carnival cruise main dining room breakfast

7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

I don't think I'm alone in despising cruise ship buffets as breakfast venues. Oh, the food's usually alright if you stay away from the scrambled eggs sitting in a steam tray. However, the restaurant is always packed on port days, the omelet station lines are interminable and it's impossible to find an empty table. It's too much fuss when I'm hungry and uncaffeinated.

Carnival Cruise Line has worked hard to solve that problem, and Carnival Celebration may be the best example of this solution at work. Beyond the trifecta of well-known breakfast options — the buffet, the main dining room and room service — I found seven other breakfast spots on the ship during a first look at the vessel this week. They're not technically secret, as they're listed prominently in the Carnival Hub app and on digital signs around the ship. Still, I call them secret because many of them are pretty quiet in the morning, and I don't think many cruisers are taking advantage.

Here, then are seven secret breakfast spots I enjoyed visiting for a yummy morning meal without the buffet hassle.

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Big Chicken

Cost: Included in your fare.

Shaquille O'Neal's friend chicken eatery debuted on a cruise ship (Carnival's Mardi Gras) for the first time in 2021, and it's making an appearance on Celebration, too, serving up chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches that make for a delicious fast-casual lunch by the pool. While the lines are long at lunch, there were only two people in line when I showed up for breakfast — despite the venue's location just steps from the crowded buffet.

The breakfast menu is limited to chicken and a biscuit, an egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich with or without sausage or bacon, and a three-cheese omelet. You can even enjoy a side of French fries, though the better choice is to grab the more flavorful breakfast potatoes off the buffet as you walk by.

BlueIguana Cantina

BlueIguana makes a comeback on Carnival Celebration; the Mexican restaurant is a fleetwide favorite. While it's best known for burritos and tacos served all afternoon, its breakfast options are a sleeper hit.

My husband ordered a breakfast burrito with eggs and chicken sausage, but I went for the taco and arepa because that had no line. Huevos rancheros are also on offer. And, yes, the salsa bar is open in the morning because take it from me — eggs are definitely better with some hot sauce or salsa on top.

Emeril's Bistro 1397

Cost: A la carte.

Breakfast by Emeril Lagasse is worth a splurge in my book, and you're unlikely to find his southern Creole cuisine on many cruise ships. The menu is small but it has great variety. Each dish costs $6.

Vegetarians and cruisers who like their breakfast sweet (that's me) can indulge in bananas foster crepes, and sweet potato waffles with pecans and whipped cream. The savory lovers can order up shrimp and grits, breakfast po-boys — featuring eggs, bacon and andouille pork sausage — or poached egg and fixins (the fixins being slow cooked beef) in a Creole hollandaise sauce. Beignets ($5) are on the regular menu, and I assume you can order those in the morning as well. My plan is to find out tomorrow before our day in Nassau!

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse

Make Flavortown a stop on the breakfast train if you want to avoid the buffet crowds, but don't expect morning barbecue or donkey sauce. Carnival Celebration uses the Pig & Anchor space to set up a mini version of the upstairs breakfast buffet.

I didn't stay and eat but I perused the offerings, which included bread, pastries, yogurt, cheeses, hot dishes (including shakshuka, salmon benedict, eggs, sausage and pancakes) and cereal, plus a drinks station. The area has so much seating, you'll easily have your pick of tables. Alternatively, you can take your meal out by the Deck 8 aft Patio Pool, which would be my choice. The industrial vibe of the Pig & Anchor area suits the restaurant, but I find the space dark and uninviting.

JavaBlue Café

Cost: Food included, coffee a la carte.

JaveBlue Café is neither secret nor uncrowded because it sells specialty coffees and teas to all the cruisers for whom boring buffet coffee won't do. However, I don't think most cruisers on Carnival Celebration realize that you can pick up premade hot breakfast sandwiches and breakfast pastries for free there — and the line to order those quickie breakfast bites is separate from and shorter than the coffee line.

Order up variations of eggs and ham or sausage on bread or English muffins, as well as croissants and Danishes. The barista (pastrista?) can throw it in the oven for you so the cheese gets melty. (It will get melty. I picked up a cheese empanada yesterday afternoon and nearly burned my tongue the cheese was that hot!)

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast

Cost: $10 per adult, $8 per child 14 and under.

The kid-favorite Dr. Seuss breakfast is back after a pandemic-era hiatus, but I saw no advertising around the ship for Friday's event. I knew it should be offered so went into my Hub app, tracked down the times (there are two seatings) and signed up. Another mom sitting at the pool overheard me talking with my daughter about it, and she asked me how she could sign up. Someone clearly let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, because breakfast was packed.

On Carnival Celebration, the event took place in the Carnivale dining room which was decorated in colorful red and blue whimsical decor; it also had an ice sculpture of The Cat in the Hat and table centerpieces of his iconic red-and-white hat. Kids' music played over the speaker system and Things 1 and 2, Sam I am and the Cat himself posed for photos. Breakfast options include fruity cereal-crusted French toast, red-and-white stacked pancakes and – of course – green eggs and ham served Benedict-style. Know that the options lean toward the overly sweet; you might want to stick with the omelet unless you really like frosting-topped waffles.

Sea Day Brunch

Cost: Included, with a few a la carte options.

Sea Day Brunch on the first sea day of our cruise was packed, so clearly the secret is out. Or, perhaps cruisers came for a typical main dining room breakfast and found themselves facing a miles-long brunch menu. Our sailing is full of Platinum Carnival guests and other past passengers who know most of the tricks. If you're not in on the secret, here it is: You should not miss Carnival's Sea Day Brunch.

The menu has everything from 12-hour French toast to steak and eggs, a delicious yogurt parfait (heavy on the nutty granola, so good), eggs Benedict and burgers. You can pay extra for fresh-pressed juices, a crab and avocado sandwich, lobster Benedict or Emeril's shrimp and grits. There's even dessert and a kids menu with both breakfast and lunch options.

Bottom line

By all means, head to the Lido Marketplace on Carnival Celebration to grab hot or cold breakfast or get omelets made to order. I love the beachy vibes in the venues and the seating nooks along the sides. But if you're tired of crowds, looking for a quiet meal or just want something different from the usual, try one of these seven secret breakfast spots.

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• Cruise Advice

The Ultimate Menu Guide to Carnival’s Main Dining Room

Doug Parker

• March 12, 2019
• 6.0K shares

The main dining rooms on Carnival Cruise Line’s ships are a staple for guests. They add to the overall cruise experience, as cruisers generally value food and service.

Carnival’s dining rooms consist of varied menus and experienced and attentive staff. Having dinner in the main dining room (otherwise known as MDR to the seasoned cruiser) is a three-course affair.

Should you choose not to eat in the main dining room, you’ll also have plenty of other options, free or for fee, around the ship, as various dining venues are available. In other words, you will not be hungry during your sea vacation.

This menu guide to Carnival’s Main Dining Room will provide insightful information about where to dine, what dishes to eat, and an overview of the cruise line’s main dining rooms!

Where it’s located

Carnival offers both Set-Time Dining and Time Dining, which gives guests more flexibility, making it an excellent option for those who don’t necessarily want to be on a set schedule.

READ MORE: 31 Carnival Main Dining Room Tips

Most Carnival ships have two dining rooms, but although the Spirit-class ships ( Carnival Pride , Carnival Spirit , Carnival Legend , and Carnival Miracle ) have only one dining room, they still offer traditional Set-Time and Your Time Dining options.

Carnival’s signature “Sea Day Brunch” is also served in one of the main dining rooms. Because of its popularity, it’s typically served in the larger dining room, which is located in the aft (back).

What to Expect in the Main Dining Room

Now and then, Carnival tinkers with the menus. O ne thing’s for sure, though: any change, no matter how small, will surely be appreciated by guests.

Given that Carnival ensures that people have a great experience, they take the feedback they receive on changes very seriously.

Currently, the Carnival fleet offers two separate menus: the American Table menu and the American Feast menu.

• American Table : This is your typical main dining room menu with a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. This is the rotating menu you’ll find each cruise night, except on formal nights.

• American Feast : This is the menu offered in the main dining room on formal nights, and it’s not all that different from the American Table menu. This menu will be provided once or twice per cruise, depending on the length of your sailing. Formal nights are also the only evenings in which tablecloths are used in the main dining rooms.

Menu Download

• Download a sample American Table menu here
• Download a sample American Feast menu here

The experience usually takes 90 or so minutes. If you are crunched for time, you should consider eating dinner at the Lido deck buffet or another venue offering a more casual experience.

Dining times

Carnival offers two different dining programs, and you’ll generally select one when you book your cruise. Traditional Dining, which allows you to eat at the same table with the same people at the same time each night, is generally served at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Your Time dining lets you decide what time you’d like to eat. But be aware that because Your Time dining is in demand, you must request this option as soon as possible.

If you find it unavailable on your sailing, recheck it once you’re on board to see if there are openings.

In 2020, Carnival moved on its HUB app to allow guests to check in for Your Time dining and receive an alert when the table is ready. This avoids the long lines at the entrance of the dining room.

• Pros and Cons of Traditional Dining  vs. Your Time Dining

What should I wear?

Carnival breaks dinner up into two evenings: cruise casual and cruise elegant.

Carnival’s website says the main dining room does not permit cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops, or bathing suit attire.

For men, they may wear khakis, collared shirts, and dress slacks suits in the main dining room. Tuxedos, a sports coat, and a tie are not required. However, cruise elegance is a great photo opportunity, and you can dress as fancy as you’d like.

Carnival also lists jeans forbidden for elegant evenings, but in our experience, they tend to look the other way as long as the jeans are excellent. You can read their dining room dress code policy here .

Summer dresses, blouses, casual dresses, pantsuits, and capris are all acceptable for casual cruise nights.

Carnival Main Dining Room menu explained

The menu in the main dining room is pretty straightforward, but it can be overwhelming, given all the options available.

Since we know a lot of people want to know at least the basics of what will be available, we thought it might be helpful to take a look at both the American Table and American Feast offerings and break down the menus.

Keep in mind that selections change periodically, so what you’ll find below is more an example of what you’ll discover than a written-in-stone guide.

If you’re the type of person who loves kicking things off with an appetizer (or three), Carnival’s menus have you covered. Generally speaking, you’ll find about 10 different options in Carnival, with the always-popular shrimp cocktail available every night.

Some of the other tasty treats they offer to start your meal include:

• Fried Calamari
• Chilled Vietnamese Roll
• Strawberry Bisque
• Smoked Chicken Quesadillas with salsa
• Smoked Poblano and Corn Soup
• A variety of salads

Dishes to try

While this is one of our favorite menu sections, it’s not for everyone. However, what you’ll find here are items that, as the name suggests, aren’t exactly everyday fare.

Found just beneath the appetizers, you never know precisely what you’ll discover. But for folks who are open to trying something new, this is a tasty option.

Some items you will find on this menu are:

• Blood Sausage
• Escargot (snails)
• Alligator Tail
• BBQ Pulled Wild Boar
• Philadephia Pepper Pot (with Honeycomb Tripe)
• Braised Frog Legs

READ MORE: Carnival Cruise Food Reviews

Nightly entree menu

When it comes to entrees, you’ll find plenty of options from both land and sea. The portion sizes are generous, but don’t be shy if you want to order two entrees.

As with every menu section, you can order as much as you like. If there’s one department in which the menus might be lacking, it’s the vegetarian options.

Some of the entrees you’ll find on the menu include:

• Veal Parmesan
• Pan-Seared Tilapia
• Rosemary Lamb Shank
• Southern Fried Chicken
• Salmon Cakes
• Crisp Portobello Mushrooms
• A Featured Indian Vegetarian dish (lentils, basmati rice, papadam, and raita)

If you want prime rib and lobster, you’ll find them on the American Feast menu. So yes, you’ll have to dress up if you wish to have your lobster!

From the grill menu

If none of the regularly listed entrees appeal to you on any given night, give this section a look. It offers some great selections and a bit of variety with the two main items — the beef and fish selections — usually changing daily.

Like the other menu sections we’ve discussed, these are complimentary. People sometimes confuse these for the upcharge items, which we’ll discuss a little bit later on.

Here are some menu items you’ll find on the From The Grill menu:

• Salmon Filet: Citrus and pepper rubbed salmon served with broccoli, carrots, and red potatoes
• Flat Iron Steak: Cooked with herbs and peppers, served with broccoli and baked potato
• Chicken Breast: Roasted with garlic and herbs, served with peas and carrots with red potatoes
• Pork Chop: Cooked with caramelized onions and served with stewed apples and mashed potatoes

The beef dish comes with a selection of BBQ Sauce, Béarnaise, Peppercorn, or Wild Mushroom sauce.

Side dishes

Every night, you’ll find six sides offered at the bottom of the main dining room menu. These are served in addition to whatever sides you have with your meal.

They’re individual-sized, not family-style. So, if you’re the kind of person who likes a whole lot of creamed spinach with your beef, make it a double order.

The selections can vary nightly, but they typically include items such as these:

• Baked Potato
• Broccoli, Carrots, and Onions
• Mac n’ Cheese with Bacon
• French Fries
• Ratatouille
• Creamed Spinach

Port of call menu

The port menus are unique to every destination. This can be found in the regular menu, which gives you information about the port of call. Some days, this section will feature a specific port, depending on your itinerary and sea days.

Sample Port of Call Menus 

• Download a sample St. Maarten Port of Call Menu 
• Download a sample Eastern Caribbean Port of Call Menu

Here’s an example of what you might find on the port of call menu.

Port: St. Maarten

The whole island is known for its excellent cuisine, partly due to its French influences. Creole, French, and West Indian cooking are particularly renowned. Many other nationalities have influenced the fare of St. Maarten because of its heavily diverse roots.

• Featured Drink:  Island Martini. A refreshing mix of Bacardi Limon, Pineapple, and Orange Juices, and a touch of Grenadine. $9.50
• Featured Appetizer:  Caribbean Bouillabaisse. Local Fish and Seafood in a Saffron Broth with Tomato, Fennel, and Sauce Rouille.
• Featured Entree:  Coq au vin. Chicken Marinated and Cooked in Red Burgundy Wine with Mushrooms, Silver Onions, and Bacon, Finished with some aged Brandy.

Steakhouse Selection

The Steakhouse Selection is available for a $20 upcharge and offers guests a chance to get a cut of beef served in the steakhouse while in the main dining room. The steakhouse selections are available across all of their cruise ships.

Featured items here generally include:

• Broiled Maine Lobster Tail served with drawn butter
• Surf & Turf, Maine Lobster Tail with Grilled Filet Mignon
• Filet Mignon, 9 oz premium aged beef
• New York Strip Loin Steak, 14-oz

Dessert menu

The main dining room’s dessert menu consists of three selections rotating every night. One of the selections offered each night is usually a low-cal, no-sugar treat. There are also coffees and teas available to complement your dessert.

Sample dessert menu

• Download a sample dessert menu

Some examples of desserts you might find on the menu are:

• Boston Cream Cake
• Orange and Almond Baked Cake
• Chocolate and Cheese Brownie
• Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake
• Fresh Tropical Fruit Plate
• Cheese Plate
• Selection of Ice Creams

Not too long ago, Carnival brought Baked Alaska back to their ships. It’s typically served on the final night of the cruise. And if a banana split is more your speed, ask to see a kid’s menu.

For an added cost, you’ll find a selection of dessert drinks listed at the bottom of the menu, along with cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and the “Art of Tea” selection.

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All about Carnival's Main Dining Room

Traditional cruise dining at it's best. Carnival typically has a choice of early dining or late dining at set tables, or your time dining.

What is the cost to eat at Main Dining Room?

Main Dining Room is included in the cruise fare so there is no additional cost to eat at this venue. Remember, beverages are not usually included and will be extra.

What type of restaurant is Main Dining Room?

Main Dining Room is a "Sit Down" restaurant. This means you have waiter who will take your order and bring you your food. It usually takes a bit longer than quick serve / to-go establishments, but has a nicer atmosphere.

When is Main Dining Room open?

They're usually open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specific times and schedules may vary, so always check in your cruise schedule or app to see the exact times.

Main Dining Room Dinner Menu

From Carnival Celebration February 2023

Main Dining Room Seaday Brunch Menu

Ships that have Main Dining Room

• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Vista
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Fascination
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Firenze

• All Dining Options

Dining Room Breakfast

AVAILABLE ON

• All Ships Current Element Number 1 of 1

* Coming Soon

The dining room is the perfect place for breakfast on any port day, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious first meal. Our chefs will happily whip up something, just the way you like it. Choose from a wide variety of selections like scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon and sausage, or even fresh fruit and oatmeal. Join us early before you head off to explore the day’s port.

The Details

If you like this, you'll love these....

Carnival Cruise Line answers bed bug 'infestation' accusation

B ed bugs are a menace because once you have them, they spread quickly. Even when incidents are minor and well-contained, the publicity is bad because nobody wants to risk bringing the pesky critters home.

That's why multiple reports of bed bugs on the Las Vegas Strip led to a wave of bad press, even though the casino operators that had the incidents actually did a really good job controlling the problem.  

Related: Carnival Cruise Line makes major main dining room menu change

In the case of the Las Vegas bed bug incidents, it was four reported cases over three months where each hotel had a single case. That makes it very likely that the bed bugs came with the traveler rather than the hotel.

But, even a single bed bug is a bit like someone having a coughing fit on a cruise ship. The person coughing may know that they swallowed a pretzel that's scratching their throat, but any nearby passengers assume Covid, the flu, or norovirus. 

Bed bugs on a cruise ship would be a significant problem because cabins are very tightly spaced and people are generally in close quarters. Just like the very rare cases where norovirus has spread on a cruise ship, the problem can go from an isolated incident to infestation very quickly. 

Like bed bugs, however, rumors spread very quickly. That's why Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald addressed some concerns he has seen on various message boards and social media sites.

Bed bugs are everywhere

 Bed bugs are a global problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

"Bed bugs are in five-star hotels and resorts. How clean a place is does not determine whether bed bugs are present," the federal agency shared.

Bed bugs, based on their long, flat shape, are very good at hiding, and they can go long periods without feeding on blood (like a sort of mini-vampire.

"Bed bugs bite people and animals at night while they sleep, feeding on their blood....Bed bugs are not known to spread diseases to people. However, they cause irritation, itching, and loss of sleep," the CDC added.

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In rare cases, when people are allergic, more serious reactions can occur.

Carnival tries to shut down passenger concerns

"There's very few things that get my hair itchy. One of those is when people post things, never on my page, but on other pages, that are simply not true," Heald shared in a Facebook video.

When a false post goes up, Heald noted that he gets hundreds of emails and Facebook messages asking if the news is true.

"Some of you write to me and say, it's disgusting, how do you let this happen? One of those things that I'm talking about is how someone posted about something that was allegedly on one of the ships," he shared.

Heald declined to share the name of the ship in question.

"Apparently, according to this person, the ship had, and I quote, 'an infestation of bed bugs and 150 of you wrote to me saying 'is it true?' and 'Why aren't we doing anything," he continued. 

Heald shared that none of the messages came from people actually on the ship in question saying that they had a problem.

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"Before I say anything, let me say this, we have protocols in place, the strictest protocols. If anybody makes an allegation, our brilliant housekeeping staff, our public health officers, do what they do, and nine times out of 10 nothing is found and there is no problem," he explained. "If there is, we have protocols in place to take care of it immediately."

In this case, that's not what happened.

"Somebody alleged on another cruise Facebook page that on the ship they were on was, and I quote, 'infested with bed bugs," Heald added.

The brand ambassador explained that he wrote to the hotel director who shared three things with him.

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"Number one, there is no guest of that name currently nor has there ever been on that ship. Secondly, here is what the hotel director wrote to me 'We do not have any issues with bed bugs onboard,'' he shared. 

The hotel director also shared that the pictures that were part of the post were not taken on a Carnival ship. 

"It's my job to set the record straight," Heald added. "Please, take a look, think, before you me, or anybody of this kind of thing happening."   

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19 Shocking Cruise Ship Secrets And Tips I Learned After Going On Seven Cruises

Booking a cruise is just like buying a car, meaning you can negotiate the price and get bonus perks, so ~never~ pay the price you see online.

BuzzFeed Staff

Hey! I'm Spencer , and I just got back from my seventh cruise. I've seen and learned a lot of really cool behind-the-scenes secrets while traveling the world on these ships, so I wanted to share some of the most interesting ones with you here, including some tips that may be helpful for your own future adventures. Enjoy!

For context, I've traveled on four different cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, and now Carnival. My most recent trip was a seven-day sail aboard Carnival Firenze, which traveled throughout Mexico. This was my first time on Carnival, and I somehow managed to get a private tour to areas of the ship that even the most elite VIP passengers will never, ever see. Here are some things I learned along the way.

1. First of all, yes, most cruise ships have both a jail and a morgue on board. These were the only areas of the ship where I wasn't allowed to visit (trust me, I asked multiple times) because they're strictly off limits unless you find them the old-fashioned way...by getting arrested or dying. I didn't want to take those chances, but I did find out that shorter cruises tend to see a LOT more action in the jails (aka "the brig"). Guests typically treat shorter sailings as more of a party by taking advantage of unlimited drink packages, and more alcohol = more fights on board, so needing a jail totally makes sense.

In terms of the morgues, those are usually located on one of the ship's lowest decks. Think of these as giant refrigerators that, depending on the ship's size, can house anywhere from a couple to nearly a dozen bodies. The majority of these deaths are obviously of natural causes – for reference, as of 2018, fewer than  25%  of global passengers were under the age of 30 – but the average age of a cruise ship passenger is getting younger and younger every year now.

2. The higher you are on a ship, the more movement you'll feel, so if you're someone who tends to get motion sickness then you should definitely book your room on the lowest floor possible (just not in the morgue). I've personally never had an issue with motion sickness on a cruise, but I'll occasionally see passengers with at-sea patches behind their ears for help. Contrary to what you might think, though, you'll probably get the best night's sleep of your life on a cruise. Yes, there's a ~very~ slight rocking, but it'll feel sort of like you're a baby again who's being lulled to sleep in a cradle. Just trust me on this one.

This is a photo of what my cabin looked like. I also included a picture of my bathroom, which was a little bigger than I thought it'd be. The shower itself was a pretty decent size and left me with room to spare (if you want a point of reference, I'm 5'11" [a real 5'11", not a Tinder 5'11"]).

I was in a balcony room on Deck 6, and, again, I had no issues with motion sickness. I've also sailed on higher deck levels before (up to Deck 9) and didn't have any issues then either. In terms of where on each deck you should book your cabin (i.e. midship, aft, or forward), that doesn’t actually matter because you won’t really feel the motion differently in other spots on the same deck.

3. But I promise that you probably won't even have to worry about getting seasick. I got a private tour of the ship's control room, and I learned that they do a lottttt to combat any movement from the waves. For example, ships try to hit waves at a 45-degree angle because that's apparently the most effective way to help break them up and cut down on the extra motion. Ships also have stabilizers that can extend outwardly (picture, like, wings on an airplane), which help to keep things super, super stable.

Think of these stabilizers like fins on a fish, so they help each ship glide along the water. I spoke with the captain and some of the engineers in the control room, and they explained that the stabilizers require extra fuel and also decrease the speed of the ship, so they tend to not use them unless the water is pretty rocky.

4. Before you book a cruise, you should know that they're sort of like buying a car: you can negotiate! Basically, the price you see online should almost never be the price you pay (though they often offer great discounts that you should absolutely check out!). Instead, it's best to call and book your trip with an actual person (i.e. someone who works for the cruise line, a travel agent, etc.). For example, travel agents are usually free, and they can get you a ton of bonus perks and huge discounts on rooms for a fraction of the original price.

A lot of cruise lines occasionally offer "buy one, get one" discounts, as well as a ton of other sales around specific holidays. There are also a bunch of sites where you can book discounted sailings to fill the leftover rooms that haven't sold, so just do a little research. Also, places like BJ's and Sam's Club offer trip discounts if you have a membership card to their stores, so take advantage! I booked a previous cruise through one of them a few years back and got a massive discount for my room, onboard credit, and free gratuities. It pays to save!

5. And if you ever want a "free" cruise then you should definitely hit up the casinos on board. It's super common to get extra perks on future sailings (like free Wi-Fi, drink packages, or even entire trips altogether) if you're someone who gambles a lot. Basically, each bet is tied to your personal cruise card (i.e. your room key) every time you play the slots or put money down at a table game. Your total winnings are tracked on that card, and you'll earn points based on the amount you spend. The more you gamble, the more likely you are to get offered those extra perks.

I'm always mesmerized by cruise casinos because they literally created their own mini Las Vegas on board. Like, there are pit bosses and thousands of tiny security cameras and everything else that a real casino would have. The only downside is that these casinos are obviously much smaller than what you'd find in Vegas, so they probably won't have every table game you're looking for. Yes, they have roulette (my favorite) and craps and half a dozen variations of poker, but I still haven't found a pai gow table on board. Maybe next time!

6. The cool thing about cruises – especially for people who are ages 18 through 20 – is that they can sort of make their own laws while at sea. This is known as Maritime Law. For example, gambling at the casino is only allowed once the ship is at least 12 miles from land, but that also means they can lower the age limit from 21 to 18 while in international waters. The legal drinking age on most cruise ships is also 18, not 21.

There were actually two separate casinos on my recent Carnival ship. The larger area allowed smoking and had hundreds of slot machines, a ton of table games, and "adult" claw machines that replaced stuffed animals for huge wads of cash. The other casino, though, was the designated non-smoking area, and even though it was much smaller it still got the job done.

I'm still surprised that people are allowed to smoke in the main casino (there was also a cigar room on board but on a different deck), but, hey, I guess that's Vegas, baby.

7. There are themed cruises for pretty much anything you could ever imagine – for example, Royal Caribbean offers an immersive Star Trek cruise , and Norwegian is even offering a 2,300-person nude cruise next year – but on "regular" cruises there are certain SFW guidelines that guests (and staff!) need to adhere to. For instance, it's forbidden for staff to hook up with guests on board. Doing so would result in a pretty quick termination of their employment contract. Also, there are thousandsssss of security cameras on board, so, like, good luck trying to get away with it.

Years ago I befriended one of the gym trainers on a cruise, and he revealed that he actually managed to hook up with a guest on board. Because there are so many security cameras, it would have been impossible for either of them to visit the other person's cabin without getting caught, so he told me they hooked up in a random towel closet. I guess this is why a lot of cruise ship employees end up dating each other instead of the guests, because it's way less risky and a lot more convenient.

8. Speaking of hooking up on board, there was so much "swinging" happening between couples that a lot of cruise lines had to create training programs for the staff. Basically, decorating cabin doors is a pretty common thing for elite cruisers (as pictured below), and the secret symbol for swingers is an upside-down pineapple. As a result, a lot of couples would decorate their doors with upside-down pineapples to let other guests know that they're open for fun. According to the high-up staff member I talked to, employees on their previous ship were instructed to report any pineapple decorations found on board.

That staff member also told me that this whole issue started because some couples would leave their cabin doors ajar as an invitation for other swingers. However, the housekeeping staff (who are truly, truly incredible!) unknowingly entered while the couples were ~doing the deed~. Employees on cruises typically come from all over the world (on my Carnival ship, they had staff from over 100 different nations), which means they also have certain religious backgrounds. Spotting and removing these pineapple decorations was done in an effort to protect the staff and their religious beliefs.

9. You have to remember that these ships are basically floating cities, so they have everything you could ever want. Like, I've been on ships with a freaking ice skating rink before, and my recent Carnival sailing had an 18-hole mini golf course on the top deck. Also, itineraries are left outside each guest's stateroom every morning, and they list alllll the activities you can do (or not do!) that day. Want to try your luck at bingo? Have at it. Always wanted to go to an art auction? They've got those too. Want to prove your sports, movie, history, Harry Potter , Friends , or just general knowledge at dozens of trivia events? Be their guest! I promise that you'll never be bored on a cruise.

Cruises even have LGBTQ+ mixers, silent disco parties, wine tastings, and cooking classes. There are also discreet meetings for those who are sober or in recovery. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are labeled as "Friends of Bill" events on each ship's itinerary (this is a nod to Bill Wilson, who co-founded AA).

10. Keep in mind that items on cruise ships are definitely more expensive than what you'd normally pay on land. The spa and salon on my last sailing, for example, charged $175 for a 75-minute Swedish massage and $99 for a "red carpet blowout." If that's somehow in your budget then have at it, but if you want heavily discounted prices then you should book those treatments on days when the ship is at port – this is when most passengers will be off the vessel, so a lot of cruise lines offer discounted treatments to help fill up those time slots and prevent people from hitting up the spas on land. Again, though, you can typically negotiate for certain spa perks when booking!

Every cruise I've been on has had a full-fledged shopping mall on board. There are dozens of stores that sell everything from designer goods to any type of candy or snack you could want. Again, these prices are pretty steep, so if you forget to bring sunscreen then it's probably best to just wait until you get to the next port. Even so, there are definitely ways to save money while cruising! 

11. The more you cruise with a specific line, the more perks you'll get (like free room upgrades, priority access, unlimited internet, and on-board casino credit). These loyalty programs are based on the number of days you sail with each line, so, for example, everyone on their first Carnival cruise is in the Blue tier, then they reach Red status on their second sailing, and once they hit 25 days on board they'll reach the Gold tier. Platinum is achieved after 75 total days of sailing, and Diamond status is for people who've sailed for at least 200 days. I met so many Diamond members that my jaw kind of dropped – like, these people LOVE cruises and go on several a year. It isn't just a vacation for them; it's a full-on hobby.

While doing some research, I also found out that Royal Caribbean even has a "Pinnacle Club" for people who've sailed for over 700 days on their ships, which, holy crap??? So if you're prepared to spend the equivalent of two years on a ship (which kind of sounds like a dream to me, to be honest), then get ready for the ultimate form of perks and luxury.

12. Another way to save money is by booking your shore excursions through third-party vendors. Booking through the ship is definitely the most expensive route, but it's also the safest because you'll never have to worry about the ship leaving without you. Ships have strict docking schedules to follow on port days, so they ~will~ leave without you if you aren't back in time. Otherwise, you're in charge of making it to the next port of call on your own, so good luck. If you have a short port day and are only docked for a few hours then I'd suggest booking through the ship so you don't risk getting left behind.

Cruise lines display all excursion reviews from past passengers on their site, so this can be such a helpful resource to prevent you from booking something that sounds good on paper but is underwhelming in reality (been there, done that). I typically book excursions through vendors who are waiting outside as soon as everyone gets off the ship, but I do a lot of research ahead of time and will often find things to do that aren't even offered by the cruise.

You obviously don't have to go on any excursions at all either. There have been plenty of times when I've simply explored on my own by walking around, grabbing a bite from a local spot, or relaxing at the beach. You also don't even have to leave the ship if you don't want to. In fact, port days are incredible for peak relaxation on board because it's way more quiet, and you'll never struggle to find an open lounger by the pool. Free is my favorite number, so remember that there will always be plenty to do no matter your budget.

13. You should know that there are some banned items you simply can't bring on a cruise. Before boarding, you'll quickly go through security, sort of like a relaxed version of TSA at the airport. The whole process typically only takes a few minutes. Depending on the cruise line, you're usually allowed to bring up to 12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages (my friend brought a six-pack of ginger ale in case she felt seasick, and those made it through just fine. I also saw a bunch of Diet Coke-obsessed people with whole cases, and those made it through too). Candles, hot plates, and the obvious knives, guns, fireworks, etc. are all banned as well.

Bottled water isn't typically allowed through security when checking in, but you can absolutely buy it on board. More importantly, though, there will be plenty of free fill-up stations for your water bottle throughout the ship, so that's an easy fix. I can't stress enough how necessary having a water bottle is, so make sure you bring one (both for your regular onboard living but also for when you leave the ship on port days).

14. Also, don't even try to sneak alcohol on board because you'll definitely get caught. Each ship is different, but for the most part you're only allowed one unopened bottle of wine or champagne in your carry-on. If you buy spirits while at port then you'll have to check them when you get back on the ship, and they'll be returned when you disembark. After all, most cruises only become profitable after adding up their total alcohol sales and casino winnings (I guess it helps that Carnival's 27 ships, for example, sell over 14,000 margaritas each day). For reference, a standard cocktail on my last trip was about $13, and the unlimited drink packages were about $60 a day.

Depending on the cruise line, these unlimited drink packages can range from $55 to over $100 each day. These include specialty coffees, soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and the works. Remember, some people treat cruises like parties (my last sailing had FIVE different types of espresso martinis at the bars, so, like, I sort of don't blame them), and they certainly try to get the most bang for their buck. I've done the math, and you need to have at least five specialty drinks per day to make the unlimited package "worth it."

Non-alcoholic drink packages also exist, like a $9.50-a-day pass that'll get you unlimited sodas. But there are free drinks on board, whether you're at the buffet or sit-down dining, like tap water, brewed coffee, hot teas, hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea, fruit juices (fresh-pressed ones will cost extra), and milk.

15. Cruise ships obviously make tons (and I mean that literally, not figuratively) of food every single sailing. After all, the average ship holds about 3,000 guests and 1,000 crew members. An employee who I spoke with said Carnival serves about 30,000 burgers every single day, and they'll make over 1.3 million pounds of French fries each year. There are free sit-down restaurants and buffets on board, but there are also specialty dining options that guests can pay for, like hibachi and steak houses. My family always sticks with the free dining options, and I think non-cruisers will be shocked by how good the food actually is, but the best part is that you can order several appetizers, entrées, and desserts per person, so, like, you'll never leave hungry.

All of that food used to mean there's a lot of food waste, but that's not really the case anymore. In fact, a lot of ships are working on how to become more and more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For example, rather than dumping food waste in the water, I saw on my private tour that Carnival has a "food digester" room. Basically, it's a massive machine filled with bacteria that'll break down all the food scraps, just like how your own body breaks down food. Yes, it smelled just as bad as you probably think it would.

Similarly, some ships are even using artificial intelligence to make their sailings more environmentally friendly. While in the control room, one of the engineers told me about how their ship is using new AI that basically studies each sailing so it can recommend new ways to make future voyages as efficient as possible, like by creating energy-saving routes and so on.

16. If you're worried about potentially having bad weather on your cruise then, well, think again. Yes, there's obviously a lot to do inside, but a lot of ships also have retractable roofs on their top decks. So, if it's ever too cold, rainy, or windy then they can usually cover the entire lido deck (i.e. where most of the pools, jacuzzis, and lounge chairs are), which means you can relax "outside" even in the terrible weather. A lot of ships also offer indoor pools and adults-only sections, so, like, you'll totally be set no matter what.

My recent cruise had a regular pool and jacuzzi setup on the lido deck, but there was also another section at the back of the ship with one more pool and two more jacuzzis. There was even a "Serenity" section at the top deck, which served as an "adults-only retreat," meaning passengers younger than 18 weren't allowed. That area unfortunately filled up super fast on sailing days, so if you ever go on a ship with one I'd definitely recommend getting there early.

A lot of ships also offer private areas and decks that are exclusive to only those who book certain rooms. This secluded area was much quieter, super luxurious, and actually felt like I was on a totally different ship. If you're booking a cruise and see that there's an exclusive area, you should absolutely ask about how to get access ahead of time.

17. It's tradition for every ship to have a celebrity godmother or godfather who christens the boat before the inaugural launch, and those celebs are typically rewarded with free cruises for life (!) on that specific vessel. For example, Oprah Winfrey is the godmother of a Holland America ship, and even Audrey Hepburn was the godmother of a Princess ship. Carnival only has two godfathers, and they're fittingly both for their Italian-themed cruises: Jay Leno and now Jonathan Bennett. Christening the ship used to entail smashing a bottle of champagne against its hull, but the night before my cruise I got to watch Jonathan Bennett pour a bottle of champagne over the ship's bell to toast its safe travels instead.

Judi Dench is also the godmother of a ship, and it famously took her three different attempts to break the bottle of champagne against its hull, which then sprayed all over her. That was in 2002, so I think switching to this new christening method with the ship's bell is definitely less messy.

18. One of the most unique parts about cruising is that you'll typically find a cool towel animal waiting for you after returning to your cabin every night. The housekeeping staff are all trained in towel folding, so after dinner you'll have a new animal sitting on your bed or, in my case, hanging from the ceiling. A lot of ships even host towel-folding classes during sailings so guests can learn how to make the animals themselves, and how-to books are also available in the bookstore. I found out that Carnival's housekeeping team makes about 15 million towel animals every single year, which, holy crap.

One morning while on my way to the gym, I walked through the lido deck and saw hundreds of towel animals sitting on every single lounge chair outside. There were monkeys and elephants and dogs, but the most impressive towel animal that I saw was an octopus. I still have no idea how they managed to pull this off, and I'm genuinely so impressed.

19. And finally, the most important thing you should know about cruises is that there are several self-serve ice cream machines on board, and they're all completely free (and unlike McDonald's, these machines are always working!). If you're like me and deserve a sweet treat after dinner – or, let's face it, after or even before breakfast – then you understand how big this is. After all, you're on vacation, so you should be eating as much ice cream and frozen yogurt as you can get your hands on.

I worked at Dairy Queen for a few summers as a teen and genuinely loved it there, so having the ability to serve myself a cone whenever I wanted made me feel at home. And if you're more of a gelato person then I totally understand! Luckily for you, cruises have got you covered. My ship had a freaking gelato spot on board, and they expect to serve about 750,000 scoops this year, but I have a feeling half of them were because of me.

That's it! If you have any other cruise travel tips that have worked for you, please feel free to share them in the comments. Thanks!

Note: BuzzFeed was granted this cruise aboard Carnival Firenze for free, though we were under no obligation to provide a positive review.

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• Cruise Line Restaurant, Room Service, and Bar Menus / Cruising / Food and Drink / NCL Menus

NCL Encore Menus 2024

by Prof. Cruise · May 13, 2024

These Norwegian Encore menus were collected on a 2024 Alaska itinerary and should give you a very good idea of what to expect. Those who have cruised with NCL in the past will notice fairly significant cuts to the appetizer and dessert sections of the MDR menus. My understanding is that these slimmed down menus will be phased in across the line, but I don’t have final confirmation of that yet. If you’ve cruised on another ship with them, please share to the comments. As always, know that offerings and prices can change at any time, but these should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

INDEX (jump to):

Norwegian Encore Main Dining Room (MDR) Menus Breakfast menu Lunch menu Dinner menu Kids menu Norwegian Encore Fast Casual Restaurants The Local American Diner menu Norwegian Encore Service Menus Breakfast room service menu All-day room service menu Norwegian Encore Specialty Restaurants Cagney’s Steakhouse menu Coco’s menu Dolce Gelato menu Food Republic menu Le Bistro menu Los Lobos menu Ocean Blue menu Onda Q Texas Smokehouse menu Teppanyaki menu The Bake Shop menu

NCL Encore Dining Room Breakfast Menu 2024

This menu is available in the main dining room. The Daily Feature will rotate, but the remainder of the items will be offered every day.

NCL Encore Lunch Menus 2024

There are three different lunch menus that rotate on the Norwegian Encore.

Lunch Menu 1 on the Encore

Lunch Menu 2 on the Encore

Lunch Menu 3 on the Encore

NCL Encore Main Dining Room Dinner Menus 2024

These menus are available in the main dining rooms for 7 night cruises on the Encore. Note that the “Classic Entrees” are available every night , but I only posted them for night 1 to avoid repetition.

Night 1 Dinner Menu on the Norwegian Encore

Night 2 Dinner Menu on the Norwegian Encore

Night 3 Dinner Menu on the Norwegian Encore

Night 4 Dinner Menu on the Norwegian Encore

Night 5 Dinner Menu on the Norwegian Encore

Night 6 Dinner Menu on the Norwegian Encore

Night 7 Dinner Menu on the Norwegian Encore

NCL Encore Main Dining Room Kids Menu 2024

Or kids at heart – I’ve ordered the Mac and Say Cheese and pizza many times!

NCL Encore The Local Menu 2024

All items are included in your cruise fare at no extra charge unless otherwise noted.

NCL Encore Breakfast Card 2024 (Extra Charge)

Breakfast room service on NCL is $4.95 + 20% gratuity for each order (regardless of how many items are ordered) for all non-suite guests. Breakfast room service is available from 6:30am-10am.

NCL Encore Room Service All-Day Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Lunch, dinner, and late night room service on NCL is $9.95 + 20% gratuity for each order (regardless of how many items are ordered) for all non-suite guests.

NCL Encore American Diner Menu 2024 (Complimentary)

NCL Encore Cagney’s Steakhouse Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Coco’s Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Food Republic Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Le Bistro Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Los Lobos Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Ocean Blue Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Onda Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Q Texas Smokehouse Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore Teppanyaki Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

NCL Encore The Bake Shop Menu 2024 (Extra Charge)

Don’t forget your  Cruise Ship Calories Don’t Count shirt  and your  Ship Faced travel mug !

Today’s Cruising Pro Tip:

Never purchase cruise/travel insurance through NCL. You’ll pay more and get less than if you purchase it on your own. Use a site like  TravelInsurance.com * to compare rates and plans and get exactly what you want for the least amount of money. Simply enter your travel dates, total travel cost, and a few basic pieces of information about yourself and see a list of quotes to compare. Savings can be significant and mean more to spend onboard, at port, or on another cruise!

And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN these menus so you can refer back to them later!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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When I was getting ready to take a cruise in October, there were a handful of items I made sure to pack: my passport, anti-nausea medicine, and a blazer and tie.

The cruise line, Holland America Line, had advised me that during the transatlantic voyage from the Netherlands to New York there would be some occasions to dress up. But after lint-rolling my jacket and multiple attempts at a half-Windsor knot, I left my stateroom and realized I may not have needed them.

While plenty of guests were decked out in jackets, dresses and slacks, others were in sartorial vacation mode, dressed in varying degrees of (in)formality.

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First-time cruisers may not realize that ships have some guidelines for clothing, from formal nights to events that call for unique attire, but those rules and recommendations have evolved over time. 

"It really has gotten more and more relaxed as we've gone along, especially after the pandemic," said Valerie Dorsey, a franchise owner and travel adviser at Cruise Planners.

Here's what travelers should know about what to pack and wear on their next sailing.

Do cruise lines have dress codes?

Though travelers may associate cruising with formal nights – when lines encourage passengers to dress up for dinner in certain venues, stemming from grand tradition – the onboard experience has grown more easygoing, Dorsey said. 

Dorsey said she noticed a shift from true formal wear to "smart casual" or "smart elegant" clothing around 2015 and began hearing more from clients about how other travelers weren't dressing up as much, a change that has irked some guests .

Passengers have gotten more casual on regular nights, too.

That shift has only been exacerbated in the wake of COVID-19 as more travelers work from home, according to Dorsey, though some lines take formal nights more seriously and some passengers choose to go all out, regardless.

"I've seen people dress way up, meaning tuxedos, evening gowns, beautiful clothing, down to 'I'm just going to dinner at Red Lobster tonight,' " she said. "I think it's all over the place."

Enforcement of the dress codes has eased, as well.

Story continues below.

"It used to be if you walked in in a pair of shorts, they would say, 'I'm sorry, you can't enter the dining room,' and they don't even stop people anymore," Dorsey said. "So that's why it's really hard to get a handle on how you're supposed to dress."

If you want to opt out of dressing up altogether, there are parts of the ship that usually remain more casual, even on dressy or formal nights. Travelers can always head to the buffet or other casual eateries, Dorsey said, though on smaller lines more passengers may be dressed up more across the board.

Cruise lines each have their own dress codes, but we've rounded up some of the major lines' policies:

Carnival Cruise Line dress code

Passengers can wear casual clothes during the day, but the line requires smart casual clothing after 5:30 p.m. in its public lounges and restaurants or as stated in the ship's newsletter, spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in an email.

The line's Cruise Casual dress code calls for collared sport shirts, casual pants or jeans – but no cut-offs – and long dress shorts for men. Women can wear items including casual dresses, blouses and skirts or pants, dress shorts and jeans.

In accordance with the dress code, passengers cannot wear regular shorts or gym shorts, bathing suit attire, beach flip-flops and other similar items in the dining room.

When the Cruise Elegant Dress Code is in effect, men can wear dress trousers and shirts, and the line recommends a sport jacket.

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For women, the line calls for cocktail dresses, "elegant skirts and blouses," pantsuits or even evening gowns. Items like T-shirts, jeans, shorts and gym shorts and bathing suit attire are similarly barred from the dining room.

The length of the cruise determines the number of Cruise Elegant evenings, according to Carnival's website . The Cruise Elegant dress code applies for the main dining rooms and the Steakhouse. However, Lupoli said passengers dressed in Cruise Casual will not be turned away from those venues on Cruise Elegant nights.

Royal Caribbean International dress code

Royal Caribbean breaks its suggested attire into several categories. Casual includes polos, jeans and sundresses, but the line asks that guests wear swimwear only on the pool deck and shorts at breakfast and lunch, according to its website .

The line defines smart casual "as a step up from your typical dinner wear," including collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses. Passengers are also welcome to wear items like jackets and blazers.

For formal attire, the line said on its website, "make it a night out in your best black-tie look - suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns." The line may have one to four formal nights on a given cruise.

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Norwegian Cruise Line dress code

"When it comes to what to wear, you can go resort casual or get decked out and look your best – it's your call," Norwegian said on its website . 

Cruise casual clothing – including jeans and shorts for men and jeans, casual dresses and shorts for women – is acceptable at the buffet and most specialty restaurants anytime during the day. Guests can wear swimwear at the buffet and outdoor restaurant as long as they have a shirt or cover-up and footwear.

Passengers cannot wear certain items such as tank tops for men, baseball caps and overly faded jeans, those that have holes in them or those worn below the hips in the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants, the line said on its website.

In Norwegian's "more formal dining room or in our more upscale specialty restaurants," the line calls for smart casual clothing, which includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops for women, and collared shirts, jeans and slacks for men.

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Holland America Line dress code

Holland America guests can dress casually during the day, though they must always wear shirts or cover-ups and footwear inside, a spokesperson for the line said in an email.

The nighttime dress code has two categories. Smart casual includes a sport shirt or sweater and slacks for men, and a sweater or blouse and a skirt or pants for women. "Shorts, pool and beachwear, distressed jeans and tank tops are not permitted in table service restaurants," the spokesperson said.

On dressy nights, the line recommends blouses, skirts, slacks, dresses, collared shirts and jackets. There will be two dressy nights on most seven-night cruises, with additional dressy nights for longer sailings. Guests can reference the ship's daily program for the evening's suggested attire.

On the line's Grand Voyages, the line recommends suits or dresses when formal attire is suggested. "Grand Voyages are 60-plus-day voyages, and this is the only time guests would be in 'formal' attire," the spokesperson said.

Cunard Line dress code

Cunard passengers can dress as they like during the day. "Then as the sun goes down, the style goes up," Cunard said in dress code guidelines provided by a spokesperson.

At night, the line asks guests to wear smart attire in the majority of its restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. That includes "smart trousers" with a collared shirt – and optional jacket and tie – for men, and blouses and skirts or "stylish trousers and dresses" for women.

The line also has at least two Gala evenings over seven days of a sailing, when passengers are invited to dress up more. 

"After 6:00pm on Gala evenings, it's dinner jacket, tuxedo, or dark suit for the men with a regular tie or bow tie," the line said. "Evening or cocktail dress, smart trouser suit, or formal separates for the ladies please."

How should passengers pack for cruise line dress codes?

Dorsey recommended women bring a "nice long skirt" and a blouse or a dress. "You know, you might wear slacks every other night, but if they come upon a more formal night, then you can kind of dress something like that up," she said.

For men, she suggested packing collared shirts and nice pants – even chinos are formal enough. "And maybe throw one jacket in there and then you're prepared"

Cruise lines may also have special events that call for unique attire, such as an all-white ensemble  at Norwegian's White Hot Party.

Even if formal nights aren't as formal as they used to be, they still provide an excuse to get dressed up: cruise lines will have photographers out on those nights to take portraits of guests, Dorsey said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Elektrostal

Restaurants in elektrostal, establishment type, traveler rating, dietary restrictions, restaurant features.

• Amsterdam Moments
• Beer Club Tolsty Medved
• Restaurant Globus
• Cafe Antresole
• Fabrika Obedov
• Prima Bolshogo
• Coffee Shop Usy Teodora Glagoleva

Cafe Vostochny Express

CAFE VOSTOCHNY EXPRESS, Elektrostal - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor