What is it about cruising that attracts so many travelers to the seven seas? Is it the opportunity to see the world? The remarkable cultures waiting to be experienced in exotic ports of call? The promise of a perfect family vacation?

Or is it the 1,400 lbs. of lobster?

Cruising has long been associated with delicious, abundant food, so just for fun we asked what it takes to supply a typical week-long cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, the largest ship afloat. Here's what is consumed every 7 days:
  • 234,000 appetizers; 105,000 meals and 300,680 desserts
  • 20,000 lbs. of beef, including 69,000 steaks
  • 12,000 lbs. of chicken
  • 4,000 lbs. of seafood; 2,500 lbs. of salmon and 1,400 lbs. of lobster
  • 65,000 lbs. of fresh vegetables and 35,000 lbs. of fresh fruits
  • 5,800 lbs. of cheese
  • 28,000 fresh eggs
  • 18,000 slices of pizza
  • 8,000 gallons of ice cream
  • 1,500 lbs. of coffee and 1,500 gallons of milk
  • 11,500 cans of soda; 19,200 bottles and cans of beer and 2,900 bottles of wine
Weighing in at 158,000 tons, the 5-star Freedom of the Seas currently offers alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Miami.