How Do I Get Room Service on Norwegian Cruise Line A Complete Guide

Getting room service on Norwegian Cruise Line is simple and available 24/7—just dial “*67” from your stateroom phone or use the NCL app to place your order. Most standard items are complimentary, though select premium menu options may incur a small delivery fee. Enjoy fresh meals, snacks, or drinks delivered right to your door, anytime, with easy customization for dietary needs.

Key Takeaways

• Order anytime: Room service is available 24/7 on all Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
• Use your phone: Dial “*55” from your stateroom to place an order directly.
• Check menus online: Review the daily room service menu via the NCL app or in-room TV.
• Free vs. paid items: Most breakfasts are free; other meals may incur delivery fees.
• Tip included: Gratuities are automatically added to your bill—no need to tip extra.
• Special requests: Dietary needs? Notify staff in advance for customized service.

How Room Service Works on Norwegian Cruise Line

Picture this: It’s 7 a.m. on your third day at sea. The sun is peeking through the curtains, and you’re still in your fluffy robe, sipping coffee from the in-room carafe. You’re not in a rush to join the breakfast crowd in the dining room. Instead, you’re wondering—*can I just order room service and enjoy breakfast in peace?* If you’re sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the answer is a resounding yes.

Room service on Norwegian Cruise Line is more than just a convenience—it’s a way to enhance your vacation experience. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack, a quiet morning with pancakes, or a romantic dinner for two in your stateroom, NCL offers flexible options to suit your mood. But how exactly do you order? Is it free? Are there limitations? And what should you know to avoid surprises? This guide walks you through every step, from placing your first order to making the most of this perk (or add-on, depending on your fare). We’ll cover the ins and outs of NCL’s room service system, including menu options, delivery times, costs, and insider tips to help you order like a seasoned cruiser.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Room Service Options

Is Room Service Free on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The short answer: It depends on your fare type and the time of day. Norwegian Cruise Line has evolved its room service model to align with its “Free at Sea” pricing structure, which offers different perks based on the package you choose. Here’s the breakdown:

• Free Room Service (Breakfast Only): All guests, regardless of fare type, get complimentary breakfast room service between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. This includes coffee, juice, pastries, fruit, and hot items like scrambled eggs and toast.

<

• Complimentary Snacks (24/7): NCL provides a limited selection of free snacks 24/7, such as cookies, fruit, chips, and soft drinks. These are available in most staterooms via the in-room menu.
• Paid Room Service (All Other Times): Outside breakfast hours, room service is not free for most guests. A delivery fee (typically $9.95–$14.95) applies, plus the cost of food items. However, certain fare packages (like “More At Sea”) include free room service credits or reduced fees.

For example, if you book the “More At Sea” package (available on newer ships and select itineraries), you may receive free room service for the entire cruise—including lunch, dinner, and late-night orders. Always check your specific cruise details, as policies can vary by ship and season.

What’s on the Room Service Menu?

Don’t expect a full restaurant experience, but NCL’s room service menu is surprisingly robust. The offerings are designed for convenience, with a mix of comfort food, healthy options, and indulgent treats. Here’s what you’ll typically find:

• Breakfast (6:00–10:00 a.m.): Scrambled eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, fruit platters, yogurt, pastries, coffee, tea, and juice.
• Lunch (11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.): Sandwiches (turkey, ham, club), wraps, salads (Caesar, garden), soups, fries, and desserts (chocolate cake, cheesecake).
• Dinner (5:00–10:00 p.m.): Burgers, chicken tenders, pasta dishes, fish and chips, and upgraded items like steak or shrimp (often with an additional charge).
• Late-Night (10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.): Pizza, wings, nachos, sandwiches, and desserts. Think “midnight munchies” with a cruise twist.
• 24/7 Snacks: Cookies, fruit, chips, pretzels, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee/tea (complimentary).

Pro Tip: Menus are usually printed in your stateroom or available via the NCL app. Some newer ships (like the Norwegian Prima or Encore) feature digital menus with photos—making it easier to visualize your order.

Special Dietary Needs and Allergies

NCL is fairly accommodating for dietary restrictions, but you’ll need to plan ahead. If you have allergies (e.g., gluten, nuts, dairy), call the cruise line at least 48 hours before departure to notify them. You can also request special meals when placing your room service order. The kitchen will try to accommodate, but options may be limited. For example:

• Gluten-free: Sandwiches can be made with GF bread, and salads can omit croutons.
• Vegan: Fruit platters, salads (without cheese), and some soups are available. Ask for plant-based milk in coffee.
• Low-sodium: Specify “no added salt” when ordering.

Insider Tip: If you’re unsure, order the fruit plate or a simple salad. These are usually the safest bet for dietary needs and are often free during breakfast.

How to Order Room Service on Norwegian Cruise Line

Step 1: Find the Order Form (or Use the App)

Ordering room service on NCL is straightforward. Here’s how:

• Traditional Method (Paper Form): Look for the Room Service Menu folder in your stateroom. It contains a printed order form. Fill it out with your choices, room number, and delivery time. Place the completed form in the plastic sleeve on your door by 2:00 a.m. for breakfast, or by 5:00 p.m. for dinner. A steward will collect it.
• Mobile App (Recommended): Download the Norwegian Cruise Line app (available on iOS and Android). Tap “Room Service,” browse the menu, select items, and choose a delivery window. You’ll get a notification when your order is on the way.
• Phone Call: Dial “0” from your stateroom phone to reach the room service team. A staff member will take your order verbally. This is ideal for last-minute requests or special instructions (e.g., “no onions”).

Example: On the Norwegian Bliss, I used the app to order a club sandwich at 2:00 p.m. I selected a 30-minute delivery window and got a push notification when the steward was 5 minutes away—no waiting!

Step 2: Choose Your Delivery Time

NCL offers flexible delivery slots, but timing matters:

• Breakfast: Orders must be placed by 2:00 a.m. for delivery between 6:00–10:00 a.m. You can specify a preferred 30-minute window (e.g., 7:00–7:30 a.m.).
• Lunch/Dinner: Orders placed via the app or phone can be scheduled for the same day. For example, order at 1:00 p.m. for delivery between 1:30–2:00 p.m.
• Late-Night: Orders after 10:00 p.m. are typically handled by a dedicated team. Allow extra time (up to 45 minutes).

Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight schedule (e.g., heading to a show), order at least 45 minutes before you need to leave. The kitchen can get busy, especially at peak times.

Step 3: Handle Payment and Tipping

This is where many cruisers get confused. Here’s the deal:

• Breakfast and Snacks: Free—no delivery fee or tip required.
• Paid Orders (Lunch/Dinner): You’ll pay:
  • A delivery fee ($9.95–$14.95, depending on the ship).
  • The cost of food items (e.g., $12 for a burger, $18 for a steak).
  • A gratuity (15–20% of the food cost, added automatically).

Important: Payment is charged to your onboard account (the card you registered at check-in). You don’t tip the steward in cash—NCL includes gratuities in the bill. However, if a steward goes above and beyond (e.g., delivers in bad weather), a small cash tip is appreciated.

Maximizing Your Room Service Experience

Save Money with Smart Ordering

Room service can add up quickly. Here’s how to keep costs low:

• Stick to Breakfast: Since breakfast is free, make it your go-to. Skip the buffet and order in—no crowds, no lines.
• Use the 24/7 Snacks: Need a quick bite? Grab a cookie or fruit from the free selection instead of ordering a $12 sandwich.
• Order Family-Style: Share larger items (e.g., a fruit platter or nachos) to split costs. For example, a $16 platter feeds 2–3 people.
• Check Your Fare Perks: If you have a “More At Sea” package, use your free room service credits for dinner. Save your money for specialty dining or excursions.

Example: On a 7-night cruise, I ordered free breakfast every morning and used the 24/7 snacks for late-night cravings. I only paid for one dinner ($45 total)—saving over $200 compared to daily paid orders.

Upgrade for a Special Occasion

Want to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or “just because”? NCL offers premium room service packages for an extra fee. These include:

• Romantic Dinner: A 3-course meal with wine, candles, and a personalized note ($99–$149, depending on the ship).
• Birthday Surprise: Cake, balloons, and a serenade from the steward ($29–$49).
• Private Chef Experience: A chef prepares a custom meal in your suite (available on select ships, $250+).

Pro Tip: Book these upgrades before the cruise via the NCL website. They sell out fast, especially on longer voyages.

Dealing with Delays and Issues

Room service isn’t always perfect. Delays happen—especially on busy ships or during peak hours. Here’s what to do:

• Call if Late: If your order is more than 20 minutes past the delivery window, call “0” to check status. The team will usually offer a complimentary drink or dessert as an apology.
• Missing Items: If something’s missing (e.g., no ketchup), call the steward immediately. They’ll fix it fast.
• Wrong Order: Politely explain the mistake. The steward will replace it—no extra charge.

Insider Insight: On the Norwegian Joy, my order arrived 35 minutes late due to a kitchen backup. The steward brought a free slice of chocolate cake as an apology. It turned a frustration into a sweet moment!

Room Service on Different Norwegian Ships

Newer Ships (Prima, Encore, Viva)

Modern NCL ships have enhanced room service features:

• Digital Menus: Order via the app with photos and descriptions.
• Faster Delivery: Dedicated room service elevators reduce wait times.
• Expanded Menu: More gourmet options (e.g., lobster rolls, truffle fries).

Example: On the Norwegian Prima, I ordered truffle fries and a lobster roll for lunch. The app showed a 20-minute delivery window, and it arrived in 18 minutes—hot and crispy.

Older Ships (Sun, Dawn, Star)

Older vessels rely on traditional paper forms and phone orders. The menu is smaller, and delivery can take longer (up to 45 minutes). However, the core offerings (sandwiches, pizza, snacks) are still available. Tip: Use the phone method for urgent orders—paper forms can get lost.

Specialty Accommodations (Haven, Suites)

If you’re staying in The Haven (NCL’s luxury suite complex) or a suite, you get priority room service:

• 24/7 free delivery (no fee).
• Extended menu (including premium items like caviar).
• Dedicated steward for orders.

Note: Even Haven guests pay for food costs—but the convenience is worth it.

Common Questions and Real-World Tips

“Can I Order for Someone Else?”

Yes! Use the app or phone to order for another stateroom. Just provide the room number and name. The recipient will get a notification, and the charge goes to their onboard account. Great for surprises (e.g., sending a birthday cake to a friend).

“What If I’m in a Balcony or Mini-Suite?”

No difference! All staterooms get the same room service menu and policies. However, balcony rooms may have slightly faster delivery due to easier access.

“Is Room Service Better Than the Buffet?”

It depends on your priorities:

• Room Service Pros: Quiet, no lines, customizable portions.
• Buffet Pros: More variety, free refills, social atmosphere.

My Take: Use room service for breakfast and late-night cravings. Hit the buffet for lunch/dinner when you want options.

Data Table: Room Service Costs and Delivery Times (2024)

Service	Cost (Delivery Fee)	Food Cost Range	Delivery Time	Best For
Breakfast (6:00–10:00 a.m.)	Free	Free	30–45 minutes	Quiet mornings
Lunch (11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)	$9.95–$14.95	$10–$20	20–35 minutes	Quick meals
Dinner (5:00–10:00 p.m.)	$9.95–$14.95	$15–$35	30–45 minutes	Special occasions
Late-Night (10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.)	$9.95–$14.95	$8–$18	35–50 minutes	Midnight snacks
24/7 Snacks	Free	Free	15–25 minutes	Quick bites

Final Thoughts: Room Service Done Right

Room service on Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t just about food—it’s about control, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re savoring pancakes in bed, sharing a late-night pizza with your partner, or surprising your kids with cookies after a show, it’s a simple way to make your cruise feel extra special. The key is to understand the rules: use free breakfast and snacks wisely, plan paid orders around your schedule, and don’t hesitate to call if something goes wrong.

Remember, every cruise is different. Policies vary by ship, season, and fare type—so always check your specific details before you sail. And if you’re ever in doubt? Just pick up the phone and ask. The room service team is there to help you enjoy your vacation, one bite at a time. Bon appétit, and happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order room service on Norwegian Cruise Line?

To order room service on Norwegian Cruise Line, simply pick up your stateroom phone and dial “0” or use the Norwegian Cruise Line app to place your order. Service is available 24/7, though a delivery fee may apply depending on your fare or time of day.

Is there a fee for room service on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, most standard room service orders include a delivery fee (typically $7.95–$9.95), but select items like breakfast or late-night snacks may be complimentary. Check your cruise fare details or the app to see which options are included.

Can I use the Norwegian app to get room service?

Absolutely! The Norwegian Cruise Line app lets you browse menus, place room service orders, and track delivery status right from your phone. This is the most convenient way to request service without calling.

What are the room service hours on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Room service is available 24 hours a day, but menu options may vary by time. Full menus are offered during peak hours (e.g., 6 AM–10 PM), while late-night service (10 PM–6 AM) features a limited snack menu.

How do I request special dietary needs for room service?

When ordering via phone or app, specify dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegan) in your request. Norwegian Cruise Line is generally accommodating, but it’s wise to notify guest services ahead of time for complex needs.

Can I get room service delivered to my balcony or public area?

Room service is delivered to your stateroom door for safety reasons, but you can enjoy your meal on your balcony or take it elsewhere. Just note that staff won’t deliver directly to public areas or poolside.