Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are two of the most popular cruise lines in the world. Both lines offer a variety of ships, destinations, and amenities, and both lines offer a variety of dining options. However, there are some key differences between the two lines when it comes to dining.
One of the biggest differences is the Freestyle Dining concept that Norwegian Cruise Line offers. With Freestyle Dining, passengers can dine when they want, where they want, and with whom they want. There are no assigned dining times or tables, and passengers can choose from a variety of restaurants, including main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and casual eateries. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, offers traditional assigned dining times and tables. Passengers are assigned to a main dining room and a table for the duration of their cruise.
Another difference is the number of specialty restaurants that each line offers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers more than 20 specialty restaurants, while Royal Caribbean offers around 15. Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialty restaurants include restaurants such as Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Moderno Churrascaria. Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants include restaurants such as Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, and Izumi.
Finally, the cost of dining is different on the two lines. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Dining concept includes all meals at the price of the cruise, while Royal Caribbean charges for specialty restaurants. However, Royal Caribbean does offer a variety of dining packages that can save passengers money on specialty restaurants. NCL does have several options that are an additional upcharge or a la carte pricing.
So, which line is right for you? It depends on your dining preferences. If you like the flexibility of choosing when and where you want to eat, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Dining is a great option. If you prefer the traditional assigned dining experience, Royal Caribbean is a better choice. And if you want to try a variety of different restaurants, Norwegian Cruise Line offers more specialty restaurants to choose from.
Here is a more detailed comparison of the dining options on Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean:
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Freestyle Dining: Passengers can dine when they want, where they want, and with whom they want. There are no assigned dining times or tables, and passengers can choose from a variety of restaurants, including main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and casual eateries.
- Main Dining Rooms: Norwegian Cruise Line has six main dining rooms, each with its own unique theme and cuisine. The main dining rooms are complimentary for all passengers.
- Specialty Restaurants: Norwegian Cruise Line offers more than 20 specialty restaurants, including restaurants such as Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse, and Moderno Churrascaria. Specialty restaurants are not included in the price of the cruise, but passengers can purchase a dining package that includes a certain number of meals at specialty restaurants.
- Casual Eateries: Norwegian Cruise Line also has a variety of casual eateries, such as O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, The District Brew House, and The Food Republic. Casual eateries are complimentary for all passengers.
Royal Caribbean
- Traditional Dining: Passengers are assigned to a main dining room and a table for the duration of their cruise. Main dining rooms are complimentary for all passengers.
- Specialty Restaurants: Royal Caribbean offers around 15 specialty restaurants, including restaurants such as Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, and Izumi. Specialty restaurants are not included in the price of the cruise, but passengers can purchase a dining package that includes a certain number of meals at specialty restaurants.
- Casual Eateries: Royal Caribbean also has a variety of casual eateries, such as Sorrento’s Pizza, The Windjammer Marketplace, and Cafe Promenade. Casual eateries are complimentary for all passengers.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which line is right for you is to try both. Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer a variety of dining options to suit every taste. So, whether you’re looking for a traditional dining experience or the flexibility of Freestyle Dining, you’re sure to find something to your taste on either line.