Are Meals Included on Norwegian Cruise Lines What to Expect

Most meals are included in your Norwegian Cruise Line fare, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the ship’s main dining rooms and buffets. Specialty restaurants, snacks, and premium beverages cost extra, but with a wide variety of complimentary options, you’ll rarely go hungry—pack your appetite and enjoy the flexibility!

Key Takeaways

• Main dining is free: Enjoy included meals at most onboard restaurants.
• Specialty dining costs extra: Reserve premium venues for an added fee.
• Kids eat free: Children under 4 dine at no extra cost.
• Room service has fees: Most in-room dining incurs a delivery charge.
• Snacks are available: Buffet areas offer complimentary light bites daily.
• Beverages not included: Drinks like soda and alcohol require separate purchase.

Are Meals Included on Norwegian Cruise Lines? What to Expect

So, you’re planning a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) getaway and wondering, Are meals included on Norwegian Cruise Lines? It’s a fair question—after all, food is one of the biggest joys of cruising. Whether you’re picturing a romantic dinner under the stars, a casual burger by the pool, or a lavish breakfast buffet, knowing what’s included (and what’s not) can make or break your vacation budget.

I remember my first NCL cruise. I boarded the Norwegian Encore with a mix of excitement and mild anxiety. I’d read conflicting things online: “All meals are free!” vs. “You’ll spend hundreds on food!” By the end of the week, I had a clearer picture—but not without a few surprises. The truth? Norwegian Cruise Line offers a flexible dining model that blends complimentary meals with premium options. It’s not as simple as “all-inclusive” or “pay-as-you-go,” and that’s exactly why so many travelers have questions. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s included, what costs extra, and how to make the most of your dining experience—without blowing your budget.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Dining Model: The Basics

Complimentary vs. Specialty Dining: The Two-Tier System

Let’s start with the core concept: NCL uses a two-tier dining model. Think of it like a buffet with a gourmet annex. Most meals at the main restaurants, buffets, and casual spots are included in your base fare. But if you want something a bit fancier—like a steakhouse, sushi, or French cuisine—you’ll pay extra. This “Freestyle Dining” approach is NCL’s signature. Unlike traditional cruise lines with assigned seating and set dining times, NCL lets you dine whenever and wherever you want (within reason).

Here’s the breakdown:

• Complimentary dining: Covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at main dining rooms, the buffet, and select casual eateries.
• Specialty dining: Requires a cover charge or à la carte pricing. Think Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, or Teppanyaki.

For example, on my cruise, I enjoyed a free breakfast at the Manhattan Room (think fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit), but paid $35 per person for a romantic dinner at Le Bistro (escargot, duck confit, and a chocolate soufflé—worth every penny, but definitely not “included”).

How “Freestyle Dining” Changes the Game

Traditional cruise lines often lock you into early or late seating, with the same tablemates every night. NCL flips that script. With Freestyle Dining, you can:

• Walk into any main dining room (no reservations needed, though they’re recommended).
• Choose your own table and dining time (great for families or couples who want flexibility).
• Mix complimentary and specialty meals in a single day (e.g., free lunch at the buffet, $40 dinner at a specialty spot).

Pro tip: Download the NCL app before boarding. It lets you reserve specialty restaurants and check wait times for main dining rooms—huge for avoiding long lines at peak hours.

Complimentary Dining Options: What’s Included in Your Fare

Main Dining Rooms: The Heart of Free Meals

Every NCL ship has at least two main dining rooms, often themed (e.g., Savannah for Southern cuisine, Taste for global fare). These are 100% included and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menus rotate daily, so you’ll never eat the same thing twice.

What to expect:

• Breakfast: Omelet stations, pastries, cereals, and made-to-order pancakes/waffles.
• Lunch: Salads, sandwiches, soups, and hot entrées (like grilled salmon or pasta).
• Dinner: Multi-course meals with appetizers, entrées (e.g., filet mignon, grilled shrimp, vegetarian risotto), and desserts.

On my cruise, I loved the Manhattan Room’s “Dinner Under the Stars” night, where tables were set on the open deck with fairy lights and a live jazz band. The meal—complimentary!—felt like a $100-per-person experience.

The Buffet: A 24/7 Food Wonderland

The buffet (usually called O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill or The Garden Café) is a lifesaver for picky eaters, families, or anyone craving a quick bite. It’s open from early morning to late night and offers:

• Breakfast: Made-to-order omelets, pancakes, yogurt, and fresh fruit.
• Lunch: Carving stations, pizza, burgers, salads, and international dishes (think Thai curry or Mexican tacos).
• Dinner: Rotating hot entrées, pasta bars, and a dessert station with chocolate fountains.
• Late-night snacks: Pizza, nachos, and ice cream (great for post-show munchies).

One caveat: The buffet can get crowded at peak times (12–1 p.m. and 6–8 p.m.). My trick? Go early (11:30 a.m.) or late (2 p.m.) for a quieter experience.

Casual Eateries and Snack Spots

NCL’s ships are packed with complimentary casual options. These vary by ship but often include:

• Poolside grill: Burgers, hot dogs, fries, and chicken tenders (perfect for a quick lunch).
• 24/7 pizza: Slices of cheese, pepperoni, or veggie pizza (a lifesaver for late-night cravings).
• Ice cream station: Soft-serve cones or cups (free, but toppings like sprinkles may cost extra).
• Room service: Continental breakfast items (coffee, juice, pastries) are free; hot meals incur a $7.95 delivery fee.

On the Norwegian Encore, I grabbed a free burger at the Sunset Grill while watching the sunset—no reservations, no lines, just good food and a great view.

Specialty Dining: What Costs Extra (and When It’s Worth It)

Specialty Restaurants: Cover Charges vs. À La Carte

Specialty dining is where NCL’s model shines—and where your wallet might take a hit. Most restaurants charge a cover fee ($20–$50 per person), while others (like Teppanyaki) use à la carte pricing. Here’s a rundown of popular options:

• Cagney’s Steakhouse: $35–$40 cover. Think prime rib, filet mignon, and lobster tail.
• Le Bistro: $35 cover. French classics like coq au vin and crème brûlée.
• Teppanyaki: $45 cover. Hibachi-style cooking with a show (great for families).
• Ocean Blue: $49 cover. Seafood-focused (oysters, lobster, scallops).
• Food Republic: $25 cover. Fusion dishes (kimchi tacos, truffle mac and cheese).

Is it worth it? For me, Le Bistro was a splurge, but the ambiance (candlelit tables, live piano) and food quality made it feel like a special occasion. On the flip side, I skipped Ocean Blue because the buffet’s grilled salmon was just as good—and free.

Specialty Dining Packages: Save Money with Bundles

Worried about specialty dining costs? NCL offers dining packages that can save you 20–30%. For example:

• Ultimate Dining Package: $199–$299 per person (depending on cruise length) for 3–7 specialty meals.
• Premium Dining Package: $149–$249 for 2–5 meals.

Pro tip: Book packages before your cruise (via the NCL website or app). They’re cheaper than buying à la carte onboard. On my 7-day cruise, the Ultimate Package worked out to $42 per meal—a steal compared to paying $50+ per cover charge.

Kids and Specialty Dining: What’s Free?

Good news: Kids 12 and under eat free at specialty restaurants when ordering from the kids’ menu. My niece loved the “mini steak” at Cagney’s (free!), while my brother and I split the $40 cover for the full menu. Win-win!

Special Dietary Needs and Allergies: How NCL Handles Restrictions

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options

NCL takes dietary restrictions seriously. All main dining rooms and buffets offer:

• Vegetarian/vegan: Clearly marked on menus (e.g., tofu stir-fry, lentil curry).
• Gluten-free: Dedicated sections in the buffet and GF menus in main dining rooms.
• Low-sodium/sugar-free: Available upon request.

During my cruise, I met a vegan traveler who raved about the Plant-Based Burger at the poolside grill and the Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers in the main dining room. The key? Communicate with your server. They’ll work with the kitchen to customize dishes.

Allergy Protocols: Safety First

If you have severe allergies (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), NCL’s protocol is robust:

• Pre-cruise form: Fill out the “Allergy Questionnaire” in your online check-in.
• Onboard meeting: Meet with the head chef to discuss your needs.
• Color-coded menus: Some ships use icons to flag common allergens (e.g., “N” for nuts).

One caveat: Cross-contamination isn’t 100% avoidable in the buffet (e.g., shared tongs). Stick to main dining rooms for safer options.

Maximizing Your Dining Experience: Tips to Save Money and Eat Well

Smart Ways to Save on Food Costs

You don’t need to skip specialty dining to save money. Try these tricks:

• Share dishes: Split a $40 steak at Cagney’s between two people. Most restaurants allow this.
• Use dining packages: As mentioned earlier, pre-booking saves 20–30%.
• Eat breakfast in your cabin: Free room service for continental items (coffee, juice, pastries).
• Skip the soda: Unlimited soda packages cost $10–$15/day. Stick to free water, coffee, and tea.

On my cruise, I saved $120 by sharing specialty meals, skipping soda, and eating breakfast in my room.

When to Splurge (and When to Save)

Not all specialty restaurants are equal. Here’s my take:

• Splurge on: Le Bistro (romantic ambiance), Teppanyaki (fun for families), Ocean Blue (if you love seafood).
• Skip or share: Cagney’s (the buffet’s steak is decent), Food Republic (fusion dishes can be hit-or-miss).

Also, consider the ship. Newer ships (e.g., Norwegian Prima) have more specialty options, but older ones (e.g., Norwegian Jewel) focus on quality over quantity.

Data Table: Specialty Dining Costs by Restaurant (2024)

Restaurant	Cover Charge (Per Person)	Best For	Kids’ Menu?
Cagney’s Steakhouse	$35–$40	Meat lovers, special occasions	Yes (free)
Le Bistro	$35	Romantic dinners, French cuisine	Yes (free)
Teppanyaki	$45	Families, entertainment	Yes (free)
Ocean Blue	$49	Seafood enthusiasts	Yes (free)
Food Republic	$25	Adventurous eaters	Yes (free)

Note: Prices may vary by cruise length and ship. Check the NCL website for updates.

Final Thoughts: Are Meals Included on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

So, are meals included on Norwegian Cruise Lines? The short answer: Yes, but with caveats. Your base fare covers a wide range of dining options—from lavish buffets to elegant main dining rooms—so you’ll never go hungry. But if you crave premium experiences (think steak, sushi, or French cuisine), you’ll pay extra. The key is balance: Enjoy the complimentary meals guilt-free, then splurge on a few specialty dinners for special moments.

From my experience, NCL’s dining model is one of its biggest strengths. It gives you the freedom to eat how you want, when you want, without the rigidity of traditional cruises. Just remember: Plan ahead—book specialty packages early, communicate dietary needs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or a foodie chasing the next great meal, NCL’s dining scene has something for you. Bon appétit—and happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are meals included on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Yes, most meals are included in your Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fare. This covers dining at the main restaurants, buffets, and select casual eateries onboard, offering a wide variety of cuisines at no extra cost.

Do I have to pay extra for specialty dining on NCL?

Specialty restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse or Le Bistro require an additional fee, but they provide premium experiences with gourmet dishes. However, all standard meals at complimentary venues are included in your cruise price.

Is breakfast included on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Absolutely! Breakfast is included in your fare and served at the main dining rooms, buffets, and even some cafes. You’ll find everything from continental options to made-to-order omelets at no extra charge.

Are drinks included with meals on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Non-alcoholic beverages like water, coffee, tea, and select juices are included with meals. However, soda, specialty coffees, and alcoholic drinks require a separate purchase or drink package.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer inclusive dining for kids?

Yes, kids’ meals are fully included at all complimentary dining venues, with kid-friendly options like pizza, pasta, and chicken tenders. Specialty restaurants also offer children’s menus for an additional fee.

What’s included in the “Free at Sea” dining perk?

If you book the “Free at Sea” promotion, you’ll get access to select specialty dining for free, depending on your package. This perk typically includes 1-3 meals at participating restaurants, adding even more value to your cruise.