NCL Introduces New Fee for Extra Entrées in Main Dining Rooms

Norwegian Cruise Line has quietly introduced a new dining fee that is likely to get passengers talking. Beginning with sailings on or after 26 September 2025, guests ordering more than one entrée in the main dining rooms will be charged five dollars for each additional dish.

For years, one of the joys of cruise ship dining has been the freedom to order multiple items without worrying about the bill. Whether it meant trying both the steak and the pasta or sampling two desserts, it was all part of the all-inclusive experience.

This image captures the Norwegian Star cruise ship sailing through deep blue ocean waters with a faint shoreline visible in the distance. The ship’s hull features colorful star-themed artwork, giving it a playful and festive appearance. Its sleek design and the surrounding serene seascape create an inviting scene of luxury and relaxation.

Now, Norwegian is rethinking that policy. The first entrée will remain complimentary, but a five-dollar fee will apply to every extra main course. The change was quietly noted in the fine print at the bottom of menus in the main dining rooms.

More Dining Changes

This is not the only dining update passengers should be aware of. Norwegian has also revised its specialty restaurant policy. Guests aged 13 and above who do not show up for a reservation, or who arrive more than 15 minutes late, will now be charged a ten-dollar fee. To avoid the charge, reservations must be cancelled or modified at least two hours before the scheduled time. Previously, the cancellation window was set at 24 hours.

Reactions and Comparisons

The cruise line has not released an official statement about the reason for the new entrée fee, but many observers believe it is designed to cut down on food waste, speed up service in busy dining rooms, and discourage what some call menu hopping, where passengers order multiple dishes just to try them. Loyal cruisers, however, have been quick to point out that it feels like another example of nickel and diming at sea.

Elegant dining area inside Ocean Blue on Norwegian Bliss with neatly arranged tables, contemporary chairs, and large windows offering ocean views, showcasing a sophisticated onboard dining experience.

Other major lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC still allow guests to order multiple entrées at no extra cost in their main dining rooms, which makes Norwegian the first of the big players to introduce a fee of this kind. Whether competitors follow suit will be something cruise fans are watching closely.

For now, passengers planning a Norwegian cruise should be prepared for the change. Those who stick to one entrée will not see any difference, while anyone who enjoys trying a second or third main course will notice a charge added to their account. Specialty dining reservations also require closer attention, as late arrivals or no-shows can quickly become a costly mistake.

The chance to sample multiple dishes has always been part of the cruise dining charm. Norwegian’s new five-dollar entrée charge marks a shift away from that tradition, and reactions among cruisers are already mixed. Would you pay extra for a second entrée, or does this feel like one cutback too many?