Celebrity Eclipse cruise - confusion over "extra" payments

[trixilator]

Sorry if I sound stupid but in searching site details about an Eclipse cruise I'm interested in taking, just what meals are included? There are references to "specialty" dining facilities and one cruiser refers to the 35 dollar couvert charges he was happy to pay! Other area refers to eating 24/7 in various dining locations.

[cb at sea]

ALL of your meals in the dining room, room service or buffet are included in your fare. It's only the "specialty restaurants" that will carry an additional charge. You can go the entire cruise without spending a penny on food (above and beyond what you paid for the cruise!!!)....many folks never step foot in the specialty venues. (if you use room service, a small tip is sort of expected.)

[Essiesmom]

Welcome to Cruise Critic. You can find out most everything you would want to know about Eclipse on the Celebrity board, under Cruise Lines A-O. EM

[FawnRiver]

Most cruiseships have extra "for fee" restaurants that specialize in specific cuisines and experiences. On Princess, you have Sabatini's and a steakhouse of some type. The fee is just a way to keep the ambiance, at least in Sabatini's, where its nice and quiet and romantic. Its a nice change from the buffet or the MDR and the food is Italian Italian, not North America Italian which is very nice.

 

There is no obligation to go to the for fee restaurants, if you don't want to.

[Dayenu]

Included on cruises: 3 meals in a restaurant: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Unlimited meals in the buffet.

 

Optional: specialty restaurants, this is where you pay per person.

 

In the evening a schedule for next day will be left in your cabin, there you will see hours for all food/snack places, and if there is a charge, it will be indicated. If no $amount, it's included.

[kitty9]

The extra pay restaurants are Bistro on 5 ($5 per person), Tuscan Grill ($35 pp), Muranos ($35 pp), Qsine (not sure of the charge there), and the Gellateria (gellato ice cream charged per scoop). If you order specialty coffees at Cafe el Baccio, there is a charge for the coffee, but not the food.