Man, cruise food used to be all about those big buffets and the main dining room where you’d show up at the same time every night. But now? It’s a total game-changer. People want real meals, different flavors, fancy spots not just filling up. That’s where these unlimited dining packages come in, letting you hit all the premium restaurants without nickel-and-diming every bite.
I’ve been on a few cruises, and trust me, planning ahead makes the whole trip smoother. Royal Caribbean finally fixed their big headache with pre-booking, and Princess just dropped this loaded Premier package that’s basically all-in-one luxury. Let’s break it down what they cost, what you get, the tricks to make ’em worth it so your next sail is all amazing food, no stress. Cruise lines are listening to us complainers, and it’s paying off big time with easier planning and more bang for your buck.
1. The Big Win: Royal Caribbean Lets You Book Unlimited Dining Online Now
Remember rushing off the gangway on day one, elbowing through crowds to snag dinner spots before they vanished? Yeah, that sucked lines everywhere, fave times gone, vacation vibe killed right at the start. Folks begged Royal Caribbean for years to let us book ahead with the Unlimited Dining Package. They teased it almost a year ago, tested on Allure of the Seas back in August 2024, and boom now it’s fleet-wide. Log in before you sail, pick your restaurants, times, done.
No more embarkation chaos; you chill with a drink while others scramble. It’s super easy: hit the website, Cruise Planner, Dining section, add UDP, pay, then browse days and slots. Pick your crew, lock in Chops at 7pm one night, Izumi the next. Changes? No biggie if availability. This kills the old pain of waiting till onboard, where everything good books up fast. For planners, it’s gold start relaxed, know your evenings are set. Even helps the ship: less day-one madness in common areas, staff freer to welcome you proper.
How to Nail the Pre-Booking
- Log In Early: Hit the Cruise Planner on Royal’s site, find your sailing.
- Dining Tab: Grab UDP, add to cart, pay up.
- Pick Party: Select who’s eating, then snag spots per day.
- Restaurant Choices: See what’s open, lock in favorites.
- Flex Time: Change if plans shift, but book ASAP for best slots.
- Staff Perk: Less onboard rush means smoother ops for everyone.
This is huge for planners like me. Vacay starts relaxed, not frantic. Royal wins too, fewer lines in the Promenade. Straight from passenger gripes to fix; love when companies actually listen. Makes the whole pre-cruise hype way better, letting you daydream about steaks instead of stressing slots. Families love it too, no kid meltdowns over “where are we eating tonight?” It’s the upgrade we all needed after years of embarkation day drama.
2. What You Really Get with Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package
Royal’s UDP? It’s your ticket to eat at every specialty spot on the ship, as much as you want, for one flat fee upfront. Skip the free stuff (which is solid, don’t get me wrong) and dive into the upscale joints and think all-you-can-eat premium vibes the whole cruise. Perfect if you’re a food explorer who wants variety without surprises on the bill. Dinners every night at fixed-price places, no limits on courses start with apps, pile on mains, finish with desserts, repeat if you’re still hungry.
Lunches too, but mostly sea days, like that fun Mason Jar brunch with Southern twists. Wine lovers score: 40% off bottles $100 or less, 20% on pricier ones, pair a steak with a nice red, save cash. Gratuities baked in, so no awkward tipping math. Not drinks though; grab the beverage package if you want cocktails flowing free. It’s like turning the ship into your personal gourmet playground, especially on longer sails with more chances to indulge.
Core Perks of UDP
- Unlimited Dinners: Hit any fixed-price spot every night.
- Sea Day Lunches: Extra meals at places like Mason Jar brunch.
- Wine Deals: 40% off bottles under $100, 20% over.
- Grats Included: No tipping hassle on specialty eats.
- Order Freely: Apps, mains, desserts go wild.
- Beverage Pair: Add drink package for full no-worries.
Drinks aren’t in (grab the booze package if you want), but those wine discounts? Chef’s kiss for date nights. More sea days = more value with lunches. Turn your cruise into a floating food fest if that’s your jam. Imagine no guilt ordering extra lobster or that second dessert it’s all covered. For couples or groups splitting dishes, it’s endless sampling without the bill shock at the end.
3. Breaking Down the Cost: Is Royal’s UDP Worth the Splurge?
UDP pricing dances around no fixed number, changes with ship, length, route, season. Check your Cruise Planner post-booking for the real deal on your trip. Examples: $380 adult for 7-night Wonder Western Caribbean (Sept ’23), about $54/night. 14-night Oasis Transatlantic (April ’24) at $650, drops to $46/night. Longer hauls are often cheaper per day.
Single dinners run $40-65, so match it: two on a weeknight cruise and you’re even, three or more (plus lunches) and you’re saving. Sea-day packed itineraries? Jackpot, drop per-meal to pennies. Port-heavy? Might not hit payoff if you’re off-ship eating locally. Dynamic means watch for dips book early, cancel/rebook free if cheaper pops up. It’s an investment for foodies; casual free-dining fans might overspend. Factor kids or light eaters too value shifts per person.
Value Math Basics
- Single Meals: $40-65 each at specialties.
- Break-Even: 2-3 dinners on 7-night makes it pay.
- Max Use: Lunch + dinner = super low per-meal.
- Port Heavy: Fewer onboard eats = less bang.
- Foodie Win: Heavy users save big.
- Casual Eater: Might not hit payoff.
If you’re dining premium most nights (especially with lunches), it’s a steal. Light users? Skip or go smaller. Crunch your itinerary sea days boost it huge. Think total cruise budget: UDP plus drinks can feel all-in, but underuse wastes. Past cruisers say on Icon-class with tons options, it’s no-brainer; smaller ships, maybe not.
4. Smart Moves to Squeeze Every Dollar from Royal’s UDP
Got the package? Don’t just wing it plan to win. Eat there tons: lunches on sea days, dinners nightly. More meals, cheaper each feels. Sea-day heavy trips? Goldmine for extra bites. Book ASAP for lowest rate, rebook if drops (48 hrs pre). Buy pre-cruise onboard markup, sellout risk. Day one, if no pre-book, central reservations desk stat; popular 6-8pm vanish quick. Izumi Hibachi separate, go direct. Mix venues don’t camp one unless fave. Black Friday sales? Watch. Track Planner obsessively early on.
Pro Tips for Max Value
- Book Early: Snag lowest price, rebook if drops (up to 48 hrs pre-sail).
- Pre-Cruise Buy: Cheaper than onboard, avoids sellouts.
- Day-One Reserve: If no pre-book, hit central desk ASAP.
- Izumi Hibachi: Separate spot, book direct.
- Mix It Up: Try different places, don’t repeat unless obsessed.
- Track Drops: Watch Planner for sales like Black Friday.
Buy ahead via Manage My Cruise onboard’s pricier, riskier. Pre-booking now? Game-changer for slots. Strategy turns good deal into epic savings. Coordinate with itinerary port days free dining, sea days double up. Share family-style where possible, sample more. It’s about intentional eating to max that upfront fee.
5. The Spots You Can Hit Unlimited with Royal’s UDP
UDP unlocks the best fixed-price gems order everything, no limits. From steakhouses to Italian, seafood to whimsy, it’s a flavor tour. 150 Central Park: elegant, seasonal menus in park setting. Chops: juicy steaks, lobster, sides galore. Giovanni’s: fresh pasta, osso buco, tiramisu heaven. Hooked: clam chowder, fish tacos, lobster rolls fresh. Jamie’s: hearty ragu, planks with apps. Wonderland: molecular magic, creative plates surprise. Samba Brazilian rods of meat, Sabor tacos, Johnny Rockets burgers/fries/shakes sit-down. Mason Jar: biscuits, fried chicken, boozy milkshakes brunch sea days.
Standout Fixed-Price Joints
- 150 Central Park: Fancy, curated plates.
- Chops Grille: Killer steaks, seafood.
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen/Table: Pasta heaven, real deal.
- Hooked Seafood: New England vibes, fresh catches.
- Jamie’s Italian: Jamie Oliver rustic goodies.
- Wonderland: Wild, imaginative eats.
More like Samba Grill (Brazilian), Sabor (Mexican), Johnny Rockets sit-down, Mason Jar Southern brunch. Unlimited means feast mode apps to dessert, repeat if you dare. Ship-specific varies, but core hits most. Try themed nights or chef specials for extra wow.
6. The Tricky Bits: A La Carte and Extra Fees with UDP
Not everything’s flat free à la carte spots give credits, not unlimited. Premium extras? Surcharge. Izumi Sushi, Portside BBQ, Playmakers, Johnny Rockets Express, Fish & Ships: $20-35 credit/person/day, one use per venue. Order smart hit limit in one go, no carryover. Izumi Hibachi: fun flips, $15 extra. Chef’s Table: intimate multi-course, $49.99. Empire Supper Club: swanky, $130. Wonderland DaDong if on: $24.99. These add for show or rarity worth for special nights.
A La Carte Rules
- Credit Per Day: $20-35/person at Izumi Sushi, Playmakers, etc.
- One Use: Per venue daily, no stacking.
- Strategy: Max credit one visit.
- Surcharge Spots: Izumi Hibachi $15, Chef’s Table $49.99.
- High-End: Empire Supper Club $130, etc.
- Plan Ahead: Pick wisely for credits.
Credits for sushi or BBQ smart ordering key. Surcharges for shows like hibachi. Know before, avoid bill shocks. Still value if you love those credit covers base, extra for upgrade. Budget surcharges like bonus experiences. This setup keeps UDP focused on mains while teasing extras without full commitment.
7. What UDP Doesn’t Cover: The No-Gos
UDP’s broad, but not everything events, casuals, drinks out. No “Taste of Royal” demos, mystery theaters, holiday feasts, wine pairings separate book/pay. Room service, mini-bar, vending: always charge. Café Promenade coffees/pastries, Sugar Beach candy, Vintages wines, Bamboo Room, La Patisserie, Starbucks: out. Private islands Labadee/CocoCay: own dining, no package. Drinks: wine discount yes, but beers/cocktails/sodas separate (beverage package fix). These keep the package tight on specialties, avoiding overlap with free or retail spots. Mystery dinners add fun theme, worth extra for nights you want interactive. Room service handy for lazy mornings, but plan budget. Islands? Local flavors adventure separate.
Main Exclusions
- Special Events: Taste of Royal, mystery dinners, holidays.
- Room Service: Always extra, mini-bar too.
- Casual Spots: Café Promenade, Starbucks, Sugar Beach.
- Private Islands: Labadee, CocoCay separate.
- Beverages: Wine discount yes, full drinks no.
- Vending: Snacks extra.
Budget separate for these. Keeps package focused on specialties. Read fine print in Planner to set expectations no surprises onboard. This clarity helps mix UDP with free options seamlessly, customizing your eats without overpaying for unused bits.
8. Kid-Friendly Eats: How Royal Handles Little Ones in Specialties
Family cruise? Kids dine too, no full package forced. Under 5 free with adult toddler win, try lobster mac no cost. 6-12: $10/meal pay-go, or discounted UDP ~$80/week for regulars. Most families pick per-night kids fickle, eat less, free dining often enough. Specialties kid menus: burgers, pasta, chicken. No package need unless hitting every night. This tiered setup saves parents cash while letting kids tag along for fancy vibes. Under-5s explore flavors free, building memories. Older kids? $10 feels like steal compared adult covers.
Kid Options Breakdown
- Under 5: Complimentary everywhere.
- 6-12 Pay-Go: $10 per specialty meal.
- Kid UDP: Cheap for frequent visits.
- Flex Choice: Pick nights, no commitment.
- Appetite Factor: Kids eat less, per-meal often better.
- Family Fun: Share premium without breaking bank.
Most skip full kid package saves cash unless eating out tons. Royal keeps it easy for parents. Adults UDP, kids tag cheap best of both. Dietary needs? Spots accommodate allergies/kid prefs. Makes family nights special without forcing all-in commitment, perfect for unpredictable little appetites.
9. Other Ways to Do Fancy Without Full Unlimited
Not all-in? Three-night package for samplers (~$140 adult, $35 kid on Wonder). Mix free mains with upscale hits. No pre-book yet, onboard reserve. Pay-go: lunch Chops $29.99, 150 Central dinner $64.99 one-offs no commit. Under 3 specialties? This wins. Port days local eats? Perfect. Three-night ideal for testing waters couple premium evenings, rest Windjammer casual. Pay-go ultimate flex, add as mood strikes.
Alternatives at a Glance
- Three-Night: Few upscale nights, mix with free.
- Pay-Go: One-offs, no upfront.
- Value Check: Under 3 specialties? Skip UDP.
- Port Focus: Heavy excursions = less need.
- Onboard Book: For three-night, day one.
- Custom Fit: Match your eats style.
UDP for heavy hitters; these for casual upgrades. No pre-book on three-night yet. Flexibility key try one, love, add more. Great for first-timers or budget watchers dipping toes in premium without full plunge.
10. Princess Steps Up: The New Premier Package Overview
Princess just leveled up Premier $90/day, unlimited everything. Drinks, dining, Wi-Fi, more. Started sales Aug ’24 for later sails. “70% savings” on bundle. President calls best value, easy all-inclusive. No nickel-dime indulge free. Bundles top drinks (up to $20), specialties nightly, Max Wi-Fi, boutique classes, desserts, juices, photos, grats, more. North America voyages first Aug 15, global next day, sailings post-Aug 31. It’s shift to seamless luxury, covering what folks buy separate anyway.
Big Three Newbies
- Unlimited Drinks: Up to $20 each.
- Unlimited Specialty Dining: Every night.
- Unlimited Wi-Fi Max: Fast, prioritized.
- Value Claim: Huge discount combined.
- Easy All-In: No worries vacay.
- President Hype: Best travel bang.
It’s broader than Royal’s food focus full luxury wrap. Covers North America first, then global. Bundle saves if you’d buy separate anyway. Transforms cruise to effortless pamper, every perk included upfront.
11. Princess Premier’s Food Heaven: Unlimited Specialties
Every dinner premium no extras. Crown Grill steaks classy, Sabatini’s pasta fresh, Catch Rudi seafood innovative. Makoto sushi precise, Butcher’s Block Dario meats family-style. Umai Teppanyaki flips fun select ships. Casual prix fixe unlimited too impromptu upscale. This means spontaneous craving steak? Crown. Italian night? Sabatini’s. Seafood mood? Catch. No cover worries, every evening special. Venues rotate menus, fresh ingredients, chef passions shine.
Top Spots Included
- Crown Grill: Prime cuts, classy.
- Sabatini’s: Handmade pasta, trad.
- The Catch by Rudi: Fresh, creative fish.
- Makoto Ocean: Sushi art.
- Butcher’s Block: Family-style meat feast.
- Umai Teppanyaki: Hibachi fun (select ships).
Plus unlimited casual prix fixe. Spontaneous gourmet anytime. Mood Italian? Sabatini’s. Seafood? Catch. Variety nightly without planning stress. Elevates whole trip, food centerpiece without limits or add-ons. Imagine switching cuisines daily, no bill at end pure freedom for taste adventures, turning routine dinners into highlights you’ll rave about later.
12. Stay Plugged In: Unlimited Max Wi-Fi on Premier
MedallionNet Max top bandwidth, Starlink fast. Stream, call, work seamless. Prioritized, ship-wide, no dead zones. Share pics live, Zoom family, binge shows. Exclusive Plus/Premier, leverages satellites for peak performance. No buffering frustration, multiple devices smooth. Remote workers? Meetings hold. Families? Kids stream, parents post. This isn’t basic cruise Wi-Fi it’s home-like speed, anywhere onboard, even balcony or pool. Upload vids instant, video chat clear, no “wait till port” nonsense.
Wi-Fi Wins
- Prioritized Speed: Best available.
- Ship-Wide: Anywhere coverage.
- Digital Life: Videos, shares easy.
- Exclusive Bundles: Plus/Premier only.
- No Lag Frustration: Reliable connection.
- Vacay Share: Post pics live.
Essential for connected folks big value add. Multiple devices, no fight bandwidth. Workcation? Possible smooth. Turns sea days productive or entertaining, no isolation feel. Stay in loop with office, socials, news vacay doesn’t mean disconnect unless you want. For influencers or families, game-changer sharing moments real-time.
13. Get Your Sweat On: Unlimited Boutique Fitness Classes
Wellness included Pure Barre low-impact burn, Club Pilates reformer core, CycleBar spin sweat. YogaSix flows, StretchLab recovery. Unlimited, mix daily. Brand-name pros, small groups, ship gyms equipped. Morning barre tone, evening yoga unwind. Balance rich meals with movement, feel energized not sluggish. Classes scheduled throughout day, sign up easy via app or desk. Instructors certified, motivate without overwhelm. New to Pilates? They guide. Seasoned yogi? Advanced options.
Class Lineup
- Pure Barre: Intense low-impact.
- Club Pilates: Reformer sessions.
- CycleBar: Spin energy.
- YogaSix: All levels flow.
- StretchLab: Assisted flex.
- Balance Indulgence: Eat fancy, stay fit.
Mix workouts with feasts feel great whole trip. Morning yoga, afternoon cycle routine easy. Instructors pro, classes small. Holistic vacay body mind refreshed, no home routine skip guilt. End cruise fitter, glowing counter gourmet indulgences, maintain habits, or try new like spin if landlocked usually. It’s wellness boost woven in, making package feel complete lifestyle upgrade.
14. All the Extras: What Else Premier Throws In
Drinks to $20 (75+ spirits, 40 wines, 20 cocktails Floyd), 25% bottles. OceanNow delivery free anywhere, premium desserts/juices unlimited. Theater reserved seats, digital photos all, grats in, Medallion home ship, Prizes games. Desserts chef-crafted, juices fresh-squeezed. Delivery cabin, pool, anywhere no fee. Photos pro shots unlimited, download easy.
Bonus Luxuries
- Theater Seats: Reserved best spots.
- Photo Package: Unlimited digitals.
- Grats Covered: No tip worry.
- Medallion Ship: Home delivery.
- Princess Prizes: Giveaway fun.
- Room Service: No fee anywhere.
Pamper level max vacay on easy mode. Juices poolside, desserts midnight, photos pro no extras. Prizes stateroom games, win goodies. Medallion seamless entry, orders. Every detail thought, pure indulgence.
15. Worth It or Nah? Deciding on These Packages
Your call match to how you cruise. Royal UDP: pros unlimited food/grats, pair drinks all-in; cons underused waste, port skips, daily organize. Over 2-3 specialties? Yes. Princess $90/day: bundle drinks/dining/Wi-Fi/classes/photos, 70% save if use. Skip some? Overpay. UDP food-centric, great variety seekers. Premier lifestyle all-in, connectivity/wellness key. Port-intensive? Lean alternatives. Sea days galore? Unlimited shines. Tally ala carte costs if over package price, win. First cruise? Test smaller. Repeat foodie? Dive unlimited.
Quick Pros/Cons
- UDP Pros: Full access, savings heavy use.
- UDP Cons: Waste if light, organize daily.
- Premier Pros: Total bundle, 70% save.
- Premier Cons: $90/day high if skip perks.
- Foodie Fit: Yes for nightly premium.
- Balanced: Smaller or pay-go.
Heavy specialty? Go unlimited. Mix free? Alternatives. Know your eats, nail the value. Food central or add-ons? Pick match. Tally what you’d spend separate often packages win big for full users. Consider group share perks, value multiplies. Ultimately, aligns habits? Splurge. Mismatch? Save, enjoy free plenty good too.
