Cruise ships are known for their wide variety of dining options, ranging from elegant French restaurants to casual Italian trattorias and sushi bars. However, one type of eatery that has gained immense popularity and become commonplace on cruise ships is the steakhouse. In fact, if a cruise line has room for just a single additional restaurant on a vessel, it is likely to be a steakhouse. With over 100 steakhouses on major cruise ships catering to North Americans, it is clear that this type of dining experience is highly sought after.
Cruise giant Carnival alone boasts 24 steakhouses across its 26 ships. These steakhouses are as elaborate and elegant as any you would find on land, offering 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, the onboard steakhouses also serve up seafood selections such as Dover sole and lobster. And of course, you can expect all the classic sides, from sautéed spinach to various potato dishes.
One question that often comes up when it comes to cruise ship steakhouses is the cost. On many ships, the steakhouse is considered a date-night restaurant, a place where couples can have a special night out. However, these steakhouses often come with an extra cost, usually a flat fee ranging from $39 to $55 per person, excluding drinks and gratuities. While this may seem steep compared to the included meals in the main restaurants on the ship, it is actually quite a bargain compared to land-based steakhouse prices.
Even with the cost of a bottle of wine added in, it is possible for a couple to have a full steakhouse dinner at some cruise ship steakhouses for not much more than $120 before gratuities. However, it is worth noting that on some ships, there is no cost at all to dine in the steakhouse. 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’ve covered the cost, let’s take a look at some of the best cruise ship steakhouses. These steakhouses offer a wonderful array of classic steakhouse dishes and vary in terms of the ship they are on and whether or not there is an extra charge.
1. Prime 7 (Regent Seven Seas Cruises): This steakhouse can be found on all six Regent vessels and offers a contemporary flair with burnished woods and rich earth-tone fabrics. The menu includes a choice of New York strip, porterhouse, filet mignon, and other beef cuts that are all USDA Prime and dry-aged for at least 28 days. Non-beef options like Alaskan king crab legs and Dover sole are also available.
2. Tuscan Grille (Celebrity Cruises): Billed as an “Italian steakhouse,” Tuscan Grille offers a wide range of Italian pasta dishes and other Italian-style cuisine in addition to classic steakhouse fare. The decor is rustic elegance with a contemporary, minimalist edge. Some of the newer Celebrity Cruises ships have a separate steak eatery called Fine Cut Steakhouse.
3. Polo Grill (Oceania Cruises): If you’re looking for a classic steakhouse experience, Polo Grill on Oceania ships is the place to go. With crisp white linen tablecloths, dark wood furnishings, and supple, high-back, burgundy leather chairs, the decor exudes classic steakhouse vibes. The menu includes all the classic beef cuts, seafood choices, and a classic Caesar salad prepared tableside.
4. Fahrenheit 555 (Carnival Cruise Line): Despite being one of the lowest-cost operators, Carnival Cruise Line has some of the best steakhouses at sea. At a fixed price of $49 per person, the steakhouses on Carnival ships offer a range of dishes including New York strip, filet mignon, Australian wagyu beef, grilled lamb chops, and Dover sole. Starters like heritage Berkshire pork belly and jumbo shrimp cocktail are also available.
5. The Steakhouse at The Verandah (Cunard): The Steakhouse at The Verandah offers a superb selection of mouthwatering options, including wagyu beef, Alaskan king crab, and delicious sides. The extra touches, such as a waiter-presented showcase of each meat option and a variety of sauces and toppings, elevate the dining experience.
In conclusion, cruise ship steakhouses have become incredibly popular and commonplace on major cruise ships catering to North Americans. While they often come with an extra cost, they offer a wonderful array of classic steakhouse dishes and provide a unique dining experience at sea. Whether you’re looking for an elegant and upscale steakhouse or a classic steakhouse with a twist, there is a cruise ship steakhouse to suit your preferences.