Wednesday, April 17, 2024

What Is Specialty Dining On Norwegian Cruise

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Is There Any More Complimentary Food On Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises

NCL Dining Package Review | Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Restaurants

Pub/Bar

On most ships you will find a bar/pub which is open 24 hours a day. On the older ships this is sometimes called the Blue Lagoon, it is called OSheehans on the majority of the ships and on the newest ships it is called The Local.

Despite the different names the idea behind the restaurants is the same. It is a quick place to grab food in a relaxed setting. Im a big fan of having meals in the pub in the UK so maybe that is why I enjoy it so much.

OSheehans/The Local typical menu items:

  • Burgers
  • Apple Pie/Cheese Cake

Asian Restaurant

On quite a few of Norwegians ships you will find a noodle bar/asian restaurant. The restaurant serves wok fried dishes and traditional soups. I have dined in this restaurant on the Norwegian Epic and really enjoyed it. It does get quite busy so I would recommend you eat at a less popular time if at all possible.

You can dine as many times as you would like, on some cruises have eaten lunch in a venue and then come back for an afternoon snack. One of the best things about cruising is that there is no limit how much you can eat.

What Is Covered In The Norwegian Getaway Dining Package

Below are all the restaurants on Norwegian Getaway that accept the dining plan:

Cagneys Steakhouse
Le Bistro
Ocean Blue
Raw Bar
Wasabi Sushi
Norwegian Getaway Dining Package

The following venues are complimentary, so you do not need a dining plan to dine at any of these restaurants.

Garden Cafe
Savor and Taste Dining Rooms
Tropicana Dining Room
OSheehans Pub

The three main dining rooms serve the same menu, which rotates each evening. See a sampling of restaurant menus here. Other dining options including Room Service, the Bake Shop, Dolce Gelato, and Atrium Cafe which are not included in the cruise fare and do not accept the specialty dining package. You will need to pay a la carte for items purchased at these locations.

Once at a restaurant that accepts the meal plan, you are free to order as much as you want. In the case of Le Bistro and Cagneys Steakhouse, there are additional charges if you order a second entree. You can order as many starters, sides, and desserts as you want for no additional charges. The Seafood Extravaganza is also not included in the Ocean Blue upcharge.

Why You Should Get A Norwegian Getaway Dining Package

On our Norwegian Getaway cruise, we had a three night specialty dining package which retails for $81.42 per person with service charges . We used this package to eat at La Cucina, Moderno, and Teppanyaki. Moderno and Teppanyaki have flat fees per person . At La Cucina, we each got an appetizer, entree, and dessert. My a la carte total was $31.82 ,and the Princess total was $17.66.

In total for our 3 specialty dinners, I would have spent $96.67 if we paid a la carte. So, paying for the meal plan saved me over 15%. However, the Princess did not fare as well. The total a la carte costs for her meals were $82.43, which meant she save just over $1 with the plan. Keep in mind that the per meal cost does decrease as you purchase more meals on the plan adding further value.

Norwegian Getaway Dining Package

During this cruise, we were treated to complimentary specialty dinners at both Ocean Blue and Cagneys Steakhouse by the cruise line. If we had used the specialty dining package at one or both of these venues instead, the value would have been much better, as the meals are more expensive at these restaurants.

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Specialty Restaurants On Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Are:

  • Le Bistro. This French restaurant is extremely popular with couples looking to celebrate a special occasion. Its definitely the kind of place you want to dress a bit nicer for, and tends to be both quiet and romantic.
  • Moderno Churrascaria. Come hungry to this Brazilian steakhouse, where servers walk around with huge skewers of meat and keep coming until you throw in the towel. While not exactly idea for vegetarians as a whole, the salad bar is incredibly well-stocked.
  • Cagneys Steakhouse. Long a favorite of Norwegian cruisers, this is one its best to make a reservation for.

    Of course, Cagneys offers amazing steaks. But theyre also known for their truffle fries.

  • Teppanyaki. Better known to some as a hibachi restaurant, the chef here puts on a heck of a show. If youre going out with friends old or new and want a meal thats sure to keep people entertained, make a reservation here.

READ MORE: Cagneys Steakhouse Review

Elsewhere, several ships in the Norwegian fleet feature shows which come with the option of having dinner before the entertainment begins. The menus are pre-set, although vegetarian options can be arranged, and included in the price of admission.

And of course, room service is available aboard all Norwegian ships. While a limited breakfast menu is available at no charge, all other orders come with a $7.95 delivery fee.

Youre Celebrating A Special Occasion

Complete Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining ...

Are you celebrating a special occasion or is it just date night and you want to do it in style? Book a specialty restaurant in either of those scenarios, and you wont be disappointed. When you make your reservations, be sure to tell them if its your birthday or anniversary or retirement party. Oftentimes, the chef and waitstaff at a specialty restaurant have the time and ability to do something special maybe a special toast or dessert designed for the occasion.

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Osheehans/the Local Bar & Grill

If youre hungry at 2 a.m., this is the place to head. While it goes by different names on different ships, one thing remains the same: theres a restaurant in which to grab food 24-hours a day. Ask longtime NCL cruisers, and theyll likely rave about the chicken wings that are served here, as well as the fish & chips.

On more recent builds, The Local has replaced OSheehans. But the only real difference is the name.

OSheehans has three menus throughout the day: breakfast, lunch & dinner, and late night. The breakfast menu has a small selection of breakfast items that are not available on the buffet. The bakery basket offers excellent pastries and the Country Platter should be experienced at least once. The french toast has raisins in it, just a warning for those who arent a fan.

Sandwiches, burgers and wings are among the offerings at The Local .

The lunch and dinner menu has several appetizers including the soup du jour and two salads, some classic Irish items , fajitas and an array of burgers, hot dogs, and sandwich choices. While their nachos are surprisingly underwhelming, the brownie cheesecake should not be missed.

The Local is found mostly on newer Norwegian ships, but its menu is very similar to OSheehans late-night menu. Two notable items only available at the Local is the Rachel sandwich and the Watermelon Greek Salad. The Local also serves breakfast, but has fewer menu items than the main dining room.

Why You Should Get A Norwegian Epic Dining Package

On our Norwegian Epic cruise, we had a three night specialty dining package which retails for $82.80 per person with service charges . The value of the plan does vary based on the restaurants at which you choose to dine during your trip. For instance, if you opt for all the covered inclusions at Cagneys, which include two starters, two sides, an entree, and a dessert, you will probably rack up a per person bill of approximately $39 plus a 20% service charge totaling $46.80. Here, the plan can save you upwards of 40% off the a la carte price.

You would have a similiar savings at Le Bistro. Depending on your starter and entree selections, if you had two appetizers, an entree, and a dessert, you would average somewhere between $32 to $35 a person. Add on the service charge, and your per person savings for using the specialty dining plan would be 30-35% compared to the a la carte pricing.

Of course, you do not fare so well at the flat fee restaurants, especially Moderno, where the per person price is currently $24.95. At Teppanyaki, which costs $29.95, you can save a few dollars using the Specialty Dining Package when compared to paying out of pocket.

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Specialty Meals As A Perk

Norwegian Cruise Line often offer speciality dining as part of a booking perk. This may be in the form of a certain number of meals in speciality restaurants or with the addition of a dining package.

If you are somebody who knows that theyll want to try speciality restaurants it can make more financial sense to buy the package or book ahead of time.

To recap: Norwegian Cruise Line offer free food in the main dining rooms, buffet and usually another option. You dont have to spend a penny extra on food during your cruise if you dont want to, I usually dont!

The first thing that I loved about Norwegian Encore was the main dining rooms! If youd like to learn more about the main dining rooms check out this video and dont forget to

Using The Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining Package

Specialty Dining on Norwegian Cruise Line | Tips on specialty dining and how to upgrade for FREE!

You can make reservations online for the specialty restaurants up to 120 days prior to your cruise. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended. Once onboard the ship, reservations will be subject to availability. Keep in mind, some restaurants are very popular among cruisers and do fill up quickly. Prime dining times also fill up quickly.

If your plans change, you can cancel your reservations 24 hours in advance with no charge .

At the cruise lines signature Cagneys Steakhouse and Le Bistro, you can order as many starters, sides, and desserts as you want with the Norwegian Specialty Dining Package. However, you can only order one entree. You will need to pay a la carte pricing for any additional entrees.

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. Current pricing for Teppanyaki and Moderno is $39 per person plus 20% gratuity.

Also, cruisers can use a specialty dining meal credit for entertainment-based restaurants on select ships for an additional surcharge . Of note, pre-booking entertainment with dining is only available at full retail price as of 2020. If you wish to use a SDP meal credit, you will need to wait until you are onboard the ship to book.

There is no maximum to the number of meals that can be redeemed each day.

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Explore Norwegian Prima Dining

On Norwegian Prima is home to NCL’s first-ever upscale open-air marketplace, the Indulge Food Hall. This area will offer 11 diverse culinary venues: Cocos, Q Texas Smokehouse, Starbucks, Seaside Rotisserie, Nudls, Tamara, The Latin Quarter, Tapas Food Truck, Garden Kitchen, Just Deserts, and Just Ice Cream. Adding to the culinary offerings available on Norwegian Primas Ocean Boulevard, the site will host three additional dining venues offering both indoor and outdoor seating including Onda By Scarpetta, Los Lobos, and The Local Bar & Grill.

What About Room Service

Room service is available on cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line but it does come at an additional cost.

The new menu offers an expanded selection for breakfast, in addition to a wider variety of options available 24 hours. Individual items on the menu remain available on a complimentary basis and a convenience charge of up to $7.95 USD will be added to each order placed .

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Where Can You Use The Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining Package

Cruisers can use Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining Packages at most specialty venues. 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.

American Diner is a casual eatery serving up American classics. Norwegian Encore, Joy, Bliss, Escape, Breakaway, and Getaway are home to American Diner.

Bayamo is the signature seafood restaurant on Norwegian Escape. Here, cruisers can enjoy fresh catches along with amazing views.

Cagneys is NCLs signature steakhouse serving up tender cuts of beef. Luckily, this staple venue is on all ships in the fleet.

Food Republic is one of our favorite restaurants on Norwegian Cruise Line. This tapas restaurant serves up flavors from around the world. Although, it is located on only a few ships in the fleet including Norwegian Bliss, Escape, Encore, and Joy.

La Cucina is NCLs Italian restaurant serving up classic Italian dishes in a rustic setting. This restaurant is on all ships in the fleet except Norwegian Encore and Spirit.

Le Bistro is another Norwegian Cruise Line staple. This upscale French restaurant is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion. Luckily, Le Bistro can be found on all ships in the fleet except Pride of America.

Of note, a SDP meal in Food Republic, Pincho Tapas Bar, and Wasabi includes 4 menu items.

Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining

Complete Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining ...

The following dining options are offered at a surcharge. For dining options that are included with your cruise fare click here.

Cagneys Steakhouse: American-style steakhouse offering signature steakhouse favorites.

Le Bistro: Go Parisian. If youre looking for a sophisticated night on board, look no further than Le Bistro. The most elegant and formal restaurant in our fleet, Le Bistro promises an upscale dining experience with crisp white linens, an intimate atmosphere and attentive service.

La Cucina: Go Italian. Buona sera! Enjoy the finest ingredients at our vibrant Italian ristorante, La Cucina. Spark a conversation amongst friends over a great bottle of wine and freshly baked artisan farm bread. Dine on classic dishes like pasta carbonara, then order the affogato and indulge in espresso over vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream. Your good evening just got better.

Moderno: Samba Into Deliciousness. If youre looking for a unique experience, our authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar of imported cheeses, olives, cured meats, ceviche and specialty salads. Be sure to save room for the delicious skewers of slow-roasted meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken all carved tableside by our authentic Pasadores.

Ocean Blue: Seafood in a Modern Setting. Step inside Ocean Blue and experience a temptingly delicious dining experience not to be missed. Guests have the option to sit indoors or out on The Waterfront.

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Do Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises Include Meals Included Food Guide

Ive been cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line since I was a child, the thing that really keeps me coming back time and time again is the flexible approach to dining. I love the lack of dress codes and the variety of food available.

If youre considering your first cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line you may be wondering what is included in the cruise fare in regards to food.

Do Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises Include Meals?

Yes. Breakfast lunch and dinner are all included on cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line. The main dining room and buffet are free on all ships in the fleet and there is usually another free option such as a bar/pub. Norwegian Cruise Line do feature a lot of speciality dining options onboard their ships but these have an extra cost.

When I cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line I usually stick to the complimentary options. You do not have to pay extra for any food when cruising on any Norwegian ship if you dont want to.

During this post, we explore the options that are included in the cruise fare and talk briefly about the paid for extra options.

Explore Norwegian Jade Dining

Norwegians famous Freestyle Cruising dining program means no fixed dining times and no preassigned seating, even in Jades main dining rooms. Plus, with 16 restaurants, including six complimentary venues, passengers have ample choices for dining. OSheehans Neighborhood Bar and Grill, which is included in the price of the cruise, serves reimagined Irish pub favorites, while the Garden Cafés complimentary buffet includes meat-carving stations, made-to-order pasta, and a selection of global fare.

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. Other fan-favorites include Moderno, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, and La Cucina, which serves delicious Italian cuisine such as pasta carbonara.

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Is The Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining Package A Good Value

On our Norwegian Bliss cruise, we purchased a 5-night specialty dining package. For illustrative purposes, we will be using the prices we paid at the time of our sailing. Though, some prices have increased since then. The 5-night meal plan was priced at $99 at the time of our sailing . With the 20% service charge, this plan cost us $118.80 for five meals. This breaks down to a per meal cost of $23.76.

We used our specialty dining package at Teppanyaki , Q Texas Smokehouse, Los Lobos, Cagneys, and Le Bistro.

At most restaurants, I ordered two starters, an entree, a side dish, and a dessert. Being a pickier eater, the Princess tended to get one starter, an entree, and a dessert on average.

In total, our specialty dining bill would have been $346.46 if we dined at these five restaurants and paid a la carte pricing. Considering the package for the two of us was just $237.60, this is a total savings of over 45%.

Given our restaurant selections and menu choices, Cagneys was the best value for us. In contrast, Los Lobos provided the least value. In fact, it would have been cheaper for us to pay a la carte at Los Lobos.

Of course, the savings all depend on the restaurants you choose to dine at during your trip as well as the menu items ordered. You should review the most recent NCL specialty restaurant menus to determine if getting the package is the right choice for your next cruise. Pricing has changed considerably recently.

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