Cruise Dining Explained: Specialty Dining vs. Main Dining Room

You’re on board your cruise vacation, drink in hand, staring at a lineup of dining options that all smell amazing. How do you decide what to eat first? 

Excursions and adventures are huge parts of your trip, but so is enjoying the countless food and drinks at every corner. That’s why mapping out what’s available can help you maximize mealtime at sea. 

Cruise line dining usually falls into two categories: included dining, like the Main Dining Room, and specialty dining experiences available for an extra charge. This guide will help answer the big question: Is specialty dining worth it?

While both are great options, it depends on your vacation style and preferences. Here, you can get a taste test of each to determine where you’ll be spending most of your meals.

Key Takeaways

● Eating at a specialty dining venue offers premium cuisine, upscale atmospheres and unique experiences for an extra cost.

● The Main Dining Room is included in your fare with rotating menus and family-friendly options.

● Mixing complementary meals with one or two specialty dinners is a great way to enjoy the best cruise food without overspending. 

● Explore Royal Caribbean cruises to try specialty restaurants on board during your next trip.

What Is Specialty Dining on a Cruise?

Specialty dining includes any premium restaurants that aren’t part of your complimentary options on board. These spots offer more unique menus you won’t find anywhere else. From prime cut steaks and lobster at Chops Grille℠ to Alice in Wonderland-themed dining at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, the foodies will enjoy awe-inspiring entrees. 

Additionally, specialty restaurants deliver a more elevated atmosphere, perfect for special occasions or romantic date nights. Just keep in mind that these specialty dining options usually require reservations and have À la carte pricing or a cover charge.

Royal Caribbean Specialty Dining vs. Main Dining Room: What’s the Difference

Several elements are always included in a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, and one is amazing dining experiences. Whether you opt for the Main Dining Room or specialty options, you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied. 

Let’s break down the main differences so you know what each venue provides:

What Specialty Dining Options Are on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean has a wide range of specialty restaurants for guests looking for a wow-worthy meal. Some of the most popular options include:

● Chops Grille: Classic steakhouse serving cuts of beef, seafood and traditional sides in an upscale dining setting.

● Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar: Italian restaurant focused on family-style dishes like pastas, pizzas and meat entrees inspired by classic Italian cuisine.

● Izumi Hibachi & Sushi^®: Japanese fusion restaurant offering sushi, sashimi, rolls and hibachi-style dishes, depending on the ship.

● Wonderland: Whimsical restaurant centered around creative presentation and unexpected flavor combinations, with a menu designed to feel more experimental than traditional.

Each ship has incredible food options, but specialty restaurants vary by ship. Make sure you check your specific ship’s dining availability before boarding so you can start dreaming of your must-try spots. 

How Much Does Specialty Dining Cost on a Cruise?

Since specialty dining isn’t included in your fare, prices depend on:

● The restaurant you’re dining at.

● Your cruise ship.

● The time of sailing.

While there’s no flat rate, prices could range anywhere from $30 to $200 per person. Many travelers find a specialty dining package helpful for trying several spots at a lower rate, making a Royal Caribbean dining package worth it — especially if you’re a foodie with a long list of bucket list entrees. 

Is Specialty Dining Worth It?

Yes! But it’s definitely not necessary for an amazing vacation. Many travelers choose to splurge on at least one specialty meal for special celebrations, romantic dinners, unique cuisines and elevated food experiences. However, cruisers can stick with complimentary options and still have the time of their lives. It’s ultimately about your priorities when it comes to meals. 

What To Expect From the Specialty Dining Experience

Specialty dining on a cruise offers a more elevated and relaxed experience, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation for the most popular restaurants, especially on sea days and formal nights. 

While most cruise dining is designed to feel approachable, some venues may have dress codes that lean more polished, such as collared shirts or cocktail attire. Meals also tend to move at a slower pace, giving you time to fully enjoy the atmosphere and multi-course menus. 

If you’re wondering whether to tip at a cruise ship specialty restaurant, gratuities are automatically applied on specialty dining purchases, though leaving an extra tip for exceptional service is always appreciated. 

What To Expect From the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with rotating menus and multi-course meals each evening. Guests can choose between traditional set dining times or flexible My Time Dining, depending on availability. 

The atmosphere is laid-back but nice, with casual attire during the day and smart casual or formal dress suggested on select nights. Reservations aren’t needed for traditional dining, and gratuities are generally included through your cruise fare or prepaid service charges. 

Trying to make up your mind about where to eat? Here’s a quick guide for easy decision-making:

● Love trying new foods? → Specialty dining offers unique cuisines.

●Traveling with picky eaters? → Main Dining Room delivers kid-friendly options.

● Celebrating something special? → Specialty dining makes every entree feel like a party.

● Want maximum value and flexibility? → Main Dining Room is built for families who want more.

There’s no wrong answer, so just savor every bite (and come back for seconds)!