is specialty dining on norwegian worth itis specialty dining on norwegian worth it

On several Celebrity cruise ships, you can find a very unique, animated dining experience called Le Petit Chef. In a recent search, we found flights for several hundred dollars cheaper than what we were quoted on the NCL website. TYIA.

I have dined in this restaurant on the Norwegian Epic and really enjoyed it. On Norwegian, the drink packages carry a hefty 20% gratuity charge in addition to the base price. Passengers between the ages of three to eight will not get a substitution. You could easily enjoy light sushi fare at Asian Fusion, or grilled hamburgers while dining poolside. And NCL says the offer is application to first guest on the cruise reservation not multiple guests in the cabin. Typically, guests who book a studio or inside cabins might only get one free perk. The promotion is exceptionally popular among Norwegian cruisers. Subsequent entrees can be ordered at full cost. Although the base fare is free when using the perk, you will be required to pay the taxes, fees, and port expenses for the third and fourth guests. Although its not much, its a great way to save money when booking a tour or excursion at the cruise port. Jasmine Garden- Norwegian Jade. It does come with some golden pineapple, banana, and strawberries, so with all that fruit, it cant have too many calories, can it? However, guests can use the drink package to purchase bottles of wine or liquore and tastings and flights at a 20% discount. During this post, we explore the options that are included in the cruise fare and talk briefly about the paid for extra options. You will need to pay a la carte for items purchased at these locations. WebExplore Norwegian Encore dining.

We used this package to eat at La Cucina, Moderno, and Teppanyaki. When I cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line I usually stick to the complimentary options. Before deciding which perk you should choose, here are the retail values of the perks for a 7-night cruise: The Free Open Bar is a no-brainer based on the retail value alone.

Specialty Dining on Norwegian Cruise Line | Tips on specialty dining and how to upgrade for FREE! My a la carte total was $31.82 ,and the Princess total was $17.66. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its casual approach to dining. I love the lack of dress codes and the variety of food available.

Cagneys is NCLs signature steakhouse serving up tender cuts of beef. The Free at Sea offers passengers a choice of free perks that include drink packages, wifi, specialty dining, free shore excursions, and free extra guests. Chin Chin- Norwegian Jewel. The package doesnt cover beverage purchases, room service, mini-bar items, The Bake Shop, Cocos, Jazz Brunch, Dolce Gelato, Murder Mystery, or Wine Lovers. In the spirit of global travel, Norwegian also offers several fine-dining restaurants celebrating world cuisine. Pricing has changed considerably recently. Start with a crisp glass of champagne and prepare to drool from that moment on. Further, Norwegians Sail Away rates are often excluded from the Free at Sea promotions.

For dining options that are included with your cruise fare click here. Your cabin keycard will include an SDP code on the front. In return, you get a cheaper rate. Followers 6. Even though specialty dining on Norwegian can be up to a $258 value for two (for the largest five-meal package), if you don't care much for the alternative Guests may also dine in select entertainment-based restaurants using their SDP meal. however, i do enjoy dinner in the main dining room too. Joel, co-owner of JJ Travel Associates (a Dream Vacations franchise), researches, plans, and manages the details of clients vacations saving them time and money, ensuring a stress-free vacation. The 20% gratuity amounts to $10 per person for a 7-day cruise in a studio, inside, or oceanview stateroom and $17.80 per package for a 7-day cruise in a balcony or above stateroom category. Soft dinner rolls sop up every drop of that butter; I usually have to have two orders of them. SDP does not include beverages and additional and/or premium menu items will incur charges. SDP meals can be enjoyed at American Diner, Cagneys Steakhouse, Food Republic, Italian, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Moderno Churrascaria, Pincho Tapas Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse, Raw Bar, Seafood, Sushi and Teppanyaki. First, the free specialty dining isn't for every meal (or even every night) onboard. Norwegian Encore dining includes Norwegian classics like Cagney's Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, along with some new favorites like the upscale Mexican restaurant Los Lobos. But the most fun dessert at Le Bistro is the one I have happy dreams aboutthe Chocolate Fondue for Two. With that in mind, I enjoy everything about a great meal, better than the amazing service onboard, and the quietness of the specialty restaurants. Guests of The Haven have special access to dining spaces apart from that of the complimentary and specialty dining onboard NCL ships.

Explore all cruise vacations with Norwegian. Luckily, this staple venue is on all ships in the fleet.

Still, it is a higher price to pay for the same type of room. For the full terms and conditions of the offers, you can click here.

Specialty Dining. Don't forget, cruise lines generate serious money by upselling and offering "special buying opportunities" like premium dining packages, and spa services -- to name only a couple.

Other times, it may be that the higher grade of cabin you choose, the more picks you receive. Further, the NCL Specialty Dining Package has a limit of four menu items per person at the Food Republic, Wasabi, and, Pincho Tapas Bar. Why would Norwegian limit the Free at Sea specialty dining benefit? The value of the plan does vary based on the restaurants at which you choose to dine during your trip. Typically, this means adding a perk or two occasionally to sweeten the offer. Keep it simple and save your onboard foodie adventures for dinner! Room service is available on cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line but it does come at an additional cost. Your choice.). Being a pickier eater, the Princess tended to get one starter, an entree, and a dessert on average. If you wish to use a SDP meal credit, you will need to wait until you are onboard the ship to book.

The restaurant serves wok fried dishes and traditional soups. You May Like: Whats The Biggest Cruise Ship In The World. I move on to the filet of beef or the rack of lambthe lamb comes with this yummy artichoke, blistered tomato, and green olive sauce that makes it divine. What are some of your favorite dining options on board? 1) The 3-meal package is $69+18% gratuities, or $81.42. There are no additional taxes charged. 2) Moderno (Brazilian steakhouse) is $29.50, Teppeny Not all of these locations are available on every ship. See a sampling of restaurant menus here. Also they advertise a Bingo with a $5000 prize. Sailing without the perks is actually cheaper than buying the same cabin as part of the sale. Unlike in the main dining room (or other included eateries), whether you're using your Free at Sea meals or purchase a package, you can order one main course. Dinner Reserve at least one meal at Ocean Blue, one of Norwegians more elegant They used the space to put in many specialty (pay extra) restaurants. The number of perks offered with the promotion varies by promotion and the stateroom category you book. If the time isnt quite right to book, youll most likely see something similar when you are ready. The marketing screams, "Free specialty dining!" This promotion is often called Kids Sail Free because it is typically used by families. Moderno: Samba Into Deliciousness. This, in itself, is quite valuable because those meals are ala carte and would normally cost from $30-50 per person per meal. No votes so far! That Oreo cookie crust and the NY cheesecake filling topped with sweet whipped cream; what more could a girl need? Ask longtime NCL cruisers, and theyll likely rave about the chicken wings that are served here, as well as the fish & chips. Be the first to rate this post. IN WHICH VENUES WILL MY SPECIALTY DINING PACKAGE BE HONORED? This is a specialty dining restaurant onboard Celebritys cruise ships and features an immersive and visual dinner.Le Petit Chef is not exclusive to Celebritys cruise ships; in fact, there are over 35 Le Petit Chef restaurants around the Theres one more choice to consider, and that is Free at Sea versus Free at Sea Plus.. TYIA. When you make your reservations, be sure to tell them if its your birthday or anniversary or retirement party.

Dine on classic dishes like pasta carbonara, then order the affogato and indulge in espresso over vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream. To find out more, please. Like all Norwegian ships, Escape comes with several complimentary dining rooms along with a buffet and the popular O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even features a

In total, our specialty dining bill would have been $346.46 if we dined at these five restaurants and paid a la carte pricing.

The Specialty Sweet Treats & Coffee Spots! - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community What is your opinion of the pre-cruise package for specialty dining? If the perks arent something youll use, then it may not be worth it for you to book the offer. We can get a filet mignon steak in the Haven restaurant, so I am not sure if Cagney's is a good choice when there's so much other variety. With Free at Sea,you book a cruise and get any number of free perks included with your cruise. For instance, the Premium Plus Beverage Package is $29 more per day while unlimited wi-fi runs $25-30 per day.

In this case, it was $2,319 per person. If you book at a time when not everything is included, then if you pick a studio or inside cabin, you might only be offered one free perk. However, when you consider the free airfare for the second guest, the Free at Sea offer was better overall. Guests of The Haven additionally have the option to have meals served to them in their stateroom Of course, Cagneys offers amazing steaks. ), or the green tea cake.

A 20% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price.

With the 20% service charge, this plan cost us $118.80 for five meals. Any body got any more interesting tips around things we should know about before we sail. But is it a good deal? A minimum of 2 meals is required and the total amount cannot exceed the length of the cruise. Before you book, youll want to do the math to figure if the daily cost ($98 a day for a couple traveling) is worth the upgrades. In addition to changing the number of perks included with the room you book, NCL also adjusts the actual perks themselves at times. But, if you are patient, there are times when NCL runs a special promotion where guests receive all the perks, regardless of cabin categories. At this point if you are considering a cruise with this company please investigate their claims carefully. 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 . Read Also: Cruises Out Of Mobile Alabama 2016. WebFree Specialty Dining includes one main course per person at Cagneys and Le Bistro restaurants. If you are sailing as a family or in a group, choosing the 3rd & 4th guests sail free perk is an obvious choice.

For instance, many passengers would be just fine with the basic drink package. If you wish to pay for someone elses dinner, you will not be able to use your own SDP. As with any promotion, it is essential to read the fine print at the time of booking. Norwegian Cruise Line is replacing its Ultimate Dining Package, which includes specialty dining every night of a cruise, with one that is more flexible, allowing guests to decide how many nights to eat outside of the main dining room.

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.

I'm a big fan and think everyone will enjoy the experience. The french toast has raisins in it, just a warning for those who arent a fan. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. So on a 7-day cruise, a couple will end up paying more than $300 in gratuities for your free drinks. Bayamo by Ocean Blue Cagneys Steakhouse Food Republic La Cucina Le Bistro Los Lobos Margaritaville

Stacking benefits is one of the easiest ways to save money when booking your cruise vacation.

Additionally, Hawaii sailings offer a modified version of the Free at Sea perks. The Premium Beverage Package is regularly priced at $99 per person per day, while the Adult Soda Package has a price of $7.95 per person per day. Below are all the restaurants on Norwegian Getaway that accept the dining plan: The following venues are complimentary, so you do not need a dining plan to dine at any of these restaurants.

NCLs Disclaimer: The purchase of any alcoholic drinks within the Hawaii Beverage Package may, in certain individual circumstances, be restricted in accordance with Hawaiis Intoxicating Liquor Law and applicable local rules and regulations.. We currently live one mile away from the only walk-up glacier in the world, the great Mendenhall Glacier.

One of the value-adds is a dining package that, for a one-week cruise, gives you two nights at a specialty dining restaurant. Expand. The new Specialty Dining Package is priced from $59 when purchased online in advance for The first thing that I loved about Norwegian Encore was the main dining rooms! Unlike Norwegian Cruise Linesunlimited internet package, the free wifi perk only entitles guests to a limited number of minutes for each cruise. My all-time favorite is the Oreo CheesecakeOMGosh! 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. This offer is only available on select sailings.

Of course, you do not fare so well at the flat fee restaurants, especially Moderno, where the per person price is currently $24.95. This is the first ship with a Full size Starbucks right on board.

In addition to the perks listed below, Norwegian Cruise Line often adds additional limited-time-only perks, such as free airfare or free cruise credit.

Teppanyaki- $25 cover charge. Please Beware, If you take the Free drink package you will be charged the $19.80 per day regardless of weather you drink or not, we do not drink. In his free time, Joel enjoys visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Youll almost alwayssave money when you book early in advance. Is it worth upgrading your cabin to get more free perks? Starbucks Thats right you wont have to leave behind your Starbucks craving to sail on the Norwegian Bliss. Considering the package for the two of us was just $237.60, this is a total savings of over 45%. Norwegian Cruise Lines Free at Sea: Ultimate Guide, Norwegian Cruise Lines Free at Sea Promotion, Free Shore Excursions ($50 Shore Excursion Credits). This year, things have changed!

If you book a cruise and dont see the sale currently running, it might be worth waiting a couple of weeks to book your cruise. I heard from a friend, who went on the Hawaii cruise last Free Speciality Dining is for Guests 1 and 2 on the reservation. ago. And of course, room service is available aboard all Norwegian ships. On quite a few of Norwegians ships you will find a noodle bar/asian restaurant. But, its worth looking first at the complimentary dining options that are included in your cruise price.

For three and four-day cruises, this package may only be purchased on the first day of your cruise. Finally, its important to remember that while you can get more Free at Sea perks by choosing a more expensive cabin, the upgraded cabin might not be worth the cost. An SDP meal in a la carte restaurants includes 1 appetizer, 1 soup or salad, 1 main course and 1 dessert (does not apply to cover charge restaurants or Food Republic, Pincho Tapas Bar and Sushi, where a meal includes any 4 menu items). You'll notice the same restaurants appear on multiple ships but great new options have been added to refurbished ships are being added to new ships. With Norwegian, thats an automatic 20% on the value of the package, or $21.80 per person, per day.

Myself even with free at sea and my platinum benefits i still would probably prepurchase one additional meal. Online in our "Dining" section at ncl.com/myncl or through Norwegian Reservations at 1-866-234-7350. Cirque Dreams), if you book your reservation on the ship. Ultimately, you need to determine if the stateroom and the additional perks are worth it for you. Ocean Blue: Seafood in a Modern Setting. My three favorite specialty dining places are the tried and true places you can visit on any Norwegian shipCagneys Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and Teppanyaki. So on a 7-day cruise, a couple will end up paying more than $300 in gratuities for your free drinks. Food Republic is one of our favorite restaurants on Norwegian Cruise Line. But this rep told me there is no bowling alley, now I am confused. Its similar with the specialty dining package. I love the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships.

Guests receive one meal for 3-6 night cruises regardless of their stateroom category.

You can, however, use the meal credit at an entertainment-based restaurant for an price (e.x. Now, my hubby is not a huge chocolate fan, so we order it and I eat it all. Guests who choose the Free Open Bar receive theNorwegian Cruise Line Premium Beverage Package for free. Others may take only an excursion or two during the trip, meaning the discount isnt as big a deal. If youre hungry at 2 a.m., this is the place to head. Take a balcony cabin we found for 7-day Alaskan cruise, for instance. Its open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This upscale French restaurant is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion.

Once onboard the ship, reservations will be subject to availability. I love that it helps me with budgeting for my vacation by providing me with most of my costs upfront. which isn't untrue although it is a little misleading, in my opinion. Though, some prices have increased since then. But, its worth looking first at the complimentary dining options that are included in your cruise price. Once at a restaurant that accepts the meal plan, you are free to order as much as you want. But if you arent a big drinker or plan to drive to the port, or dont care about shore excursions, it could be that buying the cheaper cabin is worth it for you. To find out more, please.

WebLike it doesn't say what it's for or why it's charged, only that it is. Cruisers can use Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining Packages at most specialty venues. You should review the most recent NCL specialty restaurant menus to determine if getting the package is the right choice for your next cruise. I dont know what is in that cookie, but they need to sell those by the dozen on the pool deck; people would BUY them. Despite the different names the idea behind the restaurants is the same. Norwegian Cruise Line often offer speciality dining as part of a booking perk. East Meets West- Pride of America. Guests with free wifi perk receive 75 minutes with 3-6 day itineraries, 150 minutes with 7-11 day sailings, and 300 minutes on 12+ day cruises.

Also, there are a few options that are an additional upcharge (crabcake appetizer, lobster, and tomahawk steak) The food there is fantastic. Now, if you like flying shrimp, onion volcanos and some snappy knife skills, then you must visit Teppanyaki! By the way, this is for the first and second guest in the stateroom. In total for our 3 specialty dinners, I would have spent $96.67 if we paid a la carte. Specialty Dining Packages are honored in the following restaurants: American Diner, Cagneys Steakhouse, Food Republic, Italian, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Moderno Churrascaria, Pincho Tapas Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse, Raw Bar, Seafood, Sushi and Teppanyaki. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog. 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. However, you can only order one entree. When you book, you dont have to take advantage of every single perk thats offered. OMGosh the garlic herb butter on those babies are worth every calorie. Youll be able to select your departure city, and then it will tell you the price of airfare for the guest that does have to pay.

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If you still have room for a late-night snack, indulge with exotic ice cream flavors at Dolce Gelato. But, my best advice? Copyright 2023 Joel Knows Travel / JJ Travel Associates - Privacy policy, How To Save Money While You're On A Cruise. I usually just go light with the sides, like the beautiful buttery asparagus, cause I know what is coming nextDESSERT! How to Save: Like beverage packages, lines and agencies have promotions that 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. You get hit with a gratuity on the "retail" value of the Perk which for my drink package was $336.00 per person. This is my 4th cruise and the first with Norwegian while the entertainment and food were decent their business practices are very suspect . First time crusing NCL and we have the Free At Sea option, which includes 1 specialty dining option. Add on a couple of uses of the $50 shore excursion credit and the additional meals, and youre well in the black. The three main dining rooms serve the same menu, which rotates each evening. The internet connection on a cruise ship relies on satellite connections, which vary depending on your geographical location. This means that all guests sharing a reservation will receive the same selection of perks.Its important to note that the order matters when multiple people are on a reservation. Not worth it. 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. Its important to note that the credit is applied per stateroom, not per passenger. And, not that you'll want to, but you can unsubscribe at any time and *poof* just like that, you won't hear from me again. Norwegian Cruise Lines Free at Sea promotion is one of the most popular offers in the cruise industry.

This breaks down to a per meal cost of $23.76.

11 things that cost extra on a cruise but are totally worth it: 1. The Soda Package gratuity is $1.59 per person per day or $11.13 per person on a 7-day cruise. If you want breakfast in bed, you can get room service for a flat fee (or for free if you're staying inThe Haven or a Suite). Lotus Garden- Norwegian Peal. And anecdotally, its one of the most appealing offers out there. Norwegian Cruise Lines Free at Sea offer can be combined with other offers being run by the cruise line, except for the aforementioned Sail Away rates. If your excursion is more, then youll need to pay the difference. They are showmen and they love to toss a grilled shrimp into your open mouth, spin eggs like steering wheels, and whip up the best fried rice in the country. As mentioned above, Norwegian specialty dining is available as part of NCL's Free at Sea promotion. Remember, when you select the Free Open Bar, you must pay the gratuities. Subscribe to receive travel tips delivered straight to your inbox. No SDP kids pricing available. With Norwegian, thats an automatic 20% on the value of the package, or $21.80 per person, per day. When I asked for a refund of the $200 gratuities Norwegian now says it is a service charge and not refundable. With the ability to get all the perks included with your cruise, it can be tempting to want to jump at the deal so that you dont miss out. For a light meal, or if you are craving a specialty coffee blend, youll find gourmet offerings at The Atrium for a small fee. Of course, the savings all depend on the restaurants you choose to dine at during your trip as well as the menu items ordered. I love to share my passion for cruising and travel with readers. Web1. Tip: If you arent interested in the Free at Sea perks, booking Sail Away cabins is a great way to save money. With Norwegians free shore excursion credit, youll receive $50 credit on excursion bookings. With NCL "nothing" is truly Free at Sea. 20% gratuities on the retail value of the Premium Beverage Package ($19.80 USD per person per day) and/or Soda Package ($1.59 USD per person per day) are included.. Been on the Pearl 5 years ago. Yes they have a bowling alley. If you're in a stateroom with more than two people, you'll have to purchase a specialty dining package.

Spark a conversation amongst friends over a great bottle of wine and freshly baked artisan farm bread. You would have to determine if a better promo with a higher price is worth it or if a lower price with worse promos is worth it. There are also smaller ancillary food options located by the pool for afternoon bites like burgers and hotdogs. Also Check: Ncl Adult Beverage Package Promo. While a limited breakfast menu is available at no charge, all other orders come with a $7.95 delivery fee. I believe 4 lanes only. You do not have to pay extra for any food when cruising on any Norwegian ship if you dont want to. That alone is more than the $49 per day that youll spend. On more recent builds, The Local has replaced OSheehans. 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. As well, if you plan to buy things like drink packages ($109 per person, per day), you still come out way ahead despite the higher price. Buona sera! That way if you dont think youll get your moneys worth, you dont have to pay the gratuity charge.