Cruise ship dining

Cruise ship dining is one of the best parts of any cruise vacation! From specialty restaurants to the buffet there are so many choices available!

There are so many different options for dining on a cruise ship. Each cruise line offers a different variety of restaurants and options.

Cruise Ship Dining Guide and Tips

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Traditional Dining

With traditional dining, you have a set dining time every day and a set table. On the first night, you are assigned a table. Prior to departing you can choose which of the 2 dinner times you would like, early or late seating.

Anytime Dining

With any time dining, you chose when you want to eat. You can decide to eat early one night and late the next night. You do not have an assigned table and you can eat as a couple/family or decide to share with other passengers.

Buffet

The buffet is open throughout the day with rotating meal service. This is a great option for a casual low key meal. The only dress coat in the buffet is you cannot just wear your swimwear.

Specialty Restaurants

Many cruise lines have specialty restaurants onboard the boat. Depending on the cruise line the price can vary.

On Carnival Cruise Line you can enjoy Fahrenheit 555 Steak House, Cucina Del Capitano, and more!

On Princess Cruises, you can dine at their specialty restaurants for $20/person. The specialty restaurants include Sabatini’s Italian restaurant and Sterling Steakhouse. The meals in these restaurants are elaborate and amazing. You go through at least 4-5 courses of unbelievable food prepared specially for you.

Coffee Bar

Many cruise lines have a coffee bar on board. You can order an espresso or other specialty coffee drink for an additional charge.

Ice Cream Bar

Most of the cruise ships we have been had an ice cream bar. They offer free ice cream cones. You can also choose to order a specialty shake or other ice cream option for free.

Pizza Bar

The pizza bars are normally located near the top deck of the boat. They have a rotating selection of pizzas available daily.

Beverage bars

There is a wide variety of bars available on most cruise ships. They range from lounges with live music, open-air bars near the pool deck, small intimate dining bars near the main restaurants, and specialty martini bars.

Alcoholic drinks are an additional expense on most cruise lines.

On Carnival Cruises, you can check out the Red Frog Pub, Red Frog Rum Bar, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, The library bar and so many more!

Each cruise ship and cruise line offers a wide variety of dining options.