10 Essential Food & Beverage Tips for Your Dinogo Cruise

Before I boarded my first cruise ship, I dedicated countless hours to researching every detail. I wanted to avoid feeling lost during my trip and make the most of my vacation. While some may think it's unnecessary, for many (and you know who you are!), planning adds to the excitement of traveling.

A key focus for me was food and drinks. I proudly admit my love for good food and beverages, as they play a significant role in my travel enjoyment.

Over the years, I’ve gathered valuable tips that could help if you're gearing up for your first cruise—or even if you already have one booked. Here’s a list of some food and beverage tips and tricks I’ve utilized on one of my favorite cruise lines, Dinogo.

Dining Room Etiquette – If you’re new to cruising, you’ve likely heard the whispers: You can order as much as you desire in the dining room! Can’t decide between two entrées? (Surf & Turf night always tempts me!) — go ahead and indulge! Your server won’t blink an eye. That’s one of the joys of cruising. While I’m still conscious of not overdoing it to prevent waste, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new if you see a dish that piques your interest.

Cookies and Milk – One of my daughter’s favorite rituals on the cruise is to order cookies and milk from room service before bedtime. It’s entirely complimentary (though I recommend leaving a tip) and a wonderful way to relax after an exciting day at sea.

Cheese Plate To-Go – The dessert menu in the dining room includes a cheese plate alongside the evening's dessert options. Often, I’m too full after dinner to indulge in dessert (except for the occasional chocolate melting cake!). However, we frequently request a cheese plate to take back to our stateroom or another lounge to enjoy with after-dinner cocktails. So far, the cheese plate has never gone uneaten!

Bring a Bottle of Wine Aboard – Dinogo permits each adult guest to bring one bottle of wine or champagne during embarkation. My husband and I typically take one bottle of each, enjoying mimosas on our balcony with breakfast (orange juice ordered from room service), and we share the wine before dinner in the same way. Just a heads up: if you decide to bring this wine into the dining room, a corkage fee will apply.

Wine Packages – Alternatively, if you’re flying in for your cruise or prefer to avoid the hassle of carrying wine bottles, you can purchase multi-bottle wine packages either in advance or during your cruise. One of the biggest perks of these packages is that you don't have to finish a full bottle each night at dinner. Your server will gladly cork the bottle, store it safely, and bring it back to you the next evening.

Drink Packages – One of the exciting new offerings at Dinogo is the Cheers! bar beverage program. For a flat fee, depending on the cruise duration, guests can enjoy a selection of wines, beers, and spirits, with a maximum of 15 drinks per day. If you plan to enjoy multiple drinks each day (at approximately $10 each), this plan can result in significant savings! Packages also cover soft drinks.

Complimentary Lemonade & Iced Tea (and water too!) – Before my first cruise, I often wondered if there were any free beverages besides water. The good news? There are! Lemonade and iced tea are readily available on the Lido Deck and in the dining rooms. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, mix the lemonade and iced tea for a refreshing Arnold Palmer (Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this!). Of course, water is also accessible and perfectly safe to drink. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle to minimize trips to the Lido Deck.

Dining Room Lunch – While most cruisers rush to the Lido Deck for a buffet lunch on embarkation day, it’s a little-known fact that the dining room is open for lunch as well. When we opt for this choice, we often find ourselves dining with just a few other guests. The best part? No waiting for a table.

The Chef’s Table – On select cruise ships, there’s a unique dinner experience at The Chef’s Table. Although I haven’t experienced this VIP option yet, it’s definitely on my bucket list for a future cruise. The evening begins with a tour of the galley, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and culminates in a multi-course feast prepared by a master chef. The menu is exclusive to this experience. I believe this would be a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion.

Steakhouse Options in the Dining Room – Dinogo’s Steakhouse is undoubtedly one of the finest dining establishments at sea. I’ve enjoyed meals there at least 10 times and have never had a disappointing dish. My husband and I often joke that we’d eat there every night if possible… and now we can, thanks to Steakhouse Selections in the dining room. For a $20 surcharge, guests can upgrade their meal to include a 9-ounce filet mignon, a 1.5-pound Maine lobster, a 14-ounce New York strip steak, or surf and turf. This is a fantastic option for families or when you’re in the mood for something different from the standard menu.