norwegian cruise epic dining

Dining on the Norwegian Epic (May 2023)

Buffets, main dining rooms, specialty restaurants: the Norwegian Epic has 13 different dining options (plus room service), and on our recent cruise, we checked out eight of them.

The Norwegian Epic offers both complimentary dining included with your cruise fare, and specialty restaurants that require an additional fee (more on that below).  How good are the complimentary options?  Wondering if the specialty restaurants are worth the surcharge?  Here's my non-sponsored take, based on the Mediterranean cruise we took on the Norwegian Epic in May 2023.

Note that Norwegian Cruise Line has the same specialty dining restaurants throughout their fleet, so this information is also applicable to other ships.  For example, our experiences at the specialty restaurants on the Norwegian Jade in 2017 were nearly identical to our experiences on this cruise.  Also, since I eat a primarily vegetarian diet, I've noted which dining options are best for vegetarians.

Complimentary Dining Options

Garden Cafe is the ship's main buffet, with a dizzying selection of items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  It's relatively straightforward food prepared en masse; I'd compare the quality to the hot bar at an upscale grocery store, like Whole Foods (or for my fellow Twin Cities folks, Kowalski's or Lunds & Byerlys).

There are a lot of things the Garden Cafe gets right: it's easy to find vegetable-centric vegetarian dishes, with a variety ranging from Chinese-inspired stir fries, Indian soups, Caribbean-style savory pastries, and Italian-inspired salads.  You can also request plant-based burgers, gluten-free bread, and milk alternatives from the staff.  Fruits and vegetables are always abundantly featured, and I absolutely love the muesli (if someone from Norwegian Cruise Lines is reading this, email me your recipe!)  There's also a soft-serve machine, ice cream scooped to order, and in the evening, made-to-order crepes. 

The Garden Cafe is reliably busy, whatever the time of day—we ate there daily for breakfast, for lunch on our at sea day, and once for dinner, plus we popped in for crepes a couple of times.  It can be a bit of a sensory overload, and make sure you have a meeting spot arranged with your dining companions; it's easy to get separated and tricky to find each other again.

Great Outdoors is a weather-dependent outdoor buffet adjacent to the pool deck.  During our cruise, it was consistently open for breakfast and afternoon snacks, and occasionally for other meals; the food at meal times is a smaller selection of the food available at the Garden Cafe.  The afternoon snack buffet had a British influence, with some tasty finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes, plus American-style build-your-own sandwiches, French fries, and fruit.  A soft serve machine and self-serve non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

The hours at the Great Outdoors are more limited than the Garden Cafe, but you're welcome to get food indoors at the Garden Cafe and then take it outside to the Great Outdoors seating area.

Spice H20 is another outdoor buffet, but in the adults-only pool area.  It's occasionally open for lunch and dinner and serves a small selection of the same food as the Garden Cafe, mostly poolside-friendly options like hamburgers and salads.  There's a bar nearby, and the seating area feels relaxed and tucked away from the rest of the ship.

O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill is the only dining option that's open 24 hours a day.  It's a full-service restaurant that has a similar atmosphere to a family-friendly bar and grill like Applebee's, with a menu of American bar fare.  We dined there once for dinner and tried the wings, spinach dip, Caesar salad, pretzel bites, and raspberry brownie cheesecake.  We were impressed with the quality—everything is flavorful and well-prepared, with some tasty little flourishes like a Parmesan crouton on the salad and a zesty cheese dip for the pretzels.

Unfortunately, O'Sheehan's has limited vegetarian options, and the since the seating area runs along a walkway and is adjacent to the casino it can be quite loud.

Shanghai's Chinese Restaurant and Shanghai's Noodle Bar was our favorite casual complimentary option.  Both the restaurant and noodle bar are full service, and the menus are slightly different, with the restaurant having more appetizer and dessert options.  We loved sitting at the noodle bar and watching the chefs churn out dish after dish, and we enjoyed the cuisine so much that we returned on another night to dine at the restaurant.

Although the dishes are fairly Americanized takes on Chinese cuisine, everything we tried was fresh and flavorful and the spicy food is genuinely spicy.  I appreciated that there were several vegetarian dishes and an interesting dessert menu; I especially enjoyed the steamed vegetable dumplings, vegetable fried rice, five spice chocolate cake, and chestnut pastry triangles stuffed with red bean paste.

The Manhattan Room is the most formal complimentary dining option, with a smart casual dress code that prohibits t-shirts with writing, flip flops, shorts, tank tops for men, and overly revealing clothing for women.  The tone of the service and the surroundings evoke a high-end steakhouse, with lots of dark wood and a mid-20th century vibe.  There's a stage in the center of the room with live music and dance performances; check the Freestyle Daily for the schedule. 

The menu skews towards traditional, meat-centric American cuisine, although there are always some seafood and vegetarian options.  We dined at the Manhattan Room once for dinner, and although it's a nice space it isn't quite our style.  Note that reservations are accepted, which may save you some waiting time during the dinner rush.

Taste is the other main dining room, with a resort casual dress code but the same attentive, upscale service.  The decor is an odd juxtaposition of brick and brightly colored stained glass, with an open atrium and self-playing piano in the center.  I recommend making a reservation to try and land a prime spot in the atrium—it has a wonderful light, airy feel and was our favorite complimentary dining venue on the ship.

Like the Manhattan Room, the menu is traditional American fare with some seafood and vegetarian options.  Since my vegetarian pasta dish at the Manhattan Room was underwhelming, I went pescatarian for the night and enjoyed a delightfully well-prepared scallop starter and a brightly flavored grilled lemon pepper shrimp with orzo and vegetables.  Dessert was delicious, with a chocolate lava cake for Mike and a Nutella creme brulee for me.

Specialty Dining (additional surcharge applies)

Norwegian Cruise Line frequently runs promotions where you get a free dining plan, which was the case for us: we got two specialty dining meals per person included with our cruise fare.  (On a 2017 cruise on the Norwegian Jade, we got a free specialty dining plan with three meals per person.)  Alternatively, you can purchase dining packages that include anywhere from two to 14 specialty meals per person, or you can pay for an individual meals.  Some restaurants are a la carte, others have a cover charge.

Seating is limited at all of the specialty dining restaurants, so make reservations as soon as possible.  It's hard to predict which restaurants will be the most popular; on this cruise, La Cucina was consistently packed, possibly because it was a Mediterranean itinerary and everyone wanted to eat Italian food.  On a previous cruise on the Norwegian Jade, Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki were the the trickiest reservations to land.

Moderno Churrascaria , a Brazilian steakhouse, is our favorite specialty restaurant.  A vegetarian could dine quite well at the salad bar, which is loaded with 43 items including salads, pickled vegetables, cheeses, soups, and some non-vegetarian items like charcuterie, smoked salmon, and sushi.  Next, you get several side dishes for your table, most of which are vegetarian (I love the fried yucca and pão de queijo, a Brazilian cheese bread).  Servers roam around the dining room with skewers of grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and pineapple, cutting off small pieces so that you can try a little bit of everything.  Save room for dessert—there's an interesting menu with unique specialties like coconut chocolate tres leches cake.

Not only is there a huge variety of delicious food at Moderno Churrascaria, on the Epic the restaurant has wonderful location, with huge windows looking out the stern of the ship.  Without the dining plan, there's a cover charge.

La Cucina is an upscale Italian restaurant, with some nods to American tastes.  The attention to detail is impeccable, and the space has a romantic, intimate feel.  The menu includes appetizers, pasta, risotto, pizzas, and meat and seafood entrees.  Since many of the pastas and pizzas are meatless, this is the most vegetarian-friendly specialty dining restaurant.

We especially enjoyed the wild mushroom risotto, shrimp fra diavolo (the tomato sauce is indeed spicy), margherita pizza, and chocolate tartlet with raspberry and pistachio.  Pricing is a la carte if you're not on a dining plan.

Teppanyaki is a hibachi grill: diners sit around a large table while the chef prepares shrimp, steak, chicken, and fried rice on a grill in the center.  Meals come with miso soup, seaweed salad, and a choice of dessert.  For your entree, you pick your protein (beef, chicken, seafood, tofu, or vegetables), which is served with garlic fried rice and grilled vegetables.  Watching the chef in action is a fun spectacle, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Teppanyaki on the Norwegian Jade.  If you're not using a dining plan, there's a cover charge for your meal.

Wasabi is a sushi and yakitori bar serving Japanese appetizers, sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and grilled skewers of meat and seafood.  If you're not on a dining plan, pricing is a la carte.

Cagney's Steakhouse serves certified Angus beef, with a variety of cuts available, as well as seafood and classic American steakhouse appetizers, sides, and salads.  If you're not using a dining plan, pricing is a la carte. 

Le Bistro offers traditional French cuisine, and like the Manhattan Room, enforces as smart casual dress code that prohibits t-shirts with writing, flip flops, shorts, tank tops for men, and overly revealing clothing for women.  Without a dining plan, pricing is a la carte. 

This isn't a sponsored post, and it doesn't contain affiliate links—we paid for all of our cruise expenses out-of-pocket. 

Further reading Review: Norwegian Cruise Line The Cinque Terre Shore Excursion

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Norwegian Epic Dining

COMPLIMENTARY DINING

Every cruise fare includes beautifully crafted menus in our two main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. From fresh-baked breads, desserts and pastries to our chefs' original dishes made with the freshest ingredients, your dining can be as fine or fun as you want.

Garden Café

Chefs whip-up freshly, prepared-to-order omelettes, crêpes, pasta, seafood, ethnic cuisine, burgers, delightful desserts and more.

ACCOMMODATES: 680   DECK: 15   CUISINE: Buffet

Great Outdoors

Get your daily dose of fresh ocean air along with a great view of the Aqua Park as you dine on dishes from around the world at the Great Outdoors.

ACCOMMODATES: 366   DECK: 15   CUISINE: Bar & Grill

O'Sheehan's

This place is so inviting, everyone here really may eventually know your name. Dine on American classics as well as your favourite comfort foods, served 24 hours a day. There's even a three-lane bowling alley. ***Additional charges apply for bowling***

ACCOMMODATES: 269   DECK: 6   CUISINE: 24-Hour Eatery

Room Service

Dine in after a day at the pool. Or treat yourself to a continental breakfast in bed. Choose from an extensive menu with complimentary and a la carte items featuring everything from chef-crafted dishes to delicious snacks and treats. All freshly-prepared and delivered to your stateroom - 24-hours a day. Convenience charge of $7.95 USD may apply.

Shanghai's Chinese Restaurant

Enjoy a complimentary Asian Fusion dining venue featuring freshly prepared noodles, delicious wok fried dishes, authentic soups, and more.

ACCOMMODATES:  94   DECK: 6   CUISINE: Asian

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

Visit our Noodle Bar to enjoy fresh noodle dishes that are prepared just the way you like them.

ACCOMMODATES: 15   DECK: 6   CUISINE: Chinese

Soak up the sun by day around the pool and dine on the delicious fare of outdoor buffet at our adults-only Ibiza-inspired beach club at the back of the ship. The entertainment is non-stop as the pool floor rises to become a dance floor and giant screen projects hypnotic visuals under a starry sky.

DECK:  15, 16

Taste (Main Dining Room)

Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, Taste also offers a stylish and contemporary atmosphere. Plus, with a menu that changes daily, Chef's Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, you'll experience a different culinary adventure with every visit.

ACCOMMODATES: 534   DECK: 5   CUISINE: Contemporary

The Haven Courtyard Grill (Private Access for Guests of The Haven Only)

Step outside the Epic Club for contemporary dining in a relaxed al fresco setting. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even drinks at the bar. Location, Deck 16 Fwd.

DECK: 16   CUISINE: Private Bar & Grill

The Haven Restaurant (Private Access for Guests of The Haven Only)

Choose cool sophistication with flair. The Haven Restaurant offers exclusive private dining for guests staying in The Haven Suites. The haute design is highlighted with pearl drapes, glass sculptures, silk chandeliers and leather. It's the perfect place for privacy with delicious meals and wine selections from our impressive collection.

DECK: 16   CUISINE: Private Dining Room

The Manhattan Room (Main Dining)

One of three Main Dining Rooms aboard Norwegian Epic, The Manhattan Room is our version of a private New York City supper club. Guests can dance in style while enjoying specially curated modern and classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Add panoramic ocean views and you have a recipe for a spectacular evening.

ACCOMMODATES: 594   DECK: 6   CUISINE: Main Dining Room

SPECIALTY DINING

Dining aboard Norwegian is about having choices. Enjoy delicious comfort foods as well as more exotic choices from our many complimentary dining options. Or widen your palette further and choose from our specialty restaurants for a cover charge or á la carte. Whether it's a cheeseburger you have a desire for, or Coq au Vin, your dinner is ready when you are. And if you book a Specialty Dining Package, you can savour an array of our specialty restaurants for one special price.

If you're looking for a unique experience, our authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar of imported cheeses, olives, cured meats, ceviche and specialty salads. Be sure to save room for the delicious skewers of slow-roasted meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken - all carved tableside by our Pasadores.

ACCOMMODATES: 114   DECK: 7   CUISINE: Churrascaria

Flying shrimp. Onion volcanoes. Twirling knives. The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese Hibachi restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skilful chef slices, chops and grills steak, seafood and chicken on a large steel grill right before your eyes. Our chilled, sake-infused Wasabi Cocktail will have you flipping too.

ACCOMMODATES: 104   DECK: 7   CUISINE: Teppanyaki

Cagney's Steakhouse

Steak is the standard at our American-style steakhouse. Sip your favourite cocktail as you select from choice cuts of Certified Angus Beef(R) perfectly prepared. And don't forget to order our famous truffle fries.

ACCOMMODATES: 170   DECK: 7   CUISINE: Steakhouse

Enjoy the flavours of the Tuscan countryside at tables with room for old friends and new. Dine on classic dishes where you can taste the freshness of every tomato used to make an exquisitely delicious sauce. Try a twist on a classic like shrimp fettuccine, or keep it purist with a osso bucco. Just when you think you're out, they'll pull you back in with a toasty espresso and some macadamia nut ice cream. Delizioso!

ACCOMMODATES: 182   DECK: 14   CUISINE: Italian

Have it au poivre or just go straight for the bouillabaisse at our signature French restaurant. Elegant interiors and attentive servers make this an intimate dining experience reminiscent of a Parisian café. By the end of your meal, you'll might just be proclaiming c'est magnifique!

ACCOMMODATES:  126   DECK: 5   CUISINE: French

Marvel as the chefs at this contemporary sushi and sashimi bar create traditional Japanese culinary delights right before your very eyes.

ACCOMMODATES: 25   DECK: 7   CUISINE: Sushi

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Norwegian Epic Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Epic

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Barber Shop *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Bridge Viewing Room
• Climbing Wall
• Dance Classes
• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Deck Parties
• Epic Plunge
• Fitness Center and Spa
• Fitness Classes *
• Gaming Lessons *
• Hair Salon *
• Whirlpools (9)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• i_Connect Internet Cafe *
• Jogging Track
• Late Night Dancing
• Photo Studio *
• Poolside Casino *
• Poolside Games
• Pulse Fitness Center
• Smile Spa *
• Spa and Salon *
• Sports Complex
• Video Arcade *
• Waterslides (3)
• Wine Tasting *
• Entourage Teen Club
• Kids Aqua Park
• Splash Academy Youth Center
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge
• The Haven Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Private Courtyard Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Comedy Performances
• Epic Theater
• Headliners Comedy Club
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• The Cavern Club
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Taste Restaurant - Main
• The Manhattan Room Restaurant - Main
• Atrium Cafe and Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• Spiegel Tent - Cirque Dinner Theatre *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• The Haven Courtyard Grill - Suite Guests
• The Haven Restaurant - Suite Guests
• Ice Bar - Ice Bar *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Wasabi Sushi and Sake Bar - Sushi *
• Shakers Martini Bar - Martini Bar *
• Shanghais Restaurant - Asian
• Posh - Pool Bar *
• Waves Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• OSheehans Neighborhood Bar and Grill - Pub
• Cagneys Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• Maltings Beer and Whiskey Bar - Whiskey Bar *
• Moderno Churrascaria - Brazilian *
• Spice H2O Pool Bar and Grill - Pool Bar and Grill
• Room Service *
• Excellent 81
• Very Good 61
• Terrible 112
• All languages ( 412 )
• English ( 371 )
• Spanish ( 18 )
• French ( 9 )

Upcoming itineraries

NCL Main Dining Room Menus & CHanges – UPDATED FOR 2024

Norwegian cruise line main dining room menus for dinner, lunch & breakfast.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced changes to its main dining room menus (usually called “The Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor, or Hudsons”).

NCL has introduced a more streamlined menu with a few rotating selections. The new menu program, implemented in 2023-2024, features “Classic Entrees” and “Featured Entrees” sections. Despite initial concerns from seasoned cruisers, feedback about the new menus has been mostly positive, with guests appreciating the variety and quality of food options.

On my most recent cruise on the Norwegian Joy in March 2024, the menus for breakfast and dinner included a “Featured Entree” section which is comprised of a few unique items that rotate throughout the week. The balance of the menu is the same every day.

• The new menus include “Classic Entrees” and rotating “Featured Entrees” sections.
• Initial concerns from cruisers were addressed as feedback about the new menus has been positive overall.
• The changes aim to enhance the dining experience across NCL ships, offering a wider variety of culinary delights.
• Additional dining changes on Norwegian ships for 2024 include room service upgrades with new pricing structures.

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See the Norwegian Cruise Line main dining room menus (2024)

Last Updated on April 22, 2024

When you actually see the new menu options on NCL, it’s hard to complain. There is something for everyone, and it’s possible to have something different on every night of a standard-length cruise. No one is going hungry! 🙂

Some things that stand out are the wider variety of culinary delights from around the world such as Paella and Salmon prepared in a more traditional Mediterranean method as opposed to what was more ‘meat and potatoes’ and the build-your-own pasta option.

In my opinion, the changes seem to be an improvement and will hopefully lead to a better experience in the main dining rooms across the entire Norwegian fleet of cruise ships.

NCL Main Dining Room Dinner Menus

The main dining room menus on Norwegian Cruise Line feature “classic” items that are available every day with a few rotating chef specials. On longer cruises, these daily chef selections repeat about every 4 days.

Also new is the ability to order a steak from Cagney’s! A much better option than paying for a random cut of meat out of the main dining kitchen.

Main Dining Room Breakfast Menus

Breakfast items are basic and consistent with a couple of daily features that are generally pretty good and unique. It will keep breakfast service from getting boring!

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Main Dining Room Lunch Menus

Lunch in the main dining room on Norwegian Cruises is one of the bigger surprises. The featured selections are generally always quite good and unique. Unlike breakfast and dinner where there are always staple items available, the lunch menu is different every day.

Unfortunately, lunch is only served in the main dining room on sea days.

Norwegian Haven Restaurant Menu

There’s no word on whether or not NCL will make any substantial changes to the Haven Restaurant menus. For reference, we’re publishing a 2023 Haven Restaurant Menu from a recent NCL Cruise.

See More NCL Menus 2024 (updated)

Cagney’s Steakhouse Le Bistro Moderno Los Lobos La Cucina Sushi Teppanyaki Q Texas Smokehouse

What passengers are saying about the menu changes

Now that the new menu program has been released and there is real feedback out there, it’s difficult to come by many complaints. Here are a few comments from people we spoke with:

It was nice knowing what was being served every night so we knew how to plan our specialty dining. In the past we felt like we missed some of the better options when the menu was being changed nightly. Janie H.

I feel like the food was of a higher caliber in the main dining rooms with this menu change. Every meal, each item was cooked perfectly and very good, which is better than I can say for previous main dining room experiences Melvin K.

I’m not sure how anyone can complain about this menu, it’s amazing! The food choices are elevated and preparations are gorgeous. No one is going to go hungry with this new menu! Alice B.

Do you have a thought on the new menu?

Let us know! Do you want to add an idea? Submit a comment below!

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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30 Comments

Hi Phil, we will be on the Pearl in July-do you know if the new menu will be implemented by then? Trying to figure out which nights to do specialty restaurants. Thank you!

Hi Kristin – I just got off the Joy with all new menus which I’ll be posting here this week! So come back and have a look towards the end of the week. But the way they are doing it is pretty old school now. One page of the menu is consistent through the entire cruise, then the other page has some daily changes that repeat every few days. It seems like they’ve pulled back the concept of a fixed menu every night for now (on the whole fleet)

Thank you for the quick reply! I will check back to see your menus-I appreciate it!

Hi there, my family and I are headed to board the NCL Encore in 2 weeks, would you happen to know if this new one menu has been implemented on this particular ship yet? I don’t mind the one standard menu as I always find myself at the Local or garden buffet to top myself up lol. Any insight is greatly appreciated. If it is one menu it makes booking out one specialty dining night a lot easier! Thanks for time 🙂

Hey there! I was on the Epic earlier in the year and they still had rotating menus. It’s my understanding that they are evolving with the idea of a single menu. So while I’m not 100% sure, I would expect it’s still rotating. Definitely do a specialty! They’re not as good as they used to be, but I think the Epic has some good food with the speciality restaurants. (better than a lot of the other ships these days)

Thanks so much for the reply! We’re going to book Onda, we did that last year and the food was excellent. This is a cruise for our ten year anniversary so we are very excited. Thanks again! Take care 🙂

does the dining room serve escargo

As recently as this summer, they did in fact have escargo on some nights! I know the menus are still changing a bit, but my experience was they were available.

I sailed on the Prima and absolutely hate the one menu. I’m staying away from NCL because of it. Seriously looking at an Antarctic cruise. NCL is tempting, but I just can’t swallow the same food over and over and over again. Especially when they cut back the number of specialty dining nights they give you.

I can’t decide if the one menu concept is good or not. Especially for a longer cruise. I’m doing the Joy transatlantic in February – and I’ll either cope with it or live off of chicken wings 😉

I have always said NCL had the best food of any ship I’d been on… but I must say that this new Main Dining room menu is disappointing… The seafood choices especially are not appealing at all.

Hi Wendy, I do agree. However, depending on what ship you sail on right now, they may still have the more traditional menu. They did on the Sun recently.

Hi there, I’m departing on November 2 on the 12th night spirit, and have purchased the specialty dining package. I would like to browse the standard main dining room dinner selections prior to making my reservations, so I don’t miss out on something special! Is there anywhere posted? I can find out what the dining choices are in the main dining room before I depart on my cruise?

Hi Linda – They rotate a lot of the items in the main dining room and post the menus daily so you can see in the mornings what they’ll have for dinner. I’ll post a few sample menus, but they don’t have a set day that they serve certain items. NCL Was going to a fixed menu (posted here as an example) — but it’s not been implemented fleet-wide yet as far as I know (It wasn’t a month ago when we were on the SUN)

Sorry Phil, you’re wrong. It’s the same menu every night. Except where cruises are longer that 7 days. NCL is driving you to specialty restaurants. We’ve been very disappointed in NCL’s specialty restaurants because the “prized” dishes are an additional upcharge.

Food is so subjective for sure. On the Sun this year, they had not yet gone to the one menu concept. I do think that when the cruise lines try to do too much variety – they don’t get any of it too right – so I’m hoping this will at least make everything consistent and better. Only time will tell!

Hi Linda. On 7 day and shorter cruises, the menu is the same for the whole cruise. With 12 days, you might get a second menu. But you’ll only get 2 at the most. The same offerings every night in the main dining room.

Is there a limit to the choices you can order off the menu in The Haven?

In our experience, there is no limit to any food in The Haven!

Thank you very much for this information. We are going on our next NCL cruise this fall and look forward to the changes.

Thanks for taking the time to read the article! Enjoy your cruise! Looks like things are finally returning to ‘normal’ with dining and food quality after the ships started sailing again. (We’ve done 4 NCL since the restart, each getting better and better menus) Enjoy!

Why don’t we ever see lunch menus?

Hi Kate – If you flip through the above menu, there is a lunch menu section.

You only have the lunch for the perma-menu, nothing showing what is on offer if they have not gone to the new menus yet. In fact I have heard rumors they are not going to the new menus everywhere. I am also disappointed that if you are vegetarian you have three, just three, options for a seven day cruise.

I agree about the Vegetarian. I traveled with a friend who ate almost no meat, but was left with pretty unremarkable options when it was all said and done.

On the NCL Star, is O’Sheehans changing up their menus?

Hi Jenny – I haven’t seen anything or experienced changes at any of the O’sheehans! The biggest changes are coming to the main dining menus. For what it’s worth though, the food quality at O’sheehans isn’t what it once was 🙁 — at least over the past 4 cruises on NCL in the past 6 months we’ve done. I hope it’s temporary!

Yeah- that is what I recall from last year as well. Thanks for the detailed update on the main dining.

The changes in menu might be good for someone who eats everything – but not so much for vegetarian cruisers. Hope my upcoming cruise still has old rotating menu where diff options were available each day so we don’t end up eating almost same thing everyday!

Agreed! I do like the rotating menu, but hoping the static menu will up the quality of the food. For what it’s worth, a friend of ours just got off the Prima with a fixed menu and was able to ask for some menu items to be prepared without meat! Enjoy your cruise!

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Enjoy a four-course meal and a great bottle of wine. Or grab a burger hot off the grill. Dress up. Dress down. Sit with your friends or make new ones. Dine inside or Oceanside along The Waterfront. Only Norwegian offers the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Dining, which means no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating. So follow your mood, not a timetable .

Enjoy a Wide Variety of COMPLIMENTARY DINING

All of our ships offer beautifully crafted menus in up to three Main Dining Rooms, a Buffet and a variety of casual eateries. With our chef's original dishes made with the finest ingredients, your dining can be as fine or as fun as you want.

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Choose from up to three main dining rooms serving a wide variety of delicious cuisine. Enjoy specially curated modern and classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

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Our quintessential buffet is a crowd favourite for a reason. Available during breakfast, lunch and dinner, feel free to enjoy our meat carving station, made-to-order omelettes, pasta and more. Best part, it's complimentary.

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Classic pub fare offered in a relaxed atmosphere. With popular dishes like the Reuben Sandwich and Fish n' Chips, this eatery has all your favourite comfort foods!

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When you want a unique culinary experience, our speciality restaurants offer a variety of tastes for every palate. Now through The Norwegian Edge we are bringing an even higher standard of excellence to our dining with upgraded menus and new exciting venues. Whether you're indulging in succulent meats at Moderno Churrascaria, savouring French cuisine in Le Bistro, or enjoying fresh Mexican flavours at Los Lobos, you'll be sure to discover menus as fresh as the ingredients and cuisine that looks almost too good to eat.

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Dig into some authentic Texas BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse. All our smoked meats are infused with delicious flavours and come with all the traditional sides.

Our authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar, but save room for skewers of slow-roasted meats carved tableside by our Pasadores.

A contemporary take on classic French cuisine. Surround yourself in chic décor and rich fare plates. Perfect for a romantic night out for the deux of you.

This delicious Asian-Latin fusion cuisine served tapas style is perfect for sharing. Food Republic is open for lunch on sea days and dinner nightly.

Dine on Italian classics prepared using the finest ingredients at La Cucina. Or explore a new wave of flavour with a fresh take on old-world fare at Onda by Scarpetta.

Gather around a shared table as a skillful chef perfectly prepares steak, chicken and seafood on a large steel grill at Teppanyaki. In the mood for sushi? Pull up a chair at any one of our sushi bars for some traditional Japanese fare, including Nama, our new contemporary sushi house offering upscale sushi and sashimi prepared by master chefs.

Bienvenido a Los Lobos, a premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavours with a modern twist. Chefs serve up new favourites like Carne Asada marinated in guajillo chiles and tequila or Tres Leches Cake with Coconut Cream.

Indulge in our newest seafood concept, Palomar, featuring flavourful Mediterranean inspired dishes and an exclusive eco-friendly wine list. Dive into an ocean of flavour with other incredible seafood options like Ocean Blue, Bayamo and The Raw Bar, serving some of the finest and freshest ingredients at sea with perfectly paired wine selections and cocktails.

Enjoy a taste of Spain's cuisine at this lively tapas bar. Sip on delicious sangria as you savour an array of small plates, like Manchego Cheese and Iberico Ham, or Cod Croquettes and Garlic Shrimp.

An American-style steakhouse where succulent choice cuts of Angus beef are incredibly flavourful and perfectly prepared. Make sure to order our famous Parmesan truffle fries.

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Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent treats such as French macarons, chocolate bonbons and gourmet cupcakes at Coco's, Dolce Gelato, or The Bake Shop.

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The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

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Some cruise lines — Viking , for instance — have fleets where many of the ships have the same basic design. Norwegian Cruise Line is not one of them.

If you’re thinking of booking a Norwegian cruise,  an important thing to know is that there is a wide variation in the size and style of the vessels in the line’s fleet.

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Four of Norwegian’s 19 ships — Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore — are among the 30 biggest ships in the world. As such, they’re loaded with huge numbers of cabins, restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top amusements.

They are, in a nutshell, floating megaresorts .

The line also operates smaller vessels that barely crack the top 100 list of biggest cruise ships. These ships generally have fewer venues and attractions than the bigger ships. However, they still offer a lot for cruisers. Norwegian is a line known for packing oodles of restaurants, bars and entertainment on its vessels — even its smaller ones.

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options within the Norwegian fleet is that the line’s 19 ships can be bunched into just eight groups of vessels with similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

Each of these groups — known as “classes” in cruise industry lingo — is made up of ships that were constructed around the same time in the same basic design.

Related: Everything to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian ships  

An introduction to Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Smaller only than Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises , Norwegian has become increasingly known for some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea. As mentioned above, though, the line doesn’t just operate giant ships. More than half its fleet comprises vessels that, by today’s standards, are considered almost midsize.

Indeed, Norwegian is essentially two cruise lines in one. The line’s nine newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upward of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers at double occupancy (even more with every berth filled). At around 144,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all nine currently rank among the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world (although their rankings will shift downward as more big ships debut).

Norwegian’s 10 older ships, by contrast, are much more modest in size, measuring around 75,000 to 94,000 tons and carrying closer to 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian thus appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer a resort experience that is more modest. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet for you.

On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegian’s four new Breakaway Plus vessels — Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape — are the line’s premier offerings.

One step down in size from the Breakaway Plus ships are the still-quite-large Breakaway-class ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — and the one-of-a-kind Norwegian Epic.

The smallest of the line’s big ships are the recently unveiled Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima. They are the first two of a new series of six vessels that will transform the brand. Measuring about 143,500 tons a piece, these two new ships are about 17% smaller than Norwegian’s biggest vessels.

Norwegian’s 10 smaller vessels break down into five classes, though many are roughly the same size and offer similar amenities.

Prima class

Ships in class: Norwegian Prima (2022), Norwegian Viva (2023).

Size: 143,535 tons.

The Prima class of ships is the latest and greatest at Norwegian Cruise Line — the vessels that every NCL fan wants to book.

Only two ships in the series (Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima ) are currently in operation. Four more sister vessels are on order for delivery by 2027.

Under development since 2017, these ships mark Norwegian’s first new class of vessel in more than a decade. At 143,535 tons, they are notably smaller than the ships the line has been adding in recent years — a factor that will give them access to smaller ports around the world.

That said, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and their coming sisters still are relatively big ships that pack a lot of over-the-top amenities. Both Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima have ridiculously big go-kart tracks spread over three decks (a cruise industry first). The ships also boast The Drop, a 10-story dry slide that the line says provides more G-force than an accelerating Formula One race car.

Additionally, the vessels each are home to a three-deck theater that converts into a Las Vegas-style nightclub, along with a list of interactive, real-life game shows, including at-sea versions of “The Price Is Right,” “Supermarket Sweep,” “Press Your Luck” and “Beat the Clock.”

Related: I’ve been on nearly every Norwegian ship afloat; here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Still, the new Prima class is about more than flashy entertainment and activities. It marks a more upscale turn for the line. Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima offer the largest variety of suite categories (13) for a large ocean ship, the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel and the brand’s largest-ever inside, ocean-view and balcony cabins.

The entire back of each of the ships is dedicated to an upscale, “ship-within-a-ship” private suite area called The Haven that rises eight decks high and includes 107 suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant. Other vessels feature The Haven areas, but none as big as this one.

In addition, the public areas of Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima feel more spacious than many of the other 17 ships in the Norwegian fleet. And, indeed, they are. The Prima-class ships are being built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch.

Norwegian Cruise Line also says the Prima-class vessels offer the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship — including more total pool deck space than any other ships in the brand’s fleet.

Note that the last four ships in the Prima-class series, due to debut between 2025 and 2027, are being redesigned to be bigger than the first two ships in the series.

Related: 11 venues, 32 dishes, four days: See what happened when I tried to test every dish at Prima’s new Indulge Food Hall  

Breakaway Plus class

Ships in class: Norwegian Encore (2019), Norwegian Bliss (2018), Norwegian Joy (2017), Norwegian Escape (2015).

Size: 164,600 to 169,145 tons.

These are the Norwegian ships you go on if you’re a fan of megaresorts.

While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean’s giant Oasis-class ships , Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus-class vessels are firmly in the pantheon of the world’s cruising giants. They are the Norwegian ships most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions. There are so many of these things that you won’t be able to do it all in a single, weeklong cruise.

The Breakaway Plus ships are so big, in fact, that they have room for giant go-kart tracks and laser tag areas on their top decks (on all of the vessels in the series except Norwegian Escape). There’s also plenty of room to spare for multiple pools, waterslides and a kiddie splash zone.

Each of the vessels also offers real Broadway shows in big, state-of-the-art theaters, sprawling spas, casinos that fill half a deck, dedicated children’s play zones, and more than 2,000 rooms.

In addition, the two newest ships in this series, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, have large gaming and virtual reality zones called the Galaxy Pavilion.

For meals, you’ll find at least 20 venues on each of these ships, including multiple main dining rooms and a buffet that come with no extra charge and such extra-charge eateries as a teppanyaki restaurant, a steakhouse, a high-end French restaurant and a Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea.

With lots of family-friendly attractions such as the go-kart tracks and laser tag courses, these ships appeal heavily to families with children, particularly teens, but they draw a lot of couples, too. They are also popular with solo travelers, thanks to their unusually large complexes of cabins for one (something you’ll find on the Breakaway and Epic classes of ships, too).

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards loyalty program

All four of the Breakaway Plus ships have large, private, two-deck-high suite enclaves called The Haven that come with their own pool areas, restaurants and lounges. They’re some of the most spectacular suite complexes anywhere at sea .

The biggest of these ships, Norwegian Encore, measures 169,116 tons, making it the 18th-biggest cruise ship in the world as of this story’s publishing (it will drop in the rankings over the coming years as additional megaships debut). That’s bigger than all but one Carnival ship and every Princess Cruises ship. Only Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have a significant number of bigger vessels.

Norwegian Encore can hold more than 5,000 passengers with all berths filled.

Breakaway class

Ships in class: Norwegian Getaway (2014), Norwegian Breakaway (2013).

Size: 145,655 tons.

These vessels are similar to the Breakaway Plus-class ships but slightly smaller. Or, put another way, the Breakaway Plus-class ships are a stretched version of the Breakaway-class ships.

You’ll find many of the same eateries, bars, lounges and entertainment venues on the Breakaway-class ships that you’ll find on the Breakaway Plus-class vessels. The slightly smaller size of these vessels means there’s just a tad less “stuff” on board.

The top decks of the Breakaway-class ships have two pool areas and water parks with waterslides, for instance — just like the Breakaway Plus-class ships. However, they don’t have go-kart tracks or laser tag courses. Instead of the latter attractions, you’ll find an adults-only pool area called Spice H2O at the back of the vessels. At night, it transforms into a dance club.

Related: Every Norwegian Cruise Line ship ranked from biggest to smallest  

The Breakaway-class ships also boast full-size ropes courses on their top decks. Indeed, they were the first cruise ships ever to have such a feature. Other deck-top features include miniature golf courses on both vessels and basketball courts that double as volleyball courts.

On the entertainment front, both ships offer Broadway shows in their main theaters and have a circuslike show in a secondary theater called “Cirque Dreams.” The latter is a dinner show that comes with an extra charge. They’re also home to “Howl at the Moon” dueling piano shows and a version of the Latin-themed dance show “Burn the Floor.”

Like the Breakaway Plus vessels, the Breakaway ships have large complexes for solo travelers, as well as large, private The Haven suite complexes.

In general, as with the Breakaway Plus ships, these vessels are best for vacationers who like a megaresort-type experience, and they appeal heavily to families with children who love all their deck-top attractions. Each of the two ships in this series — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — holds about 4,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

Ships in class: Norwegian Epic (2010).

Size: 155,873 tons.

Norwegian Epic is an outlier in the Norwegian fleet. Unveiled in 2010, it was originally supposed to be the first of a series of up to three similar vessels. However, after disagreements with the shipyard that built it, Norwegian eventually canceled an order for a second ship in the series and an option for a third ship in the series, leaving Norwegian Epic in a class of one.

While roughly comparable in size to the Breakaway Plus- and Breakaway-class ships (it’s a bit smaller than the former vessels and a bit bigger than the latter vessels), Norwegian Epic has a notably different design that includes some unique features.

Perhaps most notably, balcony cabins on the ship have an unusual design that includes curved walls, rounded bed corners, and a sink and vanity area that is in the main living space (for all to see), separate from a closed-off toilet area. The toilet area is behind a translucent door that some cruisers find less private than they had hoped.

Norwegian Epic is also home to the only tube-and-bowl waterslide at sea and has such rare-for-cruise-ships attractions as a rappelling wall and a three-lane bowling alley. It also features an ice bar where customers wear parkas while sipping drinks.

Still, Norwegian Epic also offers a lot that will be familiar to Norwegian fans, including many of the line’s signature restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Standout features on Norwegian Epic include a water park with some of the most over-the-top waterslides at sea (including the aforementioned tube-and-bowl slide). It also offers a version of the Burn the Floor dance show that played on Broadway and on the West End in London, as well as a Howl at the Moon piano bar and a recreation of the Cavern Club nightspot in Liverpool, England, where The Beatles got their start (complete with a The Beatles cover band).

In addition, Norwegian Epic has the line’s biggest solo cabin complex (with 128 rooms for one) and a giant The Haven private suite complex.

At 155,873 tons, Norwegian Epic currently ranks as the 34th biggest cruise vessel in the world. Notably, it was the world’s third-largest ship when it debuted in 2010. That tells you just how much the cruise industry has grown in recent years.

Norwegian Epic carries 4,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Jewel class

Ships in class: Norwegian Gem (2007), Norwegian Jade (2006), Norwegian Pearl (2006), Norwegian Jewel (2005).

Size: About 93,500 tons.

Are you unsure if you want to sail on a megaship with 4,000 or more people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Jewel-class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 93,500 tons, the four vessels in the series are nearly 50% smaller than the line’s Breakaway Plus-class ships but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each of the vessels has more than a dozen food venues, including three main restaurants, a casual buffet, a steakhouse, a French restaurant and a teppanyaki eatery.

You’ll also find multiple pools on each of the ships, along with whirlpools, basketball courts and golf driving nets. Each of the ships also has a theater, spa, casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won’t find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are all the gee-whiz attractions such as go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and large water-park areas that Norwegian has put on its bigger vessels. If you can’t live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, then the Jewel class probably isn’t for you.

Note that Norwegian Gem does have a climbing wall and a single waterslide. Norwegian Pearl has a climbing wall but no waterslide. Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade have neither of the attractions.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line ships listed from newest to oldest

Each of the Jewel-class ships holds around 2,400 passengers at double occupancy (plus a few hundred more with every berth filled). That’s about 40% fewer passengers than you’ll find on the biggest Norwegian ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds that are on the biggest megaships without giving up many of the amenities that big ships have to offer.

Pride of America class

Ships in class: Pride of America (2005).

Size: 80,439 tons.

Like Norwegian Epic, Pride of America is an outlier in the Norwegian fleet. In fact, it’s perhaps an even bigger outlier than the former vessel.

Sporting a patriotic U.S. theme (you’ll find venues named after Thomas Jefferson and John Adams) and a distinct array of lounges and entertainment, it’s a ship specifically designed to sail year-round in Hawaii — the only one of its kind at any line.

Pride of America notably flies a U.S. flag and operates with a mostly U.S. crew, in keeping with regulations governing cruise itineraries that only include U.S. ports. That’s a big difference from any other big cruise vessel in the world.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

It’s also the only Norwegian vessel without a casino, in keeping with local Hawaii regulations.

If you sail on Pride of America, you’ll find such one-of-a-kind eateries as the classic American car-themed Cadillac Diner. You’ll also find some of Norwegian’s signature offerings, including a Cagney’s steak house and Italian eatery La Cucina. The ship’s other onboard attractions include a showroom, lounges, bars and a top deck with extensive open-air pool and sun lounging areas.

Thanks to its ownership of Pride of America, Norwegian is the undisputed leader in Hawaii cruises. Most cruise lines that offer sailings to Hawaii only offer a limited number of such trips during a few months each year. Norwegian, by contrast, offers sailings around the Hawaiian Islands every week of the year — the only cruise line in the world to do so.

An iconic presence in Hawaii, Pride of America has been permanently dedicated to the archipelago since its debut in 2005. It offers a repeating seven-night itinerary that begins each Saturday in Honolulu and brings the chance to visit four different Hawaiian islands on a single, seven-night trip.

Beginning and ending on the island of Oahu, the itinerary includes two days each on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. The two-day visit to Maui involves an overnight stay at the port of Kahului. The two-day visit to Kauai involves an overnight stay at the port of Nawiliwili. The two-day visit to Hawaii is split between a call at Hilo and a call at Kona.

Ships in class: Norwegian Dawn (2002), Norwegian Star (2001).

Size: 92,250 and 91,740 tons.

The Dawn-class ships are similar to the Jewel-class ships in size and amenities, with a few differences.

Like the former vessels, the Dawn-class ships have around a dozen food-serving venues, including three main restaurants, a casual buffet, a Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue) restaurant, a French restaurant and a teppanyaki eatery.

You’ll also find multiple pools on each of the ships, whirlpools, basketball courts and golf driving nets. Each of the ships also has a theater, spa, casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

Like the Jewel-class ships, the Dawn-class vessels lack the sort of big attractions such as go-kart tracks and large water parks found on bigger Norwegian vessels. In addition, there are no Broadway musicals on Dawn-class ships, and they don’t have a private The Haven suite area (though they do have several giant suites called Garden Villas that measure more than 6,000 square feet).

If you can’t live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, then the Dawn class probably isn’t for you.

Ships in class: Norwegian Sun (2001), Norwegian Sky (1999).

Size: 78,309 and 77,104 tons.

Dating to 2001 and 1999, respectively, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky are among the smallest ships at Norwegian. They offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line’s vessels.

In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship than what you’ll find on the big Norwegian ships. They also draw cruisers who care more about the destinations that they visit on a cruise than onboard attractions.

On each of the vessels, you’ll find more than half a dozen eateries, including several main dining rooms, a casual buffet, a diner-style pub, a steakhouse, an Italian trattoria and a French bistro.

On their top decks, the ships have pools (one on Sun, two on Sky), whirlpools, a basketball court that doubles as a volleyball court, golf driving nets and a jogging track. The ships also have casinos and theaters with nightly shows.

Unlike most bigger Norwegian ships, neither of the vessels has a private The Haven suite complex or solo cabins.

Ships in class: Norwegian Spirit (1998).

Size: 75,904 tons.

Dating to 1998, Norwegian Spirit is Norwegian’s smallest and oldest ship, and — like the line’s Sun-class ships — it generally appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience than you’ll find on the big Norwegian ships.

At 75,904 tons, Norwegian Spirit is less than half the size of Norwegian’s biggest ships, and it carries just 1,966 passengers — more than 2,000 fewer than the Norwegian biggies.

It also offers fewer (but still quite a few) venues and attractions. In all, you’ll find 13 food outlets on board, including two main restaurants, a casual buffet eatery, and versions of the line’s signature Cagney’s steakhouse and French eatery Le Bistro. There are more than half a dozen bars and cafes.

Deck-top attractions include several pools, whirlpools, waterslides, a basketball court and a jogging track. The ship also has a casino, spa, nightclub and theater.

Of note, Norwegian Spirit originally was built for Asia-based Star Cruises (where it was called SuperStar Leo).

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And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

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