I spotted this on Facebook first and had to double-check – and sure enough, NCL is now charging $5 for every extra entrée you order in the main dining room (MDR). Yep, that’s on top of your already-included dining, and it applies fleet-wide for sailings departing on or after September 26, 2025.

Related: A Full Review: 9-Night Greek Isles Cruise with NCL
Related: Norwegian Viva Greek Isles Cruise: The Truth About What I Paid

What’s Actually Changing?

Basically, you still get one entrée per person in the MDR included. But if you fancy a second, third, or fourth dish… that’ll cost $5 each. It’s clearly printed on the menus now, and while specialty restaurants are unaffected, the main dining rooms are part of the “one entrée per guest, extras cost $5” rule.

The buffet? Still free-for-all, so if you’re craving more than one helping, that’s where you’ll want to go.

Why Are NCL Doing This?

NCL hasn’t given a detailed public explanation, but it seems to make sense when you think about it:

• Food waste: Ordering more than you can eat is easy, and this might nudge guests to stick to one entrée.
• Efficiency: Fewer extra orders means the kitchen can keep service smooth and reduce wait times.
• Industry trends: Other cruise lines have similar policies, so it’s not completely out of left field.

Basically, it’s less about being stingy and more about keeping things running efficiently while being mindful of waste.

Related: The Ugliest Cruise Ship in the World: Norwegian Epic

How Guests Are Reacting

Of course, the reactions are mixed.

• Some are fine with it: “Who really needs more than one entrée anyway?”. If you don’t finish your plate, you’re still not paying extra – so in a way, it’s fair.
• Others aren’t happy: “The MDR has always been all-you-can-eat style – now suddenly I have to pay for extras?” Some feel like the classic cruise dining experience is being trimmed.

Personally, I can see both sides. $5 isn’t going to break the bank, but it’s definitely a change from how things used to be.

Tips If You’re Sailing With NCL

• Use the buffet: It’s still all-you-can-eat and won’t cost you a penny for seconds.
• Plan ahead: Decide if you really want that second entrée or if one is enough.
• Share dishes: If you’re travelling with someone, split your orders and try a couple of options without paying extra.

Bottom Line

This $5 fee is a small change in the grand scheme of cruising, but it’s definitely worth knowing before you sit down in the MDR. Personally, I think it’s reasonable – it keeps kitchens running smoothly and nudges people to be mindful of waste. But if you’re someone who loves sampling everything on the menu, the buffet might become your new best friend.

10 Reasons to cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Owen

Hi, I’m Owen - a traveling designer and content creator redefining what it means to work from home. You can usually find me on a cruise ship, somewhere in Europe, or sneaking a beach day. I share beautiful photos, travel tips, and the occasional ‘why did I book this?’ moment. Interests: cruising, city breaks, content creation, travelling

See Full Bio