Dining is a central part of any cruise experience, and cruise lines have evolved far beyond the traditional buffet. From elegant multi-course dinners to quick bites poolside, your ship offers a wide range of options. Understanding the differences between included dining and specialty restaurants helps you make the most of your meals—without overspending.

Here’s how cruise ship dining works and what you can expect from each venue.

What’s Included in Your Cruise Fare

Most major cruise lines include several complimentary dining options:

1. Main Dining Room (MDR)
   • Sit-down, multi-course meals
     
   • Open for breakfast, dinner, and sometimes lunch on sea days
     
   • Menus change daily with options for vegetarians, gluten-free diets, and kids
     
   • Fixed seating (same time/table every night) or flexible dining (“Anytime Dining” or “My Time Dining”)
     
2. Buffet
   
   • Open for all three meals
     
   • Casual, self-service atmosphere
     
   • Great for quick meals or picky eaters
     
   • Typically includes international fare, salad bars, desserts, and breakfast items
     
3. Casual Spots
   • Pizza counters, burger joints, taco stands, and grab-and-go cafes
     
   • Examples include Park Café on Royal Caribbean
     
   • Many are open throughout the day and late at night
     
4. Room Service
   
   • Free on some cruise lines during specific hours (e.g., Holland America)
     
   • Others, like Norwegian, may charge a flat fee per order or for select menu items
     

What Specialty Dining Offers

Specialty restaurants charge an extra fee and are typically not included in your fare. These venues provide a more intimate atmosphere, upgraded service, and premium ingredients.

Popular specialty options include:

• Steakhouses (e.g., Fahrenheit 555 on Carnival, Cagney’s on Norwegian)
  
• Sushi or teppanyaki restaurants
  
• Italian or French cuisine
  
• Chef’s Table experiences with wine pairings and behind-the-scenes kitchen tours
  
• Upscale seafood or molecular gastronomy venues on premium cruise lines
  

Prices range from $15 to $75+ per person, depending on the restaurant. Some ships also offer specialty dining packages, which bundle several restaurants at a discount.

When to Try a Specialty Restaurant

• Celebrating a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, etc.)
  
• Curious about culinary innovation or regional cuisine
  
• Looking for a quieter, less crowded meal
  
• Interested in wine pairings or multi-course tasting menus
  

You can often score discounts for specialty dining on embarkation day or during off-peak dining times. Some cruise lines also include one or more specialty meals in their promotional fares or loyalty program perks.

Tips for Getting the Best Dining Experience

• Reserve specialty restaurants early—either pre-cruise online or on embarkation day
  
• Mix included and specialty options to balance cost and variety
  
• Use the cruise line’s app or planner to check daily menus in the main dining room
  
• Check for included restaurants with upgraded offerings (e.g., MSC’s Marketplace Buffet with themed nights)
  

Saving on Dining With Gift Cards and Cashback Apps

If you’re sailing with a major cruise line, consider booking add-ons like specialty dining using gift cards purchased through cashback platforms. You can often buy a Carnival gift card online with rewards or earn cashback on Royal Caribbean expenses through Fluz. Applying gift card balances to your onboard account can offset the cost of premium meals.

The Bottom Line

From included buffets and dining rooms to indulgent specialty venues, cruise ships cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. By understanding what’s free and what carries an extra charge, you can plan meals that suit your preferences—and maybe even splurge strategically without overspending.