Cruise ships are known for their wide range of dining options, but none are as popular as the cruise ship steakhouses. With over 100 steakhouses on major cruise ships catering to North Americans, it’s no surprise that they have become a staple onboard dining experience.
If a cruise line has room for just one additional restaurant on a vessel, it’s likely to be a steakhouse. Even cruise giant Carnival has 24 steakhouses on its 26 ships. These steakhouses are not only popular, but they are also as elaborate and elegant as any you’ll find on land. They offer mouthwatering cuts of USDA Prime beef that has been dry-aged for weeks. In addition to classic meat cuts like New York strip and porterhouse, these restaurants also serve up seafood selections like Dover sole and lobster. And of course, they have all the classic sides you would expect from a steakhouse, like sautéed spinach and various potato dishes.
But how much do these cruise ship steakhouses cost? On many ships, the steakhouse is considered the date-night restaurant, where couples can have a special night out away from the main dining room. There is usually an extra cost to dine in the steakhouse, ranging from around $39 to $55 per person, not including drinks and gratuities. While this may seem steep compared to the main restaurants that are included in the cruise price, it’s actually quite a bargain compared to similar steakhouses on land.
In fact, even with the cost of a bottle of wine added in, a couple can have a full steakhouse dinner at some cruise ship steakhouses for not much more than $120 before gratuities. Some ships even offer the steakhouse dining experience at no additional cost. Higher-end cruise lines like Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises include the cost of dining in steakhouses (and other eateries) in their fares.
Now that we know the cost, let’s take a look at some of the best cruise ship steakhouses afloat. These steakhouses can be found on a variety of ships, from luxury to mass-market. They offer a wonderful array of classic steakhouse dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning steak lover.
One of the top picks for the best cruise ship steakhouse is Prime 7, found on all Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships. Regent operates some of the most luxurious ships, and their Prime 7 venues reflect this elegance. With contemporary flair and beautiful decor, Prime 7 offers a choice of high-quality beef cuts that are dry-aged for at least 28 days. They also serve classic steakhouse seafood selections and starters like jumbo lump crabcakes and clam chowder. The best part is that there’s no extra charge to dine at Prime 7, although reservations are required.
Another top pick is Tuscan Grille, found on all Solstice Class and Millennium Class vessels of Celebrity Cruises. This steakhouse has a distinctly Italian twist, serving up classic steakhouse fare alongside a wide range of Italian pasta dishes and other Italian-style cuisine. The menu includes regional Italian wine offerings, and the decor is rustic elegance with a contemporary touch. Tuscan Grille costs $55 per person for dinner and $30 per person for lunch.
For those looking for a classic steakhouse experience, Oceania Cruises’ Polo Grill is the place to go. Found on all Oceania ships except Sirena, Polo Grill offers all the classic beef cuts you would expect, along with seafood choices like grilled swordfish and whole Maine lobster. The decor exudes classic steakhouse vibes, with white linen tablecloths, dark wood furnishings, and high-back leather chairs. There’s no extra charge to dine at Polo Grill, but reservations are recommended.
Carnival Cruise Line also offers excellent steakhouses on their ships, known as Fahrenheit 555. These steakhouses are a relative bargain at a fixed price of $49 per person. They serve all the classic dishes you would expect from a steakhouse, along with starters like bone marrow and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Carnival has a long tradition of offering high-end steakhouses on their ships, and they now have them on all but two of their vessels.
Last but not least, Cunard’s The Steakhouse at The Verandah offers a truly superb dining experience. With sirloin cuts of wagyu beef, Alaskan king crab, and delicious sides, this steakhouse is a cut above the rest. The extra touches, like a waiter-presented showcase of meats and a comprehensive wine list, make dining at The Steakhouse at The Verandah a truly special experience.
In conclusion, cruise ship steakhouses are a popular and commonplace dining option on major cruise ships. They offer elegant and elaborate dining experiences, with top-quality cuts of beef, seafood selections, and classic sides. While there is usually an extra cost to dine in these steakhouses, it is often a bargain compared to similar steakhouses on land. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or a more affordable option, there is a cruise ship steakhouse to satisfy your cravings.