Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of dining options, from complimentary restaurants to premium specialty venues. If you enjoy trying different cuisines during your cruise, a Royal Caribbean Dining Package can help you save money while enjoying multiple specialty restaurants.
Instead of paying individually for each specialty meal, dining packages allow you to bundle several dining experiences at a discounted rate. Whether you're considering the 3-Night Dining Package or the Unlimited Dining Package, understanding what's included can help you decide if it's worth the cost.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean offers both complimentary and specialty dining options.
- Dining packages can save guests up to 40% compared to paying restaurant cover charges separately.
- The most popular options are the 3-Night Dining Package and Unlimited Dining Package.
- Children ages 6–12 receive discounted specialty dining pricing.
- Reservations are recommended, especially on popular ships and itineraries.
- Unlimited Dining includes specialty restaurant lunches on sea days.
What Is a Royal Caribbean Dining Package?
A Royal Caribbean Dining Package allows guests to enjoy meals at multiple specialty restaurants for one discounted price. Rather than paying individual cover charges at each restaurant, guests purchase a package before or during their cruise.
These packages are designed for cruisers who want to experience premium dining venues such as steakhouses, Italian restaurants, sushi bars, and chef-driven dining concepts while reducing overall dining costs.
What's Included in Royal Caribbean Dining?
Royal Caribbean cruise fares already include several complimentary dining venues.
Complimentary Dining
Most cruise fares include:
- Main Dining Room
- Windjammer Marketplace Buffet
- Café Promenade
- Sorrento's Pizza
- Park Café (on select ships)
- Solarium Bistro (select ships)
- Various casual dining venues
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and many beverages without paying extra.
Specialty Dining
Specialty restaurants require an additional fee and offer upgraded menus, premium ingredients, and enhanced service.
Popular specialty restaurants include:
- Chops Grille
- Giovanni's Italian Kitchen
- Izumi Sushi
- Wonderland
- Hooked Seafood
- Jamie's Italian
- 150 Central Park
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (select menu items)
Restaurant availability varies by ship.
Types of Royal Caribbean Dining Packages
Royal Caribbean generally offers two primary specialty dining package options.
3-Night Dining Package
The 3-Night Dining Package allows guests to enjoy dinner at three specialty restaurants during their cruise.
Best for:
- First-time cruisers
- Shorter sailings
- Guests wanting to try a few premium restaurants
- Unlimited Dining Package
The Unlimited Dining Package provides access to specialty restaurants throughout the cruise.
Benefits include:
- Specialty dining every evening
- Lunch at specialty restaurants on sea days
- Greater dining flexibility
- Discounts on wine purchases
This package is popular among food enthusiasts and frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers.
Royal Caribbean Dining Package Prices
Dining package prices vary by:
- Ship
- Itinerary
- Cruise length
- Sailing date
- Promotional offers
Royal Caribbean frequently advertises savings of up to 40% compared with purchasing meals individually.
Typical pricing ranges:
| Dining Package | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| 3-Night Dining Package | $80–$150 per person |
| Unlimited Dining Package | $180–$350+ per person |
Prices vary by sailing and should always be verified in the Cruise Planner.
Children's Specialty Dining Pricing
Royal Caribbean offers reduced pricing for children dining in specialty restaurants.
| Age Group | Specialty Dining Price |
|---|---|
| 0–5 Years | Free |
| 6–12 Years | $14.99 per restaurant |
| 13+ Years | Adult Pricing |
This makes specialty dining more affordable for families.
How Royal Caribbean Dining Package Reservations Work
Reservations can be made through the Cruise Planner before sailing.
Booking early is recommended because:
- Popular restaurants fill quickly.
- Prime dinner times are limited.
- Sea-day lunch reservations can sell out.
Once onboard, guests can also visit restaurants directly to adjust or make reservations.
Also Read: Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining Guide!
Unlimited Dining Package vs 3-Night Dining Package
| Feature | 3-Night Package | Unlimited Dining Package |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Restaurant Visits | 3 | Unlimited |
| Sea Day Lunches | Not Typically Included | Included |
| Wine Discounts | No | Yes |
| Best For | Occasional Specialty Dining | Frequent Specialty Dining |
Is the Royal Caribbean Dining Package Worth It?
The dining package is often worth purchasing if you:
- Plan to eat at multiple specialty restaurants
- Enjoy premium dining experiences
- Want to try several different cuisines
- Are sailing for 5 nights or longer
- Prefer predictable vacation spending
When It May Not Be Worth It
You may skip the package if:
- You primarily eat at complimentary venues
- You're taking a short cruise
- You only plan to visit one specialty restaurant
Calculate the package cost against individual restaurant prices before purchasing.
Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean Dining Packages
Pros
- Potential savings of up to 40%
- Access to multiple specialty restaurants
- More dining variety
- Excellent value for food lovers
- Convenient prepaid dining
Cons
- Additional upfront expense
- Reservations may be required
- Not all restaurants are available on every ship
- Limited value if you prefer complimentary dining
FAQs About Royal Caribbean Dining Package
How much does the Royal Caribbean Dining Package cost?
Pricing varies by ship and itinerary, but most packages range from approximately $80 to $350+ per person.
Does the Unlimited Dining Package include lunch?
Yes. The Unlimited Dining Package typically includes specialty restaurant lunches on sea days.
Which restaurants are included in the Dining Package?
Included restaurants vary by ship but commonly include Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Izumi Sushi, Wonderland, and other specialty venues.
Is the Royal Caribbean Dining Package worth it?
It is usually worth it for guests who plan to dine at multiple specialty restaurants during their cruise.
Can I make reservations before my cruise?
Yes. Reservations can be made through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner before sailing.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean Dining Packages offer an excellent way to experience the cruise line's specialty restaurants while reducing overall dining costs. Whether you choose the 3-Night Dining Package or the Unlimited Dining Package, you can enjoy premium dining experiences that go beyond the complimentary venues included with your cruise fare.
Before purchasing, compare package prices with your planned dining schedule and review restaurant options available on your ship. For guests who enjoy fine dining and culinary variety, a Royal Caribbean Dining Package can provide some of the best value onboard.
