What Kinds of restaurants are on a cruise ship?
Customize your dining experience!
Cruising can be an amazing way to experience the world, and having a variety of sit-down restaurants with different dining options is a key part of that. From casual eateries with family-style meals, to formal sit-down restaurants serving gourmet cuisine, there’s something for everyone on board. For those who prefer private dining experiences or quiet meals away from the hustle and bustle of the buffet, many cruise lines offer specialty sit-down restaurants with unique menus. Whether it’s Italian, French, Pan Asian or something else entirely, you’ll be sure to find a restaurant to satisfy your palate. And for those who just don’t feel like eating out in public, room service is an option on all cruise lines. Enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own cabin as you enjoy the views! So, if you’re looking for dining options, cruising is a great way to experience different types of food while still enjoying the convenience of being aboard a ship.
Buffets Are not your only option
Let’s be honest. Not all people who attend buffets are conscious of their hygiene. Are you someone who is leary of the level of sanitation on a buffet line? Then you should know that buffets are not your only option on a cruise ship. You may prefer a more intimate dining experience or love a variety of dishes that buffets don’t typically offer. Then you will be happy to know that most cruise lines have many sit down restaurants to choose from. If you aren’t sure what they are, your cruise website will have a full list of restaurants. You should know that each cruise company has a whole fleet of ships. Each line of ships has its selection of restaurants, so be sure you are checking the right one.
From fine dining to family style fare, you can be sure to find something to your liking or particular taste. Selecting your own restaurant is also a wise choice for those who have food allergies. If you notify your kitchen ahead of time, they can keep your dish separate from those that could cause you to have a reaction. On a buffet there are often a lot of foods that people are allergic to but there cannot be any guarantee of cross contamination. So choosing a restaurant that you can pick from a menu instead will not only be to your liking but will prevent you from having an adverse reaction.
a variety of cuisines to choose from
If you want to have a wide variety of choices, specialty dining on your cruise is the best way to experience that. From Italian, to Asian, French, and American fare, you can be sure to find something to your liking on your cruise ship.
Cruise Lines have a wide variety of specialty restaurants to choose from. Some examples are American, Barbecue, Brazilian Steakhouse, French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and more.
There are a lot of restaurants that are included in your cruise package and there are some that require an upgraded package or are a pay as you go restaurant. In either case, be sure to check what options are included in your travel package to ensure the best possible experience on your cruise!
Make reservations in advance
Specialty dining restaurants on a cruise are exactly that. Special. And most of them require reservations ahead of time – before you even board the ship! Making reservations in advance ensures that you can partake in the cuisine that you want for your vacation and will have a stress free cruise. Exactly how early reservations can be made depends on your cruise company. These reservations book up quickly so it is important to know when you can go online to reserve your table, and do it right away! Don’t wait! Some cruises open the reservations 60 days before your sail date and some allowing booking 2 days ahead. In either case, knowing this in advance will help you create the cruise experience you want to have.
specialty dining upcharges
Most of the dining onboard is included in your package and you can totally spend your entire cruise dining at the buffets, casual and quick serve restaurants. But if you make your reservations for a specialty restaurant, there may be an upcharge. Not to worry! You don’t have to bring cash or credit cards, like many hotels, you can charge your dining to your room and pay it at the end of your trip with all of the other amenities that you have enjoyed during your stay.
All in all, you don’t have to feel like you don’t have many dining choices for your cruise. Eat at a buffet, quick serve, food cart, room service or specialty restaurant. The choice is yours, after all it is your vacation and you can decide how and where you want to have your meals. Most of all, have a great cruise! What has been your best dining experience on a cruise? Please leave us a comment and share with others who want to know!
