Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise comes with many exciting decisions—choosing your ship, selecting the itinerary, planning shore excursions, and of course, figuring out how you want to eat onboard. One of the most common questions cruisers ask is:Does Royal Caribbean offer unlimited dining packages?
The answer is YES. And not only does Royal Caribbean offer them, but these packages are among the most popular add-ons for people who want to experience the ship’s full culinary range without worrying about individual restaurant prices.
This 2500-word, in-depth pillar article explores everything you need to know about the Unlimited Dining Package (UDP): how it works, its value, what’s included, ship-by-ship differences, tips for getting the best price, and mistakes to avoid.
Let’s dive into how the Unlimited Dining Package can transform your cruise dining experience.
The Unlimited Dining Package (UDP) is Royal Caribbean’s most flexible and comprehensive dining plan. It allows guests to enjoy as many specialty restaurants as they want throughout their cruise for one flat price.
Specialty restaurants include venues like:
Chops Grille
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
Wonderland
Hooked Seafood
150 Central Park
Playmakers Sports Bar
Teppanyaki
Portside BBQ (on select ships)
Johnny Rockets (boardwalk location)
Chef’s Table (small upcharge only)
And more depending on the ship
The package includes:
One specialty restaurant lunch on embarkation day
Dinner every night
Unlimited specialty dining for lunch and dinner on port and sea days
Discounts for high-end venues like Chef’s Table and Izumi à la carte
For food lovers, it’s the ultimate way to explore the ship’s culinary offerings.
The UDP operates on a simple but very structured system to ensure smooth dining experiences for all guests.
When you purchase the Unlimited Dining Package:
You cannot pre-book specialty restaurants before boarding.
You must wait until embarkation day.
Once onboard, you receive a welcome letter with your pre-assigned first-night dining reservation.
After that, you can make reservations for any other night or lunch directly at each restaurant or via the dining team.
This system prevents guests with UDP from booking up all prime dining times before other guests.
The following are covered at no extra charge:
All cover-charge specialty restaurants
All lunch and dinner menus
Appetizers, entrees, desserts (unlimited ordering allowed at many venues)
All specialty restaurants except Chef’s Table
Some premium dining experiences require an additional fee, even with the UDP:
Chef’s Table (You receive a discount, usually $20–30 off)
Izumi Sushi (à la carte) (UDP includes a spending credit, often $35–45)
Empire Supper Club (Icon Class) (Not included; separate premium event)
Some venues are not part of the UDP even though they serve food:
Starbucks
Room service
Beverage packages
Specialty food items sold individually (gelato, select café pastries)
This is the biggest question cruisers ask—and the short answer is: YES, for most people it is definitely worth it.
Let’s break it down.
You will get excellent value if:
You love trying different cuisines.
You prefer premium dining over the Main Dining Room.
You want steak, sushi, seafood, and Italian options regularly.
You normally order appetizers, sides, and desserts.
You are cruising on an Oasis, Quantum, or Icon-class ship with many restaurants.
For example:A typical specialty restaurant dinner ranges $40–$70 per person.If the UDP costs $100–$180 for a 7-night cruise, you break even after just 2–3 meals.
Everything after that is essentially a free bonus.
You might skip UDP if:
You prefer the Main Dining Room experience.
You’re on a smaller ship with limited specialty venues.
You don’t want structured dining plans.
You don’t eat multiple-course meals.
UDP is designed to maximize variety, so value decreases if you only eat small portions or minimal meals.
Unlimited lunch and dinner
One flat price
Best value for foodies
Works fleetwide
Choose any 3 specialty restaurants
Good for shorter cruises
Easier to book before sailing
Chops Grille one night
Choice of a second specialty restaurant
Perfect for couples
Giovanni’s or Jamie’s Italian priced lower at lunch
Great savings if you don’t mind midday dining
Perfect for trying one venue
No commitment
Royal Caribbean’s classic steakhouse, offering premium cuts and a romantic ambiance.
New England–style seafood restaurant available on select Oasis-class ships.
Rustic Italian favorites, wood-oven pizzas, and handmade pasta.
Celebrity chef restaurant serving modern, fresh Italian dishes.
High-energy hibachi experience with chef entertainment.
A la carte sushi with UDP credit applied.
Authentic Japanese grill experience with generous portions.
Molecular gastronomy and whimsical presentations inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Farm-to-table dining with premium seasonal ingredients.
Wings, sliders, nachos—UDP covers the entire food menu.
Lunch and dinner covered, milkshakes extra.
Royal Caribbean pricing varies greatly. Here’s how to save money.
Prices increase as the sail date approaches. Booking early usually gives 20–40% off.
Royal Caribbean runs promotions on:
Black Friday
Cyber Monday
Summer deals
Wave season
Weekend surprise sales
Some ships offer small discounts once you board.
Prices are higher during:
Christmas
Spring break
New Year
Peak summer
Diamond and above sometimes receive dining discounts.
Restaurants fill quickly, especially:
Chops Grille
Izumi Hibachi
Wonderland
150 Central Park
Visit any restaurant or the dining desk to book all week’s reservations.
To maximize savings:
Hibachi
Chops Grille
Wonderland
Giovanni’s
Hooked Seafood
Lunch is quieter, easier to book, and just as delicious.
Rotate between:
Fancy
Casual
International
Steakhouse
Interactive (hibachi)
This alone saves you $20–$25 per person.
Most venues allow:
2 appetizers
2 entrées
Several sides
All desserts you want
Alcohol and soft drinks are not included.
Prime dining times (6:00–7:30 PM) fill within hours.
You get a credit—not full unlimited menu.
Older ships = less value.
Some venues only open for dinner on sea days.
Your UDP gives you a special reduced rate.
Icon of the Seas
Star of the Seas
Ships offer 20+ dining venues—UDP shines here.
Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder
Highly recommended due to variety:
Giovanni’s
Hooked
150 Central Park
Izumi
Chops
Playmakers
Wonderland
Anthem, Quantum, Ovation, Odyssey
Strong mix of hibachi, Jamie’s, and Wonderland.
Good value but fewer choices.
Best to choose a 3-night package instead.
Yes! The Unlimited Dining Package is available fleetwide on most ships.
Usually $30–$55 per person per day, depending on ship and date.
Yes—lunch and dinner daily.
Yes, but children 0–5 eat free only at complimentary venues.
No, you must purchase a beverage package separately.
No, Royal Caribbean does not allow sharing.
No, room service is separate.
For most cruisers—especially food lovers—the Unlimited Dining Package is absolutely worth it.
You get:
Unlimited gourmet dining
Access to premium restaurants
Huge cost savings
Freedom to explore culinary options
Hassle-free dining experience
The chance to enjoy multiple cuisines daily
If you’re sailing on a large, modern ship with plenty of specialty restaurants, the Unlimited Dining Package turns your cruise into a true culinary adventure.
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