Yachts are an exception. Almost every cruise ship today offers alternative dining venues. These are specialty restaurants that charge a small premium yet function similar to your favorite restaurants back home. Some cruise lines offer discounted packages, encouraging you to utilize these venues (and spend more money) during your cruise. Let us look at several reasons to try them.
- It’s your favorite cuisine. You like French, Italian or Japanese cuisine. The ship has venues featuring this cuisine. You checked out the menu beforehand. They have several of your favorite dishes.
- It’s a formal night in the main dining room. You do not want to dress up. They will likely seat you, but you would feel awkward. You could visit the buffet restaurant, but it reminds you of the school cafeteria. A specialty restaurant might have a relaxed dress code.
- The menu in the dining room did not look that interesting. This is often posted after lunch. It might be available online. There are four entrees, but none really gets you looking forward to dinner. What are my alternatives?
- It’s your birthday or wedding anniversary. You want to celebrate but not feel rushed. You want the staff to make a fuss over you, but in a small venue setting. Perhaps they have a private room.
- You want a break from your tablemates. You are seated at a table for eight. They are nice folks, but you have heard everyone’s stories. One couple still has a superior attitude. You want to relax and not engage with everyone in conversation through dinner.
- Timing doesn’t align with your seating. You want to go dancing and then see the show. For some reason, this does not align with your dinner seating. You don’t want to leave in the middle of the meal. If you book a table at an alternative venue, you might have more control over the timing.
- It’s date night. You are single. You met someone onboard! You want to have a quiet dinner that isn’t part of a crowd scene. You can get a table for two in the main dining room, but you want something with softer lighting.
- It’s a pop-up restaurant tonight. Your ship varies the cruise at the alternative dining venues. You love Indian food. One of these venues is featuring Indian cuisine, but only tonight. You seize the opportunity.
- There is a chef’s menu, food and wine pairing. This is costing you a fortune, but it’s worth it. Your cruise line is affiliated with a celebrity chef. They are onboard for this voyage and will be presenting a multi course tasting menu with wine pairing for each course. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
- You have onboard credit left over. Your travel agent gave you some spending money. The cruise line gave you an onboard credit. It must be spent before the ship docks and you head home. Why not treat yourself to a nice dinner?
These are only a few reasons why you want to try out the alternative dining venues on your cruise ship.
Editor’s Notes:
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cover photo credit Gerry Barker, Regent Seven Seas food
