Norwegian Cruise Line Complimentary (Included) Dining | Norwegian Bliss Food Tour

[@TheAverageTourist]

Please read before commenting about the definition of "complimentary": The cruise line uses the terminology "Complimentary Dining" on their website and when booking dining options. This was taken right from the website: "Enjoy a Wide Variety of COMPLIMENTARY DINING" (www.ncl.com/ca/en/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-dining) For those saying it's not complimentary because you've paid for it in your cruise fare - I AGREE! But I was just using the same terminology that NCL uses to differentiate between specialty and complimentary (ie. what's included in your cruise fare). Thanks!

[@isaiascalderon6683]

You did a GREAT job and surprising, yet not surprising, you would have to explain "complimentary" to viewers! 🙄 I'm curious to know if this review covers cruise line broadly or if there are changes from ship to ship.

[@ryanm4013]

Unfortunately there are always going to be trolls who simply have a need to sound smart….but fail miserably at it.

[@warpedweft9004]

@@isaiascalderon6683 Check the dictionary. The definition of complimentary is given or supplied free of charge. If you've paid for your fare, then you've paid for the food. Regardless of how the cruise lines want to phrase it, it is not complimentary by any definition of the word. Not surprising people have to explain exactly what complimentary actually means and not what cruise lines would like you to believe it means. Just because cruise lines don't know what the word means doesn't mean the rest of us are stupid enough to not know what it means.

[@warpedweft9004]

@@ryanm4013 I think you need to look up the definition of troll too. It isn't someone who just doesn't happen to agree with your opinion, but I do agree there are people who simply need to sound smart, and have failed miserably at it because they've failed to check their facts before they open their mouths.

[@TheAverageTourist]

@isaiascalderon6683 It covers the majority of the line, however depends on the ship class as to what additional dining options they have. These vary based on the ship. Same as the specialty dining can very depending on the ship.

[@MrSujano]

I've gotta say, the complimentary dining was incredible!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Agreed!! The main dining rooms, especially 👌

[@lenvella9541]

It is NOT complimentary which means free you have aid for it in your cruise fare nothing free about it at all.

[@verycute1]

I'm traveling on the Bliss in October and I loved this video. I was hungry after watching everything.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Have a great cruise!! It's a lovely ship and so many yummy food options to look forward to for your trip.

[@TheConsciousDreamers]

Wow! Honestly the food looked pretty good, like you were dining at a fine dinning restaurant! The Norwegian cuisine looks pretty good too! It's so nice to know that taking a cruise with Norwegian you actually get quality food! Super informative video as always!!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks very much! We really enjoyed the food that was included. Always found something great to eat without having to try too hard 🤣

[@denstar5928]

We are not buying the free at sea package because we don’t drink enough. But how would we get some wine if we decided to have some? (We are taking the Bliss this winter.)

[@Simon-vo7gi]

@@denstar5928You can order wine by the glass or bottle and it will be charged to your room. You can also bring up too 2 bottle enjoy in your room or for a bottling fee, drink at a restaurant.

[@ervinslens]

Breakfast looks just too good, so many options! Another professionally filmed piece of content! Music fits perfectly 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@martyptx]

We just completed our 15 day cruise on the Bliss, and your review of the Complimentary Dining options is very informative and accurate. Our experience for the Garden Cafe was not as good as yours. We found that it was always crowded. The fruit, bread options and desserts, including the ice cream was always very good. With regard to the hot items, it was like rolling the dice it the food was worth it or not. Your chances went up the earlier you arrived for breakfast. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner at all the Main Dining Rooms, Savor, Taste, and the Manhatten Room were always outstanding. Service was generally pleasant, usually attentive, but often slow. We were not sure why it often took an hour and a half to eat dinner. Lunch and breakfast were ususally faster, however, there would be times that it took 10-15 minutes to a glass of water. We ate a few times at the Local Pub/Bar, but at best found it okay. It was a nice option that it was always available but was never a first choice. We totally agree with you that you can be more that satisfied to have great, awesome food at the Complimentary Dining options.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks very much! That's too bad about the buffet quality on your itinerary. It was crowded for us at main dining times, but we hate crowds so make a point to go on off-peak times. I agree - the earlier you get there for meals the better they are before the food is picked over and/or not as hot as it could be. We had one slow service night in the main dining room but it was at a very busy time - otherwise it was pretty normal timing. And for the Local we stuck to pretty basic things like the wings, nachos and salad so found them to be pretty good - but I probably wouldn't eat breakfast there again. Much better in the main dining room.

[@statinskill]

You mean the dining options that are included in the cruise you paid for. There is nothing complimentary on any cruise, everything is paid for.

[@martyptx]

One final comment, since the Bliss nearly full, about 4000 passengers, we found it getting into Taste MDR on our first night, that we made reservations for dinner to the remaining 14 nights of our cruise, and found that very helpful. I highly recommend making reservations.

[@TheAverageTourist]

That's a good tip. We didn't make any reservations for regular dining - but if we were eating at a busy time I probably would have to guarantee a spot.

[@donaldhudson2235]

Thanks for the info. And yes I'm be taking a trip in the near future. Thanks and yes it will be with Norwegian.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Hope this was helpful. Have fun!

[@martyptx]

My wife and I will be on the Norwegian Bliss for the the 15 day Panama Canal cruise. We watched all 4 of your Bliss videos and found them very helpful. Since we are boarding in LA, even the boarding the ship is very timely. We were hoping to see your specialty dining video before we left but maybe we’ll be able to see when you post it. Our package included 3 specialty dinners and we were able to make reservations at the Teppanyaki, La Cucina, and Los Lobos. Since 2 of them are a la carte, we not quite sure how that will work. You’re videos are very well made, and you can tell the effort you put into them to make them informative, interesting, to the point, and yet a very personable style. Very well done!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks for watching!! Glad they were helpful. My specialty dining video is live on Saturday morning. We did 4 dinners: Cagneys, La Cucina, Los Lobos, and Q. We enjoyed them, but also thought the complimentary food options were quite good on their own. The a la carte is pretty simple, you order from the menu just like in the main dining room. We each ordered a starter, main, and dessert at most of them. But a few we ordered 2 starters or a few different/extra sides and it was all included.

[@603travels]

After seeing the Norwegian Cruise line's Complimentary Dining, I would definitely say, its incredible and looks yummy too. Garden Cafe lunch menu was great too

[@TheAverageTourist]

Yes they really have a lot of variety on board. We were very happy with the complimentary options.

[@razorback9926]

The Garden Cafe (complimentary dining) is varied and wonderful. We ate there most of the time, no complaints at all. I can’t wait to cruise on this ship again!

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

So much delicious food. Give me that omelette station for breakfast. This pancakes look amazing. Ooh that Pork Loin looked great. Cool that they have rotating nights for dinner. Nothing better than a good potato skins. If the cheese sticks come out like that you know it's previously frozen. Still good but not the gooey goodness. Oh I'm hungry again.

[@AmaiwanTraveler]

Thanks for the informative video! I totally agree that the food on Norwegian cruises looks amazing! It's great to know that they provide quality food, so you never have to worry about not getting your money's worth.

[@edmondshum4116]

My experience on Norwegian Encore this Jan 2023 was very different. Complimentary main dining (all 3 sit down main dining restaurants) dishes were very mediocre, like eating at Applebees with smaller portions, definitely not fine dining quality. Buffet, especially breakfast, was much more enjoyable. Indian food at the buffet was really good. Bar and grill was ok, good place for comfort food. No lobsters at any complimentary restaurants at any night. Definitely a step down in quantity and quality compared to pre-pandemic.

[@TheAverageTourist]

That's unfortunate about your experience. We are particular about our dining and overall really enjoyed the included food while we were there. But in terms of how this cruise line compares to other lines it is more of a budget experience. We have been with Royal and Princess and there was lobster included one night in the main dining room on both and Princess food was probably the best (though I should try them both post pandemic to really compare).

[@joanphilbin8210]

My two sons, and wives, took me on a cruise, on the Norwegian Bliss, when it was new, and I was really impressed with the food, which they served, both at the complimentary and the dine dining meals, which my daughter in law reserved for us. The whole trip was fantastic.

[@TheAverageTourist]

I really enjoyed the food on the ship. And even better was I didn't have to cook for a whole week 🤣

[@7ActiveWeekends]

Your videos are very informative. Your voice is calming and videos are well explained. Thank you again for sharing such an amazing insight.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks very much! I'm glad the information can be helpful.

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Wow! The food looks delicious and it great to know that such great options are all included. We look forward to seeing what upgraded food package look like next.

[@kellenk1087]

Greta video! Super helpful, btw local is on deck 7! Thanks for the video!

[@TheAverageTourist]

I must have had too many drinks there to remember 🤣🍻

[@EmmVentures]

Yummmmm! Watching this made me so hungry! I think dinner looked to be my favorite!! Nachos are my favorite!!! Time to go and make a snack! Thanks for your deliciously made video!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks so much! I know making the video made me hungry too! I also enjoy nachos :)

[@matthewlewis8738]

Your video is very well done. Informative and entertaining!!! Can’t wait for our cruise. Thank you for all the information!!!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great cruise.

[@traveladvisorak6065]

So many options for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Generally, I tend to eat more in buffets and the food here looks so yummy, I would for sure be eating a lot. Nice share.

[@edwardrumick1496]

I like being able to have your meal when ever you want and where ever you want

[@TheAverageTourist]

Yes that's a big selling feature. We want to eat when we're ready - not super late at night before bed or super early so that it cuts into our day - that seems to be the case with other cruise lines.

[@edwardrumick1496]

We are Platinum ON NCL so we get 2 extra special dinners 4 total. Our next cruise will be on the Viva for New years eve 9 day southern Caribbean

[@TheAverageTourist]

Enjoy!! That's a great itinerary, and the ship looks amazing 👍

[@frankfedel2039]

Leaving for our second cruise on the Bliss tomorrow. We spent two weeks dining on the Bliss and never had a bad meal. Our favorite is the Local. I can already taste it!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Enjoy your cruise! We are on the Epic now, so I'll be sharing that food overview soon. Great food all around!

[@markanderson4163]

we went on the Bliss twice...all the food was amazing...the only exception was the BBQ restaurant (specialty dining) it was pretty bad...the regular included choices are great and the specialty restaurants are awesome...we had that included in our booking...Cagney's Steak House is our favorite...if you leave the ship hungry you're just impossible to please...lol

[@TheAverageTourist]

I agree about the BBQ restaurant. I would give that one a pass if anyone is considering it. Cagney's is our favourite as well and there is so much food variety we were never hungry!

[@CarolandDerek]

Thank you for providing the in-depth information. 🙏👍

[@TheAverageTourist]

My pleasure!

[@hoya86bug]

Thank you for sharing this video. It was very helpful. I am taking my first cruise ever as a solo cruiser on the Norwegian Bliss in June to Alaska. I am very excited!

[@TheAverageTourist]

I'm glad it was helpful! Hope you have an amazing cruise in Alaska!

[@anastas6179]

Thanks for this. I just booked my first NCL cruise on Bliss and this is helpful. I particularly find The Local appealing as a pub food option after a few drinks.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Glad to hear it was helpful! We liked the Local too for that reason and also it was really conveniently located on the ship.

[@alivanz]

thanks a bunch for this great overview!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Happy to share 😊

[@farmecologist3395]

Well put together video...thanks! Timely too as we are cruising on the Joy in mid Feb...looks like the Joy has almost identical venues, except for a couple small differences.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks very much! Yes they might be sister ships or very similar. We've been on a few NCL now and the Bliss and Escape were very similar but had some slight differences for amenities, layouts, and restaurants. Jade was much smaller.

[@ecas13]

I literally eat Indian Food every single day for lunch 😅 The complimentary dining on Norwegian is more than sufficient. There are TONS of options. That being said, specialty dining options are wonderful too. You can't go wrong!

[@ChristyEVERS]

Lol about the lack of dramatic cheese pull from the mozzarella sticks. 😂. I agree. I think the complimentary dining is enough. It’s fun to try the specialty dining, but not needed. Great info!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Haha yeah he thought it was going to be such a good clip haha. The dining included was great in our opinions.

[@karlarriola2306]

Thank you. It was very helpful. Me and my wife are going on our first cruise in april on the norwegian bliss, and this helps a lot

[@christopherchristianvanlan1809]

I came up with this super idea. I am going to make "some" of this food at home 😊

[@TheAverageTourist]

Enjoy!

[@joanphilbin8210]

I thought that the Taste of India food was so fantastic that I wish I had a restaurant like that at home!!

[@kennywilliams123]

We just got off a 10 day cruise on the Norwegian Getaway- the food was excellent as was the live entertainment.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Can't wait to go on the next one. Love cruising 🙌

[@daleherndon421]

They also have a good selection of sugar free deserts to choose from including icecream.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Yes I did see those too! Didn't try any though.

[@TropicLuv]

I really appreciated this video! I will be cruising on the Norwegian Bliss to Alaska in May 2024 and cannot wait! I agree with you, so many wonderful, free dining options that are included with our cruise. All the food looks delicious and amazing and so many choices! I am lucky though that with our package that we have booked, we do get two specialty dining options, so it will be the best of both worlds! Thank you so much and happy, cruising 🥰👏👍

[@TheAverageTourist]

I'm glad it was helpful, and thanks for watching! Next week I'm sharing the specialty dining options and my top recommendations - we tried 4 different specialty restaurants. And agree it was nice to have options. Happy cruising!

[@theresalinger3150]

if you are sailing to Alaska make sure you check out the observation deck. We ate breakfast there and a couple of afternoons they served lunch (it was more of a tea service.) The view is spectacular and its a great place to sit when leaving port

[@3820jack]

NCL has a KZbin channel and they post videos. There are little clips and a series that talks about how they are improving the quality of their dining room menus. Already on the Prima the dining menu doesn't change. Carnival is now charging for the third entree. By having a non changing menu you will get another chance later in the cruise. I think that they are working towards the same goals as Carnival. The menu may discourage getting more than one entree knowing about the menu. The word about the Indulge Food Hall is that everything is good quality! This food hall concept will cut the size of the buffet and give the passengers higher quality with less waste!

[@TheAverageTourist]

I'm all about higher quality food and less waste. I think it would be great if they had a bigger set menu with only a few rotating/changing items, but they should publish it in advance so people know when and where they want to eat. I thought the food was pretty good on all our NCL cruises.

[@luckislonggone9941]

We're on the Bliss later this week, found your video helpful, thanks.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Awesome, have a great cruise 🙌

[@davidjames9148]

Great video. Just cruised my second time on the Bliss. I think all the main dining have the same menu on each day. The menus change daily, but all offer the same that day. But, the food was great. We did only one speciality restaurant, Ocean Blue. It was great. B You are right that the complimentary is great. Having the drink package made the cruise even better.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Agree about the drink package 👌🤣

[@TVHouseHistorian]

I’m shocked. When I sailed on the Norwegian Encore last October, the menu in the MDR was nowhere near as plentiful as you experienced on the Bliss, and the food was not good. With their “Free at Sea” promotion, I was able to do two specialty dining options included at no extra cost while on board, so that made the food experience good. I thought the buffet was fabulous no matter what time of day, and would have very easily been happy eating there for every meal. The pretzel rolls were the star of the show for me. “The Local” was so busy the entire voyage that I didn’t even bother with it. The observation lounge on Norwegian ships plays such a huge role in taking in scenery while you’re eating. The fact that they have a light buffet in that venue is marvelous. Overall, I thought Norwegian did a great job with the included food (except the MDR) and I will definitely be sailing with this cruise line again.

[@TheAverageTourist]

I enjoyed the food on every NCL voyage we've been on. Some ships were better than others though.

[@TravellingWithTeens]

Thank you for this! We’re on the Bliss next month to Alaska, and this is the EXACT video we were looking for (but could never find!) #subscribed

[@TheAverageTourist]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks so much for the support. Hope you have a fantastic cruise it's my favourite Norwegian ship that we've been on so far.

[@BucketQuestRV]

Very well done. You explained it well.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rodneyscales2648]

That looks so delicious. I love desserts but I don’t think I would be able eat it. My stomach would hurt.

[@TheAverageTourist]

There's so much food on a cruise sometimes it's hard to even make it to dessert 🤣

[@christinac25]

This was soooo helpful, thank you! 🥰so excited for my first cruise going solo

[@TheAverageTourist]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great cruise :)

[@laurieklein9910]

The food really is amazing!

[@TheAverageTourist]

It was so good 👍

[@SirgalDelRchannel]

OMG! This Norwegian cruise experience is amazing. I love all the complimentary food! Such an amazing cruise! Big like and stay safe.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks so much!

[@Rivercat0338]

This is super helpful! I am booked on the Bliss for October and eat plant based, so having an idea of what the options might be is great.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great time on the cruise.

[@keisha4620]

Thanks for posting

[@raybrown8887]

very nice video, we were on the bliss last year and liked it so much we just booked a panama canal cruise on the bliss in february 25. since they offer several specialty dining with many packages we went to several last time and plan to do the same. the only food we didn't try much was the garden cafe, we thought it was really good however we like to be served and tended to eat less in the main dinning rooms or the local. our favorite specialty dining was probably los lobos. we did Carneys, the teppanyaki and la coccina. all were really good however Cagney's which should have been the best was our least favorite but still good. our next cruise we are going with our daughter and her husband and since the cruise is kind of expensive we will be doing more included dining, both of us get three specialty dinning but probably won't be adding any more, but since it is a bucket list cruise we might change our mind. keep up the vlogs they are really good.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks so much!! We really enjoyed the dining options both included main dining and specialty. Though the BBQ place was not a hit for us on our cruise. I'd do specialty dining again if it's included or if I really want to try a restaurant. I'm not a fan generally of the buffet... too many people, germs, and we always eat way too much. So agree, the site down restaurants are my preference too. You may change your mind when you get on the ship! For a bucket list trip, there are no budget rules 🤣🤣

[@peterguerrero9431]

Thanks for the information It’s was very helpful

[@edwinrodeo]

Nicely done.. food looks delicious.

[@mrjc12]

Amazeballs!!

[@Trisha1165]

Great video - so full of useful info. Thank You :)

[@TheAverageTourist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joanphilbin8210]

They aiso made fresh veggie burgers, while I waited. It was super!

[@TheWrightLifeTravelChannel]

Wow, there were so many options! We've been thinking about a cruise but are a bit on the fence!

[@TheAverageTourist]

I really love cruising. I'd have more booked if I could but I'm in camping planning mode right now.

[@Serveothers23]

Pastry ladies!!!😮❤

[@TheAverageTourist]

👍

[@goldenblooms6672]

I really miss being on the cruises for their buffets, the many choices to choose from and so many desserts. Celebrity Cruises use to have a cafe where you can get crepes, soups and salads which I thought tasted better(there was a small fee approx $15 per person) than the specialty dining where you had to pay a $45 per person fee and it also had way too much food. Was just not my thing but a great dining experience still. Not everything more expensive is better.

[@TheAverageTourist]

We personally find that the included dining was always good for us - there's a lot to choose from still and I've already paid for it, so might as well enjoy it!

[@goldenblooms6672]

@@TheAverageTourist I wouldn’t mind trying the specialty dining rooms once but I think if I went again, I would just be using the buffet and the included dining. There’s nothing wrong with that. You can always save some money and use it towards something else whether cruise related or not

[@user-ld7uj9pv8e]

Would have liked to see the seafood buffet 😋

[@TheAverageTourist]

There wasn't one sadly. Just some shrimp and fish occasionally.

[@russham]

I like Alan because he likes everything. That's how I am.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Haha he really does!

[@tubetop123]

Great video thank you

[@lesburrows8469]

Very good video - thanks 😊

[@TheAverageTourist]

thank you!

[@greatwhitenorth3717]

Great video, good flow and very informative. Well thought out. Thank you!!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks very much! Appreciate it 🙌

[@amityheinbuch3708]

Looks great! I can’t wait to try! On a side note, the whole video in 0.5 was too much for me-made me dizzy😮

[@TheAverageTourist]

Oh no! I'll have to check that next time 🫣

[@Explorcation]

I am finally catching up on your episodes and just had to watch this food episode first 😁 I wish our recent cruise had pastry ladies! I would have especially enjoyed the French toast and waffles. Skylar definitely would want to go to Local Bar and Grill for the wings. From this video I think we would be very happy with the complimentary dining!

[@MsJRod2012]

I am planning on going to the Mexican Rivera cruise on the Norwegian Cruise. I will find out if their complimentary dining has vegetarian options. Thanks for your video!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Happy to share! There were many vegetarian options included

[@pensacola321]

I find food on NCL ships to be very good.... Specialty dining is a treat, but you don't need it.

[@TheAverageTourist]

I agree - I will probably only get it if it's included in my free at sea package

[@kimberlys2950]

Im watching this now as im about to try Ncl for the first time. I just did two royal Caribbean cruises and the main dining was disappointing. 🤞

[@TheAverageTourist]

I'm not sure what your food preferences are, but I quite enjoyed the NCL food. But in my past experience we had really good main dining experiences with Royal and Princess. But it can also vary depending on the ship, crew, etc. So fingers crossed you enjoy it!

[@eldacharm8547]

The local bar and grill is on deck 7

[@vanesasharpyan1877]

Anyone took a cruise April-May to Alaska? Any tips please?

[@leksieb1]

What time did you have breakfast? I’m trying to avoid crowds

[@AdamAarts]

I was initially surprised to learn when we booked just how little there was for free dining vs how much paid restaurants there are. This video gives me some hope back that well have some decent options! Aside from the Starbucks was there any other options for iced or blended coffees?

[@TheAverageTourist]

I didn't see any other blended or iced coffees while we were there, but we also don't drink them, so there could be if you asked!

[@TheThisisliving]

We paid NCL $500 for insurance in case anything happen to our trip. We were at the NZ airport when the weather went bad. 14 inches of rain fell that day. The airport was closed. We had to spend the night in the airport because they wouldn't let anybody leave. The next day we were threatened with jail time by the airport if we didn't leave so we left. NZ air offered no help. We arranged a hotel for two day hoping we would get help by any of the parties involved with no luck. We ended up staying for 5 day thinking we would be covered by the insurance that we purchased through NCL. The extra 5 days cost us $3k + $1400 to purchase new tickets through NZ air. We ended up with a $500 per person compensation for $1000 total and nothing from NZ air. Do NOT sail NCL. They hold no responsibility for anything that may go wrong and LIE about any kind of service they may have to provide. In the end it cost us $3400 for something that was not our fault. DON'T buy insurance it's a SCAM. Corporate Slobs.

[@user-cu1fg5zx2h]

Yes Ncl included food very good But room rate high On prima may 22 2025 Owe $4209

[@TheAverageTourist]

Ooof that's high! But for Prima, I guess that's the price you pay. Older ships seem to be a bit less but also offer less.

[@user-cu1fg5zx2h]

@@TheAverageTourist last 3 cruises Epic older But lot to offer Want ports of prima

[@jayTee-zp1jn]

Not a MDR girl on most lines. Plenty on this ship to dip in and out of.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Yes lots of options for dining here for any preference 👍

[@MissLauraSquared]

I love the top you’re wearing in the intro and outro! Where did you get it?

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks! It's actually a dress I got off Shein.

[@MissLauraSquared]

@@TheAverageTourist SHEIN has such great clothes! Thank you!

[@kimberlylee8639]

Great video. I just gained 10 pounds 😂😂😂😂

[@TheAverageTourist]

Then you got the full cruise experience! 🤣🤣

[@dlgregory35]

They're no complimentary dining on this ship or any other ship. complimentary means free of charge, however all that you mention the passnegrfs have paid for in their cruise failed so not complimentary or free it is paid for in cruise fare.

[@pigboykool]

Kind of a silly question from a cruise newbie, do you pay tips at the main dinning room? Is it already included in the pre-paid gratuity? thx!

[@TheAverageTourist]

You pay gratuities on your cruise fare (on your credit card) but throughout the cruise or at the end of the cruise you can leave an additional tip for your servers in the dining room. It's completely optional and depends on the service received.

[@lenvella9541]

There is no complimentary dining on the bliss or any other ship. You said it lets look at the food included in your cruise fare that is exactly what it is included. Complimentary means are cannot be fee if you paid for it in cruise fares.

[@TheAverageTourist]

It's the terminology the cruise line uses. And agree, it's included because you paid for it. www.ncl.com/ca/en/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-dining Halfway down the page: "Enjoy a Wide Variety of Complimentary Dining"

[@lenvella9541]

@@TheAverageTourist Yjamk you for agreeing with me and what your posted fromNCKL it is about time they earned the English language because what they are saying is simply not true.

[@meilei4405]

Very useful information. Thx a lot. How early usually you have to line up for the complimentary dining?

[@TheAverageTourist]

Thanks very much! Since we were just 2, we never really had to wait for any complimentary dining. We usually ate dinner in the main buffet around 6:30/7pm and tje lost we waited was 5 minutes. For breakfast we ate around 8ish and also never had a wait. The Local got busy for breakfast and lunch but again, we ate around 1:30 ish for lunch on sea days and it was fine. If you have a larger group, I think you can make reservations in the main dining room for dinner at least.

[@han79045]

​@@TheAverageTouristThank you for a wonderful informational video! I'm sold on your buffet desserts shot! =) Wondering-Do I need to make reservations to dine at MDR? Are the 3 MDRs you mentioned near each other on the ship? Have no clue on which one to go to... lol

[@beatricechan4716]

I am surprised that they are letting you self serve. Most other cruise lines still seem to be a staff member service. Maybe I’m paranoid but I’d wonder how many people are still washing hands before eating.

[@TheAverageTourist]

I was surprised too. I kind of wished that they kept that part from the pandemic going. I don't like doing the buffet because so many people don't wash their hands 🤢

[@robertk4552]

Sorry but no cruise lines offer complimentary dining that I am aware of. The real question should be is the food that you are paying for as part of your fare worth eating or not? The number of specialty restaurants going on a single ship is concerning.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Yes it's included in your fare but its the language they use on their website. Probably to make people feel like they’re getting such a good deal with them 'feeding you too'...

[@psyched9754]

Does the Manhatten dining room need a reservation?

[@TheAverageTourist]

It's not required, but if there's a line, you will have to wait. If you make reservations, you can potentially save yourself some time.

[@psyched9754]

@@TheAverageTourist Thank you!

[@edithquinones387]

Is it the same on the scape ? Gracias

[@TheAverageTourist]

The escape has the same for complimentary dining.

[@keeperzero]

Hush puppies are not included

[@lenvella9541]

Why is it so many people think complimentary dining is a gift from the cruise lines? Complimentary does mean free, but when you pay for food in MDR and Buffet it is NOT free to is paid for in the cruise fare. You state this yourself when you start by saying lets start with. what is included in the fare. It iMDR and Buffet etc is NOT complimentary to free at all. You have paid for them in your cruise fare.

[@itsruf1]

FAIL explanation. It is complimentary with paid stay. What's hard to understand? Quail eggs w/ champaigne is extra. Not complimentary. Are you a combative 10 yo?

[@Gibson-md9yi]

Complimentary meaning you don't have to spend any additional money for them

[@itsruf1]

@@Gibson-md9yi umm.. yea. We all know that now. It's been beat like a dead horse. Due to one jerk comment.

[@ugablackice]

😂😂😂 oh boy.

[@Gibson-md9yi]

It is not complimentary per se but on your cruise what sounds better complimentary or included with your fare... complimentary has a nicer ring to it

[@RebeccaHargate]

Do any of the complimentary dining require an additional gratuity or any additional charge? I'm going to be sailing on one of their ships in a couple weeks and would like to make sure I don't get hit with a surprise charge.

[@TheAverageTourist]

No the included dining options don't have any extra charge unless you order something on the menu that costs extra... those are clearly marked like if you wanted to add a lobster tail or a fancier steak or a deluxe coffee at the end. And if you don't have the drink package, your drinks would be extra if they aren't the included water, tea, coffee, etc.

[@RebeccaHargate]

@@TheAverageTourist thank you. One more question if I could. How do they know if you buy something more? How does that process work? Is it tied to your room key card or something?

[@TheAverageTourist]

@Becca Hargate yes everything gets charged using your room key. It's your sea pass to get off and on the ship too. Carry it with you everywhere, and keep it safe 👌

[@RebeccaHargate]

@@TheAverageTourist thanks!

[@oldsandface]

The word you want is "included". If it was truly complimentary, it wouldn't be part of the fare!!

[@TheAverageTourist]

I agree, I used the terms they have on their website descriptions, but nothing is really "free" since you've paid for the cruise.