News / Cruises

Royal Caribbean imposes penalty fees for specialty dining no-shows

Michael Pihach

09-08-2025 6:10 am

Michael Pihach

Michael Pihach is an award-winning journalist with a keen interest in digital storytelling. In addition to PAX, Michael has also written for CBC Life, Ryerson University Magazine, IN Magazine, and DailyXtra.ca. Michael joins PAX after years of working at popular Canadian television shows, such as Steven and Chris, The Goods and The Marilyn Denis Show.

Royal Caribbean has introduced new specialty dining fees that many guests may actually welcome.

The charge applies to passengers who reserve a table at one of the cruise line’s speciality restaurants but fail to show up for their meal.

“We will be implementing charges for no-shows at specialty dining reservations across the fleet,” the cruise line told travel advisors in a notice, as reported on Royal Caribbean Blog. “Our goal is to preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options.”

Seasoned cruisers know just how fast specialty dining reservations can sell out.

The cruise line expects the new no-show fee will discourage guests from booking reservations they don’t intend to keep.

“By encouraging guests to honor their reservations, we aim to enhance the overall experience,” the notice read.

If a fee is applied in addition to the standard specialty dining charge, skipping a reservation could turn into a costly missed meal, with guests losing their dining payment and being hit with an extra no-show penalty.

Previously, Royal Caribbean’s FAQ stated that guests could cancel specialty dining reservations up to four days before embarkation for a full refund, or cancel onboard and still receive a full refund.

The new policy won’t apply to everyone.

Guests who purchase dining packages (like the Unlimited Dining Package or the three-night package) are exempt from no-show charges.

Star Class suite guests—the top and most premium tier in Royal Caribbean’s suite program—are also excluded from the fees.

Instead, the policy is directed at individual, à la carte dining reservations.

What are the fees?

The new fees kicked in September 1, Royal Caribbean confirmed in a statement to PAX.

"A 24-hour cancellation period will be enforced for all specialty dining reservations and culinary experiences, excluding Star Class and Dining Package reservations," the cruise line said. "Any reservations cancelled within this window will incur a fee. This change allows us to ensure guests have a chance to enjoy popular dining experiences during their vacation, especially those with limited capacity."

"In line with industry standards," the cruise line says it will allow a grace period of 15 minutes before considering a reservation a no show.

Each guest under the reservation will also be charged a fee in the event of a no show or cancellation within the 24-hour window, the company says.

There is a $50 per person no show fee for Supper Clubs, Omakase, Royal Railway, Hibachi/Teppanyaki and Chefs Table. The Celebration Table fee is 50 per cent of the base cost of the reservation. The fee for all other venues is $25 per person.

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