eat quickly if needed, and avoid sitting through a longer meal.
The main dining room is better if you want table service, a more traditional cruise dining experience and a calmer setting.
At breakfast, the Windjammer gives you the widest choice. The main dining room is calmer and works well if you have more time.
At lunch, the Windjammer is easier if you want lots of options. The main dining room is better if you want a proper sit-down meal on a sea day.
At dinner, the Windjammer is more relaxed. The main dining room feels more like an evening meal and is usually where you’ll get the full dinner menu experience.
You don’t need to choose one for the whole cruise. The best approach is to use both depending on the day.
Is the Windjammer Good for Families?
Yes, the Windjammer works well for families because it’s flexible and casual. There’s usually enough choice for different tastes, and it’s easier than asking children to sit through a long meal if they’re tired or hungry.
It’s also convenient because it’s on Deck 11, close to the pool deck, Splashaway Bay and other family areas.
El Loco Fresh is nearby as well, so if the Windjammer is closed or someone wants something different, you’ve got another included casual option close by.
The main downside is that it can feel busy at peak times, so it’s worth going slightly earlier if you’re eating with children and want to avoid the biggest rush.
Is the Liberty of the Seas Windjammer Worth Using?
Yes, the Windjammer is worth using on Liberty of the Seas. It’s not the most formal dining option, and it won’t suit every meal if you prefer table service. But it’s one of the most useful venues onboard because it covers breakfast, lunch and dinner with plenty of choice.
It’s especially good for breakfast, casual lunches, relaxed dinners and meals where everyone wants something different.
The main thing to remember is that it isn’t open all day. Once you know the usual opening times and what to use when it’s closed, it becomes much easier to plan your meals.
For me, the Windjammer works best as part of the overall dining mix. Use it when you want flexibility, use the main dining room when you want a sit-down meal, and use places like El Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s and Café Promenade when you want something quick between meals.
Useful Liberty of the Seas Dining Guides
If you’re planning where to eat on Liberty of the Seas, these guides may help next.
My Liberty of the Seas dining options guide gives a full overview of what’s included, what costs extra, and where to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and late-night food.
My guide to the Liberty of the Seas main dining room guide explains fixed dining, My Time Dining, the Deck 3, 4 and 5 dining rooms, table assignments, dining times and how to change your dining arrangements.
My Liberty of the Seas breakfast options guide explains where to eat in the morning, including the Windjammer, main dining room, Café Promenade, room service and suite breakfast options.
My Liberty of the Seas lunch options guide covers El Loco Fresh, Windjammer, Sorrento’s, Café Promenade, main dining room lunch and paid lunch options.
My Liberty of the Seas dinner options guide explains the evening food options, including the main dining room, Windjammer, Sorrento’s, Café Promenade and room service.
My Liberty of the Seas speciality dining guide includes menus for Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, Johnny Rockets and other paid dining options.
My Liberty of the Seas snacks and late-night food guide covers what’s open between meals, what’s included, and where to get food after the Windjammer closes.
FAQs: Liberty of the Seas Windjammer
Where is the Windjammer on Liberty of the Seas?
The Windjammer is at the aft of Deck 11 on Liberty of the Seas.
Is the Windjammer free on Liberty of the Seas?
Yes, the Windjammer is included in your cruise fare. You don’t pay extra to eat there for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
What time does the Windjammer open for breakfast on Liberty of the Seas?
On my sailing, the Windjammer was usually open for breakfast from around 7:00am until 11:00am. Exact times can vary, so check the Royal Caribbean app onboard.
What time is lunch in the Windjammer on Liberty of the Seas?
Lunch was usually around 11:30am until 3:00pm on my sailing. Check the app for the exact times on your cruise.
Is the Windjammer open for dinner on Liberty of the Seas?
Yes, the Windjammer is usually open for dinner. On my sailing, dinner was around 5:30pm until 9:00pm.
Does the Windjammer stay open all day?
No, the Windjammer doesn’t stay open all day. It usually closes after lunch and then reopens for dinner.
What can you eat in the Windjammer on Liberty of the Seas?
You’ll usually find breakfast items, salads, hot dishes, pasta, rice dishes, meats, fish, chicken, burgers, fries, breads, desserts, fruit and buffet-style options depending on the meal.
Are drinks included in the Windjammer?
Basic self-service drinks such as water, tea, coffee and juice are usually available in the Windjammer.
Is the Windjammer better than the main dining room?
It depends what you want. The Windjammer is better for flexibility and choice, while the main dining room is better for table service and a more traditional sit-down meal.
Does the Windjammer have dinner themes?
Yes, the Windjammer often has evening themes, and these may follow the same general theme as the main dining room. I’ve included a downloadable PDF of the Windjammer dinner themes from my sailing.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise on P&O Arvia more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard.
I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
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