Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Dining Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line is shaking up its dining experience. Starting 26 September 2025, guests will face a new charge for dining on board. If you order more than one main course in the complimentary dining rooms, expect to pay an extra five dollars per additional entrée. Previously, passengers could indulge in multiple mains without any extra cost. This change marks a shift from the traditional cruise dining experience, where variety was a key attraction.
Understanding the New Charges
The first main course remains included in your fare. However, any additional mains will incur a small fee. This update hasn’t been widely publicised. Instead, it appears discreetly at the bottom of dining room menus. It’s a subtle change, but one that has sparked plenty of debate among cruise enthusiasts.
New Specialty Dining Policy
Norwegian has also revised its specialty restaurant booking rules. Guests aged 13 and over must cancel or adjust reservations at least two hours before the scheduled time. Failing to do so will result in a ten-dollar penalty. The same fee applies if you arrive more than 15 minutes late. Previously, passengers had a 24-hour window to cancel without a charge.
Why the New Fees?
Norwegian hasn’t officially explained the new charges. However, industry experts suggest the five-dollar fee aims to reduce food waste and improve dining efficiency. Some believe it’s a move to discourage ordering multiple meals just for sampling. While some guests see this as a reasonable change, others view it as a way for cruise lines to increase revenue. Currently, Norwegian is the only major cruise line with such a fee. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC still allow guests to order multiple mains without extra charges. Whether these competitors will adopt similar policies remains uncertain.
What It Means for Cruisers
For most passengers, sticking to one main dish means the change will have little impact. However, those who enjoy sampling multiple dishes will need to consider the additional cost. The updated specialty dining policy also requires passengers to manage reservations more carefully to avoid unexpected fees. Cruise dining has always been synonymous with abundance and freedom. This new policy represents a significant shift from that tradition. Whether the five-dollar charge is seen as a fair move to cut waste or a disappointing cutback, it’s already generating buzz in the cruise community.
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