Definition: Many mainstream or budget-priced cruise ships charge an extra fee, called a cover charge, to dine in their specialty restaurants. This fee can range from $5 per person to $50 per person (or even more) for a dinner served in one of the smaller, more intimate dining venues. This cover charge is added to your cruise bill and is a flat fee. All food ordered from the menu in the specialty restaurant is "covered" by the extra charge. Wine may/may not be included in the cover charge, depending on the cruise ship.
The specialty restaurants provide exceptional service, gourmet foods, or exquisite preparations of the menu selections. This may/may not justify the additional cost; it's a personal choice.
Luxury and ultra-luxury cruise ships do not usually have any additional cover charges for their restaurants.
Also Known As: restaurant fees, specialty restaurant extra costs, dining room cover charges
Examples:
The small, intimate luxury restaurant on the cruise ship has a $25 per person cover charge.
