🛳️ Cruise specialty dining tips
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9 TIPS
Check first. Don’t assume specialty restaurants are or are not covered if you haven’t cruised recently. There are a spectrum of specialty dining policies from no restaurants being covered by your cabin fare to only some restaurants or your first visit being covered to all restaurants included like on Virgin Voyages.
Cruise dining has evolved. Many ships provide fine dining quality food in the main dining room. Some menus like the Carnival Cruise Line SEA program feature lobster and steak at no extra cost. So some cruisers no longer feel the need to splurge on specialty meals.
The cost varies. Specialty dining generally costs between $15 and $100+ per person.
Flat Cover Charges for multiple courses at steakhouses and specialty bistros typically run $40–$60 per person. They’re standard on lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line.
À La Carte typically costs around $45 to $70 for a full dinner and is used on Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line.
Ultra-Premium & Chef’s Tables: High-end venues range from $125 to $200 per person and often include specialized wine pairings.
When to go. If you are celebrating a special occasion or looking for a romantic or unique culinary experience, these restaurants can be worth the extra cost.
When to book. Ships also have different reservation policies. Know before you board to ensure you get the restaurant you want when you want. Some require reservations with earliest booking on check-in or only after boarding.
Save with cruise packages. Cruise lines may offer sailing packages that you can purchase before boarding that include specialty dining benefits that are less than if purchased separately.
Dine during low demand days … First day onboard, last night, and port days are generally the least popular times for specialty dining. They’ve got seats to fill! Reservations are much easier to get and same-day discounts may be available.
… Or times. Some specialty restaurants are open for lunch. Meals are often much less and feature the same food and service you get at dinner.
Steak for less. Feeling like a juicy steak? You can go to the pricy specialty steakhouse. Or you could order the steak or lobster at the main dining room (MDR) as a premium selection. It’s the same dish but typically half the price. Plus you don’t have to make reservations or dress up.