There are numerous options for dining aboard a cruise ship.
- Main Dining Room – Every ship has at least one that usually serves breakfast and dinner. Your meals in the Main Dining Room are ‘free’ – included in your booking package. For the evening meal some cruise lines have set dining times – early or late – and some lines use an open seating plan, which means show up when you wish. Like going to a land-based restaurant, you may have to wait for a seat, unless you have made a prior reservation.
- Specialty Restaurants – Most larger ships have one or more Specialty Dining Venues that feature regional cuisine or guest chefs. The food if ‘free,’ but here’s where it gets a little tricky. Specialty Restaurants have ‘cover charges’ and ‘gratuity/service charges.’ Almost always an advance reservation is required. For example: Click here for a list of Specialty Restaurants aboard Norwegian Dawn (NCL – Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Informal Dining – Every ship has a buffet-style casual dining area often located on a high deck near the stern of the ship, usually convenient to the pool deck area.
- Pop-Up Snack Venues – Coffee, ice cream, candy, pastries, hog dog grills, pizza counter and more are tucked away on most ships. Some of these are ‘free’ – some have an additional cost. For example, you might find a ‘free’ soft serve ice cream dispenser and not too far away a Baskin & Robins at market prices. Or, a free coffee pot and nearby Seattle’s Best or Starbucks at regular prices.
- Bars and Lounges – There is no shortage of themed bars and lounges aboard most large cruise liners. Some feature live entertainment. Drinks and snacks are not free unless you have purchased a beverage plan. Gratuities are separate – not included in general pre-paid gratuities.
May All of Your Travels Be Happy and Safe!