Included vs Specialty Dining
What the fare covers at the table, and when to pay for more.
Match Me With the Right ShipFood is one of the great pleasures of cruising, and one of the most confusing parts of the bill. Here is what the fare usually covers at mealtimes and when it is worth paying for more.
What the Fare Usually Includes
- Main dining room — multi-course breakfast, lunch and dinner with table service.
- Buffet — wide choice and long hours, ideal for quick meals and picky eaters.
- Casual outlets — pizza, grills, delis or noodle bars on many ships.
- Basic drinks — water, regular coffee and tea, and some juices at breakfast.
Included vs Specialty: How They Compare
| Main dining room | Specialty restaurant | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included | Extra charge per person or package |
| Atmosphere | Large and lively | Smaller and quieter |
| Menu | Changes nightly, broad choice | Focused cuisine such as steak, sushi or Italian |
| Booking | Set or flexible dining times | Reservations recommended |
| Best for | Every night, groups, families | Celebrations and a change of pace |
On many luxury lines, specialty restaurants are included, with only a few premium venues carrying a charge. That is one reason luxury fares look higher but can work out closer in total than they first appear.
Getting the Most From Shipboard Dining
- Book specialty dinners for sea days, when you have time to enjoy them, or for your celebration night.
- Ask about dining packages if you want several specialty meals on a longer cruise.
- Tell the line about allergies or special diets when you book, then again on the first day.
- Try the main dining room at lunch on a sea day; it is often quieter than the buffet.
- Ask the head waiter about dishes not printed on the menu.
If food is the main reason you travel, our sister site Chocoholics Cruise looks at cooking classes, chef’s tables and food-lover sailings in depth.
Dining at Sea FAQ
Is food free on a cruise?
Meals in the main dining room, the buffet and several casual outlets are included in the fare on mainstream lines. Specialty restaurants, some cafés, room-service items on some lines and most drinks cost extra.
Are specialty restaurants worth it?
For a celebration, a quieter setting or a cuisine the main dining room does not offer, many guests think so. On a short cruise, one specialty meal is usually plenty; on a long voyage, dining packages may give better value.
Fixed or Flexible Dining Times?
Many mainstream lines let you choose between a set dinner time with the same table and waiters every night, and a flexible option where you turn up when you like or reserve a time each day. Set times suit people who enjoy getting to know their table companions and their waiter; flexible dining suits families with changing plans and anyone who hates to watch the clock. Some lines offer only one system. If the evening show, a late port departure or young children will shape your nights, choose accordingly when you book — popular set times can fill up early.
Plan a Cruise Around Great Food
Tell us what you love to eat and how much you want included. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare ships and dining options for you.
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