18 night cruise specialty dining Questions

[djasinsk]

Hi there.  First time ncl cruiser (previous celebrity, most recently in suite using upgraded restaurant).   Headed on 18 night Lisbon Rio transatlantic this fall on the Star. 7 sea days out of 17, the rest are in port. 
 

my question is around how to maintain flexibility to use specialty dining but still get a lot of value. 
 

1.  On these long cruises esp transatlantics.  Are specialty walk ins usually available between 630-8?   We like to be flexible and go when we feel like it. 
 

2.  Are they strict on 24 hour cancellations?  If so, are they flexible say if you book for 8pm and show up at 630?

 

3.   We don’t mind paying for the specialty dining but the price per meal goes from 60pp per meal for two meals to 30pp pm when you buy and pay for a large number upfront (the latter charge being what it costs to upgrade from a say 5 meal package to a 6 meal package is $30 for the one extra meal).  Is there any way to get this 30pp price point but not commit all meals in advance?

 

4.  Ideally we would like to just decide where to dine from buffet to mdr to specialty  each evening when the time comes,  but if we don’t prepay it seems like places like cagneys would cost $70 80 or even $90 bucks each if we were to order everything.  
 

just trying to figure out how to be “free style” but not pay more than needed. 
 

suggestions welcome!

[dbrown84]

36 minutes ago, djasinsk said:

Hi there.  First time ncl cruiser (previous celebrity, most recently in suite using upgraded restaurant).   Headed on 18 night Lisbon Rio transatlantic this fall on the Star. 7 sea days out of 17, the rest are in port. 
 

my question is around how to maintain flexibility to use specialty dining but still get a lot of value. 
 

1.  On these long cruises esp transatlantics.  Are specialty walk ins usually available between 630-8?   We like to be flexible and go when we feel like it. 
 

2.  Are they strict on 24 hour cancellations?  If so, are they flexible say if you book for 8pm and show up at 630?

 

3.   We don’t mind paying for the specialty dining but the price per meal goes from 60pp per meal for two meals to 30pp pm when you buy and pay for a large number upfront (the latter charge being what it costs to upgrade from a say 5 meal package to a 6 meal package is $30 for the one extra meal).  Is there any way to get this 30pp price point but not commit all meals in advance?

 

4.  Ideally we would like to just decide where to dine from buffet to mdr to specialty  each evening when the time comes,  but if we don’t prepay it seems like places like cagneys would cost $70 80 or even $90 bucks each if we were to order everything.  
 

just trying to figure out how to be “free style” but not pay more than needed. 
 

suggestions welcome!

For question 2, no they are not strict on the cancellation.  It's more a courtesy for those hoping to get in, but there is no repercussion if you simply don't show up 

[insidecabin]

Just done Star shorter 10n cruise, the only problem venue we wanted was Cagnies.

 

We tend to keep an eye on availability, by asking at the desk, it at guest services you tend to be going past some time in the day. 

 

Those that are filling up you can do a place holder and move it.

 

if you take free at sea you will get some for just grats, then get an offer for 2 at reduced rate.

   

[MeHeartCruising]

Also, for number 2, if you show up at 6:30 with an 8:00 reservation they will happily seat you IF there are free tables (not reserved by others).  I have showed up early for a reservation a few times and they have always had room for me.  But, obviously, if they are full, they are full.  They aren't going to bump someone else out of their table to make room for you.

Edited June 22, 2023 by MeHeartCruising

[Two Wheels Only]

1. In most cases, you can walk up and wait (like a land restaurant) but if the specialty restaurant is fully booked, they won't take any more guests.

 

2. No, it should be no problem to cancel. Showing up that early could be a problem if there is no room for you. It will probably be a wait.

 

3. No. The discount is because you are buying "in bulk". 

 

4. Cagney's will almost always cost more than the price of the SDP. 

 

I suggest booking your reservations as best that you can. If changes need to be made, try to make them as early as possible when on the ship.