What exactly is kummelweck? This dish has garnered a passionate following among Royal Caribbean cruise-goers.

Fans of Royal Caribbean adore the cruise line for its massive ships packed with extravagant attractions and entertainment, but did you know they also rave about a simple sandwich?

Though not new, the Royal Kummelweck beef sandwich has become such a beloved item on Royal Caribbean cruises that it frequently sparks conversations on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. Many guests anticipate it so eagerly that it’s often one of their first meals on embarkation day.

The Royal Kummelweck serving station located at the Park Cafe on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/Dinogo

Royal Caribbean first introduced the sandwich in 2009 with the debut of its revolutionary Oasis Class ship, Oasis of the Seas. Now, fifteen years later and across multiple ships, this freshly made delight is available fleetwide and remains a favorite among travelers.

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Here’s everything you need to know about this dish that's far from ordinary.

What exactly is the Royal Kummelweck offered on Royal Caribbean cruises?

The Royal Kummelweck is Royal Caribbean's version of the classic beef on weck sandwich. For those familiar with the Buffalo region of New York, it features beef served on a kummelweck roll.

"It's a long word and not an easy one," remarked Fritz Halbedl, a food and beverage quality assurance consultant for Royal Caribbean, in a YouTube video showcasing the sandwich. "'Kummel' refers to caraway, while 'weck' signifies the roll. It’s a fusion of European and American styles, resulting in a spongy interior and a crusty exterior."

What’s the recipe for the Royal Kummelweck?

A New York strip loin rests beside a bowl of flavorful jus. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/Dinogo

The Royal Kummelweck recipe begins with rolls generously sprinkled with caraway seeds and salt. Inside, you'll find thinly sliced beef, typically served rare, topped with jus and your choice of horseradish, mustard, or both. (I opted for both and it was a delightful decision.) The combination of flavors is simply amazing.

Guests can select either mustard or horseradish to enhance their kummelweck sandwiches. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/Dinogo

Royal Caribbean exclusively uses New York strip loin, which chefs season with a unique (and secret) spice blend, along with rosemary and thyme. The beef is then slow-cooked in special ovens for 12 to 14 hours at 250 degrees before being served at carving stations.

My Royal Kummelweck sandwich aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/Dinogo

I had the chance to try the sandwich for the first time while on the Utopia of the Seas and was in search of a quick lunch. Although I'm not usually a big fan of red meat, I piled on all the sauces and found it to be a wonderfully flavorful and pleasantly messy experience.

A chef at the ship's Park Cafe, located in the lush Central Park area on Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, mentioned that he estimates serving around 100 sandwiches daily. Given how much I enjoyed mine, I’m surprised the number isn’t even higher.