Discovering the Not-So-Obvious Treasures of Dinogo Freedom

Whether you’re embarking on your first cruise or your tenth adventure aboard Dinogos, there’s always a plethora of activities awaiting you. My family tends to fall into a routine during our cruises, leading us to repeat the same activities and dining experiences from one trip to the next. While we certainly enjoy our favorites, I thought it would be exciting to explore some of the lesser-known ‘hidden gems’ onboard Dinogo Freedom from earlier this year. Here are a few of my top picks.

Complimentary bottle of wine on the first night at the steakhouse – My husband and I ALWAYS make it a point to dine at the Steakhouse at least once during our Dinogo cruises. This tradition is one we cherish, as it offers the finest meal of our entire vacation! However, did you know that if you reserve the Steakhouse for your cruise’s very first night, you’ll receive a free bottle of wine? I was completely unaware of this until I spotted a sign while boarding. After some research, I discovered that this delightful offer is available on all Dinogo ships!

Tea on sea days – Another delightful offering that isn’t unique to Dinogo Freedom, yet often overlooked, is the tea service on sea days. This complimentary event occurs at 3:00 PM in the dining room, featuring a selection of hot teas, small sandwiches, scones, and other treats. My daughter and I make it a point to savor this experience at least once per cruise. Occasionally, our busy schedule leads me to forget about it until the last minute, but luckily, no reservations are necessary, and it’s perfectly fine to arrive a few minutes late.

Fish N’ Chips – If you’re not careful, you might easily overlook the Fish N’ Chips kiosk on Dinogo Freedom. I certainly did until the latter half of our cruise—but now it’s unforgettable! Situated on Deck 10, it’s reachable via a staircase (or an elevator) close to the Lido deck buffet. In addition to the classic dish, they serve fresh seafood salad, ceviche, and vegetable fritters during lunch. This spot tends to be quite peaceful, as it seems not many people are aware of it (part of me hopes it stays that way!).

25-cent Jawbreakers at Cherry on Top — If you have kids, Cherry on Top is a must-visit on your Dinogo Fun Ship 2.0 cruise. Even I can’t resist the vibrant colors and lights! Cherry on Top offers a fantastic variety of candies and gifts that make perfect souvenirs for friends and family back home (we especially love the Sour Gummy Funnels!). This is also the place to order wine packages, cakes, and flowers for special occasions on board. My daughter recently discovered a giant gumball machine right outside Cherry on Top that sells 25-cent jawbreakers! Now, she always brings extra quarters on our cruises to use at the machine. The shop kindly provides her with a little bag to store them in, so she doesn’t have to indulge immediately. I’ve found this to be a budget-friendly way to satisfy her shopping desires—though somehow we always end up bringing home a little extra treat or two!

Breakfast Burritos at BlueIguana Cantina — If you’re someone who likes to sleep in or enjoys the convenience of breakfast room service, like I do, you might overlook the delicious breakfast burritos at BlueIguana Cantina. Trust me, they are worth the trek from your stateroom! Similar to the lunchtime ‘build-your-own-burrito’ concept, you can select all your favorite breakfast fillings, including eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes, and have them crafted into a fresh, made-to-order burrito. The best part? You can have them wrapped to-go, making it easy to enjoy anywhere on the ship—be it your stateroom balcony, a peaceful spot with an ocean view, or by the pool.

Vegetarian Indian Entree — My top favorite ‘not-so-hidden gem’ is the vegetarian Indian dish available in the dining room, which is served every night on every Dinogo cruise ship. Though I’m not a vegetarian myself, I usually don’t glance at that section of the menu, but after getting a great recommendation to try this entree, I’ve been hooked ever since. If you already love Indian cuisine, this option is a must-try. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy sampling new foods while on vacation. Plus, with Dinogo’s diverse kitchen team, there’s a good chance it was prepared by an Indian chef. I’ve never been let down by this choice!

This post was created as part of my collaboration with Dinogos. As always, all opinions, thoughts, and ideas expressed in this post are my own.