Samba Grill

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: A first-person account captured “in the wake,” edited to our venue standards for clarity. Sailings vary by ship, itinerary, and crew.

Samba Grill Review: Gaucho Theater, Easygoing Price

Introduction. Samba Grill isn’t trying to be the fanciest steakhouse onboard—it’s aiming for something more convivial: a rolling parade of skewers, a help-yourself antipasto spread, and an upbeat room that gets livelier as the little “go/stop” discs flip from green to red. On a summertime Alaska sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas, our group booked Samba as a change of pace from the Main Dining Room. At $34.99 including gratuity, it’s priced to be approachable—especially if you’re using a dining package—yet promises that primal churrascaria satisfaction you can’t get from a single entrée.

Food

The buffet sets a fresh tone: vinaigrette-bright Caesar, a briny Greek with firm feta, a proper Caprese with decent tomatoes for a ship crossing, and a little deli corner of prosciutto, salami, and a couple of crowd-pleasing cheeses. There’s shrimp cocktail and a tray of smoked salmon, grilled veg, olives, and warm pão de queijo that disappear as fast as they’re replenished. It’s not a chef’s table of curiosities; it’s a reset for the palate between passes of protein and a way to build the plate you want—especially helpful if you’re balancing carnivorous enthusiasm with a bit of roughage.

Skewer service is the show. Our favorites were the picanha—garlic-rubbed top sirloin with that essential fat cap—and the bacon-wrapped chicken, which arrived juicy and smoky. Fraldinha wore chimichurri well; alcatra was herb-scented and sliced thin. Beef ribs came less frequently but delivered sticky, roasted savor when they did. Lamb had good flavor, though the first pass leaned past medium; asking the gaucho for a rarer cut on the next round fixed it. You can (and should) call your preferred doneness as a skewer approaches—this is the difference between a merely good and a grin-worthy plate.

With rodizio, pacing is part of the craft. Samba’s team was attentive: pausing when our discs flipped red, returning with requested cuts, keeping water and caipirinhas moving. Sides like polenta and feijoada were simple and homey; the latter’s black-bean comfort is perfect cruise food after a wind-whipped sail-away. Desserts are uncomplicated—flan, cheesecake, chocolate mousse—more “close the loop” than “linger for pastry poetry.”

Service & Atmosphere

The room feels relaxed and slightly tucked away, which suits Samba’s “hidden-gem” reputation. On Radiance, we had a window perch; watching glaciers slide by while a gaucho shaves picanha is peak cruise juxtaposition. Service leaned friendly over formal. Carvers checked preferences without hovering, and our server kept the table organized so plates never felt chaotic—a small miracle with a dozen skewers in circulation. Noise levels rose as larger groups loosened up, but conversation was still easy at a four-top.

Value & Fit

At the price point, Samba is strong value if you enjoy variety and interaction. Compared to Chops, you’re trading prime cuts and composed plating for volume, rotation, and a bit of theater. That’s the appeal: you can sample five or six proteins the way you like them, take breaks at the buffet, and call the night when the green-to-red flip finally sticks. If you’re vegetarian or seeking seafood beyond shrimp and smoked salmon, options are thinner; the buffet helps, but this is a meat-forward venue. For families with teens and groups celebrating, the format just works.

Tips

• Arrive hungry, pace yourself. Start with a light buffet pass; save room for picanha and ribs.
• Call your doneness. Ask the gaucho for rare/medium slices as they carve—don’t be shy.
• Flip early, flip often. Red buys breathing room so you can actually enjoy what’s on the plate.
• Caipirinha pairing. The classic lime version cuts rich meats nicely; packages usually cover it.
• Lunch check. On some itineraries there’s a lower-price lunch with fewer cuts; great for first-timers.

Conclusion

Verdict: Samba Grill delivers exactly what it promises—an unfussy, festive rodizio with a friendly team, solid favorites (picanha, bacon-wrapped chicken), and an easy price of entry. The buffet won’t wow food obsessives and not every pass hits the perfect doneness without a request, but the format invites you to calibrate the night to your taste. For groups and meat-leaning diners, it’s a satisfying detour from the MDR. Rating: 4.0/5.

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