The True Cost of Specialty Dining on Norwegian Cruise Line: What You Need to Know

Imagine indulging in a meal crafted by world-renowned chefs, paired with fine wine, all while cruising on the open sea. This is the promise of specialty dining on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). But as enticing as it sounds, there’s one question that lingers in the minds of many travelers: How much does it really cost? Let’s unravel the mystery behind the prices, and find out whether this experience is worth the splurge.

Understanding Specialty Dining

Specialty dining refers to restaurants on a cruise ship that aren’t included in your standard dining package. These venues often offer higher-end meals and experiences, featuring cuisines from around the world. On NCL, these dining options range from steakhouses and Italian trattorias to French bistros and teppanyaki grills. While the standard dining rooms and buffets on NCL offer a variety of good food at no extra charge, specialty dining promises a more refined, often luxurious culinary experience—but at an additional cost.

Price Breakdown: What to Expect

The cost of specialty dining on NCL varies depending on the restaurant and the type of meal. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:

• Steakhouses (e.g., Cagney’s Steakhouse): Prices generally range from $40 to $50 per person, depending on the menu selection. For an additional charge, you can upgrade to premium cuts of meat or add seafood like lobster or king crab.

• Italian Restaurants (e.g., La Cucina): Expect to pay around $30 to $40 per person. This price covers a multi-course meal, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

• French Bistros (e.g., Le Bistro): Dining here will cost you about $35 to $45 per person. The menu often features delicacies like escargot, duck confit, and creme brûlée.

• Asian Restaurants (e.g., Teppanyaki): Prices for a hibachi experience typically run between $35 to $40 per person. This includes a live cooking show and a multi-course meal.

• Sushi Bars (e.g., Sushi Bar): Sushi is usually priced per item, with rolls ranging from $7 to $15 and sashimi or nigiri at around $5 to $7 per piece.

• Seafood (e.g., Ocean Blue): This is one of the pricier options, with costs around $49 to $59 per person. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll appreciate the fresh, high-quality offerings, but it’s definitely a splurge.

• Other Specialty Restaurants: There are also other unique options like Moderno Churrascaria (a Brazilian steakhouse) and Food Republic (a fusion eatery), with prices generally falling in the $30 to $50 range.

Specialty Dining Packages

To help guests save money, NCL offers specialty dining packages. These packages allow you to pre-purchase a set number of meals at specialty restaurants for a discounted rate. Here’s a look at the typical pricing for these packages:

• 3-meal package: Approximately $99 per person.
• 4-meal package: Approximately $114 per person.
• 5-meal package: Approximately $129 per person.
• 6-meal package: Approximately $139 per person.

When you break it down, each meal averages out to about $23 to $33, which is a significant saving compared to paying à la carte.

Is It Worth It?

Now that you know the costs, the next logical question is: Is specialty dining on NCL worth the extra expense? The answer, of course, depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking to get out of your cruise experience.

If you’re a foodie who enjoys gourmet meals and trying different cuisines, specialty dining can add a lot of value to your cruise. The quality of the food and the overall dining experience in these venues are often a step above what you’ll find in the main dining rooms. Additionally, the ambiance and service are typically more refined, making it a special experience.

However, if you’re content with the food offerings available in the main dining rooms and buffets, you might find that the extra cost of specialty dining isn’t necessary. It’s worth considering your budget and whether the added expense aligns with your priorities for the trip.

Tips for Getting the Best Value

If you do decide to indulge in specialty dining, there are a few strategies you can use to maximize your value:

• Purchase a Dining Package: As mentioned earlier, dining packages can save you money if you plan to eat at multiple specialty restaurants during your cruise.

• Look for Promotions: NCL occasionally offers promotions where specialty dining is included as a perk when you book a cruise. This is often part of their “Free at Sea” promotion, which allows you to choose from a variety of perks when you book a cruise package.

• Dine During Off-Peak Times: Some specialty restaurants offer lunch menus at a lower price than dinner. Additionally, dining early in the cruise may give you access to less crowded venues.

• Share Dishes: If you’re dining with a group, consider ordering a variety of dishes to share. This way, you can try more items on the menu without committing to a full entrée for each person.

• Use Onboard Credit: If you have onboard credit from your cruise package, you can use it to cover the cost of specialty dining.

Conclusion

Specialty dining on Norwegian Cruise Line offers a range of culinary experiences that can elevate your cruise vacation. While it comes at an additional cost, the quality, variety, and ambiance of these restaurants can make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate fine dining. Whether or not it’s worth it depends on your budget, your culinary interests, and what you’re hoping to get out of your cruise.

In the end, the choice is yours. For some, the extra cost is a small price to pay for a memorable dining experience at sea. For others, sticking with the included dining options might be the better choice. Whatever you decide, make sure it aligns with your idea of the perfect cruise vacation.