Cruise Dining 101: Buffets, Specialty Restaurants, and What to Wear
One of the best parts of any cruise? The food. From endless buffets to elegant multi-course meals, cruise ships are floating culinary playgrounds. But for first-time cruisers (and even seasoned travelers), cruise dining can feel a bit overwhelming. How do you know where to eat, what’s included, and what you’re expected to wear?
Welcome to Cruise Dining 101, your guide to making the most of every delicious opportunity at sea.
Main Dining Room vs. Buffet: What’s the Difference?
🥂 Main Dining Room (MDR)
Serves breakfast, lunch (on some days), and dinner.
Offers a sit-down, multi-course meal with waitstaff.
Menus change daily and often include several appetizers, entrees, and desserts to choose from.
Assigned or flexible dining times (depending on the cruise line and your preference).
Great for a more relaxed, restaurant-style experience.
🍽️ Buffet
Usually open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with extended hours.
Self-serve or staff-assisted with a wide variety of options—salads, sandwiches, international dishes, and desserts.
Casual, quick, and convenient, especially if you want to eat on your own schedule.
Specialty Restaurants: Worth the Splurge?
Most ships offer a range of specialty dining venues that aren’t included in your base fare. These include:
🚢Steakhouses
🚢Italian or French bistros
🚢Sushi bars
🚢Seafood restaurants
🚢Teppanyaki or hibachi-style grills
🚢Celebrity chef venues (e.g., Guy Fieri, Jamie Oliver, Emeril Lagasse)
Expect to pay either a flat cover charge ($20–$50 per person) or à la carte pricing, depending on the venue.
✅ Tip: Specialty dining is ideal for a romantic night out, a birthday celebration, or just to elevate your experience. Make reservations early—slots fill up quickly.
Room Service: Yes, Please! (But Read the Fine Print)
Room service is available on most cruise ships, often 24/7. While continental breakfast may be free, other items might come with:
🚢A delivery fee
🚢Per-item charges
🚢Or gratuities automatically added
✅ Tip: Check your cruise line’s room service policy to avoid surprise charges. It’s great for lazy mornings or late-night snacks.
What’s the Dress Code?
Dining dress codes can vary from casual to formal depending on:
🚢The venue
🚢The time of day
🚢The theme night (e.g., formal night, white party, Caribbean night)
👕 Buffet & Casual Dining:
T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and flip-flops are perfectly fine.
👔 Main Dining Room:
Evenings usually require smart-casual attire—think polo shirts, slacks, sundresses, or blouses.
On formal nights, some guests go all out in suits, cocktail dresses, or even tuxedos and gowns—though a button-up shirt or a nice dress is usually sufficient.
🍷 Specialty Restaurants:
Generally lean business casual to dressy—jeans may be okay, but gym clothes and swimsuits are a no-go.
✅ Tip: Bring at least one nice outfit if you plan to dine in the MDR or specialty restaurants, especially on formal nights.
Dietary Restrictions? No Problem
Cruise lines are extremely accommodating when it comes to:
🚢Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-sodium diets
🚢Food allergies
🚢Religious restrictions (Kosher, Halal, etc.)
✅ Tip: Let the cruise line know about your dietary needs when you book and again with your server or maître d’ on board. You may be surprised at the variety of tailored options available.
Tips for a Great Dining Experience
🚢Try something new! Cruises are a great place to experiment with new cuisines—at no extra cost in most cases.
🚢Be on time for seated dinners, especially if you have an assigned dining time.
🚢Use the app or daily planner to check restaurant hours and menus.
🚢Talk to your servers—they often have great recommendations and can accommodate requests.
Final Thoughts
Cruise dining is more than just meals—it’s part of the experience. Whether you’re hitting the buffet in your flip-flops or savoring filet mignon at a specialty steakhouse, there’s something for every appetite and occasion. Go in with an open mind (and maybe an empty stomach), and you’re sure to leave satisfied.