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The best of these main dining rooms are quite good indeed, and these are our favorites.

Almost every ship has a “main” restaurant (or two) that is set up to serve the vast majority of passengers every evening. Meals in a ship’s main restaurant are always included in your base cruise fare, and there are rarely extra charges for food (though ships increasingly charge for espresso and cappucino). Most mainstream and premium ships also charge for wine and other alcoholic drinks served with meals.

Since food quality is something passengers pay more attention to these days, cruise lines have been making great efforts to improve the quality of the food served in their main dining rooms, but food on a luxury line will almost always be several steps above what you’ll find on a mainstream or premium cruise. But even in the biggest mainstream ship, you’ll often find luxury ingredients like steak and lobster available at least one night of a cruise.

SeaDream Yacht Club

  • Sails To Alaska, Caribbean, Europe

Why It’s Wonderful

SeaDream ships are relatively small, and chefs have to prepare food for only 112 passengers on any given night. Therefore, meals are cooked individually, just as they would be in a restaurant.

Silversea Cruises

  • Sails To Alaska

Why It’s Wonderful

A true gourmet meal is hard to come by on land, let alone at sea, but Silversea chefs accomplish just such a feat with dishes prepared à la minute, with appropriate wine pairings for each course.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  • Sails To Alaska, Caribbean, Europe

Why It’s Wonderful

Creative dishes and wines chosen to complement all menus are a hallmark of Regent Seven Seas. Service is attentive, but not hovering or intrusive.

Holland America Line

  • Sails To Alaska, Caribbean, Europe

Why It’s Wonderful

Under the leadership of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, the culinary staff of Holland America Line creates dishes high in quality and taste.