Specialty Restaurant Surcharges

[SimGuy]

I have the UDP for my Allure cruise. Other than the mandatory 18% gratuity, are there other add-on surcharges for certain specialty restaurants?

Edited December 6, 2021 by SimGuy
more specificity

[melmar02]

When you purchased the UPD you paid the 18% gratuity at checkout. You won't pay that fee again on the ship.

[codyh21]

1 hour ago, SimGuy said:

I have the UDP for my Allure cruise. Other than the mandatory 18% gratuity, are there other add-on surcharges for certain specialty restaurants?

In theory they charge you $10 or similar if you order multiple entrees, however, reports vary widely if that is enforced.  Other possible extras are ordering "premium" options (lobster and a few others in Chops for example) or going over your allowance per visit in venues like Playmakers/Portside BBQ ($20 per visit, per person) and Izumi Sushi ($35 per visit).

We have had UDP multiple times and always ended up with a $0 receipt at the end.

[AshleyDillo]

1 hour ago, SimGuy said:

I have the UDP for my Allure cruise. Other than the mandatory 18% gratuity, are there other add-on surcharges for certain specialty restaurants?

Gratuity was already paid for when you purchased the package. At most specialty restaurants you should end up with a $0 bill.

Izumi hibachi does charge a $10 surcharge if you choose to dine there ($15 if you choose a 2 meat combo).

If the specialty restaurant menu has no prices on it other than a few items, those specific items will cost extra even with the UDP.

If the entire menu has prices, then it's considered an ala carte venue and there is a $ limit per person per visit which depends on which restaurant it is ($20 at Playmakers and Portside BBQ, $35 at Izumi sushi).

Remember, UDP can also be used at Johnny Rockets. Milkshakes are not included with the dining package, though, so that would be a surcharge EXCEPT if you have the Refreshment or Deluxe beverage package. Then milkshakes are included.

[Vlad]

Guys, just want your opinion. 

If I've paid already 18% gratuity during purchase of package. 

 

Do you give more tips at the specialty restaurant? 

 

[SimGuy]

Yes, if the service was better than average.

The service we had all the specialty restaurants was outstanding and rewarded as such. 

An extra $5-10 was usual depending on the venue. 

[Vlad]

7 minutes ago, SimGuy said:

Yes, if the service was better than average.

The service we had all the specialty restaurants was outstanding and rewarded as such. 

An extra $5-10 was usual depending on the venue. 

I understand what saying. 

But we're already paying about $12 from automatic gratuity for 2 people per restaurant. 

And waiter basically just bring us food. No extra service. We don't even buy wine. 

Just trying to see what extra could be for. 

[SimGuy]

speed of service, attention to detail, attention to drink refills, showing genuine concern for the food quality and promptly correcting any deficiency, response to special requests, e.g. ice cream or key lime pie for breakfast (yes I did!)

[AshleyDillo]

1 hour ago, Vlad said:

Guys, just want your opinion. 

If I've paid already 18% gratuity during purchase of package. 

Do you give more tips at the specialty restaurant? 

I always do but I'm also always using the UDP or in Star Class which makes it more difficult to actually put a dollar figure on each meal as the price I paid for the package is the same, thus the gratuity is the same, no matter how many times I end up using the package during my cruise.