What is speciality dining on a cruise?

If you’ve ever looked at a cruise ship’s dining options and wondered why there are ten restaurants when you only technically need one, welcome to the world of speciality dining. It’s where cruise lines show off a little, offering elevated meals, unique menus, and experiences that feel a bit more special than the included main dining room or buffet.

Think of it as treating yourself to a night out, but at sea. Some options are casual, some feel a bit fancy, and some genuinely rival land based restaurants. And if you’re like me and love a bargain, there are a few tricks to getting the most out of them.

Raw on 5 - Celebrity Apex

So, what exactly is speciality dining?

Speciality dining refers to restaurants on board your ship that cost extra. You might pay per dish, per meal, or choose a package that covers multiple venues. These restaurants usually offer something a little different, whether it’s a particular cuisine, a themed experience, or simply higher end ingredients. If you have a drinks package, these will usually work in here too.

They’re absolutely not mandatory, but they can be a real treat. A lovely way to break up the week and enjoy something different, especially on longer sailings.

How to book speciality dining like a pro

1. Book in advance

Cruise lines usually let you make reservations on their website or app months before you sail. Popular venues fill quickly, especially on new ships or during peak holidays. Booking early also gives you the best chance of getting a day and time that suits you.

2. Keep an eye out for offers

Speciality dining packages, multi night bundles, and one night discounts pop up regularly. Some lines offer better prices before the cruise, others drop deals once you’re on board. It’s worth checking the app a few times before you sail just in case something tempting appears.

3. Visit the restaurant as soon as you board

This is one of my favourite tricks. Even if the app shows no availability, head straight to the restaurant once you’re on the ship. Many lines hold back tables that never appear online, and you’d be surprised how often you can pick up a great slot just by asking. A small effort that often pays off.

Speciality dining examples on different ships

To give you a better feel for what speciality dining actually looks like, here are some great examples from ships I’ve sailed on:

More Raw on 5 - Celebrity Apex

Celebrity Apex

Celebrity does speciality dining very well.

On Apex you’ll find:

• Fine Cut Steakhouse for premium cuts and a classic steakhouse feel

• Le Grand Bistro offering French inspired dishes

• Eden Restaurant if you want something imaginative and a little theatrical

• Raw on 5 for sushi and seafood fans – I’ve been here three times, worth a visit for sure!

  
  

Everything feels modern, stylish and that little bit elevated. Celebrity also offers multi-night dining packages, sometimes with a discount.

P&O Iona

Iona has a great mix of speciality options that suit different tastes and budgets:

• Sindhu for refined Indian inspired dishes

• The Beach House offering relaxing, South American style favourites

• The Glass House serving small plates and wine pairings

• The Epicurean if you want something more formal and indulgent

• Keel & Cow if you like a gastropub, think steaks and the famous Prime Minister burger

  
  

It’s very easy to find something that feels special without feeling intimidating.

MSC Virtuosa

MSC loves big, bold venues and Virtuosa’s speciality dining is no exception:

• Butcher’s Cut for steaks and hearty meals

• Hola! Tacos and Cantina for casual, fun Mexican dishes – all you can eat!

• Kaito Teppanyaki for a lively teppanyaki show

• Kaito Sushi Bar for fresh sushi and sashimi

  
  

Fun, vibrant, and great for groups who want variety.

Is speciality dining worth it?

For many people, absolutely. The included dining is already great, but speciality venues add a bit of excitement to the week. They’re perfect for a birthday, an anniversary, a date night, or simply because you fancy trying something new.

And if you’re a bargain lover like me, finding a great deal makes the experience even sweeter.

Final thoughts

Speciality dining is one of the things that makes modern cruising so enjoyable. It gives you choice, variety, and the chance to enjoy some genuinely memorable meals. With a bit of planning, a dash of curiosity, and an eye on the offers, you can enjoy amazing food without spending more than you need to.