What’s Included in a Royal Caribbean Specialty Dining Package?

If you’ve purchased a Royal Caribbean specialty dining package, you may be wondering: “Can I order anything on the menu, or are there limits?” The good news is that your package covers most of the menu at each specialty restaurant, but there are a few important details to know.

Standard Inclusions

When you sit down at a specialty restaurant with a dining package, you can expect:

One appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert per person as the standard guideline.
Sides and accompaniments are typically included with your entrée.
Flexibility: Staff are usually happy to let you try more than one appetizer or share dishes with your table.

Possible Extra Charges

While most menu items are covered, some premium selections come with an upcharge. These are clearly marked on the menu. Common examples include:

A seafood tower
Lobster tails (depending on restaurant and sailing)
Premium cuts of steak beyond the standard choices

If you order one of these, you’ll pay the listed surcharge on top of your dining package.

Restaurant-by-Restaurant Breakdown

Here’s what to expect at some of Royal Caribbean’s most popular specialty venues:

Chops Grille: Nearly all steaks, sides, and desserts are included. Some specialty items like the seafood tower carry an extra charge.
Giovanni’s Table / Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen: Pastas, entrées, and desserts are covered. Some premium seafood or steak may have a surcharge.
Izumi (sushi & hibachi): Hibachi dinners are fully included. Sushi is à la carte — your package usually gives you a dollar credit (around $20 per person) toward your meal.
Wonderland: All whimsical menu items are included. No extra charges here.
150 Central Park: Seasonal tasting menus are fully covered. Premium wine pairings are extra.
Playmakers Sports Bar: Dining packages often include a fixed credit (e.g., $20 per person) to spend on burgers, wings, or desserts.

Tips for Using Your Package

Make reservations early: Popular venues like Chops and Wonderland fill up fast. Book in the Cruise Planner or as soon as you board.
Ask your server: If you’re curious about trying more than one appetizer or entrée, just ask. Many cruisers report being encouraged to sample.
Check menus in advance: Royal Caribbean posts sample menus online and in the app. Items with surcharges are marked, so there are no surprises.
Use your credits smartly: At places like Izumi and Playmakers, treat the dining package credit like cash to maximize value.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining packages are a great way to enjoy multiple restaurants at a lower price than paying individually. Most of the menu is included, and staff are usually flexible if you want to sample more than the “one app, one main, one dessert” guideline.

Just keep an eye out for items with an upcharge, and you’ll know exactly what to expect.

FAQs About Specialty Dining Packages

Q: Can I share food with others at the table?
Yes. Sharing is common, and servers often encourage trying multiple items.

Q: Are drinks included with the dining package?
No. Drinks are extra unless you have a beverage package. Water, iced tea, and some basic options are complimentary.

Q: Can I use the package at lunch?
Yes. On sea days, many specialty restaurants open for lunch. Using your package for lunch can help stretch its value.

Q: Can I use my dining package for Playmakers or Izumi sushi?
Yes. You’ll usually receive a dollar credit (for example, $20) instead of a fixed meal.

Q: Do kids need a dining package?
Children can eat at specialty restaurants for a reduced cover charge. Kids’ menus are also available.

✅ Bottom Line: A Royal Caribbean specialty dining package covers most of the menu at each restaurant, with just a few premium items excluded. With smart planning, you can enjoy some of the best meals at sea without worrying about surprise charges.

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