Norwegian Cruise Line is making changes to the way guests dine on board, with a new charge that has raised plenty of debate among cruisers.
From 26 September 2025, anyone who orders more than one main course in the complimentary dining rooms will be asked to pay five dollars for each additional entrée.
In the past, passengers could freely sample two or three mains during dinner, with no cost attached. It was part of what many considered the classic cruise dining experience, where variety and indulgence were encouraged.
Under the new rule, the first main course is still included in the fare, but any extra entrées will carry a small fee. The update has not been widely announced, appearing instead in small print at the bottom of dining room menus.
New Specialty Dining Policy
Alongside this change, Norwegian has also updated its approach to specialty restaurant bookings. Guests aged 13 and older who do not cancel or adjust their reservation at least two hours before the scheduled time will be charged a ten-dollar penalty. The same applies to anyone who arrives more than 15 minutes late. Until now, passengers had up to 24 hours to cancel without a charge.
Why the New Fees?
The cruise line has not issued an official explanation, but industry watchers believe the five-dollar entrée charge is designed to reduce food waste and make dining service more efficient. Others suggest it is aimed at discouraging the habit of ordering multiple meals simply to sample them. While some passengers may see the change as reasonable, others feel it is another example of cruise lines looking for ways to squeeze more revenue out of the experience.
For now, Norwegian is the only major cruise line to introduce a fee for extra mains. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC continue to let guests order as many main dishes as they like without an added charge. Whether Norwegian’s competitors will follow its lead remains to be seen.
What It Means for Cruisers
For most guests, the change will make little difference as long as they stick to one main dish at mealtimes. However, those who enjoy ordering extra plates will now need to factor in the small charge. The stricter specialty dining policy also means passengers should pay closer attention to managing reservations to avoid unexpected fees.
Cruise dining has long been known for its sense of abundance and freedom, and this policy marks a notable shift in that tradition. Whether passengers view the five-dollar charge as a fair move to cut waste or as a disappointing cutback, it is already sparking conversation across the cruise community.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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