Dining on a cruise
The short answer
Most cruise food is included: the main dining room, the buffet and many casual spots. Specialty restaurants cost extra. Dinner is either at a set time with the same servers each night, or flexible, when you choose. Try the main dining room several nights: it's included, and it's where the kitchen does its best cooking.By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026
Room service, line by line
Room service, from each line's own pages
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | 24-hour room service — charges may apply, breakfast is free | September 21, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean International | In-room dining available day or night; a fee applies | September 21, 2026 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | 24-hour room service with a convenience charge of up to $9.95 | September 21, 2026 |
| MSC Cruises | 24-hour room service with free delivery; food priced per item | September 24, 2026 |
| Celebrity Cruises | 24-hour room service with a $9.95 fee per order | September 21, 2026 |
| Disney Cruise Line | 24-hour room service, with many items included in your fare | September 21, 2026 |
| Holland America Line | 24-hour in-room dining | September 21, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Ship Eats — order food to your cabin | September 24, 2026 |
| Viking | 24-hour room service, 7 days a week | September 24, 2026 |
| Oceania Cruises | Around-the-clock menu; hot breakfast in every stateroom | September 24, 2026 |
First-timer questions
Questions, answered.
The questions people ask most. Tap one to open it, or open them all and read straight down.
5 questions on this page
Is all the food free on a cruise?
Food in the main dining room, the buffet and many casual venues is included. Specialty restaurants, some snacks and room service fees on some lines cost extra.
What is the main dining room on a cruise?
The ship's large sit-down restaurant, included in your fare, serving multi-course dinners and often breakfast and lunch. It's usually where the kitchen puts the most care.
Does any cruise line offer free room service?
Several offer free continental breakfast delivered to your cabin, and some include more. Others charge a per-order fee. See the table above.
Can you wear shorts to dinner on a cruise?
In the buffet and casual venues, usually yes. In the main dining room in the evening, most lines ask for smart casual, and some specifically exclude shorts, tank tops and swimwear.
Are there foods to avoid on a cruise?
Ship kitchens are inspected regularly and food is generally safe. The simple rule: wash your hands before every meal, and on port days eat where food is freshly cooked and hot.