norwegian cruise line menus 2023

NCL Main Dining Room Menus & CHanges – UPDATED FOR 2024

Norwegian cruise line main dining room menus for dinner, lunch & breakfast.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced changes to its main dining room menus , including the introduction of a streamlined menu with a few rotating selections. The new menu program, implemented in 2023-2024, features “Classic Entrees” and “Featured Entrees” sections. Despite initial concerns from seasoned cruisers, feedback about the new menus has been mostly positive, with guests appreciating the variety and quality of food options.

• The new menus include “Classic Entrees” and rotating “Featured Entrees” sections.
• Initial concerns from cruisers were addressed as feedback about the new menus has been positive overall.
• The changes aim to enhance the dining experience across NCL ships, offering a wider variety of culinary delights.
• Additional dining changes on Norwegian ships for 2024 include room service upgrades with new pricing structures.

On my most recent cruise on the Norwegian Joy in March 2024, the menus for breakfast and dinner included a “Featured Entree” section which is comprised of a few unique items that rotate throughout the week. The balance of the menu is the same every day.

The main dining rooms on Norwegian ships are usually called “The Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor, or Hudsons” depending on the ship.

Receive Our Monthly CruiseLetter

Including cruise reviews, travel tips, and cruise deals

See the Norwegian Cruise Line main dining room menus (2024)

Last Updated on April 1, 2024

When you actually see the new menu options on NCL, it’s hard to complain. There is something for everyone, and it’s possible to have something different on every night of a standard-length cruise. No one is going hungry! 🙂

Some things that stand out are the wider variety of culinary delights from around the world such as Paella and Salmon prepared in a more traditional Mediterranean method as opposed to what was more ‘meat and potatoes’ and the build-your-own pasta option.

In my opinion, the changes seem to be an improvement and will hopefully lead to a better experience in the main dining rooms across the entire Norwegian fleet of cruise ships.

NCL Main Dining Room Dinner Menus

The main dining room menus on Norwegian Cruise Line feature “classic” items that are available every day with a few rotating chef specials. On longer cruises, these daily chef selections repeat about every 4 days.

Also new is the ability to order a steak from Cagney’s! A much better option than paying for a random cut of meat out of the main dining kitchen.

Please wait while flipbook is loading. For more related info, FAQs and issues please refer to DearFlip WordPress Flipbook Plugin Help documentation.

Main Dining Room Breakfast Menus

Breakfast items are basic and consistent with a couple of daily features that are generally pretty good and unique. It will keep breakfast service from getting boring!

Main Dining Room Lunch Menus

Lunch in the main dining room on Norwegian Cruises is one of the bigger surprises. The featured selections are generally always quite good and unique. Unlike breakfast and dinner where there are always staple items available, the lunch menu is different every day.

Unfortunately, lunch is only served in the main dining room on sea days.

Norwegian Haven Restaurant Menu

There’s no word on whether or not NCL will make any substantial changes to the Haven Restaurant menus. For reference, we’re publishing a 2023 Haven Restaurant Menu from a recent NCL Cruise.

See More NCL Menus 2024 (updated)

Cagney’s Steakhouse Le Bistro Moderno Los Lobos La Cucina Sushi Teppanyaki Q Texas Smokehouse

What passengers are saying about the menu changes

Now that the new menu program has been released and there is real feedback out there, it’s difficult to come by many complaints. Here are a few comments from people we spoke with:

It was nice knowing what was being served every night so we knew how to plan our specialty dining. In the past we felt like we missed some of the better options when the menu was being changed nightly. Janie H.

I feel like the food was of a higher caliber in the main dining rooms with this menu change. Every meal, each item was cooked perfectly and very good, which is better than I can say for previous main dining room experiences Melvin K.

I’m not sure how anyone can complain about this menu, it’s amazing! The food choices are elevated and preparations are gorgeous. No one is going to go hungry with this new menu! Alice B.

Do you have a thought on the new menu?

Let us know! Do you want to add an idea? Submit a comment below!

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Monthly Cruise Digest?

30 Comments

Hi Phil, we will be on the Pearl in July-do you know if the new menu will be implemented by then? Trying to figure out which nights to do specialty restaurants. Thank you!

Hi Kristin – I just got off the Joy with all new menus which I’ll be posting here this week! So come back and have a look towards the end of the week. But the way they are doing it is pretty old school now. One page of the menu is consistent through the entire cruise, then the other page has some daily changes that repeat every few days. It seems like they’ve pulled back the concept of a fixed menu every night for now (on the whole fleet)

Thank you for the quick reply! I will check back to see your menus-I appreciate it!

Hi there, my family and I are headed to board the NCL Encore in 2 weeks, would you happen to know if this new one menu has been implemented on this particular ship yet? I don’t mind the one standard menu as I always find myself at the Local or garden buffet to top myself up lol. Any insight is greatly appreciated. If it is one menu it makes booking out one specialty dining night a lot easier! Thanks for time 🙂

Hey there! I was on the Epic earlier in the year and they still had rotating menus. It’s my understanding that they are evolving with the idea of a single menu. So while I’m not 100% sure, I would expect it’s still rotating. Definitely do a specialty! They’re not as good as they used to be, but I think the Epic has some good food with the speciality restaurants. (better than a lot of the other ships these days)

Thanks so much for the reply! We’re going to book Onda, we did that last year and the food was excellent. This is a cruise for our ten year anniversary so we are very excited. Thanks again! Take care 🙂

does the dining room serve escargo

As recently as this summer, they did in fact have escargo on some nights! I know the menus are still changing a bit, but my experience was they were available.

I sailed on the Prima and absolutely hate the one menu. I’m staying away from NCL because of it. Seriously looking at an Antarctic cruise. NCL is tempting, but I just can’t swallow the same food over and over and over again. Especially when they cut back the number of specialty dining nights they give you.

I can’t decide if the one menu concept is good or not. Especially for a longer cruise. I’m doing the Joy transatlantic in February – and I’ll either cope with it or live off of chicken wings 😉

I have always said NCL had the best food of any ship I’d been on… but I must say that this new Main Dining room menu is disappointing… The seafood choices especially are not appealing at all.

Hi Wendy, I do agree. However, depending on what ship you sail on right now, they may still have the more traditional menu. They did on the Sun recently.

Hi there, I’m departing on November 2 on the 12th night spirit, and have purchased the specialty dining package. I would like to browse the standard main dining room dinner selections prior to making my reservations, so I don’t miss out on something special! Is there anywhere posted? I can find out what the dining choices are in the main dining room before I depart on my cruise?

Hi Linda – They rotate a lot of the items in the main dining room and post the menus daily so you can see in the mornings what they’ll have for dinner. I’ll post a few sample menus, but they don’t have a set day that they serve certain items. NCL Was going to a fixed menu (posted here as an example) — but it’s not been implemented fleet-wide yet as far as I know (It wasn’t a month ago when we were on the SUN)

Sorry Phil, you’re wrong. It’s the same menu every night. Except where cruises are longer that 7 days. NCL is driving you to specialty restaurants. We’ve been very disappointed in NCL’s specialty restaurants because the “prized” dishes are an additional upcharge.

Food is so subjective for sure. On the Sun this year, they had not yet gone to the one menu concept. I do think that when the cruise lines try to do too much variety – they don’t get any of it too right – so I’m hoping this will at least make everything consistent and better. Only time will tell!

Hi Linda. On 7 day and shorter cruises, the menu is the same for the whole cruise. With 12 days, you might get a second menu. But you’ll only get 2 at the most. The same offerings every night in the main dining room.

Is there a limit to the choices you can order off the menu in The Haven?

In our experience, there is no limit to any food in The Haven!

Thank you very much for this information. We are going on our next NCL cruise this fall and look forward to the changes.

Thanks for taking the time to read the article! Enjoy your cruise! Looks like things are finally returning to ‘normal’ with dining and food quality after the ships started sailing again. (We’ve done 4 NCL since the restart, each getting better and better menus) Enjoy!

Why don’t we ever see lunch menus?

Hi Kate – If you flip through the above menu, there is a lunch menu section.

You only have the lunch for the perma-menu, nothing showing what is on offer if they have not gone to the new menus yet. In fact I have heard rumors they are not going to the new menus everywhere. I am also disappointed that if you are vegetarian you have three, just three, options for a seven day cruise.

I agree about the Vegetarian. I traveled with a friend who ate almost no meat, but was left with pretty unremarkable options when it was all said and done.

On the NCL Star, is O’Sheehans changing up their menus?

Hi Jenny – I haven’t seen anything or experienced changes at any of the O’sheehans! The biggest changes are coming to the main dining menus. For what it’s worth though, the food quality at O’sheehans isn’t what it once was 🙁 — at least over the past 4 cruises on NCL in the past 6 months we’ve done. I hope it’s temporary!

Yeah- that is what I recall from last year as well. Thanks for the detailed update on the main dining.

The changes in menu might be good for someone who eats everything – but not so much for vegetarian cruisers. Hope my upcoming cruise still has old rotating menu where diff options were available each day so we don’t end up eating almost same thing everyday!

Agreed! I do like the rotating menu, but hoping the static menu will up the quality of the food. For what it’s worth, a friend of ours just got off the Prima with a fixed menu and was able to ask for some menu items to be prepared without meat! Enjoy your cruise!

We’re Giving Away a Cruise in 2024! Enter Now

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

• Cruise Advice

Check Out Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Main Dining Room Menus [2024]

Theresa Russell

• September 30, 2022

Get ready to experience a culinary adventure on the high seas because Norwegian Cruise Line has recently revamped its main dining room experience across its entire fleet.

Join me as I highlight what’s new and what’s improved in NCL’s dining experience. My point of reference will be Prima , one of NCL’s newest ships, as it was the first to feature the new menus. 

What Is New About the Norwegian Cruise Line Menus?

The menus on board Prima and other Norwegian ships no longer change each night. Instead of rotating selections each evening, one set menu will be offered each night of the cruise — no need to check the menus each morning.

This is a significant change, one that not everyone will like. However, from the start, Norwegian promised that the new menus would offer various selections, including items from some of the specialty venues and a mix-and-match pasta section where diners can customize their preferred flavors.

Why Did NCL Decide to Change the Main Dining Room Menus?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s decision to change the main dining room menus is rooted in the desire to modernize and improve the overall dining experience for their guests. 

As the cruise industry has evolved, the abundance of dining options on modern cruise ships has made the concept of rotating menus in the main dining rooms less necessary. 

Norwegians recognized that the practice of frequently changing menu items originated from a time when the main dining room was often the primary dining venue on ships. 

Nowadays, however, with the increase in specialty restaurants and cafes, guests have a wide range of dining choices available throughout their voyage, which makes it unnecessary to have a rotating menu. 

By streamlining the main dining room menu and focusing on fewer, more refined dishes, NCL aims to enhance the quality of each menu item and improve the overall service. 

That makes sense, right? 

I mean, why divide your attention across a constantly changing menu when your culinary team can concentrate on perfecting fewer recipes and preparations? 

Frankly, this change aligns perfectly with modern dining trends and preferences, where guests appreciate a carefully curated menu with exceptional quality and consistency.

ALSO READ:  5 Significant Changes to Norwegian Cruise Line 

How Was the Decision to Change the Menus Met?

Despite the initial feedback from some loyal passengers, NCL’s recent reviews suggest that the new main dining room menu has been well-received by many guests. 

While some individuals miss the ability to plan their specialty dining around the rotating menu, others have praised the improved quality and consistency of the new menu. 

The reviews indicate that every single meal and menu item was cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. They also indicate that the new menu boasts a wide variety of offerings. 

Norwegian Prima’s Two Main Dining Rooms

Before we dive into the menus on Prima, let’s talk about the ship’s two main dining rooms.

First and foremost, the dining rooms aren’t huge. They’re like Taste and Savor on other Norwegian ships, in which menus are the same but with different settings.

One of them is The Commodore Room located on Deck 6. This space features porthole windows, modern chandeliers with round translucent discs, and a dark carpet with geometric lines. 

Interestingly, there is more than one color of fabric on the chairs; it’s worth noting that this particular venue is only open for dinner.

Hudson’s, on the other hand, is quite larger compared to The Commodore Room. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What makes this restaurant special is that it oozes with light and modern décor.

MORE: Cruise Packing List: 10 Things You’ll Be Glad You Threw in Your Suitcase

Let’s Talk About the New Menus

The menu items for breakfast include express breakfast, hot and cold cereals, and made-to-order eggs, which remain on this menu. 

Steak, eggs, Benedict, pancakes, and waffles are also available. 

Additionally, you can also find Starbucks beverages on the menu. Just bear in mind that they come with an additional charge.

Lunch is served only at Hudson’s. The starters and soup offerings include six selections, as well as spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips, a few varieties of soups, and a mushroom flatbread.

The typical lunch dishes include burgers, smash burgers, fish and chips, tacos, and two sandwiches – the French dip and crispy chicken. There is also a veggie burger. All these come with either fries or a side salad.

Those seeking a larger meal should look at the specialties section on the menu, which offers fish, pasta, pork, risotto, steak, and chicken. The pasta and risotto are the meatless options. 

Salad lovers will find several options as they make a meal from a salad – or as an appetizer before a specialty dish. Choices include Caesar, Thai steak and noodles, mahi-mahi, and kale and chicken salads.

The menus at dinner start with a few suggested wines. I never saw anything that would be included in the beverage package. There is a separate wine menu that features about ten bottles of red and white wines included in the beverage package.

The menu starts with appetizers, including spare ribs, crab cakes, quesadillas, and coconut shrimp, followed by an excellent selection of soups and salads. 

I was surprised to see chili listed, but I didn’t have a chance to try it. Three other soups and four salads complete that section of the menu. There is also a create-your-own-pasta section.

Diners seeking meatless options have three choices for a main course — cauliflower piccata, the Buddha bowl, or risotto ai funghi.

Other main dishes include five seafood and six meat options. 

For those wanting to try specialty restaurants, there is a featured dish that comes with an extra charge. The Signature Taste option on one of the nights was coq au vin for $15.

Ten sides are available to accompany the main dishes – or to add to another dish. Some sides include sweet potato fries, garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and mac and cheese.

Cake lovers will certainly have difficulty finishing their dinner. The menu includes a variety of cakes, including lava cake, carrot cake, and cheesecake. 

Rounding out the menu are crème brûlée, apple pie, bread pudding, a fruit plate, and a daily selection of ice cream and sherbet.

Final Thoughts

Despite the new setup, there would still be plenty of food to choose from. 

If that’s something you’re not interested in, there are other choices like Indulge Food Hall, The Local, and the Surfside Café. Bon Appétit!

Be sure to check out my other Norwegian Prima articles:

• My First Impressions of New Cruise Ship Norwegian Prima
• Checking Out 5 New Bars on Norwegian Prima
• Everything You Need To Know About Indulge Food Hall on Norwegian Prima

Recent Posts

Carnival cracks down on unsanctioned poolside gambling during cruise, gastro outbreak hits luxury cruise ship, four msc ships will cruise from north america next summer, cruise line adds “glacier day” to its alaskan cruise itineraries, share this post, related posts.

Next Norwegian Ship Will Sail with New Restaurants

Third Disney Cruise Staffer Arrested for Possession of Underage Images

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

Home » Eat » Cruise Drinks » Norwegian Joy Bar Guide With Menus

Norwegian Joy Bar Guide With Menus

Our Norwegian Joy Bar Guide with menus includes all of the details for each bar and lounge on the ship to help you decide where to start.

Share this post:

When it comes to enjoying a drink, Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruisers a variety of bars and lounges to make good use of their  drink packages . Not sure where to start?

Well, we are just back from a 2023 Bermuda sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line and have all the latest information for you. Our Norwegian Joy Bar Guide includes all of the details and bar menus to help you make the difficult decisions, like which bar to visit first.

Call to Book Your Next Cruise Now: 1-855-228-5584!

Mixx Bar – Deck 6

Located between the Savor and Taste main dining rooms, the Mixx Bar is the ideal location for a pre-dinner or post dinner cocktail. This central location is a great meeting spot to gather up your crew.

This venue offers a selection of wines, beers, spirits, and the standard cocktail list found throughout the ship. To make things easy, this menu separates the wines and spirits into categories so you know which are included in each of the beverage packages.

This venue is open most of the day while cruising and in the evenings on port days.

Maltings Whiskey Bar – Deck 6

The Maltings Whiskey Bar is not located on the Waterfront on Norwegian Joy like on her sister ships. Instead, it is located on deck 6 near Teppanyaki and The Social. Still, whiskey lovers will want to visit this more secluded venue to indulge in one of the internationally inspired mixed drinks.

Featuring a variety of whiskeys that span the globe, you can enjoy signature cocktails in this warm and inviting venue. There are even cocktails on tap like the Blackberry Bourbon Smash, which is a must-try.

Or perhaps, you might want to join one of the up-charge tasting events.

Social Comedy and Nightclub – Deck 6

This entertainment venue offers live comedy from two different comedians during the cruise. On most nights, there is an early and a late showtime. Reservations are required for these comedy shows but can only be made once onboard the ship. So, head straight to The Social on embarkation day to secure your spot.

Additionally, The Social is your late night dance club with music until the wee hours of the morning.

No matter your mood, you are bound to find yourself in the Social with a cocktail in hand at some point during your cruise.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Your Norwegian Joy Cruise!

Starbucks – Deck 6

The Starbucks menu on Norwegian Joy offers all the drink items that you would expect to find at the coffee house on land, including lattes, espressos, drip coffee, and even some pastries and snacks.

These drinks ARE included in the Premium Plus beverage package (but not the Premium beverage package that comes with the Free at Sea promotion ). However, all of the food is an up-charge regardless of which drink package you have.

Of note, there is actually a second Starbucks location in the Observation Lounge on deck 15. We found ourselves frequenting this location as it was closer to our stateroom and the baristas were fantastic.

Atrium Bar – Deck 6

Located in the center of the ship is the Atrium Bar. This lounge has you covered throughout the day. Need a morning mimosa? Looking for a glass of wine or beer while enjoying one of the many events occurring in the Atrium? Well, the Atrium Bar is perfectly situated so you are never too far away from a drink. 

The Atrium Bar opens around 8 AM and is open until midnight, serving up a variety of drinks from the standard bar menu.

Q Texas Smokehouse – Deck 6

During the evenings, Q Texas Smokehouse is a specialty restaurant serving up Southern-style barbecue. At night, the venue turns into a kick up your heels good time with live country music.

Couple the band with a signature drink menu featuring exclusive cocktails only found in this venue, like the smoked peach margarita on tap, and Q might just become your favorite nighttime spot.

Skyline Bar – Deck 7

This is not your ordinary casino bar. The Skyline Bar on Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class ships is a must see. The high definition screens that line the back wall depict different skylines from cities around the world, giving you an unforgettable view as you sip your favorite drinks.

Of course, you can always test your luck in the casino while you are here.

The Local – Deck 7

This centrally located restaurant and bar, which has replaced O’Sheehan’s, has the brews and bites you are craving. The best part is that this venue is open 24 hours a day with complimentary food morning, noon, and late night.

So, you can unwind with a pint, catch the latest sporting events, or score a view overlooking all the action in the Atrium any time of day.

A-List Bar – Deck 8

Named after the former President & CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, you know you are in exclusive company when you settle in for your pre-dinner cocktail at the A-List Bar. The A-List Bar serves up a signature menu of craft drinks that are sure to please.

This venue is strategically positioned between two of the most popular specialty restaurants on the Waterfront, Le Bistro and Cagney’s.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar – Deck 8

You don’t have to head to Miami or Havana for the ultimate mojito. Luckily, our favorite NCL bar, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, is on Norwegian Joy. At this venue, you have several options to choose from including our go-to favorites, the raspberry-guava and jalapeno-cucumber mojitos! With so many signature drinks to try, one stop is never enough at this popular lounge.

This venue has both indoor and outdoor seating on the Waterfront. In fact, the outdoor bar serves up a small rotating menu of sustainable cocktails similar to those found in the Metropolitan Bar on Norwegian Prima.

Cavern Club – Deck 8

Inspired by the Liverpool landmark, the Cavern Club on Norwegian Joy is home to the Beatles tribute band and other rock performances. This venue is where music lovers congregate to rock out while enjoying classic cocktails, beer, and wine.

If you are looking for a seat, you better get there early as the Cavern Club tends to be standing room only for most performances and this iteration of the venue is even smaller than most. You can not make reservations and a queue starts to form 45 minutes in advance.

There is also a second Cavern Club bar outdoors on the Waterfront which opens between 11 AM and 12 PM most days.

Cellars Wine Bar – Deck 8

You will always find an expert pour at the wine bar on Norwegian Joy. The Cellars Wine Bar is conveniently located on deck 8 near the specialty restaurants Ocean Blue and La Cucina.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply want to enjoy a glass of rosé, this lounge offers cruisers the chance to sample various varietals from around the world. The venue also hosts various up-charge pairings and tastings during the cruise.

District Brew House – Deck 8

Craft beer lovers, look no further. The District Brew House on Norwegian Cruise Line is your spot for a few brews and live piano music. Offering over two dozen draft selections, 50 additional bottled options, and some exclusive cocktails, the menu at the District Brew House is as craft as you will find at any pub at sea.

In the evenings, the venue comes to life as Norwegian Joy’s piano bar with live entertainment. There’s also plenty of seating options and great ocean views.

Observation Lounge – Deck 15

Along with breathtaking views from the 180-degree glass walls, the Observation Lounge on Norwegian Joy has a bar serving up your favorite drinks. Whether you are taking in the scenery, enjoying some light music, or simply just relaxing, the Observation Lounge is the place to be for uninhibited views from the top decks while sipping your beverage of choice.

This space features comfy furniture and even light snacks throughout the day. The bar is also open a majority of the day from as early as 6 AM to 11 PM.

Waves Bar – Deck 16

How long has it been since you’ve had your favorite frozen cocktail? If you are looking for NCL classics like the Mango Meltdown, the Bushwhacker, or the BBC, then you will want to head straight to the Waves Bar.

Located poolside, you can grab a frozen drink, a cocktail, or a beer while enjoying the Bermuda sun and party vibes. This bar is open from 8 AM to 10 PM most days.

Surf Bar – Deck 16

If you don’t want to venture too far from the pool or whirlpools, the Surf Bar is also just steps away. The Surf Bar serves the same selection of popular beer, frozen drinks, and other beverages from the outdoor bar menu.

Garden Café Bar – Deck 16

Located inside the buffet, the Garden Café bar is ready to serve up your favorite drinks during any meal of the day. Whether you want to sip a mimosa with breakfast or grab a beer with lunch, you won’t have to go far. This venue offers a wide selection of classic spirits, wines, and beers.

Spice H2O Bar – Deck 17

Absent on newer ships in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Joy still has Spice H2O aft on deck 17. This adults only space (until 7 PM) features a large whirlpool, bar, and plenty of deck space. The Spice H2O bar serves up drinks in a fun, cool, and mature atmosphere. It is the perfect place to catch some rays without all of the commotion of the main pool deck.

In the evenings, Spice H2O hosts various parties including the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s party. However, the popular GLOW party was held on the larger pool deck during our sailing.

Vibe Beach Club – Deck 19

This private retreat offers guests a full service bar along with hot tubs, upgraded loungers, and amazing ocean views. A limited number of passes to this secluded area can be purchased for the duration of your cruise.

Those choosing to upgrade their experience can enjoy champagne, cocktails, and ocean breezes in exclusive company.

During a dry dock in 2024, this Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Joy will be enhanced, taking over the laser tag one deck above. This will allow for more space and more privacy in this exclusive area.

No matter which Norwegian Joy bar you choose, you are bound to find great drinks. With so many diverse bar options and an unlimited drink package, why not try them all!

BOOK NOW: Save on Norwegian Joy Cruises!

Do you have a cruise booked on Norwegian Joy? What is your favorite Norwegian Cruise Line bar? Drop us an anchor below to share your go-to watering hole on an NCL ship.

Related Posts

Cruiseline module – Remove Title

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to our newsletter!

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

What’s Trending

Contact Us: [email protected]

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Main dining room menus

By travelmama06 , August 31, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

travelmama06

Working in planning nights to make reservations for specialty dining - any idea what the main dining room menus will be on the Epic for January 2023 cruise ? I’m not sure if they rotate the same menu or if they switch it up for each cruise 

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

cruiseny4life

7 minutes ago, travelmama06 said: Ok sorry N4w

Keep on asking. That's why Cruise Critic is here. In January they will likely be using the typical main dining room menus. At some point next year, the menu may become static, in that it never changes, except for one special each evening. 

Here is a website that lists many menus across the NCL fleet. It is probably your best resource.

https://profcruise.com/norwegian-dining-and-restaurant-menus-2022/

I tend to also look at the dailies for the ship I’m going on. In the ‘what’s to eat’ section it usually has things like prime rib night, seafood extravaganza, etc. I figure those nights basically stay the same week to week. Helps for scheduling specialty dining and show times too.   

And I agree with Bird. I don’t usually post, but if we aren’t here to share information then what is this platform for. Most are here to learn and share experience. 

I’ll see if I can search some dailies 

no matter what I’m sure we will be wined and dined 😜

BirdTravels

1 hour ago, travelmama06 said: Working in planning nights to make reservations for specialty dining - any idea what the main dining room menus will be on the Epic for January 2023 cruise ? I’m not sure if they rotate the same menu or if they switch it up for each cruise  thanks 

Currently, most ships select from a set of 14 menus to select from. So, there is no predictability in the menu. Over the next year, NCL plans to go to a fixed menu in the MDR, but they has only happened on one ship so far.   

when you board the Epic, first make show reservations. Then go and fix and make your dinner reservations around the shows you booked.   

Have a great cruise!

and keep asking questions. 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2846243-specialty-restaurants-pick-top-2/#comment-63046982

On 8/31/2022 at 1:17 PM, Mjka said: And I agree with Bird. I don’t usually post, but if we aren’t here to share information then what is this platform for. Most are here to learn and share experience. 

I agree, I don't usually post either - because I search and find the collected knowledge that's already shared on the forums.  If I can't find the answer, then I ask.  It was never about not asking or not sharing.  

4 hours ago, n4w said: I agree, I don't usually post either - because I search and find the collected knowledge that's already shared on the forums.  If I can't find the answer, then I ask.  It was never about not asking or not sharing.  

Relax. Not looking for ruffled feathers either. 

I also wanted to dovetail my Specialty Reservations with MDR nightly specials.

At CC M&G I asked the Hotel Manager for MDR menus upcoming on our 14 day cruise.

Potocopies were delivered to our room within a few hours. 

I switched one pre-reserved specialty night which conflicted with a MDR nightly special we love.

Easy if you ask once aboard, although changing reservations at that point may be tricky.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 1 hour ago

LauraS · Started 2 hours ago

LauraS · Started 4 hours ago

LauraS · Started 5 hours ago

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Technical Issue Onboard Norwegian’s Pride of America Leads to Itinerary Change

• April 19, 2024

The current sailing of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is seeing significant changes due to what the cruise line called a technical issue.

“Ensuring the safety of both our guests and crew remains our top priority,” Norwegian said in a statement sent to guests onboard.

“Despite our best efforts to maintain our original itinerary, unfortunately, on April 16, 2024, a technical issue impacted our departure from Hilo, Hawaii, leading to the cancellation of our scheduled visits to Kona, on April 17, 2024, and Nawiliwili, Kaua’i, on April 18, 2024,” the company continued.

“Our dedicated team, in collaboration with local experts, worked diligently to resolve the issue and provide updated information as soon as it became available. We sincerely apologize for any confusion caused by this fluid situation and are pleased to confirm that the issue has now been resolved,” Norwegian Cruise Line added.

AIS data shows that the Pride of America finally left the port of Hilo on Thursday morning, after three days docked.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, before ending the current cruise in Honolulu on April 20, 2024, the 2005-built vessel is set to make a shortened visit to Nawiliwili.

“We are eager to resume our journey around the Big Island, committed to making the remainder of your time with us as relaxing and enjoyable as possible,” the company said.

Due to multiple modifications and as a genuine acknowledgement of the inconvenience caused, Norwegian added, passengers will receive a $200 non-refundable onboard credit per stateroom, in addition to a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

The FCC will be equivalent to 20 percent of the paid fare for the current cruise and can be used towards any of Norwegian’s published itineraries scheduled through December 31, 2025.

Pre-purchased excursions for the cancelled ports of call are also being fully refunded, Norwegian Cruise Line added.

“We sincerely hope that, despite the points raised, you have found enjoyment during your time onboard with us, and that Norwegian Cruise Line continues to be your preferred cruise line for your next vacation,” the company concluded.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

54 Ships | 122,002 Berths | $36 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• Entertainment
• Theater and Arts
• Things to Do
• Restaurants, Food & Drink

Things To Do

Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

More in Travel

The new issue of Explore Florida & the Caribbean takes you places

Travel | Revamped Carnival Glory headed to Port Canaveral

Universal Orlando | Universal ticket offer: Florida resident 2-day passes good for 4 days

Travel | NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

• Cruise Line Restaurant, Room Service, and Bar Menus / Food and Drink / NCL Menus

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Menus

by Prof. Cruise · April 14, 2024

These Bliss menus were collected on a 2024 Alaska itinerary and should give you a very good idea of what to expect. While the menus are generally the same on every 7-night cruise, double check once onboard as there may be slight variations to the menus depending on your particular itinerary and available items and prices do occasionally change.

INDEX (jump to):

Bliss Main Dining Room (MDR) Menus Breakfast menu Lunch menu Dinner menu Kids menu Bliss Fast Casual Restaurants The Local American Diner menu Bliss Room Service Menus Breakfast room service menu All-day room service menu Bliss Specialty Restaurants Cagney’s Steakhouse menu Coco’s menu Dolce Gelato menu Food Republic menu La Cucina Le Bistro menu Los Lobos menu Ocean Blue menu Q Texas Smokehouse menu Teppanyaki menu The Bake Shop menu

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Dining Room Breakfast Menu 2024

This menu is available in the main dining room. The Daily Feature will rotate, but the remainder of the items will be offered every day.

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Embarkation Day Lunch Menu 2024

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss 2nd Lunch Menu 2024

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Main Dining Room Dinner Menus 2024

These menus are available in the main dining rooms for 7 night cruises on the Bliss. Note that the “Classic Entrees” are available every night, but I only posted them for night 1 to avoid repetition.

Night 1 Dinner Menu on the NCL Bliss

Night 2 Dinner Menu on the NCL Bliss

Night 3 Dinner Menu on the NCL Bliss

Night 4 Dinner Menu on the NCL Bliss

Night 5 Dinner Menu on the NCL Bliss

Night 6 Dinner Menu on the NCL Bliss

Night 7 Dinner Menu on the NCL Bliss

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Main Dining Room Kids Menu 2024

Or kids at heart – I’ve ordered the Mac and Say Cheese many times!

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss The Local Menu 2024

All items are included in your cruise fare at no extra charge unless otherwise noted.

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Breakfast Card 2024 (Extra Charge)

Breakfast room service on NCL is $4.95 + 20% gratuity for each order (regardless of how many items are ordered) for all non-suite guests. Breakfast room service is available from 6:30am-10am.

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Room Service All-Day Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Lunch, dinner, and late night room service on NCL is $9.95 + 20% gratuity for each order (regardless of how many items are ordered) for all non-suite guests.

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss American Diner Menu 2024 (Complimentary)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Cagney’s Steakhouse Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Coco’s Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Coco’s Menu 2024 page (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Food Republic Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss La Cucina Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Click below for La Cucina food pics and a review.

NCL’s La Cucina: Menu, Food Pics, and Review

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Le Bistro Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Los Lobos Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Ocean Blue Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Q Texas Smokehouse Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss Teppanyaki Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Norwegian (NCL) Bliss The Bake Shop Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Don’t forget your  Cruise Ship Calories Don’t Count shirt  and your  Ship Faced travel mug !

Today’s Cruising Pro Tip:

Never purchase cruise/travel insurance through NCL. You’ll pay more and get less than if you purchase it on your own. Use a site like  TravelInsurance.com * to compare rates and plans and get exactly what you want for the least amount of money. Simply enter your travel dates, total travel cost, and a few basic pieces of information about yourself and see a list of quotes to compare. Savings can be significant and mean more to spend onboard, at port, or on another cruise!

And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN these menus so you can refer back to them later!

Homework (10 points):   Subscribe to the blog to receive new Cruising 101 content direct to your e-mail (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on your favorite social media sites:

Twitter  (@cruiseprof)

Instagram  (@profcruise)

TikTok  (profcruise)

*I earn a small commission on items and services purchased through links on my site at no extra cost to you. All funds are used to maintain the blog. Thanks for your support!

Share this:

Tags: NCL Bliss Menus

You may also like...

Carnival Bar Menus And Drink Prices

August 9, 2021

 by Prof. Cruise · Published August 9, 2021 · Last modified January 23, 2023

Carnival Diamond Lunch Menu August 2023

July 17, 2023

 by Prof. Cruise · Published July 17, 2023 · Last modified January 24, 2024

Carnival 4 Night Dinner Menus

September 9, 2023

 by Prof. Cruise · Published September 9, 2023 · Last modified February 25, 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Previous story Carnival Dive-In Movies May 2024

About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

Email Address

Subscribe To Blog

Search and you shall (hopefully) find!

Save on shore excursions.

Start your own travel blog with hosting from Bluehost!

Popular Posts

Getty Images

With the rising cost of everything, including travel, cruise fares – some as low as $26 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables; unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $171 per person for a four-night Bahamas cruise to up to $94,999 per person for a 154-night world cruise and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

• A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November costs approximately $424 to $1,158 per person.
• A seven-night Alaska cruise in May costs approximately $244 to $1,632 per person.
• A seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise in June costs approximately $439 to $3,218 per person.
• A seven-night Mexico cruise in January costs approximately $529 to $695 per person.
• A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October costs approximately $470 to $954 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Mass-market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues, several types of nonalcoholic beverages (nonbottled water, iced tea, lemonade, juices, hot coffee and tea), the ship's pools, the gym, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a porthole or window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

If you splurge on a suite or a higher room category, such as Celebrity's Concierge Class, you'll get perks like priority embarkation, a Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch, complimentary sparkling wine and daily tastings (upon request), concierge service, invitations to exclusive destination seminars, pillow selection and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also have priority check-in and boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as MSC Cruises' Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer an all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a rooftop pool, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that includes airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate, while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary. 

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships. You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slides on a new ship like Norwegian Prima or its new sister ship, Norwegian Viva, set to debut in summer 2023.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Solo travelers may pay more

If you're traveling alone , you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo cabins.

These smaller accommodations – around 100 to 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Complex and Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Kids cruise free promotions can help families save

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for the kids on select sailings. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages whose regular fares are around $6,000 and up. This fare also includes unlimited shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Food and beverage packages are another expense to consider

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues , alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on most ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship. For an example of the savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 to $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $75 or more for dinner. Other venues feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these may not include gratuity, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price. Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive. Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a call brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

Other lines have packages that cover top-shelf beverages of up to $20 each and include wine, large bottles of water and soda, and other perks. You'll need to budget around $85 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer.

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers a "Have It All" package that encompasses a shore excursion credit, a signature beverage package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and Wi-Fi. If you're sailing on longer cruises of 10 to 21 days or more, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship – such as Norwegian's racetrack and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT. See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more starting at $12.75 per day per person. The cost increases to $17 per day per person with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan starts at $18.70 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "Always Included" fare includes basic internet, a classic drink package and gratuities. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

• Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion where you'll arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.

If these types of experiences are not in your budget, then look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These excursions are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Most of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town, or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee, if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on the ship. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

• Base cruise price
• Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
• Specialty dining
• Beverage package
• Optional activities
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Air or ground travel to the port
• Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's nine all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate 930 passengers – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to The Nordic Spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have complimentary alternative dining options and free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge. Guests are also invited to a welcome cocktail party and farewell reception.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line, so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

Read:  The Best Adults-Only Cruises

All-inclusive cruises

Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare, depending on the destination.

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, open bar and gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports activities and nightly movies under the stars.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Baltic region in June with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive fare with suite accommodations is $12,540 ($6,270 per person). There are also additional perks available, depending on where you book the cruise. Some of the extras include a cash-back offer, a two-category upgrade and shipboard credit.

Silversea has a similar itinerary in June, and the fare also comes with added perks for $13,860 for two people ($6,930 per person) in suite accommodations.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own.

Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, opt for a cruise on a small luxury line.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass-market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Snake and Columbia rivers, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Cheap Tropical Vacations

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best luggage brands.

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

See Four Seasons' upcoming ultra-luxury cruise with a $350,000-a-week suite bigger than most homes

• Four Seasons says it will begin sailing an  ultra-luxury yacht cruise in January 2026.
• The 222-guest vessel would have 95 spacious suites and 11 dining options — but food wouldn't be free.
• The largest suite would have four floors and bedrooms, a spa, and a price of $350,000 per sailing.

Four Seasons plans to expand its high-end hotels and resorts portfolio with a luxury 222-guest cruise ship.

The company says the 95-suite vessel will debut in January 2026 and cost a minimum of $20,000 per weeklong sailing.

For that price, the luxury hospitality giant says travelers would enjoy a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio and massive suites spanning as many as four floors. If all goes as planned, the 679-foot-long Four Seasons I could become one of the most expensive and opulent options in the cruise industry.

The ultra-plush 14-deck Four Seasons I is scheduled for 19 voyages in 2026 to more than 130 Caribbean and Mediterranean ports.

Reservations opened two weeks ago. Those interested can register to join a waitlist or book through a travel agent.

So far, "sales have been very encouraging, and the demand is exciting to see," Thatcher Brown, chief commercial officer and head of joint operations for Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, told Business Insider in a statement. The company is a joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts.

Renderings make the Four Seasons I look as opulent as the brand's land-based properties.

Four Seasons says its vessel will have 95 suites ranging from 537 to 9,975 square feet, some with three bedrooms.

The smallest suite starts at $19,700 for a five-night roundtrip voyage to Athens, Greece.

No windowless interior cabins here: Like other ultra-luxe cruises, the suites would all have terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Customers could expect upscale amenities like a walk-in closet, down-filled duvets and pillows, and marble dual vanity bathrooms, per Four Seasons.

The most premium suites would also feature additional accommodations for "personal assistants," such as au pairs or security personnel.

Some options, like the 7,952-square-foot Loft Suite, could be adjoined with seven other cabins to accommodate up to 20 people.

Without connecting cabins, the Loft Suite would already have three bedrooms and bathrooms, a powder room, and a sauna.

Others, like the largest Funnel Suite, would have its own spa and kitchen.

Four Seasons says the 9,975-square-foot mansion, partially perched in the ship's glass-lined funnel , will span four floors, four bathrooms, three bedrooms, and three powder rooms.

Not to mention the private elevator, pool, and $350,000-a-voyage price tag.

Accommodations of this price and size are generally unheard of in the cruise industry.

Luxury operator Silversea says the largest suite on its upcoming 728-guest Silver Ray will be 1,324 square feet. Competitor Regent Seven Seas' new Seven Seas Grandeur debuted in 2023 with a more expansive six-guest 4,443-square-foot option.

Both suites' sizes and prices — Regent's starts at $42,000 per person for a total of $252,000 at maximum occupancy — would be stunted by Four Seasons' promise of a 9,975-square-foot, $350,000 floating mansion.

But cabins with six-digit prices aren't unheard of.

While not a luxury cruise line, Royal Caribbean's popular three-floor townhouse on the new Icon of the Seas is being booked at an average of $100,000 a week — although it's about four times smaller than Four Seasons' largest.

Royal Caribbean and other mass-market cruise lines are beloved, in part, for their unlimited complimentary food options.

Regent Seven Seas' all-inclusive fare also covers caviar, foie gras, and Champagne.

But don't expect any of these to be free on the Four Seasons I.

Breakfast would be complimentary. Lunch, dinner, and booze would not.

The vessel's 11 restaurants and lounges would be priced similarly to Four Seasons' on-land properties. (A dinner entrée at its resort on the Caribbean island of Nevis — also one of the ship's destinations — ranges from $34 to $163.)

The pricing structure may sound odd to most cruise traditionalists. (Hey, at least WiFi would be "free.")

But some of the ship's amenities could look familiar: Like most cruise liners, the Four Seasons I would have a pool, spa, and clubs for children and teens.

The company also promises a lounge and marina that will open onto the water, giving guests direct access to activities like snorkeling or windsurfing.

Four Seasons Yachts plans to take delivery of its $399 million vessel, now being built by famed Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, in late 2025.

A second Fincantieri-built ship would join the hospitality company's fleet the following year. The next vessel would cost more than 400 million euros, about $429.2 million, Four Seasons says.

This isn’t Four Seasons' first foray into itinerary-based vacations.

The company has also found "tremendous success" in its private jet-based "cruises," Alejandro Reynal, the president and CEO of Four Seasons, told BI in a statement.

Its 2024 vacation-by-air itineraries started at $135,000 for a 16-day Asia tour. Demand has been growing, he said, "signaling that luxury travelers are looking for immersive, exclusive, end-to-end travel journeys that allow them to explore the world with their favorite brands."

But its new ultra-luxe cruise arm would be entering an increasingly crowded luxury market, soon to be dominated by like-minded hospitality giants.

High-end Aman Resorts and Orient Express plan to launch their own luxury cruises in 2027 and 2026, respectively.

Staying ahead of the competition, Ritz-Carlton debuted its first 149-suite Evrima yacht cruise in 2021, with a second 224-cabin ship scheduled to begin sailing later this year. Its least expensive itinerary is currently $5,100 per person for a six-night voyage from Barbados to Puerto Rico in early 2025.

Interested in a hotelier-owned vacation at sea but don't want to pay the luxury price tag? Margaritaville's cruise is an affordable $75 for two nights.

• Main content