@@kmarshie Yes, lunch is usually a great value for specialty restaurants. It’s also good on the embarkation day when the buffet is slammed with people.
With 5 cruises using Unlimited Dining, I have had some of the best experience servers ever, they get promoted from the main dining room to specialty venues. You just have to get to know the venue host to see what options are for times that are available, you can also have a to go order placed to a different menu and save it for a late night snack instead of pizza
I have found a happy medium with the 3 night specialty dining package as a solo cruiser. It's not as pricy and just the right amount of treating myself and still enjoying the main dining room.
@@tisawilliams5805 I agree! The 3 night dining package is the best middle ground. You save some money compared to full on board prices for specialty dining and you still get to enjoy some included options.
You also have to keep in mind that you are paying for extra gratuities for the main dining room service you aren't going to be using PLUS the gratuities for the dining packages. If I were to book the dining packages, I would consider reducing the gratuities accordingly at the end of the cruise.
I think it all comes down to who is sailing. Like you said, for those with kids who get tired or just want to go to the buffet, or wont maximize it, or who need specific times, its not worth it. For us solo travelers along with younger couples who cruise for the dining experience and like to be with a more mature crowd with a 9 pm reservation and would never consider going to the buffet in the evenings, and who prefer to eat with just your group, its a great add on.
I agree. Especially for those who are mainly cruising for nicer dining experience, the specialty dining restaurants will elevate their cruise to the next level (as long as they don't mind the additional cost). We haven't had a dinner in buffet in over a decade as I feel that we would be giving up the nice dining experience but I do understand why families with smaller children may choose it.
Everyone enjoys what they want to enjoy. I personally find that the Unlimited Drink Package is a waste...for ME. However, I would never say its a waste for someone else because they may want to drink whatever/whenever at their leisure. I feel the same way about the Unlimited Dining Package. I feel the quality of dining and the food is much better than what is offered in the MDR & buffet. I use my onboard credit to pay for my alcoholic drinks onboard. Works out perfectly for me. I also recommend to all new cruisers on 7 night sailings to do the 3 night dining on their first few sailings to sample each of the specialty dining offerings. Once they have tried everything, then they will know if they want to skip the Dining packages or choose their top 3 or eat at mostly all specialty dining venues like me. I say decide for yourself because none of us have the same experience or taste. Your money, your enjoyment👍🏾😊
I agree. A three night dining package is a great way to sample specialty dining to decide if it's worth paying for or if included dining options are sufficient.
@@youngillest Thank you for the feedback! I just assumed that anybody watching this video would know, but you’re right. I’ll keep it in mind for future videos.
I have a trip with Icon in October. I tried to make a reservation for a specialty restaurant and almost everything is full and there is no chance to make a reservation. What's the point of a dining package if you can only make a reservation if you're on board and all the specialty restaurants are already reserved by those who pre-booked it individually.Thank you.
@@roddick1185 I agree! They do keep some spots open for reservations on board. However, you pretty much have to do them the minute you get on the ship and they will be gone within couple hours on the day. People who have late embarkation (or who don’t know about this) are out of luck.
I hated the dining package. It was like paying to ruin your cruise. Yes, you are paying for your food twice and now having to tip 3 f-ing times. Each meal ended with a zero-loaded receipt with an extra tip line after already paying for gratuities twice. This is a guarantee I will NEVER buy the dining package ever again. The nerve. Also yes, you feel overstuffed and have to go crazy making reservations in order to justify the expense. It takes the fun out of the cruise. Just pick 2 restaurants you really want to do and pay a-la-carte.
@@CropCircleCritic , Oh, such a good point about the receipt with the extra tip line! We always felt guilty about it and ended up leaving another tip. Thank you for reminding me 😁
I find there’s no real need to buy the unlimited Speciality dining package. I find Royal to have pretty good quality when it comes to ‘included’ dining, and I enjoy a few treats. If I buy the full package, I eat FAR too much!
@@rolexer It’s a pretty cool concept. We didn’t get to try it on Icon but we’re on Utopia right now and just tried some. What a great way to get some quick sushi!
@@rolexer After looking at it, we decided it’s not worth it to us either. The food does not appeal to us and you are really paying for the show. At the same time, we like GOOD food so we’re just going to enjoy the other specialty restaurants that we know we’ll love.
