Norwegian's Ultimate Dining Package
By Alara Shannon, Marketing | January 01, 2014 ( Comments)
Expanding on their original “Signature Trio Bundle,” Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced their brand-new concept, “Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining Package.” This program allows you to pay one set price, based on the length of the cruise, and have the opportunity to experience the array of specialty restaurants onboard with a taste of something deliciously new every night.
Currently available on all Norwegian ships fleet-wide, the package provides access to Norwegian’s most popular specialty restaurants including Cagney’s, the line’s signature steakhouse; French bistro, Italian restaurant, Moderno Churrascaria, Asian-Fusion Restaurant and more.
Cost of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ultimate Dining Package
Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining Package allows you to dine anywhere* throughout your cruise at a set price, available in tiers based on cruise length:
*Do note, however, the Ultimate Dining Package does NOT apply to:
- Ocean Blue by Geoffery Zakarian - You WILL receive a discount of 20% off the bill
- A la carte restaurants such as the Sushi Bar, Noodle Bar and Ocean Blue on the Waterfront - You WILL receive a discount of 20% off the bill in these venues
- Entertainment-based dining such as Cirque Shows, Second City lunches, Nickelodeon Pajama Jam, Wine Lovers Lunch, Illusionarium and Chef’s Table
- Mini-bar and room service (there is a delivery charge from midnight-5am)
Is Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining Package Worth It?
You can dine in any specialty restaurant every night of your cruise, so this dining package can offer tangible savings if you look at the regular cover charge of each individual restaurant:
- Cagney’s Steakhouse: $30 per person
- French Bistro: $20 per person
- Brazilian Moderno Churrascaria: $20 per person
- Italian: $15 per person
- Asian Fusion: $15 per person
- Teppanyaki: $25 per person
If you decided you’d really like to go to Cagney’s and feast on double cut lamb chops, grilled sea bass or premium cuts of certified Angus beef every night of your 7 night cruise, you would fork over $210. With the Ultimate Dining Package, your 7-day cruise cost is $119 which saves you $91, or 40%.
If you went to Cagney’s twice, the French Bistro, Moderno, Teppanyaki, and the Italian Restaurant twice, that is $155. Again, your 7-day cruise cost is $119, saving you $36. There are many variations to consider, but the price is pretty reasonable overall.
As with anything else you purchase, the decision to buy or not to buy Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining Package will come down to personal preference and how often you like to dine in the Main Dining Room vs. Specialty Dining Venues.
Specialty restaurants are six-star dining experiences and offer impeccable service, but they are also more formal and the food is richer. Some nights it is nice to just head over to the Main Dining Room for a good meal, or up to the Buffet for something more casual after a long day of exploring.
To take advantage of the Ultimate Dining Package with a current cruise reservation you can either pre-purchase the package by logging into your “myncl” online account on www.ncl.com, by contacting your iCruise.com Cruise Specialist, or by purchasing the package onboard during the first or second day of your cruise.
Also Note:
- You can only purchase the package on the first or second day of your cruise. On 3-day sailings, the package is ONLY for sale on day one.
- The package does not include beverages.
- Reservations are not required however table availability will be guaranteed for Ultimate Dining Package guests with 24-hour advance reservation.
- No refunds are available if fewer restaurants are visited.
- The Ultimate Dining Package may be purchased individually, you do not have to purchase for each passenger in the cabin.
- Child pricing remains as is for specialty dining. Children 3 & under are free, Children 4-12 can choose from a complimentary kids menu or the restaurant’s specialty kids menu for half off.
- If you wish to recognize the crew for their service, you may do so at time of service using the gratuity line on the check.
What do you think? Would you purchase Norwegian’s Ultimate Dining Package?
