Written by Jo, cruise dining specialist with 20+ years experience
Quick Summary: Specialty restaurants cost £15-50 ($20-65) per person but offer gourmet food, intimate atmosphere, and exceptional service. Whether they’re worth it depends on your budget, dining preferences, and cruise length. This guide helps you decide and choose the best options for your cruise.
Here’s the honest truth about cruise specialty restaurants: I’ve had some of my most memorable meals at sea in them, but I’ve also had disappointing experiences that left me wishing I’d saved my money for port excursions.
After dining in dozens of specialty restaurants across 50+ cruises over the past 20 years, I can tell you exactly when they’re worth the extra cost – and when they’re not. The key is understanding what you’re really paying for and matching that to what you actually want from your cruise dining experience.
Most people ask the wrong question. Instead of “Are specialty restaurants worth it?” ask “Which specialty restaurants work for my budget, tastes, and cruise style?” That’s the question I’ll help you answer.
Your Essential Cruise Dining Resources
Before diving into specific restaurants, here are guides that help with your overall cruise experience:
Planning & Preparation:
- New to Cruising – Essential guide if this is your first cruise
- Cruise Ship Tips and Tricks – Insider advice for better cruise experiences
- How to Save Money on Your Cruise – Proven strategies for cruise budgeting
Cruise Lines & Experience:
- Cruise Lines – Compare different cruise lines and their dining offerings
- Cruise Ship Etiquette – Dining manners and dress codes
- Tipping on Your Cruise Holiday – How to tip in specialty restaurants
What Are Specialty Restaurants?
Specialty restaurants are cruise ship dining venues that charge extra fees beyond your included meals. They typically offer:
- Higher quality ingredients and more sophisticated cooking
- Smaller, more intimate settings with better ambiance
- Enhanced service with dedicated, trained staff
- Unique cuisines not available in main dining rooms
- Special experiences like chef’s tables or wine pairings
The Reality Check: They’re not always better than main dining. Some cruise lines have excellent included restaurants that rival their specialty options.
The Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Typical Price Ranges (Per Person):
- Steakhouses: £25-60 ($30-75)
- Italian Restaurants: £15-35 ($20-55)
- Asian Cuisine: £20-40 ($25-50)
- Seafood Specialists: £30-55 ($40-70)
- Chef’s Table Experiences: £60-150+ ($75-190+)
- Wine Pairings: Add £25-60 ($30-75)
Hidden Costs to Consider:
- Service charges: Usually 18% added automatically
- Wine and drinks: Often not included in cover charge
- Specialty items: Some dishes cost extra even with the cover charge
Money-Saving Reality: On a 7-day cruise, dining specialty every night could cost £200-400+ ($250-500+) per person on top of your cruise fare.
When Specialty Restaurants Are Worth It
Definitely Worth the Money:
- Special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, romantic dinners)
- Longer cruises (14+ days) when you want dining variety
- Food-focused travelers who prioritize culinary experiences
- Poor main dining on budget cruise lines
- Dietary restrictions better accommodated in specialty venues
Great Value Scenarios:
- Lunch specialty restaurants (often cheaper than dinner)
- Early or late bookings sometimes offer discounts
- Package deals that include multiple restaurants
- Cruise line promotions like “dine 4, pay for 3”
When to Skip Them
Save Your Money If:
- Excellent main dining already included (common on luxury lines)
- Short cruises (3-4 days) with limited time
- Tight budgets where the money’s better spent on excursions
- Large groups where costs multiply quickly
- Picky eaters who prefer familiar foods
Red Flags:
- Empty restaurants during prime dinner hours
- High-pressure sales from staff pushing bookings
- Limited menus that don’t justify the cost
- Poor reviews from recent passengers
The Best Specialty Restaurants by Cruise Line
Based on 20+ years of personal dining experience
Royal Caribbean: Chops Grille
- What It Is: Premium steakhouse found on most ships Cost: £35-45 ($45-60) per person
- My Experience: Consistently excellent steaks, elegant atmosphere, impeccable service
- Best For: Steak lovers, special occasions, romantic dinners
- Insider Tip: Book the early seating for better service and atmosphere
For more Royal Caribbean information, see our complete cruise line guide.
P&O Cruises: Sindhu by Atul Kochhar
- What It Is: Michelin-starred chef’s Indian restaurant (on select ships)
- Cost: £25-35 ($30-45) per person
- My Experience: One of my absolute favorite meals at sea – outstanding food, brilliant ambiance
- Best For: Adventurous eaters, Indian food lovers, those wanting authentic cuisine
- Insider Tip: The tasting menu is worth the extra cost
Learn more about P&O dining in our P&O Cruises guide.
Holland America: Pinnacle Grill
- What It Is: Upscale steakhouse with premium tableware and wines
- Cost: £40-50 ($50-65) per person
- My Experience: Exceptional scallops, premium service, luxurious atmosphere with Bulgari china
- Best For: Fine dining enthusiasts, wine lovers, luxury seekers
- Insider Tip: The wine sommelier’s recommendations are spot-on
Explore Holland America options in our Holland America guide.
Princess Cruises: Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
- What It Is: Authentic Italian restaurant with fresh pasta and traditional dishes
- Cost: £20-30 ($25-40) per person
- My Experience: Warm atmosphere, authentic flavors, excellent wine selection
- Best For: Italian food lovers, families, casual fine dining
- Insider Tip: The daily-made pasta is genuinely fresh and worth trying
Find more Princess dining information in our Princess Cruises guide.
Celebrity Cruises: Murano
- What It Is: French-inspired fine dining with sophisticated presentation
- Cost: £45-55 ($60-70) per person
- My Experience: Exceptional technique, beautiful presentation, refined service
- Best For: Serious foodies, special celebrations, culinary adventures
Norwegian Cruise Line: Le Bistro
- What It Is: French restaurant with classic dishes and intimate setting
- Cost: £25-35 ($30-45) per person
- My Experience: Good food but inconsistent service across different ships
- Best For: French cuisine lovers, romantic dinners
How to Choose the Right Specialty Restaurant
Consider Your Priorities:
- For Food Quality: Research the chef, read recent reviews, ask about daily specials
- For Atmosphere: Look for restaurants with good ambiance and proper spacing between tables
- For Service: Smaller venues typically offer more attentive service
- For Value: Compare what’s included versus main dining room offerings
Questions to Ask Before Booking:
- What’s included in the cover charge?
- Are drinks included or extra?
- Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
- What are the dress code requirements?
- Can you see a sample menu?
Booking Strategies That Actually Work
When to Book:
- Pre-cruise online: Often 10-20% cheaper than onboard
- First day of cruise: Best selection of times and dates
- Day of dining: Sometimes discounts available for same-day bookings
Timing Tips:
- Early seating (5:30-6:30 PM) often has better service
- Late seating (8:30-9:30 PM) feels more relaxed and romantic
- Lunch reservations are easier to get and often cheaper
Package Deals: Many cruise lines offer dining packages covering multiple specialty restaurants. These work well for:
- Longer cruises (10+ days)
- Food enthusiasts wanting variety
- Groups celebrating special occasions
The Math: Calculate if packages save money based on restaurants you’d actually visit.
Maximizing Your Specialty Restaurant Experience
Dress Code Reality:
- Most require “smart casual” minimum
- Steakhouses often prefer business casual or formal
- Check specific requirements when booking
- Bring proper attire or you might be turned away
Service and Tipping:
- 18% service charge is usually automatic
- Additional tipping for exceptional service is optional
- Cash tips to servers are always appreciated
- Read our complete cruise tipping guide for details
Making Reservations:
- Book popular restaurants immediately after embarkation
- Have backup choices in case first preferences are full
- Consider alternative dining times if peak hours are booked
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Booking Errors:
- Booking too many specialty restaurants and feeling obligated to use them all
- Not reading what’s included in the cover charge
- Assuming all specialty restaurants are better than main dining
Timing Problems:
- Booking dinner during port days when you might be late returning
- Not allowing enough time between specialty dinner and shows
- Scheduling multiple specialty meals back-to-back
Budget Oversights:
- Not factoring in drinks and service charges
- Choosing expensive options when excellent cheaper alternatives exist
- Buying packages without calculating actual usage
Alternatives to Consider
Included Options That Might Surprise You:
- Main dining room chef’s specials often rival specialty restaurants
- Buffet special nights featuring themed cuisines
- Room service for intimate dining in your cabin
- Casual venues like poolside grills with high-quality options
Free Experiences Worth Trying:
- Chef demonstrations and cooking classes
- Wine tastings (sometimes free, sometimes paid)
- Cultural food events during port days
- Late-night snack venues
Different Cruise Lines, Different Value
Luxury Lines (Silversea, Regent): Specialty restaurants often aren’t worth it – included dining is already excellent
Premium Lines (Celebrity, Princess): Specialty restaurants offer clear upgrades over included dining
Mass Market Lines (Carnival, MSC): Specialty restaurants can be significant improvements over main dining
For detailed comparisons of different cruise lines and their dining offerings, see our comprehensive cruise lines guide.
Budget-Friendly Specialty Restaurant Strategies
Lunch vs Dinner: Many specialty restaurants offer lunch at 30-50% lower cost with similar quality food.
Early Bird Specials: Some cruise lines offer discounts for early bookings or off-peak dining times.
Group Discounts: Larger parties sometimes receive reduced per-person rates.
Package Math: Only buy dining packages if you’ll actually use 80%+ of the included meals.
The Verdict: When They’re Actually Worth It
Absolutely Worth It:
- Special occasions where memories matter more than money
- Exceptional restaurants with celebrity chefs or unique concepts
- Poor main dining where specialty venues offer significant upgrades
- Dietary needs better accommodated in specialty venues
Proceed with Caution:
- Budget cruises where every pound counts for excursions
- Short cruises with limited dining opportunities
- Excellent included dining that already meets your needs
- Large groups where costs multiply significantly
Skip Entirely:
- Luxury cruises where included dining is already outstanding
- Tight budgets where money’s better spent elsewhere
- Unfamiliar cuisines you’re unlikely to enjoy
- Poor reviews from recent passengers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for specialty restaurants? Plan £20-40 ($25-50) per person per meal, plus drinks and service charges. For a 7-day cruise, budget £100-300 ($125-375) per person if you want to try several options.
Can I book specialty restaurants before my cruise? Yes, most cruise lines allow pre-cruise booking online, often at discounted rates. Book popular restaurants immediately after online check-in opens.
What happens if I don’t like the food? Most cruise lines will address concerns if you speak up immediately. Some may offer alternatives or partial refunds, but policies vary by cruise line.
Are specialty restaurants suitable for children? Depends on the restaurant and your children’s dining preferences. Italian restaurants are usually kid-friendly, while upscale steakhouses may be better for mature children.
Do I need reservations? Yes, reservations are essential for dinner. Lunch spots sometimes accept walk-ins, but booking ahead ensures you get your preferred time.
Can specialty restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions? Most can accommodate common restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free) with advance notice. Contact the restaurant manager early in your cruise to discuss specific needs.
What’s the dress code for specialty restaurants? Usually smart casual minimum, with some requiring business casual or formal attire. Check specific requirements when booking and pack accordingly.
Are drinks included in specialty restaurant cover charges? Rarely. Most charge separately for alcohol, and even soft drinks might cost extra. Budget accordingly and consider drink packages if available.
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Specialty restaurants can absolutely enhance your cruise experience – when chosen wisely. The key is matching your expectations, budget, and dining preferences with the right venues.
Remember: there’s no shame in skipping specialty restaurants entirely if the included dining meets your needs. Some of my most memorable cruise meals have been in main dining rooms with excellent food and fantastic service.
If you’re new to cruising and feeling overwhelmed by choices, start with our complete beginner’s guide. For money-saving strategies that work across all aspects of cruising, check our guide to saving money on your cruise.
For help choosing the right cruise line based on dining preferences and overall experience, get in touch – I’d love to help you find your perfect cruise match.
Jo has been evaluating cruise dining experiences since 2004, having dined in 100+ specialty restaurants across 15+ cruise lines. She specializes in helping travelers make informed decisions about cruise dining investments based on realistic expectations and personal preferences.
