Royal Caribbean’s Dining Package (ULTIMATE GUIDE!)

It’s no secret Royal Caribbean has some incredible dining options. Foodies will not be disappointed with the wide array of options.

If you want to try as many restaurants on board as possible, you’ll likely be interested in a dining package. But which one?!

With options ranging from the Chops +1 package to the 3-night, 5-night, or even the 10-night package.

Depending on the length of your cruise, these packages are specifically designed to cater to your dining desires.

The Unlimited Dining Package even allows you to eat at multiple specialty restaurants every night and enjoy lunch on sea days, adding extra flexibility and convenience to your dining plan.

Whether you’re a fan of fine dining, casual eateries, or tantalizing international dishes, there’s likely a package that will fit your needs…

What Are The Different Royal Caribbean Dining Packages?

There are a couple of different dining packages available, each with their own unique pros and cons.

The most popular is the Unlimited Dining Package. As the name suggests, this package allows you to dine at specialty restaurants as many times as you wish during your cruise.

The cost varies depending on the length of your cruise: $150 per guest for a 4-night cruise and $260 per guest for a 7-night cruise.

Note that an 18% gratuity will be added to the total cost upon checkout. You can book this package before your cruise via Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website.

Another great option is the 3, 4, or 5 Restaurant Package. With these packages, you can enjoy three, four, or five specialty restaurants at a discounted price, saving up to 40%.

The average cost for these packages is around $21 to $25 per night, depending on the length. These are an excellent opportunity to explore a variety of dining venues without overspending during your trip.

Children aged from 6 to 12 can dine at specialty restaurants for only $10.99 per night, while those aged 5 and under eat for free. Kid can pick anything from the children’s menu, which is a collection of kid-friendly favorites from the “grownup” menu.

Royal Caribbean Dining Package Breakdown

Unlimited Dining Package

With the Unlimited Dining Package, you can enjoy the luxury of savoring the various specialty restaurants offered on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

This package gives you the freedom to dine at different venues throughout your entire sailing. You’ll no doubt appreciate the chance to try out a wide range of cuisine while saving on dining expenses.

To purchase this package, visit your MyCruise portal or the Cruise Planner on the Royal Caribbean website.

Chops+1

For a slightly different option, consider the Chops+1 dining package. This package allows you to enjoy Royal Caribbean’s most popular specialty restaurant, Chops Grille, as well as one additional specialty dining experience.

Keep in mind, however, that this package is not available on sailings longer than 10 nights. To check the availability and pricing for your specific sailing, utilize the Cruise Planner tool.

3-Night Dining Package

If you’re embarking on a shorter voyage, the 3-Night Dining Package may be the perfect choice for you. As the name suggests, this package offers you the opportunity to try three different specialty restaurants during your cruise.

However, this package isn’t offered on sailings that are between 3 to 5 nights. To purchase this package and view the pricing for your sailing, please visit the Cruise Planner.

All in all, you have several fantastic dining package options available on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Each package offers something unique, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

How Much Does The Unlimited Dining Package Cost?

The cost for the Unlimited Dining Package can vary depending on the length of your cruise. Here are some sample prices:

• For a 3-night cruise, the package costs $115 per person.
• For a 4-night cruise, the package costs $150 per person.
• For a 7-night cruise, the package costs $260 per person.

Upon finalizing your purchase, a gratuity of 18% will be automatically applied to the overall cost at checkout.

With this package, you’ll be able to enjoy multiple specialty restaurants every night of your sailing for one all-inclusive price, and even enjoy lunch at specialty dining restaurants on sea days.

When Should You Book The Unlimited Dining Package?

If you’re interested in purchasing the Unlimited Dining Package for your Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s best to book it as soon as possible.

You can book the package prior to your cruise via Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website.

However, if you decide to wait and purchase the package on embarkation day, keep in mind that availability may be limited.

It’s important to note that waiting to book a dining package in hopes of a price drop is not recommended.

Royal Caribbean allows guests to cancel and rebook any pre-cruise purchases on the Cruise Planner website up to 48 hours before their cruise.

If you purchase a dining package for $200 and later see the price drop to $150, you can cancel and rebook the package at the lower cost with no penalties.

To make sure that you have the Unlimited Dining Package for your cruise, it’s best to book it as soon as possible and avoid waiting until embarkation day.

À la carte vs cover charge restaurants

Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ships comes in two varieties: restaurants that have a set cover charge and those that offer à la carte pricing.

With the Unlimited Dining Package, guests can enjoy meals at both types of establishments without the concern of individual cover charges.

This package comprehensively covers the costs, allowing diners to experience a variety of specialty restaurants with ease.

Cover charge restaurants

Cover charge restaurants offer an all-you-can-eat meal for one set price. This means you can choose as many appetizers, main courses, and desserts as you’d like without having to worry about the individual cost of each item.

With the Unlimited Dining Package, you won’t have to consider the cost of each item when dining at a cover charge restaurant.

The cost of dinner per person at cover charge restaurants usually ranges between $35 and $60.

If you plan to enjoy several meals during your cruise, the Unlimited Dining Package is a more affordable option than paying for all cover charge restaurants individually.

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of cover charge restaurants, including:

• Chops Grille
• Jamie’s Italian
• Hooked Seafood
• Giovanni’s Table
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
• Chef’s Table
• The Mason Jar
• Izumi Hibachi/Teppanyaki
• Sabor
• 150 Central Park
• Samba Grill
• Wonderland
• Johnny Rockets (sit-down location)

À la carte restaurants

In contrast, à la carte restaurants charge for each item on the menu, meaning diners pay for what they select, rather than a fixed meal price.

When you have the Unlimited Dining Package, you are allotted a food credit, typically ranging from $20 to $35 depending on the restaurant, which can be used for any combination of appetizers, main courses, or desserts.

It’s worth noting that, with the sole exception of Izumi Sushi, this credit can be used only once per day at à la carte restaurants – it’s not possible to split the credit over multiple visits within the same day.

Royal Caribbean offers several à la carte restaurants, including:

• Izumi Sushi
• Portside BBQ
• Johnny Rockets Express
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Fish & Ships

What Are The Limitations With The Unlimited Dining Package?

There are some limitations with the Unlimited Package you’ll want to consider before booking:

• Reservations for specialty restaurants cannot be made until you board the ship. This means that you may not be able to secure a reservation for your desired time or date.
• You must use one of your reservations on the first or second night of your sailing. This can be inconvenient if you have other plans for those nights.
• If you dine at a restaurant with à la carte pricing, you will receive a $20 credit which can only be used once per day. This means that you may not be able to fully take advantage of the à la carte menu.
• Izumi Hibachi has a $15 surcharge on top of the dining package, which will be charged onboard. This means that you will have to pay extra if you choose to dine at this restaurant.
• Some venues are excluded from dining packages, such as Chef’s Table and Vintages. This means that you may not be able to use your dining package at these locations.
• While dining in specialty restaurants, you will receive a discount of 40% off bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles above $100. This can be a great way to save money on wine, but it is important to note that the discount only applies to specialty restaurants.

Are There Any Restaurants That Are NOT Included In The Unlimited Dining Package?

While the Unlimited Dining Package offers access to a wide variety of specialty restaurants, certain dining experiences are excluded.

For instance, the Chef’s Table, wine pairing dinners, and the Mystery Dinner Theater are not included in the package. These experiences are priced à la carte, and you will be charged for them separately.

Additionally, tapas and small bites offered at venues like Vintages and The Bamboo Room are not included in the package. You will be charged for these small bites separately, and the charges will be added to your onboard account.

If your ship has Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, you will be able to use the dining package at the Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant. However, food ordered from the Giovanni’s Wine Bar menu is not included in the package.

Finally, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s, La Patisserie, and Sugar Beach are not included in the Unlimited Dining Package. You will need to pay for these separately if you wish to enjoy their offerings.

When Can You Dine At Specialty Restaurants?

Specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean ships offer breakfast (brunch), lunch, and dinner. While all specialty restaurants are open for dinner each day, the availability of brunch and lunch can differ by restaurant and ship.

For example, The Mason Jar, Royal Caribbean’s southern-inspired restaurant, is only open for brunch on sea days and does not offer lunch.

On the other hand, 150 Central Park and Wonderland are only open for dinner. Most specialty restaurants that offer lunch will be open for lunch on sea days and select port days.

How To Make Dining Reservations With The Unlimited Dining Package?

To make dining reservations, you will need to wait until you board the ship on embarkation day to make reservations. It is recommended that you make your reservations as soon as possible once onboard to ensure you can book the restaurants and times that work best for you.

To make a reservation, head to any specialty restaurant onboard. You do not have to visit each restaurant individually.

If you visit one restaurant, such as Chops Grille, you can make reservations for all other restaurants at the same time.

There is only one exception to this rule, which is with Izumi Hibachi. If you plan to dine at Izumi Hibachi during your cruise, reservations must be made at the restaurant itself.

Therefore, it is recommended to make all dining reservations at Izumi Hibachi and head to the restaurant right after boarding.

By making your dining reservations early, you can ensure that you get the most out of your Unlimited Dining Package and enjoy delicious meals throughout your cruise.

Do Kids Need An Unlimited Dining Package?

The good news is that children aged 5 and under can dine at specialty restaurants for free, and children aged 6-12 can be added to a dining reservation for only $10 per child.

However, if you do decide to purchase a dining package for your kids, you’ll find that it’s offered at a much lower price than for adults.

For example, a 7-night Unlimited Dining Package may cost $260 per adult, but only $77 per child.

Ultimately, whether or not you purchase a dining package for your kids depends on your family’s dining preferences and budget.

Keep in mind that children may not be as interested in specialty restaurants and may prefer to dine at the main dining room or buffet.

Pros & Cons of the Unlimited Dining Package

Pros

• Variety: With the Unlimited Dining Package, you can enjoy a wide variety of specialty dining options, from sushi to steak to seafood.
• Convenience: You won’t have to worry about paying for each individual meal at a specialty restaurant, as the package covers all of them.
• Value: If you plan on dining at multiple specialty restaurants during your cruise, the Unlimited Dining Package can save you money compared to paying for each meal separately.

Cons

• Cost: The Unlimited Dining Package can be expensive, so it may not be worth it if you don’t plan on dining at many specialty restaurants.
• Limited Options: While the package covers most specialty restaurants, there may be a few that are not included.
• Availability: Some restaurants may fill up quickly, so you may not always be able to dine at your preferred time or location.

How Does The Royal Caribbean 3-Night Dining Package Work?

The 3-Night Dining Package allows you to enjoy meals at three different specialty restaurants onboard the ship during your vacation.

Upon purchasing the package, diners can select their preferred meal times, though it’s important to note that the available restaurants vary depending on the ship.

This package provides an opportunity to explore a wide range of dining experiences, from upscale ambiance to more casual settings.

Menus in these eateries are dynamic, changing throughout the voyage to offer a diverse selection of dishes.

To ensure the best experience, guests should book their dining reservations early, either onboard through the restaurant staff or using the Royal Caribbean app, keeping in mind that reservations are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to the package cost at checkout, contributing to the exceptional service provided by the staff.

This package is ideal for guests who are interested in exploring specialty dining options without the commitment of dining at every restaurant on the ship, catering particularly to those who enjoy good food but don’t necessarily consider themselves hardcore food enthusiasts.

How Much Do Specialty Dining Restaurants Cost On Royal Caribbean Ships?

Specialty dining restaurants prices vary based on the dining package chosen, the specific ship, and the length of the sailing.

For instance, dining at Chop’s Grill costs $69.99 for dinner, while a children’s menu is available for $14 for kids aged 6-12.

Some prices to consider:

• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver: At this popular venue, guests can enjoy Italian favorites with a unique twist. Dinner typically costs around $54.99, plus tip, per person.
• Wonderland: This imaginative dining experience offers a multi-course meal with avant-garde dishes. Expect to pay about $59.99 per person, plus tip, for this whimsical and delicious adventure.
• 150 Central Park: For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, this restaurant offers a sophisticated menu with prices around $64.99, plus tip, per person.
• Giovanni’s Table: A more traditional Italian experience, Giovanni’s Table charges about $49.99 for dinner, providing a family-style dining experience.

Alternatively, at places like Izumi Sushi, à la carte pricing lets you pay for each item, offering flexibility and the opportunity to sample diverse dishes.

Are The Dining Packages Worth It?

Whether the dining packages are worth it depends on your dining preferences and the length of your cruise.

For a 7-day cruise, the Unlimited Dining Package costs $260 per person, plus an 18% gratuity. This package allows unlimited access to specialty restaurants, potentially offering substantial savings compared to individual restaurant costs.

For instance, a single dinner at Chop’s Grill is $69.99, while venues like Wonderland and 150 Central Park charge around $59.99 and $64.99 respectively.

If you plan to dine at these specialty restaurants frequently, the Unlimited Dining Package can offer significant value. It’s especially beneficial for those who appreciate a variety of culinary experiences and want the convenience of pre-paying for meals.

However, for guests who prefer occasional specialty dining or are content with the included dining options, individual restaurant reservations might be more economical.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your dining habits and how you wish to experience your culinary journey on the cruise.

Is There a Limit to How Much I Can Order in One Sitting?

In specialty restaurants covered by Royal Caribbean’s dining packages, there typically isn’t a strict limit on the number of items you can order in one sitting.

Guests are generally free to order multiple appetizers, entrees, and desserts as desired.

However, it’s encouraged to order responsibly to minimize food waste and ensure an enjoyable dining experience for all guests.

In à la carte restaurants, the amount you can order may be guided by the food credit provided under the package.

Can Dining Packages Be Shared Among Guests?

Dining packages on Royal Caribbean ships are designed for individual use and cannot be shared among different guests.

Each package is tied to the guest who purchases it, and only that guest can utilize the meals included in the package.

Therefore, if multiple members of a party wish to enjoy the benefits of a dining package, each person must purchase their own.

Do All Members Of A Stateroom Have To Purchase A Dining Package If One Person Does?

No, not all members of a stateroom are required to purchase a dining package on Royal Caribbean ships if one person chooses to do so.

Each guest has the freedom to decide whether they want to buy a dining package based on their individual dining preferences.

Therefore, it’s perfectly acceptable for some guests in the same stateroom to opt for a dining package while others do not.

This flexibility allows each guest to tailor their dining experience to their own needs and desires, keeping in mind the dining package cannot be shared.

How Does The Dining Package Work with Onboard Credit?

When you have onboard credit with Royal Caribbean, it can be applied towards the purchase of dining packages.

This means that if you have received onboard credit as part of a promotion, as a gift, or through any other means, you can use it to offset the cost of a dining package.

It’s a convenient way to enhance your dining experience on the cruise using pre-existing credits.

To use your onboard credit for this purpose, you can typically arrange it through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner before your trip or once you are onboard the ship.

Can Dining Packages Be Used for Room Service or Takeaway?

No, dining packages on Royal Caribbean cruises cannot be used for room service or takeaway. These packages are specifically designed for use in the cruise line’s specialty and main dining room restaurants.

They do not cover room service orders or the option to take food back to your stateroom.

Guests looking to enjoy meals in the comfort of their cabin should utilize the ship’s room service menu, which is separate from the dining packages.

Booking and Reservations

Online Booking

To book a dining package with Royal Caribbean, you can easily do it online through their Cruise Planner website. Once you purchase a dining package, simply select your preferred dining time and party size.

It’s recommended to book your package and reservations before your cruise begins to ensure the best availability of dining options and times.

Here you’ll see all the Dining Packages available for your cruise ship. You’ll see the Unlimited Dining Package and either the 3, 4, or 5 Restaurant Package depending on the length of your trip.

Onboard Booking

Although you can book dining packages onboard through Guest Services, the availability is limited compared to the online booking services.

To ensure the best dining selection, book your dining package through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website before your cruise sets sail.

Modifying and Canceling Reservations

You can change or cancel your dining package based on availability. You will have to call Royal Caribbean directly or ask your travel agent to make the changes.

To contact Royal Caribbean directly, call 1 (800) 256-6649.