Cruise Ship Dining Package Guide: What’s Included, How It Works, and When It’s Worth It
Dining packages give you access to specialty restaurants for a set price, letting you enjoy upgraded meals without paying full à la carte rates each time. They’re popular with cruisers who want more variety, more flexibility, and a chance to try the ship’s premium venues without worrying about the bill at the end of the week. Understanding how these packages work helps you decide whether they fit your style of cruising and how to get the most value from them.
What a Dining Package Includes
Most dining packages cover a certain number of specialty restaurant meals during your sailing. Depending on the cruise line, this might include steakhouses, Italian restaurants, sushi bars, teppanyaki, seafood venues, or chef‑driven concepts. Some packages allow you to dine at the same restaurant more than once, while others encourage you to explore different venues. The value comes from the fact that a single specialty dinner can cost as much as half the price of the entire package, so even two or three meals can make the package worthwhile.
How Reservations Work
Reservation rules for a cruise ship dining package depend entirely on the cruise line, and the differences matter. Some lines let you book specialty dining before you ever step on board, giving planners the advantage of locking in prime times weeks in advance. Others only allow reservations once you’re physically on the ship. Royal Caribbean is a good example: even if you purchase a dining package early, you cannot make your specialty dining reservations until embarkation day. This means the first afternoon on board becomes the key moment to secure the restaurants and times you want.
Because policies vary, it’s worth checking your cruise line’s specific rules so you know whether to book ahead or plan to make your reservations as soon as you board.
What’s Not Included
Some specialty venues carry an extra fee even when you have a cruise ship dining package, and this varies by cruise line. Most restaurants are fully covered, but certain high‑demand or high‑cost experiences charge a supplemental fee on top of your package. Royal Caribbean’s teppanyaki restaurant is a good example—your dining package gives you access, but you still pay an additional per‑person surcharge to dine there. Premium coffees, select desserts, and à la carte upgrades may also fall outside the package. Checking each venue’s details helps you understand exactly what’s included before you book.
Sea Day vs. Port Day Strategy
Your dining schedule affects how much value you get from the package. Sea days are the most popular for specialty dining because guests are already on the ship and looking for something special. Port days can be quieter, especially if you return later in the afternoon. Booking a specialty dinner on a port day often gives you a more relaxed experience with easier reservation times. Some cruisers even choose a specialty lunch on a sea day to enjoy the same venue for a lower price, stretching the value of the package even further.
When a Dining Package Is Worth It
A dining package is a great value if you enjoy slower, more elevated meals or want a break from the main dining room and buffet. It’s ideal for food‑focused travelers who love trying new restaurants or want to celebrate a special occasion. If you’re sailing on a ship with many specialty venues, the package lets you sample more without paying full price each time. On the other hand, if you prefer casual dining or plan to spend most evenings at shows, lounges, or port‑day dinners, you may not use the package enough to justify the cost.
Tips for Getting the Most Value
Booking early often gives you the lowest price, as packages can increase closer to sailing. Look for pre‑cruise discounts in your online planner. Spread your specialty meals across the week so you don’t feel rushed or overly full. Try lunch at a specialty venue—many ships offer the same experience for a lower price, and it still counts as part of your package. If you’re traveling with a group, coordinate reservations early so everyone can dine together. And if you’re unsure where to start, ask the crew for recommendations; they know which venues shine on each ship.
Why Dining Packages Are Popular
Dining packages offer variety, convenience, and a sense of indulgence. They turn meals into experiences and give you access to restaurants that feel special, whether you’re celebrating or simply want a quieter evening. For many cruisers, the package becomes a highlight of the trip and a way to enjoy the ship’s best culinary offerings without worrying about the cost each night. When used strategically, a dining package can elevate your entire cruise and make each evening feel like a night out.
