Want to elevate your cruise experience? Specialty dining offers gourmet meals, intimate settings, and dishes you won’t find in the main dining room. But these venues fill up fast—here’s everything you need to know if you want the best specialty dining experiences. How to secure reservations, avoid hidden fees, and get the best value.
What Are Specialty Restaurants & Are They Worth It?
Cruise ships are known for their all-inclusive dining options, but specialty restaurants offer a tempting alternative if you want to elevate your culinary experience.
- Higher-Quality Cuisine – Think dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, gourmet French cuisine, and handcrafted pasta rather than standard cruise fare.
- Personalized Service – With fewer tables than the main dining room, staff can provide a more tailored experience, from wine pairings to customized meal requests.
- Exclusive Atmosphere – Whether it’s an elegant steakhouse, a romantic Italian trattoria, or an immersive teppanyaki show, these venues offer a special dining experience you won’t find elsewhere on the ship.
Who Should Consider Specialty Dining?
- Celebrating a special occasion? Specialty dining adds a memorable touch.
- Love gourmet food? Perfect for foodies who appreciate unique flavors.
- Prefer a quieter setting? A break from the busy main dining room.
When to Skip It
- If you’re satisfied with the included dining options.
- If you’re cruising with picky eaters who prefer simple meals.
- If you’re sticking to a strict budget.
When & How to Book Specialty Restaurants (And Why Timing Matters!)
Popular venues fill up quickly, and the best dining times can disappear long before you set sail.
Most cruise lines allow guests to book specialty dining 60-90 days before sailing through their online cruise planner or mobile app. Some high-tier loyalty members or suite guests may have earlier access.
Advantages of Early Booking:
- Better Time Slot Selection – Prime dinner times (7:00-8:30 PM) book up first. Late-night or early-bird slots may be your only option if you wait.
- Potential Cost Savings – Some cruise lines offer pre-cruise discounts when you book specialty dining online before embarkation.
- Higher Likelihood of Securing Popular Venues – High-demand restaurants, like Chef’s Table experiences or celebrity chef venues, can sell out quickly.
- More Flexibility – Booking in advance allows you to modify plans if needed rather than scrambling for last-minute availability.
Ideal Dining Times to Reserve
- Embarkation Day – Many guests stick to buffet dining on the first night, making specialty restaurants less crowded and sometimes discounted.
- Port Days – Guests who spend the day ashore often return too late (or too tired) for specialty dining, meaning easier reservations for those staying onboard.
- Formal Nights – If your cruise includes formal nights, a specialty restaurant can be a perfect way to enhance the experience.
- Lunch Instead of Dinner – Some specialty restaurants offer similar menus at lunch for lower prices. This can be a great way to experience high-end dining for less.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, book that night’s dinner first! You don’t want to miss out on your preferred venue because of last-minute availability issues.
Last-Minute Booking Strategies: What to Do If You Didn’t Book in Advance
If you didn’t secure a reservation before your cruise, there are still ways to get a spot. Check the cruise app or dining desk upon boarding for openings, visit the restaurant early, and be flexible with timing.
Hidden Fees & How to Avoid Them!
Specialty dining can elevate your cruise experience, but unexpected charges can catch some cruisers by surprise. Watch for extra charges like these.
- Premium Menu Upcharges – Some restaurants charge extra for wagyu steak, lobster tails, or chef’s specialty dishes. Some dishes may have a significant surcharge of $20-$50 or more per entrée. Check menus before booking.
- Drinks Cost Extra – Even with a cover charge, wine, cocktails, and some non-alcoholic drinks aren’t included. If you have a drink package, confirm what’s covered. Some items may be excluded or subject to a cap.
- Automatic Gratuities – Most cruise lines add an 18-20% gratuity to specialty dining bills. If it’s already included, there is no need to tip again unless the service is exceptional.
- No-Show Fees – Cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid charges, which range from $10-$50 per person. Modify reservations as soon as possible if your plans change.
Best Ways to Save Money on Specialty Dining (Cruise Dining Hacks You Need to Know!)
Specialty dining can be a highlight of your cruise, but costs can add up quickly if you’re not strategic. Here’s how to maximize your experience while managing costs.
1. Book a Dining Package for the Best Value
Many cruise lines offer specialty dining packages that allow you to experience multiple restaurants for a discounted rate.
- Multi-Restaurant Packages – Instead of paying for individual meals, you can bundle two, three, or more specialty dining experiences at a lower per-meal price.
- Pre-Cruise Booking Discounts – Some lines offer lower rates if you purchase a dining package before embarkation. Booking through the cruise line’s website or app before your sail date can save you 10-20% or more compared to onboard pricing.
2. Choose Lunch Instead of Dinner for Lower Prices
Some specialty restaurants offer lunch service at a reduced price, allowing you to experience the same menu for less. For instance, steakhouses and Italian venues often have similar entrées at lunch but with lower cover charges. Some Teppanyaki & sushi restaurants may offer smaller portions or special lunch menus at a fraction of the dinner price.
3. Use Onboard Credit
If you’ve received onboard credit (OBC) as part of a booking promotion, you may be able to apply it toward specialty dining. Policies can vary across cruise lines, and while many allow the use of OBC for specialty dining, some may impose restrictions.
What to Wear? Specialty Restaurant Dress Codes
Most specialty restaurants require smart casual attire—collared shirts, dresses, and dressy pants are common. Fine dining venues like Remy may require jackets. Casual spots like burger joints allow jeans and t-shirts. Always check dress codes before packing.
Closing Thoughts
Specialty restaurants can elevate your cruise experience, offering memorable meals and exclusive atmospheres. You’ll make the most of these gourmet dining experiences by planning, booking strategically, and budgeting wisely.
