Restaurants on cruises question
 

Hello, All, reading the reviews there is something I don't understand. And being on one cruise only, don't have an answer.

There are restaurants which are not included in the cruise price. How much do I pay? I read something about cover charge.

Let's say there is a cover charge $20. Does it mean, for the 2 of us we'll pay $40, and that's it for food, plus alcohol?

Or is it cover charge plus the cost of food and alcohol like in any regular restaurant on land?

And if it makes any difference (or to rub it in ;) ), we'll be on Dawn Princess to Alaska in a month, can hardly wait :)

I have only cruised with RCCL, so I can only speak for them, but they do have restaurants on board that are not included in the price. The really nice restaurants they have are $20 per person, and yes, that's all you have to pay to eat there (plus alcohol). The other places that come to mind that charge for food do not have a cover charge, you just pay for what you buy, or sometimes only certain things on the menu (Johnny Rockets for example, you get the food free but you pay for milkshakes, etc.). I don't know about your cruiseline, but hopefully this will clear it up a bit!!

Enjoy your trip!!

Old info about Johnny Rockets, unfortunately. Now there is a charge $3.99 p.p.

These are called 'Specialty Restaurants" & let's say the Charge
is $20 pp. Liquor is extra.

And you should tip over and above the $40 for two as the wait staff
is not covered in your daily
tips that is charged to your acct.

got it?

Actually specialty restaurants cover charge does include tip. Of course you may tip extra if feel so.

It has been our experience on several lines that the specialty restaurants were well worth the extra. They are just a cut-above the free food. It depends on the line and with NCL it is REALLY worth it. On RCCL and Celebrity just worth it. I don't believe you have to include a tip but you pay $20 per person and then drinks as well are extra. Some say it is just a way for cruise ships to make extra money, but if you go on a NCL cruise you will be happy you paid extra.

Thank you, all, I think I got it :)

We have found the best food in the specialty restaurants. We just did the Carnival Spirit and ate twice in the speciality restaurant. We paid $30 pp (alcohol is billed just like every place else on the ship). We did not leave a tip as the $30 is listed as the tip for the extra service.

Our last four cruises we have always tried the private restaurants and it has always been worthwhile.