If you’re going on a cruise for the first time, you’re probably wondering how cruise ship dining works, what cruise food is included, & what dining options are available.
Cruise dining has changed over the last couple of years, from what is and isn’t included, to dress line codes & more.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, the cruise dining tips will help you to know your food options and make the most of your cruise vacation in 2025!
1. What Dining Options Are Available on a Cruise?
When cruising, you’ll have a variety of dining options available, each offering a different experience:
Main Dining Room: This is the heart of the cruise dining experience, typically included in your fare. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that changes daily.
Buffet: A more casual dining option, available throughout the day, sometimes in the form of a food hall on newer ships.
Casual Dining: Includes cafes, pizza, burgers, and other quick service options.
Room Service: Available on most cruises at a nominal fee, with some complimentary options for breakfast. Premium and luxury cruise lines may have included room service all day.
Specialty Dining: These restaurants offer unique dining experiences at an additional cost.
2. Main Dining Room – What to Expect
The main dining room (MDR) is a central feature of cruise dining and is included in your cruise fare. It’s open for dinner every evening and often for breakfast, lunch, and brunch on sea days.
The main dining room or restaurant offers a sit-down meal experience with a rotating menu, including a mix of daily specials and classic favorites. Don’t miss out on trying different dishes, as in most cases you can order multiple appetizers, entrees, and desserts at no extra cost.
2. Choose Between Fixed and Open Dining Times
Most cruise lines offer two main dining options: fixed dining and open dining. With fixed dining, you choose an early or late seating and enjoy the same table, waiter, and tablemates each night.
Open dining provides more flexibility, allowing you to dine at different times each evening. Some cruise lines even offer a reservation system within open dining to avoid waiting in line.
Related: 13 Cruise Main Dining Room Tips
3. Know How to Change Your Dining Time
You can often make reservations online before your cruise. However, If your dining time doesn’t suit your plans, you can request a change. Speak to the maître d’ in the afternoon rather than during the busy dinner hours to increase your chances of getting your preferred time.
4. Request Your Favorite Waiter
If you enjoy your waiter on the first night, ask to be seated in their section for the remainder of the cruise. While not guaranteed, this can often be accomodate if you’re flexible with dining times.
Building a rapport with your waiter can enhance your dining experience, as they’ll learn your preferences and provide personalized service.
5. Be Aware of Cruise Line Dress Codes
Dress codes in the main dining room still exist in the main dining room and some specialty restaurants, though they are often less formal than in the past. Expect a mix of casual, smart casual, and formal nights.
While tuxedos and evening gowns are optional, men should bring at least one pair of dress pants and a collared shirt, as some restaurants may turn away guests in shorts. It’s a good idea to research your specific cruise line for dress code guidelines.
Related: 10 Dress Code Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise
6. Maximize the Menu
Cruise menus in the MDR are extensive, with multiple courses offered at every meal. Don’t hesitate to order several appetizers, try different entrees, or mix and match items. Some cruise lines allow you to combine dishes or sample multiple options, especially during formal nights.
7. Watch Out for Extra Charges
While most food in the main dining room and complimentary restaurants are included, some items like lobster tails or premium steaks may come with an extra charge. This trend is more common these days, so check the menu for any additional costs before ordering.
Related: 12 Cruise Dining Etiquette Rules, Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
8. Order a Cheese Plate
A little-known cruise dining hack is to ask for a cheese plate, even if it’s not listed on the menu. Many ships offer this as a dessert option or as an off-menu treat. It’s a great way to finish your meal with a selection of cheeses and fruits.
9. Dine at Your Own Pace
If you’re not keen on a leisurely two-hour dinner, let your waiter know you’d prefer a faster-paced meal. This is especially helpful if you have evening plans, such as catching a show.
On a recent Bermuda cruise onboard Norwegian Joy, we tested this out. We had an evening sunset catamaran cruise with a 7:15 pm meeting time. The Taste, an included MDR style restaurant opened at 6:00 pm, so we knew it would be tight.
When we arrived at the restaurant we let the hostess know about our limited time. The waiter came over quickly, we ordered our food and asked for it to be served without delays between courses. To our amazement, we were done with coffee and dessert at 6:53! We had plenty of time to meet our excursion.
10. Explore the Buffet
The cruise buffet is a casual dining option available throughout the day. It offers a wide variety of foods, from breakfast staples to themed dinners. It’s perfect for quick meals or when you want to try a bit of everything.
Note that some newer ships are replacing traditional buffets with food halls, offering a different dining experience with various stations.
11. Take Advantage of Casual Dining Options
In addition to the buffet, most cruise ships offer casual dining venues like pizzerias, burger and hot dog grills, and cafes. These spots are often open late into the night, making them ideal for a quick snack or a laid-back meal.
12. Don’t Overlook Room Service
Room service used to be free across most cruise lines, but now some charge a fee for in-cabin dining. However, this can vary, so be sure to check.
However, many cruise lines still offer complimentary continental room service for breakfast, where you can order coffee, pastries, and fruit to start your day. This can also serve as a convenient wake-up call.
Related: 12 Biggest Changes to Cruising
13. Plan for Specialty Dining
Specialty restaurants offer a more intimate and upscale dining experience, often featuring cuisine like steak, Italian, or Asian dishes.
These dining venues typically require a reservation and come with an additional charge, but they’re worth trying for a special occasion or a change of pace from the main dining options.
Related: 20 Cruise Specialty Dining Tips, Tricks & Secrets
14. Be Mindful of Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Cruise lines take food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously, with many offering separate menus for guests with specific needs.
Ensure your dietary preferences are noted on your booking, and discuss them with the maître d’ upon boarding. Many ships now offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on their menus.
15. Ask for Recommendations
Cruise waiters often have great insights into the best dishes on the menu. Don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations—they might steer you toward a dish you wouldn’t have considered but end up loving.
16. Bring Your Own Wine
Most cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine per adult onboard during embarkation. While there’s usually a corkage fee if you bring it to the dining room, it can still be a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite wine with dinner.
Related: What to Pack for Your First Cruise
17. Don’t Miss Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a charming tradition offered on some cruise lines, featuring tea, scones, sandwiches, and pastries in an elegant setting.
Traditional afternoon tea typically served around 3:00 PM in the main dining room. This experience is often available on Cunard, Princess, Holland America, and Viking ships.
18. Enjoy Afternoon Snacks
If afternoon tea isn’t offered, head to the buffet for an afternoon snack. Around 3:00 PM, you’ll find a selection of treats like nachos, chips, salsa, guacamole, pastries, and cakes.
It’s a great way to satisfy your mid-afternoon cravings. You can also grab some cookies or ice cream to go.
Related: 30 Household Items You Should Be Packing for a Cruise
19. Don’t Skip the Sea Day Brunch
Sea day brunches are offered on some cruise lines, especially Carnival, and are a must-try. These brunches feature a combination of breakfast and lunch dishes, often with a more extensive menu than a regular breakfast.
On a recent MSC cruise, we were impressed with their Tour de Brunch menu and sea day offerings served in the main dining room.
20. Discover Hidden Dining Spots
Cruise ships often have hidden gems when it comes to dining. These could be small cafes or eateries tucked away in less-traveled parts of the ship. Check your cruise planner or the ship’s app to discover these spots, which might become your favorite places for a quiet meal or snack.
21. Learn the Buffet Hours
While the cruise ship buffet is usually open for extended hours, it’s a good idea to check the schedule, especially on port days. The buffet does sometimes close for a short time between meal times.
Knowing the hours will help you plan your meals and avoid missing out on your favorite dishes.
Related: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
22. Take Note of Breakfast and Lunch in the MDR
The main dining room isn’t just for dinner. Breakfast and lunch are often served there as well, offering a sit-down alternative to the buffet.
Be sure to check the hours, as breakfast service can end earlier than expected.
23. Use the Cruise Line App for Dining Info
Most cruise lines now offer an app that provides detailed information on dining options, including menus, hours, and any additional charges. Use the app to plan your meals and make reservations at specialty restaurants.
24. Check Out Late-Night Snacks
If you’re hungry late at night, many cruise ships offer late-night snacks in the buffet or at casual dining venues. These could include pizza, sandwiches, or desserts, perfect for satisfying those midnight cravings.
25. Participate in Food-Themed Events
Many cruises feature special food-themed events, such as chocolate buffets, seafood nights, or BBQ parties. These events are a fun way to experience different cuisines and indulge in unique dining experiences.
26. Take Advantage of Drink Packages
If you enjoy having wine, cocktails, or specialty coffees with your meals, consider purchasing a drink package. These packages can offer significant savings compared to buying drinks individually and can be used in all dining venues on the ship.
Related: 13 Big Drink Package Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise
27. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New
Cruising is the perfect opportunity to step out of your culinary comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a dish you’ve never heard of or dining at a specialty restaurant, embrace the variety and savor the experience. After all, dining on a cruise is as much about the adventure as it is about the food!
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Final Thoughts
Dining is one of the best parts of cruising. After all, you have a wide variety of food options and dining venues, and someone else is cooking!
Please let me know your dining tips and questions in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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