When you get on a cruise ship, you’ll soon see that eating isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s a huge part of your holiday at sea. From fancy multi-course dinners in grand dining rooms to simple snacks by the pool, today’s cruise ships have all sorts of food choices that might seem a bit much at first.
You’ll want to sort out booking tables, extra charges for special restaurants, what to wear, and when to eat whilst trying to get good value and enjoy yourself properly.
Whether you’re new to cruising or you’ve done loads of trips before, knowing how to handle all the food options on your ship will make your holiday much better than just average.
Key Takeaways
- Sort out your dining bookings nice and early, particularly for special restaurants – you’ll get better time slots and might save money with pre-cruise meal deals.
- Pick what suits you: early dinner, late dinner or eat-when-you-fancy. Think about how it fits with your day’s plans.
- Try different places to eat around the ship – from the main restaurants to fancy spots and casual eateries. Each one’s got its own menu and style.
- Tell the cruise company about any food needs well before you sail, and have a chat with the restaurant staff when you get on board.
- Make the most of the ship’s mobile app to keep track of meal times, see what’s on the menu, and change your bookings if needed.
Dining Venues at Sea
Modern cruise ships are packed with places to eat, making them fantastic floating food destinations.
There’s something for everyone, from grand main dining rooms with American and Continental meals to special restaurants cooking up steakhouse favourites and foods from around the world.
Most ships have traditional dining rooms where you can choose when to eat and enjoy formal nights, whilst casual spots like poolside grills and pizzerias serve quick meals throughout the day.
You can dine outside on deck or ring for room service if you fancy eating in your cabin.
Luxury and premium cruise lines usually include all restaurants in the price, but regular cruise lines might charge extra for special meals like Chef’s Table or restaurants run by famous chefs such as Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma.
Getting a cruise sorted is all about good timing and knowing what’s what. You’ll find better cabins and extras by booking ages in advance, though if you don’t mind where your cabin is, you might save loads with last-minute deals.
Most cruise lines let you change things before the final payment without any bother, but keep an eye on deposit rules and what happens if you need to cancel.
To get your meals sorted properly, remember these tips:
- Book your fancy restaurants through the cruise line’s app or website before you sail to get the times you want
- Tell them about any special diets or celebrations when you’re booking
- Think about getting dining packages if you fancy trying several special restaurants
Do your pre-cruise paperwork and restaurant bookings well in advance for a smoother first day on board.
When to Eat
Cruise ship meal times come in three main choices to suit your holiday style.
If you’re with family or like keeping to a set pattern, the early sitting at 6:00 p.m. might be just right, particularly with children who go to bed early or if you fancy watching the shows afterwards.
The late sitting at 8:00 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. suits those who enjoy pre-dinner activities or want a more grown-up setting, though it can be a bit tricky if you’ve got morning plans.
Many cruise lines now let you eat when you want. You can book ahead or simply turn up during set hours – brilliant if you don’t want to stick to the same time each day.
Whatever time you pick, you can sort out special meal needs and where you’d like to sit when you book your trip.
Smart Dining Strategies
Smart eating on your cruise ship just needs a bit of planning.
Have a good look round the buffet before loading your plate, and feel free to ask for what you want in the main dining room – whether that’s smaller portions or seconds of something you love.
- Sort out your bookings for special restaurants early – either before you sail or as soon as you board – to get the times you fancy and save money with dining deals.
- Keep an eye on the ship’s app to see dining times, look at menus and spot extra events like outdoor barbecues or themed nights.
- Head to buffets when they’re quieter to dodge the crowds, and try the cooking stations where they make food fresh for you.
It’s worth trying different foods across all the restaurants, and giving something different a go, like afternoon tea or meals at celebrity chef spots – they could end up being highlights of your trip.
Special Dietary Considerations
When you’re sorting out your cruise holiday, it’s important to let the cruise line know about any special diets well ahead of time.
Give them notice about 45-90 days before you sail, particularly if you need kosher or halal meals on certain routes. Make sure you’re clear about what you can and can’t eat when you tell them.
On the day you board, have a chat with the restaurant manager or head chef to make sure your dietary needs are properly recorded.
You can ask to see menus beforehand and talk about any changes you might need with the kitchen team. At the buffets, staff can help point out which foods are suitable for you, and they’ll use clean utensils to avoid mixing different foods.
It’s a good idea to bring along a list of your dietary needs to show people.
Remember to look up the cruise line’s rules about bringing your own food – most will only let you bring dry snacks and baby food on board.
Understanding Costs and Packages
The money side of cruise dining is worth knowing about to help you stay within your holiday budget. Dining packages can save you quite a bit compared to booking restaurants one by one – you might save up to 40% when you book before sailing.
- Regular cruise lines have dining packages from £139 for three meals to £199 for five meals, whilst posh cruise lines might charge up to £300 per person.
- You’ll get better value booking packages before your cruise starts – companies like MSC give up to 27% off for early bookings.
- For families, look out for child-friendly packages – kids aged 6-12 often eat at lower prices (£14.99 on Royal Caribbean), and under-5s usually eat for free.
Keep in mind whether your package includes drinks, as these can really add to your food costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Swap My Assigned Dining Time With Another Passenger?
While cruise lines have flexible dining choices, you can’t just swap your dining time with another traveller on your own. If you need to change your dining time, have a word with guest services and they’ll help you sort it out.
What Happens if I Miss My Reserved Dining Time?
Just like missing your train, if you don’t show up on time, your table won’t hang about. You’ll need to find somewhere else to eat – maybe pop to the buffet or grab a bite at one of the casual spots. You can always ask about booking another time, but it depends if they’ve got space.
Do Cruise Ships Offer Private Dining Rooms for Special Events?
Most cruise ships have private dining rooms you can book for special events. There are lovely private spots like Crystal’s Vintage Room, Oceania’s Privee or Regent’s Study where you can host celebrations. They’ll sort out bespoke menus and give you extra-attentive service just for your group.
Are Wine Bottles Purchased at Ports Allowed in Ship Restaurants?
Wine bottles you buy at ports usually can’t be drunk in the ship’s restaurants. Most cruise companies keep your port shopping and give it back to you at the end of your trip. Disney’s different though – they let you drink your own wine if you pay a corkage fee.
Can I Order From Multiple Entrees During the Same Dinner Service?
Absolutely – you can get as many main courses as you fancy during dinner time. Most cruise lines are happy for you to try different dishes, and they’ll bring them to you one at a time.
