Cruising comes with plenty of perks and food is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws. With so much unlimited food available, you might wonder: Is specialty dining worth the extra cost? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but with a little insight, you can decide whether to splurge on that steakhouse or sushi spot on your next cruise.
What is specialty dining?
Specialty dining refers to the onboard restaurants that go beyond the complimentary options included in your cruise fare. These eateries typically offer elevated menus, unique culinary experiences and a more intimate atmosphere. Think fine dining steakhouses, upscale Italian trattorias, sushi bars or even chef’s table experiences.
Most cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival, feature specialty restaurants with an additional fee, either as a flat cover charge or a la carte pricing. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Chops Grille is a classic steakhouse where you’ll pay around $60 per person, while Norwegian’s Teppanyaki charges a flat fee for its entertaining hibachi experience.
Norwegian often offers an option called More at Sea that includes specialty dining at no additional cost, aside from the gratuity. This is limited based on the number of days you cruise, as well as the cabin type you book, but you may already have specialty dining included in your booking.
Premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises also boast specialty dining options, often focusing on regional or gourmet cuisine, such as Celebrity’s Fine Cut Steakhouse or Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria on Princess. These venues provide a break from the hustle and bustle of the buffet, offering exceptional service and exclusive dishes you won’t find elsewhere on the ship.
What food is included on your cruise?
Before deciding whether specialty dining is worth it, knowing what’s already included in your cruise fare is helpful. Most cruise lines offer a variety of complimentary dining options.
The main dining room is the formal sit-down restaurant that serves multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menus change daily, and the quality is generally good, with dishes ranging from classic comfort foods to more adventurous options.
Depending on your cruise line and your preference, you may be assigned a dining time or you may put your name on a waitlist each time you’re ready to eat. On sea days, most cruise lines also offer both a brunch option and high tea that’s included for all passengers.
You’ve heard of the cruise buffet, of course. Open for nearly all meals, buffets provide a casual, self-serve environment with an extensive variety of food, including international dishes, salads, desserts and more. At dinner, they often include many of the dishes in the main dining room, but not all of them.
Most cruise lines also have some casual eatery options available at no charge. Think pizza counters, burger joints and sandwich bars — these are often included for quick and easy bites. However, brand names like Johnny Rockets on Royal Caribbean are still an additional charge.
While room service is often complimentary on luxury lines, mainstream lines may charge a small fee for certain menu items or after-hours orders. Make sure you know the policy for your cruise before you accidentally add to your cruise cost, and always make sure to tip, even if the food itself is included.
Just like food, drinks are sometimes included. Norwegian’s More at Sea offers complimentary beverages, as do some higher-end cruise lines. And just about every cruise line also offers different drink packages you can purchase whether a wine package, a soda package or an alcohol package.
With all these included options, you can eat well without spending a dime beyond your fare. However, specialty dining offers something beyond what’s typically available in these venues with exclusivity, higher-quality ingredients and a more luxurious experience.
When is specialty dining worth it?
Specialty dining isn’t for everyone, but it can be worth it in several scenarios. You can also try out a specialty dining option for one or two nights of your cruise and enjoy the included options the rest of the time.
Almost every cruise line offers a chef’s table dining experience that includes food you simply can’t get at most restaurants. With limited seating and exceptional food and service — and often a tour of the ship’s kitchen and other perks — this is a true indulgence that may be worth the expense.
“If available, I always book a meal at the chef’s table. Is it pricey? Yes, but depending on the cruise line, it can often come with a tour of the kitchens and a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating gourmet meals for thousands of people. You’ll mix and mingle with other foodies, and the off-menu dishes are world class. It’s a meal and entertainment all in one package.”
— Jenn Allen, All The Best Spots
Anniversaries, birthdays or honeymoons are great reasons to splurge on a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant. Many specialty venues offer a quieter atmosphere, perfect for an intimate evening away from the crowds.
If you love trying new cuisines or enjoy gourmet dishes, specialty dining can elevate your cruise experience. For example, Norwegian’s Ocean Blue offers fresh seafood, while Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland creates whimsical, experimental plates.
The main dining room and buffet can get repetitive after a few days even with a rotating menu. Specialty dining offers a break from the usual fare, letting you enjoy something more indulgent or creative, especially for an option like Carnival’s JiJi Asian Kitchen which costs just $24 per adult.
Some specialty dining options, like Teppanyaki on Norwegian or Johnny Rockets on Royal Caribbean, add a fun, interactive element that’s perfect for families. Many cruise lines offer either extremely discounted or no additional cost kids’ menus for specialty dining options, making it more attractive.
Many cruise lines offer specialty dining packages that lower the overall cost if you plan to visit multiple venues. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package allows you to dine at specialty restaurants as often as you like for a flat fee. Princess Premier also includes unlimited specialty dining, while Viking Cruises allows unlimited specialty dining, as well.
However, if you’re satisfied with the complimentary dining options or don’t care about fine dining, it’s perfectly fine to skip specialty restaurants altogether. Many cruisers love to enjoy the main dining room where you have the same table every night, so you get to know your tablemates.
Do you have to make advance reservations?
Specialty dining venues are often smaller and more intimate, so making a reservation is usually a good idea. While some cruise lines allow walk-ins, having a reservation ensures you won’t miss out, especially on popular dining times.
Celebrity Cruises offers a discount if you reserve your specialty dining before your cruise, while other cruise lines don’t allow you to book until you’re aboard the ship. If you travel during a sold-out cruise, reservations often book up within the first one to two days of the cruise, so keep that in mind.
If you’re unsure or a first-time cruiser, try booking a single meal at a specialty venue first. This way, you can see if the experience is worth the extra cost before committing to a package on your next cruise or additional dining on your current cruise.
The bottom line: Is it worth it?
Ultimately, whether specialty dining is worth the cost depends on your preferences and budget. If you’re a foodie, celebrating a special occasion or looking for something different from the main dining room, it can absolutely enhance your cruise experience. However, with so many complimentary options available, you won’t go hungry if you decide to skip the splurge.
Michelle Price is a food and travel writer at Honest and Truly who almost has an empty nest. She loves to provide both the inspiration and the confidence you need to help get you into the kitchen and on the road to enjoy new flavors and experiences.