When deciding if a specialty restaurant on a cruise is worth it, it really depends on what you’re looking for. I find that these restaurants offer a higher quality dining experience with gourmet dishes, a more intimate ambience, and often more attentive service compared to the main dining rooms. However, they come with an extra cost, usually between $15 to $50 per person, which can add up if you’re dining there multiple times.
For me, if I’m celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy something different and unique, the cost is worth it. But if I’m satisfied with the main dining options that are included in the cruise fare, I might skip it. It’s also important to book in advance since these restaurants can fill up quickly. Overall, it’s about balancing your budget with your dining preferences and the experience you’re looking for on your cruise.
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The majority of larger cruise companies including Princess, P&O, Royal Caribbean and Holland America have speciality restaurants on board which you can dine in for a small cover charge. The cover charge is obviously different depending on which cruise company and restaurant is concerned, but in my experience it is generally less than 50 US dollars per person.
I have tried and tested many different speciality restaurants on different cruise ships and with different cruise companies on some of my 17 cruises and I’ve had some mixed results. Some of my best meals have been in speciality restaurants on different cruise ships and I definitely have some favourites.
Sindhu by Atul Kochhar (P&O Cruises)
I visited Sindhu on board P&O’s modern cruise ship Azura, which is an Indian inspired restaurant by Michelin starred celebrity chef Atul Kochhar.
It was one of my absolute favourite meals ever and I could have happily dined in there every single night. The restaurant had a great ambiance, the staff were incredibly friendly and so helpful and the food was absolutely outstanding.
It was definitely worth the extra supplement that we paid to dine there and I would have no hesitation recommending anyone to dine in Sindhu whilst on board Azura.
Chops Grille (Royal Caribbean)
Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean’s speciality restaurant which can be found on board many of its ships including Radiance Class and Freedom Class ships.
I dined in Chops Grille on board Grandeur of the Seas and absolutely loved it. Chops Grille specialises in fresh, juicy steaks and delicious sea food all in an elegant and refined atmosphere. I had one of the most sumptuous steaks of my life with a collection of amazing side dishes and finished it off with a flaming crème brulee!
Pinnacle Grill (Holland America)
I had a wonderful dinner in Pinnacle Grill on board Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam. The surroundings were incredibly elegant, yet still simple and it was all the small touches that made all the difference.
The china in Pinnacle Grill is delicate Bvlgari, the silverware is Riedel and the linen is Frette. It’s plush, luxurious and it definitely all combines to create a truly memorable dining experience.
There is also an extensive wine list available in Pinnacle Grill and a knowledgeable wine sommelier will be there to assist you should you need any recommendations.
The menu, featuring 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks, was exceptional. Although I didn’t have the steak on this occasion, my partner did. My scallop meal in Holland America’s Pinnacle Grill was without a doubt my favourite meal at sea and worth the small supplement that we paid in order to dine there.
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria (Princess Cruises)
One of my favourite Italian dining experiences at sea has been at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria on Princess Cruises. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
The menu is filled with authentic Italian dishes – from fresh, daily-made pasta to rich, hearty mains like osso bucco and seafood specialties.
The wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering a selection of Italian wines that perfectly complement the meal. The additional charge is reasonable for the quality and authenticity of the dining experience.
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