Are Meals Included on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships?

One of the first questions travelers ask before booking a cruise is whether meals are included in the ticket price. When it comes to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the answer is yes—meals are included on every sailing, but there is more to it than a simple yes or no. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its innovative Freestyle Cruising concept, which allows guests to eat whenever and wherever they like without rigid dining schedules.

This dining style provides passengers with an incredible level of flexibility, variety, and convenience. While the majority of meals and dining options are included in the base ticket price, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a range of specialty dining experiences available for an additional fee.

In this detailed guide, we will explore what meals are included on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, which restaurants are complimentary, what specialty dining entails, and how travelers can make the most of their dining experience onboard.

What Meals Are Included in the Cruise Fare?

The base fare of your Norwegian Cruise Line ticket covers a wide selection of dining options across multiple venues. These complimentary options ensure that guests never go hungry, regardless of their preferences.

Included meals generally consist of:

• Breakfast – Served at buffets, main dining rooms, and casual eateries. Options range from hot breakfast favorites like eggs and pancakes to lighter choices such as fruit and yogurt.

• Lunch – Offered at buffets, poolside grills, and dining rooms with diverse international cuisines.

• Dinner – Available in main dining rooms, buffets, and several casual spots with menus that change daily.

• Snacks – Throughout the day, quick-service options and casual restaurants serve pizza, sandwiches, and other light bites.

In short, passengers could easily spend their entire cruise enjoying delicious meals without ever paying extra.

Complimentary Dining Venues on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line includes several complimentary restaurants and eateries that offer everything from buffet dining to sit-down meals.

1. Main Dining Rooms

Every Norwegian ship has two or more main dining rooms. These venues offer full-service, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Menus change daily, featuring a mix of international cuisines, vegetarian dishes, and regional specialties.

• Guests can walk in at any time without a fixed dining schedule.

• These venues are comparable to fine dining restaurants on land but are included in the cruise fare.

2. Garden Café Buffet

The Garden Café is Norwegian’s popular buffet restaurant available on all ships.

• Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide variety of options.

• Includes international stations with Asian dishes, pasta bars, salads, fresh fruit, and desserts.

• Great for families and travelers who want a casual, self-serve dining experience.

3. O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill (select ships)

O’Sheehan’s is a 24-hour pub-style restaurant available on many Norwegian ships.

• Offers comfort foods like burgers, fish and chips, hot dogs, and chicken wings.

• Perfect for late-night cravings or a casual meal.

4. The Local Bar & Grill (newer ships)

Replacing O’Sheehan’s on newer vessels, The Local offers:

• Classic pub fare, available around the clock.

• A relaxed sports-bar atmosphere with TVs and beer on tap.

5. Poolside Grills and Snack Bars

Ships feature outdoor grills near the pool serving burgers, hot dogs, fries, and soft-serve ice cream.

6. Asian Cuisine (select ships)

Many ships offer complimentary Asian options, such as noodle bars or casual stir-fry stations.

7. Room Service

Basic room service menu items (such as sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items) are included, though late-night deliveries may come with a small convenience fee.

Specialty Dining Options (Not Included)

While most meals are included in the fare, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers specialty dining restaurants that come at an additional cost. These venues are perfect for those who want a more elevated dining experience.

Popular Specialty Restaurants on NCL Ships

• Cagney’s Steakhouse – A premium steakhouse with high-quality cuts of meat and rich side dishes.

• Le Bistro – A romantic French restaurant serving classic Parisian cuisine.

• La Cucina – An Italian trattoria-style restaurant with pizza, pasta, and fine wines.

• Teppanyaki – A Japanese hibachi-style dining experience with live cooking performances.

• Ocean Blue – A seafood-focused restaurant offering lobster, oysters, and fresh fish.

• Moderno Churrascaria – A Brazilian steakhouse featuring endless skewers of grilled meats.

Pricing for Specialty Dining

• Specialty restaurants charge a per-person cover fee or offer à la carte pricing.

• Guests can also purchase a Specialty Dining Package, which allows them to pre-pay for several meals at these venues at a discounted rate.

Beverage Inclusions with Meals

When dining at included venues, the following beverages are complimentary:

• Tap water.

• Iced tea and lemonade.

• Filtered coffee and hot tea.

• Some juices at breakfast.

However, soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, smoothies, and alcoholic drinks are not included. Guests who want unlimited options can purchase a Beverage Package before or during the cruise.

Dietary Accommodations

Norwegian Cruise Line caters to a wide variety of dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring all guests can enjoy meals onboard. Complimentary accommodations include:

• Vegetarian and vegan options.

• Gluten-free meals.

• Low-sodium and diabetic-friendly dishes.

• Kosher and halal meals (must be requested in advance).

Comparing Complimentary vs. Specialty Dining

To help you better understand what is included and what requires an additional fee, here’s a clear breakdown:

Included in Ticket PriceAvailable at Extra Cost

Main dining roomsSpecialty restaurants like Cagney’s and Le Bistro

Garden Café buffetTeppanyaki hibachi experience

O’Sheehan’s / The LocalPremium steakhouses and seafood restaurants

Poolside grillsBrazilian churrascaria

Basic beverages (coffee, tea, water, iced tea, lemonade)Alcohol, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee

Room service (basic menu)Room service late-night fee, à la carte upgrades

Tips to Maximize Value from Your Meals

1. Explore All Included Options – Don’t just stick to the buffet; try the main dining rooms for a sit-down meal.

2. Mix Complimentary and Specialty Dining – Use included dining for most meals, then treat yourself to a specialty restaurant for a special occasion.

3. Book Dining Packages Early – If you plan to try specialty dining, purchasing a package before your cruise can save money.

4. Take Advantage of Free Breakfasts – Garden Café offers plenty of options to start the day without extra charges.

5. Use Promotions – Norwegian often runs “Free at Sea” promotions that may include a specialty dining package at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all meals included on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, the ticket price covers a wide range of dining options, including buffets, main dining rooms, and casual eateries.

2. Do I need to pay extra for specialty dining?

Yes, specialty restaurants charge extra, but you can enjoy complimentary meals without ever paying more.

3. What beverages are free with meals?

Basic beverages like coffee, tea, water, iced tea, and juice at breakfast are included. Alcohol, soda, and specialty drinks are extra.

4. Is room service included?

Yes, but some late-night room service orders may come with a small fee.

5. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Absolutely. Norwegian Cruise Line caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and other special diets.

Conclusion

Meals are indeed included on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, giving passengers access to a wide variety of complimentary dining venues and cuisines throughout their voyage. From casual buffets and poolside grills to elegant main dining rooms, the included dining experiences can satisfy any traveler.

However, for those looking for a more elevated culinary adventure, Norwegian also offers specialty restaurants at an additional cost. By understanding the difference between included and specialty dining, travelers can plan their meals more effectively and enjoy the best of both worlds.

In short, guests could enjoy an entire cruise without ever paying extra for meals, but those who wish to indulge in gourmet experiences can do so through specialty dining options. With such flexibility and variety, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that dining becomes one of the most memorable parts of your cruise journey.