Cruise ship dining has evolved from fixed-seating banquet halls to diverse culinary landscapes. This guide helps you navigate included and speciality restaurants, so you can plan meals that match your tastes and budget.
The main dining room is the heart of included dining, offering multi-course meals with rotating menus. Service is attentive, and you can often choose between fixed seating or flexible 'my time' dining.
Buffets provide a quick, varied option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Casual venues like poolside grills, pizzerias, and cafes offer snacks throughout the day.
Many ships include room service, though some now charge a fee. Snacks like ice cream, pastries, and late-night bites are often available at no extra cost.
Speciality restaurants add variety and a sense of occasion. Cover charges are indicative and vary by cruise line and ship.
Steakhouses are a staple of speciality dining, offering premium cuts, seafood, and an upscale atmosphere. Expect an additional cover charge, typically ranging from AUD 30 to AUD 60 per person.
Italian restaurants are popular for their pasta, pizza, and relaxed ambiance. Some lines include these venues in the fare, while others charge a small fee.
Asian speciality venues range from teppanyaki grills to sushi bars. These are often interactive and popular for groups.
For a formal experience, French restaurants offer multi-course tasting menus and extensive wine pairings. These are among the most expensive speciality options.
Many ships offer a chef's table—a small-group dining experience with a set menu and wine pairings, often hosted by the executive chef.
Speciality dining is best booked early. Popular times, especially sea-day evenings, fill quickly on most ships.
Most cruise lines offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Menus are often marked, and chefs can modify dishes upon request.
Cruise lines take food allergies seriously. Once notified, the dining team can prepare meals separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Kosher, halal, and other religious dietary needs can often be accommodated with advance notice. Availability varies by cruise line and itinerary.
Speciality dining can be booked before your cruise via the cruise line's app or website, or onboard at the restaurant or guest services. Popular venues fill quickly, so book early.
Dress codes vary by venue and time of day. Most ships have 'smart casual' for most restaurants, with formal nights in the main dining room. Speciality restaurants may have their own requirements.
Many cruise lines offer dining packages that bundle several speciality meals at a discount. Prices vary, but packages can save 20-30% compared to booking individually.
| Mainstream lines | Premium lines | Luxury lines |
|---|---|---|
Mainstream linesRoyal Caribbean, Carnival, and P&O Australia offer a mix of included and speciality dining, with an emphasis on variety and family-friendly options.
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Premium linesCelebrity and Princess focus on elevated cuisine, with more speciality restaurants and a higher standard of included dining.
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Luxury linesRegent Seven Seas and Silversea include all dining in the fare, with no charge for speciality restaurants. Expect gourmet menus and extensive wine lists.
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Many ships place casual dining venues near the casino, such as late-night snack bars or lounges. These are convenient for a quick bite between games.
Our Night Coordinates section highlights casino-related content, including dining options that keep you fuelled for late-night play. Explore our casino guides for more.
No online gambling content. All guides cover physical onboard casinos only.
Research your ship's dining venues before you sail. Book speciality restaurants early, and decide which nights you want formal dining.
Menus change daily, and some venues may be closed on port days. Embrace the variety and try new dishes.
If you plan to eat at several speciality restaurants, a dining package can save money. Calculate the per-meal cost to see if it's worth it.
Room service is included on some cruise lines but may incur a fee on others. Check your cruise line's policy before ordering.
Most cruise lines offer tables for two, but availability may be limited. Request one when booking or speak to the maître d' onboard.
Water, tea, coffee, and some juices are usually included. Soft drinks and alcohol typically cost extra unless you have a beverage package.
