Changes for NCL restaurants

Here ya go. http://www.beyondships2.com/norwegian-escape-menus.html

The packages are the way to go. If you prepay them, the 3 day is 69 and the 4 day is 84, adding in the 18% mandatory gratuity, you're at 81.42 and 99.12. This will get you 1 entree and as many apps, sides and desserts as you wish including the a la carte places like Cagneys and Le Bistro. Teppanyaki is still 30 plus 18%, but is reduced down to under 25 if utilized as part of a 4 night purchase. So, you can eat in Teppanyaki, Le Bistro and two nights in Cagneys for about 100 per person including tip. This link is great for a further detailed explanation as well as a link inside the article to menus. http://eatsleepcruise.com/2016/03/norwegian-cruise-line-specialty-dining-package-review/

I have no idea. Except that maybe certain dishes are not included in the sale/giveaway. Surf & turf probably has an up charge, as might a porterhouse steak. Also, not every restaurant is a la Carte. The Hibachi grill I would think is still one set price ( except for the steak & tail which may add $$$.

NCL is still "selling" Ultimate Dining Packages. How does that work in the a la carte framework?

I know this won't help you, but what I may be able to do in January is try to get a copy of the menus. If I can, I will scan them and upload them to a thread. I will tell you this, every ship we have been on that has a steakhouse, is worth the experience. HAL has their restaurant which is amazing. Also on NCL is Le Bistro. A French restaurant that should not be missed.

Where can I see a menu - with prices - for these ala carte specialty restaurants. That will determine my dining schedule. Thanks.

We were on the Gem in March, but we had the free meal plan so I guess I didn't notice the change. When we were on the Breakaway last year, we didn't pre book any restaurants and got shut out, so, again, I didn't notice the change.

Thanks for the info

That change went into affect on Norwegian about a year ago.

We cruise PC. At the Crown Grill and as a couple, we look at this as a $100 meal. We leave a discretionary tip in the $15-20 range. Beverages are gratuity included so we don't include that.

We do the specialty dining only when we get a freebie. Last cruise and next, we got dinner for two with the price of the cabin. We ate in the Chop House on RCCL Freedom and it was very good, the service was excellent, but I would have been less than impressed if I had to pay $70+tip for that meal when I have wonderful service and a good meal waiting for me in MDR at no extra charge.

Question - for those who do use specialty dining regularly, what is an appropriate tip?