Is All the Food Free on a Cruise?

No. A cruise fare includes meals at specified venues, but it does not include every restaurant, drink or menu item. Check your ship's dining list and opening hours; included dining does not mean every venue is open whenever you want.

Included meals and paid restaurants

Disney includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at its main dining, casual and quick service venues. Its premium adult restaurants cost extra. Carnival lists Guy's Burger Joint as included on ships that have it, while the steakhouse has an additional charge.

Virgin includes regular restaurant dining but some premium additions cost extra. A restaurant being included does not make every possible dish or drink included. Use the venue's menu and your booked fare terms for the final answer.

For the buying decision, see whether specialty restaurants are worth it.

Room service is a separate check

Disney includes many room service items, but fees may apply to certain items and deliveries. Check the menu for delivery charges, paid dishes and drinks. Do not assume another line follows Disney's policy.

Purchase service charges can also matter. Royal Caribbean currently adds an 18% gratuity to specialty dining, room service and certain other purchases except where prohibited by law. This is separate from daily crew gratuities.

Drinks can have different rules from food

Disney includes soft drinks, coffee and tea at meals and its beverage stations. That does not mean every drink from a bar or room service is free. Specialty drinks and alcohol can cost extra.

Check your package's drink limits, venues and exclusions separately from meals. Our drink package guide explains how to compare the cost.

Decide what you need before paying

List the included venues you would use, then price any paid meals, drinks or room service you want. Recent Reddit and Cruise Critic discussions show that passengers disagree about whether paid restaurants improve the experience. Treat that as personal preference, not a reason you must upgrade.

If you have an allergy or another dietary requirement, contact the line and dining team before sailing. Do not treat a restaurant's price as proof that its preparation meets your needs. Start with our food allergy planning guide.