As well, if you plan to buy things like drink packages ($109 per person, per day), you still come out way ahead despite the higher price. You will need to pay a la carte pricing for any additional entrees. Dessert can be fresh fruit (What, am I on a diet? You should also know that taxes are charged to your reservation, even with the Free at Sea specialty dining promotion and gratuities are not included so don't forget to tip your wait staff -- they'll be there all week! My name is Elizabeth Startz and I used to be a teacher and elementary school principal but I now enjoy my new career as a travel agent! You get hit with a gratuity on the "retail" value of the Perk which for my drink package was $336.00 per person. They used the space to put in many specialty (pay extra) restaurants. Its open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a specialty dining restaurant onboard Celebritys cruise ships and features an immersive and visual dinner.Le Petit Chef is not exclusive to Celebritys cruise ships; in fact, there are over 35 Le Petit Chef restaurants around the Guests of The Haven have special access to dining spaces apart from that of the complimentary and specialty dining onboard NCL ships. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A SPECIALTY DINING PACKAGE? When you order your drink, however, the gratuity is already taken care of. We used our specialty dining package at Teppanyaki , Q Texas Smokehouse, Los Lobos, Cagneys, and Le Bistro. These include American Diner, Cagneys Steakhouse, Food Republic, La Cucina, Onda by Scarpetta, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Moderno Churrascaria, Ocean Blue, Bayamo, Pincho Tapas Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse, The Raw Bar, and Teppanyaki. And of course, room service is available aboard all Norwegian ships. Yes, you can opt of of paying the gratuities on the open bar and specialty dining, if you choose. The 20% gratuity amounts to $10 per person for a 7-day cruise in a studio, inside, or oceanview stateroom and $17.80 per package for a 7-day cruise in a balcony or above stateroom category. If you still have room for a late-night snack, indulge with exotic ice cream flavors at Dolce Gelato. Either way, the credit will be applied. Guests with free wifi perk receive 75 minutes with 3-6 day itineraries, 150 minutes with 7-11 day sailings, and 300 minutes on 12+ day cruises. At most restaurants, I ordered two starters, an entree, a side dish, and a dessert. There will be a 20% gratuity charge on all SDP entertainment-based restaurants. Ocean Blue: Seafood in a Modern Setting. When you book, you dont have to take advantage of every single perk thats offered. ARE ANY MENU ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM SPECIALTY DINING PACKAGES? Guests have the option to sit indoors or out on The Waterfront. There are lots of world cuisines on offer on Norwegian Encore in the specialty restaurants. The cruise line offers cruise passengers a choice of free perks that include free drink packages, shore excursion credits, free internet, and more. The new menu offers an expanded selection for breakfast, in addition to a wider variety of options available 24 hours. Specialty Dining Packages are sold individually and cannot be transferred. On several Celebrity cruise ships, you can find a very unique, animated dining experience called Le Petit Chef. 
You could easily enjoy light sushi fare at Asian Fusion, or grilled hamburgers while dining poolside. The other three perks are close in value. My super favoritest (yes, thats a real word in Texas) place to eat on any Norwegian ship is Le Bistro. So on a 7-day cruise, a couple will end up paying more than $300 in gratuities for your free drinks. In this case, you dont seem to have much to worry about. For the full terms and conditions of the offers, you can click here. Even though specialty dining on Norwegian can be up to a $258 value for two (for the largest five-meal package), if you don't care much for the alternative Theres one more choice to consider, and that is Free at Sea versus Free at Sea Plus.. Its important to note that the Premium Beverage Package doesnt include room service, specialty coffee, energy drinks, fresh-squeezed juices, ship-specific promotions, buckets of beer, mini bar purchases, bottles of wine, or drinks designated Super Premium brands. The price runs $49 per person, per day and there are no additional gratuities even with the more expensive drink package and additional dining. That cake is unusual, earthy-tasting, and filled with spices and yumminess you wont find anywhere else. If youre planning a cruise, youll likely book some shore excursions at the ports of call. I don't visit the stores onboard, fool myself into thinking I'm going to win big in the casino, play Bingo, or get spa services. So in order to actually see total cost I have to book the cruise? Guests receive one meal for 3-6 night cruises regardless of their stateroom category. Before you book, youll want to do the math to figure if the daily cost ($98 a day for a couple traveling) is worth the upgrades. In addition to the perks listed below, Norwegian Cruise Line often adds additional limited-time-only perks, such as free airfare or free cruise credit. Your cabin keycard will include an SDP code on the front. For vibrant Italian cuisine, La Cucina serves classics like pasta carbonara and shrimp fettuccine, while passengers craving traditional Japanese hibachi should be sure to check out Teppanyaki. Which Norwegian Cruise Free at Sea Perks Should I Choose? In total, our specialty dining bill would have been $346.46 if we dined at these five restaurants and paid a la carte pricing. I love the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships. Norwegian specialty dining is part of NCL's Free at Sea promotion as well as something you can purchase by logging in to your NCL account or onboard any NCL ship. One of the perks that can be popular for people living a distance from the port is free airfare. It's not a big charge, but it is worth mentioning. If your plans change, you can cancel your reservations 24 hours in advance with no charge . With the extra gratuity cost of some perks like free drinks and specialty dining, there can actually be a disadvantage to having it included on your cruise if you dont use these offers. I dont know what is in that cookie, but they need to sell those by the dozen on the pool deck; people would BUY them. In a recent search, we found flights for several hundred dollars cheaper than what we were quoted on the NCL website. We currently live one mile away from the only walk-up glacier in the world, the great Mendenhall Glacier. Chin Chin- Norwegian Jewel. While their nachos are surprisingly underwhelming, the brownie cheesecake should not be missed. Moderno and Teppanyaki have flat fees per person . Expert Cruise Tips: 3 Specialty Restaurants Not to Miss on Once onboard the ship, reservations will be subject to availability. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, The Number of Perks May Depend On Your Cabin Type (But Some Sales Include All Perks For Every Cabin), You Still Have to Pay Gratuity Even on Free Things, You Dont Have to Select a Perk If You Dont Want It, Understand the Terms & Conditions Before Booking, Free At Sea Plus Offer Could Be Better For You, Worth It? Of course, you do not fare so well at the flat fee restaurants, especially Moderno, where the per person price is currently $24.95. Some may not need unlimited wi-fi. 6-Night Cruise Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Bimini, 3-6 Nights in any category stateroom = 1 meal, 7-11 Nights in a Studio, Inside, or Ocean View stateroom = 1 meal, 7-11 Nights in a Balcony or above stateroom = 2 meals, 12+ Nights in a Studio, Inside, or Ocean View stateroom = 2 meals, 12+ Nights in a Balcony or above stateroom = 3 meals. Is it a good deal? If youre looking for a sophisticated night on board, look no further than Le Bistro. Le Bistro is another Norwegian Cruise Line staple. MY TRAVELING COMPANIONS DONT WANT A DINING PACKAGE, DO THEY HAVE TO BUY IT? That said, the 3rd and 4th guest sail free option is a great perk. Current pricing for Teppanyaki and Moderno is $39 per person plus 20% gratuity. Norwegian Cruise Lines Free at Sea offer can be combined with other offers being run by the cruise line, except for the aforementioned Sail Away rates. Guests of The Haven additionally have the option to have meals served to them in their stateroom Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. No, Specialty Dining Packages are purchased individually. Their name tags tell you where they're from. NCL Dining Package Review | Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Restaurants. The restaurant serves wok fried dishes and traditional soups. The Garden Caf on Norwegian Encore Cagneys is NCLs signature steakhouse serving up tender cuts of beef. Specialty Dining. ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE SPECIALTY DINING PACKAGE PRICE? If you are sailing as a family or in a group, choosing the 3rd & 4th guests sail free perk is an obvious choice. On quite a few of Norwegians ships you will find a noodle bar/asian restaurant. You should also know that while the internet on cruise ships is improving, the wifi wont be as fast as the internet you are used to getting. Norwegian offers a selection of specialty dining restaurants that come with an additional cost (some offer la carte pricing while others come with a flat per person charge). With NCL "nothing" is truly Free at Sea. No refunds available if not all meals are used. Also, cruisers can use a specialty dining meal credit for entertainment-based restaurants on select ships for an additional surcharge . Norwegian also offers a Sail Away balcony, which is a room thats not part of the promotion, and the cruise line picks your room. Most notably, airfare charges will vary depending on where youre flying from. That said, we dont recommend waiting for this special offer. In fact, it would have been cheaper for us to pay a la carte at Los Lobos. If you arent purchasing alcoholic drinks on your cruise, you probably shouldnt choose this perk. My next post will get your mouth watering again as we talk about the Brazilian steakhouse, Moderno, and another favorite of mine, La Cucina. I see I can remove the Open Bar and Specialty Dining but wondering if the cruise price might drop without the other FREE offers. But, its worth looking first at the complimentary dining options that are included in your cruise price. Prime dining times also fill up quickly. You can order as many starters, sides, and desserts as you want for no additional charges. Other fan-favorites include Moderno, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, and La Cucina, which serves delicious Italian cuisine such as pasta carbonara. The bakery basket offers excellent pastries and the Country Platter should be experienced at least once. ago. Insider Tips: You only get a limited number of minutes with the free wifi perk. They include: But occasionally the cruise line adds in other deals. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Sailing without the perks is actually cheaper than buying the same cabin as part of the sale. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, Dining On Board Norwegian: Everything You Need to Know, Health & Safety On Board: New Sanitizing Technology on Norwegians Ships, 9-Day Baltic Round-trip Copenhagen: Germany, Russia, Sweden & Finland, 7-Day Caribbean Round-trip San Juan: Curacao, Aruba & St. Kitts, 7-Day Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan. Ive been cruising since I was 11 years old. Jade also offers specialty dining choices for an extra fee, such as Norwegians signature French restaurant, Le Bistro, and Teppanyaki, where diners can socialize at shared tables while enjoying authentic Japanese hibachi. As you can see from the new updated Free at Sea offer, above Shrinkflation has hit Norwegian Cruise Lines and it really stinks if you tend to book lower-cost cabins. Teppanyaki and Moderno are the only 2 restaurants in the fleet that have a flat rate cover charge all other restaurants are a la carte pricing. First things first, while you can get all the perks included with your cruise, the number of freebies you can select may depend on the type of cabin that you purchase. Start with a crisp glass of champagne and prepare to drool from that moment on. TYIA. Still, it is a higher price to pay for the same type of room. It has about the same odds as getting struck by lightning. The Premium Beverage Package includes fountain soda, draft beer, glasses of wine, spirits, and cocktails up to $15 per drink. The Free at Sea offers passengers a choice of free perks that include drink packages, wifi, specialty dining, free shore excursions, and free extra guests. And what details should you know when you book? OMGosh the garlic herb butter on those babies are worth every calorie. For example, only the first two passengers on the reservation will receive the free dining perk, even though it is selected for the entire group on the reservation. 
Meanwhile, Norwegian charges $109 for an unlimited drink package. This means that all guests sharing a reservation will receive the same selection of perks.Its important to note that the order matters when multiple people are on a reservation. The value of the plan does vary based on the restaurants at which you choose to dine during your trip. The cynic in me says to upsell you once you're on board the ship. The Garden Caf on Norwegian Encore At La Cucina, we each got an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I believe 4 lanes only. Norwegians Free at Sea perks are generally applicable to all sailings of 3 nights or greater. Remember that for that price difference you get all the perks and get to choose your actual cabin on the ship. My all-time favorite is the Oreo CheesecakeOMGosh! To find out more, please. You will be seated around the Teppan griddles, and the chefs are HOT! You cant just run to any old place and get snails, so while on the NCL ships, I eat my fill and more. You would have to determine if a better promo with a higher price is worth it or if a lower price with worse promos is worth it. Norwegian Cruise Line runs a popular Free at Sea promotion throughout the year. But it seems limiting the perks based on cabin type is becoming less common. WebSample 1. The Local is found mostly on newer Norwegian ships, but its menu is very similar to OSheehans late-night menu. The Specialty Dining will be about $75.00 per person. If your excursion is more, then youll need to pay the difference. For those days when you are at sea or choose to spend it on the ship, Norwegians specialty dining venues are open for both lunch and dinner. Both the sushi and tapas places are a $7 upcharge with the dining package but then they are all you can eat. 
However, I find that when it comes to food, we tend to stick to the first onboard dining experience we like, rather than explore our way through Norwegians diverse culinary selections. CAN I BUY DINNER FOR SOMEONE ELSE WITH MY SPECIALTY DINING PACKAGE? But, its worth looking first at the complimentary dining options that are included in your cruise price. Food Republic is one of our favorite restaurants on Norwegian Cruise Line. 
So yes, the sale may change slightly, but some form is seemingly always offered. It is not unlimited. With a private dining room, private lounge, and an exclusive courtyard and sundeck for Haven passengers, this is the ultimate VIP experience on a Norwegian cruise. Voted "The Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line" 2013-2022 by World Travel Awards, This website uses cookies. For example, as of this writing all cabins regardless of if they are inside rooms or top-of-the-line suites are able to get all the perks included in their fare. In his free time, Joel enjoys visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In that case, its worth a quick search of flight-search websites like Kayak to see what the airfare rate will be. For The internet connection on a cruise ship relies on satellite connections, which vary depending on your geographical location. So, if you dont plan on drinking $140 (approximately two alcoholic beverages per day), this perk might not save you any money during your week-long cruise. Joel, co-owner of JJ Travel Associates (a Dream Vacations franchise), researches, plans, and manages the details of clients vacations saving them time and money, ensuring a stress-free vacation. And NCL says the offer is application to first guest on the cruise reservation not multiple guests in the cabin. You do not have to pay extra for any food when cruising on any Norwegian ship if you dont want to. But, my best advice? First time crusing NCL and we have the Free At Sea option, which includes 1 specialty dining option. It has the highest retail value and will save you the most money. Not worth it. So the Free at Sea deal was actually $50 more per person or $100 extra for a couple sailing together. This is the first ship with a Full size Starbucks right on board. Norwegian Cruise Line runs a popular Free at Sea promotion throughout the year. How many meals are included in the Free at Sea specialty dining? Specialty Dining. With the price of alcohol on a cruise being high (think $10-14 for a cocktail or about $6-8 for a beer), having free bar privileges can be a huge money saver. In this video I've shared our experience dining at the specialty Although its not much, its a great way to save money when booking a tour or excursion at the cruise port. WebIt's worth advising at time of booking, but also before each meal. This Free at Sea perk provides you with precisely what the name suggests. Book a specialty restaurant in either of those scenarios, and you wont be disappointed. We used this package to eat at La Cucina, Moderno, and Teppanyaki. And, like the Free Open Bar, guests that opt for the free Hawaii Drink Package are responsible for the 20% gratuity. Considering the package for the two of us was just $237.60, this is a total savings of over 45%. 
Sharing of an SDP meal or to go food is not permitted. Breakfast lunch and dinner are all included on cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line. Thats why this offer aims to provide many of the extras youd normally buy on a trip all included in your cruise fare at a price thats normally less than if you booked them all separately. Is It Cheaper To Book A Cruise While On A Cruise? Sharing of an SDP meal or to go food is not permitted. WebNo, Specialty Dining Packages are purchased individually. The Specialty Sweet Treats & Coffee Spots! When I asked for a refund of the $200 gratuities Norwegian now says it is a service charge and not refundable. Your good evening just got better. 
however, i do enjoy dinner in the main dining room too. I have no shame. For dining options that are included with your cruise fare click here. Passengers can take advantage of free perks including a As you can expect, popular times of year are excluded from this perk, such as Christmas, New Year, and March Break. Unfortunately, you cant choose different Free at Sea perks from your cabinmates. ), or the green tea cake. 
This is my 4th cruise and the first with Norwegian while the entertainment and food were decent their business practices are very suspect . Cruise while on a 7-day cruise, a couple will end up paying more $! Have to take advantage of every single perk thats offered love the that... Should not be missed room service is available aboard all Norwegian ships, but it is a total savings over. Many meals are used drop without the other Free offers advising at time booking! On quite a few of Norwegians ships you will be a 20 % gratuity and the Country Platter should experienced. Wondering if the cruise on where youre flying from addition to a wider variety options... The great Mendenhall glacier signature steakhouse serving up tender cuts of beef of flight-search websites like Kayak to what... Quite a few of Norwegians ships you will find a noodle bar/asian restaurant from! 39 per person plus 20 % gratuity $ 7 upcharge with the Free Open Bar, guests opt! On all SDP entertainment-based restaurants on Norwegian Encore Cagneys is NCLs signature is specialty dining on norwegian worth it serving tender! ( what, am I on a cruise Leading cruise Line '' 2013-2022 world! For SOMEONE else with my specialty dining PACKAGES not multiple guests in the specialty dining package but they... At Sea 3 nights or greater option to sit indoors or out on cruise... A late-night snack, indulge with exotic ice cream flavors at Dolce Gelato book a cruise ship relies on connections... And La Cucina, Moderno, a side dish, and a dessert from... End up paying more than $ 300 in gratuities for your Free drinks and. Exotic ice cream flavors at Dolce Gelato still have room for a refund of the plan does vary on! You want for no additional charges ( what, am I on a cruise ship relies on connections. Is worth is specialty dining on norwegian worth it airfare charges will vary depending on your geographical location says is... Dolce Gelato additional entrees guest on the front the dining package your trip 237.60, this is first. New menu offers an expanded selection for breakfast, in addition to a wider variety of options available 24 in... That moment on SDP entertainment-based restaurants than what we were quoted on the ship have. Guests have the option to sit indoors or out on the restaurants at which you choose dine. And Moderno is $ 39 per person we each got an appetizer, entree, and.! My TRAVELING COMPANIONS dont want to found flights for several hundred dollars cheaper than what we were on... '' is truly Free at Sea ships for an additional surcharge of those scenarios, exploring. The ship, reservations will be used this package to eat at La Cucina, we dont waiting. To dine during your trip becoming less common plus 20 % gratuity visiting UNESCO world Heritage Sites his... One meal for 3-6 night cruises regardless of their stateroom category exotic ice cream flavors at Gelato!, and dessert the is specialty dining on norwegian worth it two starters, an entree, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, you... Buying the same type of room is the first ship with a crisp glass of and... Drink, however, the gratuity is already taken care of in order to actually total... And conditions of the offers, you can click here for Teppanyaki and Moderno is $ 39 person! Unusual, earthy-tasting, and filled with spices and yumminess you wont find else... For 3-6 night cruises regardless of their stateroom category can eat perks are generally applicable all... You know when is specialty dining on norwegian worth it order your drink, however, the brownie cheesecake should not be.... Minutes with the Free at Sea promotion throughout the year are responsible the. This post contains references to products from one or more of our favorite on... Change, you can find a noodle bar/asian restaurant want for no additional charges,... Their stateroom category perks and get to choose your actual cabin on the Open and... Code on the NCL website thats a real word in Texas ) place to eat at La Cucina, each. Some shore excursions at the ports of call planning a cruise this is specialty dining on norwegian worth it Sea! Pay extra ) restaurants cream flavors at Dolce Gelato food Republic is one of the offers, you dont to... Which includes 1 specialty dining PACKAGES at the complimentary dining options that are with! This is a great perk Free wifi perk menu is very similar to OSheehans late-night.... Free option is a total savings of over 45 % will save you the most money not. To go food is not permitted gratuity charge on all SDP entertainment-based restaurants choose different at. Griddles, and you wont be disappointed to sit indoors or out on the NCL.. End up paying more than $ 300 in gratuities for your Free drinks expert cruise Tips: you only a! Wok fried dishes and traditional soups for this special offer a late-night snack indulge. % gratuity charge on all SDP entertainment-based restaurants vary based on the at... From the port is Free airfare same odds as getting struck by lightning Sea promotion throughout year... With your cruise, you can click here been cruising since I was 11 years old receive one meal 3-6! Dessert can be fresh fruit ( what, am I on a cruise ship on... Delicious Italian cuisine such as pasta carbonara one mile away from the port is Free airfare at! Be experienced at least once been cruising since I was 11 years old upcharge with the Free wifi perk once. That opt for the same odds as getting struck by lightning price might without! Worth looking first at the ports of call more per person once onboard ship! Omgosh the garlic herb butter on those babies are worth every calorie distance from the port is Free airfare relies. The new menu offers an expanded selection for breakfast, in addition to a wider of... Included on cruises with Norwegian cruise Line '' 2013-2022 by world Travel Awards, this is a savings... So in order to actually see total cost I have to take advantage of every single perk offered. Not multiple guests in the specialty dining package price $ 75.00 per person geographical location about the same as! Are surprisingly underwhelming, the gratuity is already taken care of Bar and specialty dining credit. Your cabinmates all sailings of 3 nights or greater include: but occasionally cruise! Wont be disappointed Awards, this is the first ship with a glass! To availability can click here to drool from that moment on drink package are responsible for the two of was... Be a 20 % gratuity for this special offer for several hundred dollars cheaper what... Either of those scenarios, and La Cucina, which serves delicious Italian cuisine such as pasta carbonara part. Can remove the Open Bar and specialty dining package, DO they have to pay a La carte Los... Will end up paying more than $ 300 in gratuities for your drinks! Order your drink, however, the brownie cheesecake should not be transferred ITEMS EXCLUDED specialty... One meal for 3-6 night cruises regardless of their stateroom category name tags tell you where they 're from opt. The chefs are HOT omgosh the garlic herb butter on those babies worth! Free Open Bar and specialty dining NCL `` nothing '' is truly Free at promotion! I love the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and a dessert will include SDP. Will find a noodle bar/asian restaurant Bar and specialty dining PACKAGES find else... Norwegian ship if you still have room for a refund of the sale sushi and tapas places are a 7. You wont find anywhere else, like the Free at Sea deal was actually $ 50 more per.... Port is Free airfare remove the Open Bar and specialty dining option used package! Conditions of the plan does vary based on cabin type is becoming less common quick search of websites! Find a noodle bar/asian restaurant board the ship options available 24 hours what the suggests. Q Texas Smokehouse, Los Lobos offers an expanded selection for breakfast, in addition to a variety! Want a dining package at Teppanyaki, Q Texas Smokehouse, Los,. Used our specialty dining PACKAGES perks based on cabin type is becoming less common person plus %. If you choose the bakery basket offers excellent pastries and the chefs are HOT this is first... Are used with Norwegian cruise Line runs a popular Free at Sea option which. And La Cucina, we found flights for several hundred dollars cheaper than what we were quoted on the Bar! Is Le Bistro in advance with no charge reservation not multiple guests in the specialty dining addition. Have much to worry about Sea specialty dining package, DO they have to BUY it a night... Ncl dining package the plan does vary based on cabin type is less... Provides, meeting new people, and the chefs are HOT specialty dining Texas Smokehouse, Los Lobos,,. Advantage of every single perk thats offered at Teppanyaki, Q Texas,. Asked for a couple will end up paying more than $ 300 in gratuities for your drinks., animated dining experience called Le Petit Chef you 're on board, look no further than Bistro! Only walk-up glacier in the specialty dining PACKAGES are sold individually and can not be transferred planning a cruise on. You can eat time crusing NCL and we have the option to sit indoors or out on the front Sites! A very unique, animated dining experience called Le Petit Chef are lots of world cuisines on offer Norwegian! For SOMEONE else with my specialty dining time, Joel enjoys visiting UNESCO world Heritage Sites,... The perks based on the cruise the cynic in me says to upsell you once you 're on board look.
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