Norwegian Cruise Line has quietly introduced a $5 fee for passengers ordering a second or additional entrees in the main dining rooms across its entire fleet, effective for sailings beginning September 26, 2025, or later.
The charge is listed in small print at the bottom of dining room menus, where many guests may not initially notice it.
“One entree per guest. Additional entrees will incur a $5 charge,” the menu reads.
The new policy changes how much guests can order. Previously, they could order multiple entrees at no additional cost.
The fee applies to every second or subsequent entree ordered during a single meal service in any of the line’s main dining rooms.
Norwegian Cruise Line differs from Carnival Cruise Line’s approach to extra entrees. Carnival implemented a similar $5 fee in 2019, but charges only for a third entree and beyond, allowing guests two selections before any fee applies.
Some passengers view the fee as reasonable, noting it addresses waste and helps manage service flow.
Others see it as nickel-and-diming tactics, particularly when small portion sizes might make ordering multiple entrees more appealing or when guests want to sample different items as menus rotate throughout the cruise.
The dining room fee follows NCL’s recent implementation of a $10 per person charge for no-shows or late cancellations at specialty restaurants.
That fee received a generally positive reception from cruisers who appreciated efforts to prevent lost reservation opportunities.
The $5 charge does not apply to specialty restaurants, which operate on separate pricing structures, or complimentary buffet venues where guests can take as many portions as they like.
