Speciality restaurants packages

[Rayk]

Most cruise lines offer so called "Specials" specialty dining packages either pre-paid, before you board, or when you actually board and the staff come around waiving the menus in your face.   Recently on Quantum we managed to get a 30% discount at Jamie Oliver's and a 20% discount at Chops grille.  The meals were stunning with great service.  In short ask for a discount rather than simply pay the price asked.  It doesn't hurt.   

 

 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Rayk This is a great tip! It sounds like you have experienced better specialty dining prices when booking the experience onboard the ship. I usually opt to eat in the MDR instead of choosing the specialty dining options. After cruising quite a few times, I am willing to spend more to dine better so this is a useful tip. Were these special discounted prices for a fixed menu or were you able to choose from certain options on the menu at that discounted rate? 

[Rayk]

The discount was applied across the normal full priced menu with no exceptions.   Very good value and a good incentive to try out the specialty dining.   Certainly worth giving it a try. It worked well for us.  In fact we asked another couple to join us and asked if they would apply the discount to them as well.   They did.

[3Sisters]

@Rayk Thanks for this info. It's always so convenient to pre-purchase specialty dining choices ahead of embarkation. Next time we cruise, I'm going to follow your advice and wait to see what the offers are like onboard. I have no problem booking later if I'm going to get a better rate. What specialty restaurant was your favorite onboard? 

[Rayk]

7 hours ago, 3Sisters said:

@Rayk Thanks for this info. It's always so convenient to pre-purchase specialty dining choices ahead of embarkation. Next time we cruise, I'm going to follow your advice and wait to see what the offers are like onboard. I have no problem booking later if I'm going to get a better rate. What specialty restaurant was your favorite onboard? 

 

[Rayk]

In this instance it was virtually a dead heat.  3 lamb cutlets plus all the extras at J.Os and a great steak at Chops.  Will try this on Princess coming up in January and see how we get on.  They usually have a very good steak and lobster tail.

[3Sisters]

@Rayk After reading your review, I don't know if I could skip J.O.s! How could you even compare the MDR to this dining experience? They are just completely different dining categories. I always go home from cruising so inspired to cook more gourmet, and it only lasts one week. After that, it takes way too much time and energy to cook a wide variety of meals and my one-pot dinners come back like never before. Speaking of at-home cooking, have you cooked lamb chops at home? I would love to try grilling some chops over the holidays with friends.