Izumi Sushi: Your Ultimate Guide To Dining At Sea

**Embarking on a cruise often means indulging in an array of culinary delights, and for many, the thought of fresh, expertly prepared sushi at sea is an irresistible draw. Izumi Sushi, a popular specialty restaurant found on many cruise lines, particularly Royal Caribbean, promises an elevated dining experience that stands out from the main dining rooms and buffets.** This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the Izumi Sushi experience, offering insights into its unique offerings, operational nuances, and how to best navigate its menu and pricing, ensuring you make the most of your culinary journey. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, understanding the intricacies of specialty dining can significantly enhance your trip. Izumi Sushi, with its distinct ambiance and focus on high-quality Japanese cuisine, presents a compelling option for those seeking a memorable meal. From deciphering its dual identity as both a sushi bar and a hibachi grill to understanding its place within various dining packages, we'll cover everything you need to know to savor every moment at Izumi.

Table of Contents

• Izumi Sushi: An Overview
• The Tale of Two Sides: Sushi vs. Hibachi
  • The Izumi Sushi Experience
  • Izumi Hibachi: The Teppanyaki Show
• Navigating the Menu and Pricing
• Izumi Sushi and the Unlimited Dining Package
  • Understanding the Allowance
  • Strategies for Maximizing Your Package
• Lunch and Dinner Hours at Izumi Sushi
• Portion Sizes and Expectations
• Izumi Sushi vs. Other Specialty Restaurants
• Is Izumi Sushi Worth It? A Culinary Verdict

Izumi Sushi: An Overview

Izumi Sushi is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary destination onboard your cruise ship. Known for its fresh ingredients, skilled chefs, and serene atmosphere, it offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling main dining areas. The concept behind Izumi is to provide an authentic Japanese dining experience, focusing primarily on sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese appetizers and main courses. It's a place where attention to detail, from the presentation of the food to the quality of the service, is paramount. Many cruisers consistently praise the quality of the food at Izumi, often describing the sushi as "very good." However, like any specialty venue, understanding its operational nuances is key to a seamless dining experience.

The Tale of Two Sides: Sushi vs. Hibachi

One of the most frequent points of confusion for first-time diners at Izumi is its dual nature. **There are 2 sides to Izumi: the hibachi side and the sushi side.** While they share a name and often a physical location, they offer entirely different dining experiences and, crucially, operate with separate menus and pricing structures. It’s vital to understand this distinction before you book, as it directly impacts your reservation and what you can order.

The Izumi Sushi Experience

The sushi side of Izumi is a more traditional Japanese restaurant setting. Here, the focus is squarely on meticulously prepared sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and a selection of hot appetizers and main dishes like ramen or teriyaki. The ambiance is typically calmer, designed for enjoying the delicate flavors of the cuisine. When you book a reservation for Izumi, you'll generally specify if you're booking for the sushi side. It's important to remember that **Izumi sushi is not Izumi hibachi, so the Izumi sushi side menu is separate**. This means if you're seated on the sushi side, you'll be ordering from the sushi menu only.

Izumi Hibachi: The Teppanyaki Show

The hibachi side, also known as Teppanyaki, offers an interactive and theatrical dining experience. Guests are seated around large grills where a chef prepares their meal right in front of them, complete with dazzling knife skills, comedic banter, and flame-filled spectacles. This side typically offers a set menu of proteins (chicken, beef, shrimp, scallops) served with fried rice and vegetables. The hibachi experience is generally a fixed price per person. A crucial detail to note is that **the sushi side is not included if you purchase the hibachi side**. This means you cannot order sushi from the hibachi table, nor can you order hibachi dishes from the sushi table. They are distinct culinary journeys, each requiring its own reservation and payment.

Navigating the Menu and Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure at Izumi Sushi can sometimes be a source of confusion for guests. Unlike some other specialty venues that might have a fixed cover charge, Izumi typically operates on an à la carte model for its sushi side. This means you pay for each item you order individually. However, there have been instances where this policy seemed inconsistent. For example, some guests have reported that **the sushi at Izumi is very good but the price we were charged was excessive and we were not allowed to order a la carte, this was confusing because the individual prices of each** item were listed on the menu. This suggests that while items have individual prices, the ability to order truly à la carte might vary by ship or even by the specific booking method (e.g., if you're on a dining package). Generally, **I believe for Izumi, the lunch menu is the same as dinner, as is the price**. This consistency is a plus, as it means you get the full range of options regardless of when you dine. However, it's always wise to confirm this on your specific ship, as cruise lines occasionally adjust their offerings. Most ships do sell a set "sushi side" or "hibachi side" experience, which can sometimes imply a pre-selected menu or a credit allowance rather than strict à la carte.

Izumi Sushi and the Unlimited Dining Package

For many cruisers, the Unlimited Dining Package (UDP) is a popular choice, offering the promise of indulging in specialty restaurants throughout their voyage. Izumi Sushi is typically included in these packages, but with specific limitations that are important to understand.

Understanding the Allowance

When dining at Izumi Sushi with the UDP, it's not a truly "unlimited" à la carte experience in the same way it might be at other venues. Instead, the package usually provides a set allowance. **I do think the Unlimited Dining Package has an allowance for à la carte**. This allowance typically translates to a specific number of items or a monetary credit per person per visit. Common reports from the cruise critic community indicate limitations such as "one appetizer, two large plates, and one dessert." This structure is designed to manage costs and ensure fair usage of the package.

Strategies for Maximizing Your Package

Despite the limitations, there are ways to make the most of your UDP at Izumi. Some guests have shared insights from the **cruise critic community there are ways around being limited under the unlimited dining package to one appetizer, two large plates and one dessert**. These "workarounds" often involve strategic ordering, perhaps focusing on higher-value items within your allowance, or understanding if certain ships are more flexible with the interpretation of the allowance. For instance, some cruisers might use Izumi for a "happy hour" experience, ordering **some sushi for our happy hour, we then ate at a different specialty restaurant later that same evening**. This demonstrates the flexibility of using Izumi for a lighter meal or appetizer course before heading to another venue for a full dinner, effectively maximizing the value of their UDP across multiple restaurants.

Lunch and Dinner Hours at Izumi Sushi

Knowing when Izumi Sushi is open is crucial for planning your dining schedule. Generally, **Izumi Sushi is open for lunch on sea days but not embarkation day**. This makes it a perfect option for a leisurely midday meal when you have a full day at sea. For dinner, both **Izumi Hibachi, which is the Teppanyaki tables, along with Izumi Sushi, are both open every night for dinner**. This consistent evening availability ensures that you can enjoy either experience almost any night of your cruise. It's always a good idea to check the specific operating hours in your ship's daily planner (Cruise Compass or app) upon boarding, as these can sometimes vary slightly by itinerary or ship.

Portion Sizes and Expectations

A common concern among diners, especially those paying à la carte or relying on a package, is the portion size. There have been discussions, particularly within online cruise forums, about potential changes to portion sizes. For example, one concern raised was, "Was going to book the set course at Izumi but heard some ships have cut the 8 pcs portions to 4pcs for the rolls. Can anyone recently on Wonders confirm if that has been?" This highlights a valid point: consistency in portion sizes across different ships and over time can vary. While Izumi aims for a consistent experience, operational adjustments might lead to changes. It's always helpful to manage expectations and, if possible, check recent reviews or community discussions specific to your ship. Regardless of potential changes, the quality of the sushi at Izumi generally remains high, even if the quantity per roll piece might fluctuate.

Izumi Sushi vs. Other Specialty Restaurants

When planning your cruise dining, you'll likely compare Izumi Sushi to other specialty venues onboard. Unlike other specialty venues like Hooked, Chops Grille, and Jamie's Italian, which might have a modified smaller menu for lunch or different pricing structures, Izumi often maintains a consistent menu and pricing between lunch and dinner for its sushi side. This can be a benefit for those who enjoy the full range of options at any time. The decision to dine at Izumi, or any specialty restaurant, often comes down to personal preference and how you plan to utilize your dining package or budget. Some people will eat dinner at a specialty restaurant every night, while others prefer to mix and match. Izumi offers a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart, providing a lighter, often more refined option compared to the heavier fare found in steakhouses or Italian restaurants. Its flexibility, allowing guests to pop in for a quick sushi fix or a full meal, makes it a versatile choice.

Is Izumi Sushi Worth It? A Culinary Verdict

Ultimately, the question of whether Izumi Sushi is "worth it" depends on individual preferences and expectations. Based on widespread feedback, the quality of the food, particularly the sushi, is consistently rated as very good. For lovers of Japanese cuisine, it offers a welcome escape from the standard cruise fare and provides fresh, well-prepared dishes. However, the perceived "excessive" pricing by some, especially when not allowed to order à la carte despite individual prices being listed, can be a point of contention. This highlights the importance of clarifying the pricing model on your specific ship or understanding the allowances if you're on a dining package. For those with the Unlimited Dining Package, Izumi Sushi offers excellent value, allowing you to sample a variety of rolls and dishes within your allowance. Even if you're limited to "one appetizer, two large plates, and one dessert," the quality often justifies the visit. For those paying à la carte, it’s a premium experience, and budgeting accordingly is advised. In conclusion, Izumi Sushi stands as a strong contender for a memorable dining experience on your cruise. Its distinct sushi and hibachi sides, consistent menu, and high-quality food make it a popular choice. We encourage you to try it for yourself and let us know your experience and the quality of the food. Have you tried this sushi restaurant? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below! What was your favorite roll? Did you find the pricing clear? Your insights help fellow cruisers plan their perfect culinary voyage.