Dining Onboard Regatta: What To Expect

Dining is often one of the most memorable parts of a cruise, it’s where slow sea days turn into long lunches, port days wind down over dinner and fellow travellers become familiar faces. From poolside bites to multicourse dinners inspired by cuisines around the world, meals become part of the journey rather than something to plan around.

Onboard the Explorations by Norwegian cruise ship, the Regatta, dining is designed to feel considered rather than crowded, with a balance of refined restaurants and relaxed favourites that let you choose how formal (or informal) each day feels.

What are dining options can you explore onboard Regatta?

Rather than a single main dining room or set meal times, Regatta offers a collection of venues inspired by cuisines from around the world. Each space has its own atmosphere; from polished evenings that feel special without being stuffy, to easy, open‑air meals enjoyed between activities.

You might spend one evening enjoying classic French dishes, another sharing Italian plates that encourage lingering conversations and another keeping things effortless with poolside favourites after a day ashore. The focus throughout is on freshly prepared dishes, attentive service and the freedom to dine at your own pace.

A couple toasting with champagne at a beautifully set table, overlooking a sunset-lit ocean, onboard Oceania Regatta.

How flexible is dining onboard?

Speciality dining reservations can be made online once your cruise booking is confirmed or arranged with the dining team after embarkation. Suite guests receive priority access, while all travellers are encouraged to book early to secure preferred times. Each speciality concept is included in your fare, making it effortless to explore every venue during your voyage.

A person in a soft white robe relaxes on a balcony, reading a book with an ocean view and a small table set with refreshments.

Does Regatta accommodate dietary requirements?

Regatta accommodates a wide range of dietary needs, including gluten intolerance, vegetarian preferences and other specific requirements. Guests are encouraged to advise My Cruises ahead of travel and speak with the maître d’ once onboard. Menus are clearly marked and chefs are happy to tailor dishes where possible, ensuring every guest dines with confidence.

A perfectly cooked steak topped with butter, served with green beans and orange slices, alongside a glass of red wine on a white tablecloth.

What does the dining package include?

With Explorations by Norwegian, every detail of your time aboard Regatta is thoughtfully included. Dining is refreshingly flexible, with a wide choice of complimentary venues and the freedom to dine whenever and wherever you please. Enjoy relaxed meals at Terrace Café, casual bites at Waves Grill or explore the ship’s refined speciality restaurants. Every exploration includes a complimentary speciality dining experience, giving you the chance to savour elevated dishes. Whether you’re drawn to bold international flavours or timeless classics, each dish is crafted à la minute with exceptional care, ensuring every meal feels memorable.

A chef in a white uniform prepares a dish, with soft lighting and a blurred background creating an inviting kitchen atmosphere.

Culinary concepts onboard Regatta

Prime cuts, expertly grilled

The Steakhouse concept celebrates premium cuts and timeless favourites with a refined, modern touch. Begin with chilled shrimp trio, Thai barbecue ribs or a classic Caesar prepared tableside before moving to standout mains such as filet mignon, New York strip, Colorado lamb rack, grilled swordfish or jumbo shrimp scampi. With toppings, sauces and sides including creamed spinach, mac and cheese, baked potatoes and sautéed mushrooms, it’s a polished yet indulgent take on the traditional steakhouse experience.

Italy’s icons, reimagined

The Italian concept brings the warmth and generosity of regional Italian cooking to sea. Starters include Caprese with slow‑roasted tomatoes, crisp calamari and rich eggplant involtini. Soups and salads feature minestrone, roasted vegetable tian and hearty bean and sausage soup. Mains showcase handmade lasagne, silky carbonara, porcini risotto, veal Marsala, lemon‑parmesan roasted chicken, spicy fra diavolo prawns and grilled salmon with cannellini cream. Rustic sides complete a menu that feels authentically and beautifully Italian.

French elegance on every plate

The French concept captures the romance and refinement of classic French gastronomy. Begin with hand‑cut steak tartare, smoked salmon rillettes, escargots or a goat cheese soufflé. Soups and salads include gruyère‑topped onion soup, creamy pumpkin soup and salt‑crusted beetroot with hazelnuts. Entrées range from steak au poivre and veal blanquette to Provençal lamb chops, herb‑roasted chicken, saffron‑rich bouillabaisse and grilled salmon tournedos. With sides like gratin dauphinois and ratatouille, it’s French dining at its most elegant.

A gourmet seafood pasta dish featuring linguine, mussels, clams, and a large shrimp, garnished with fresh herbs in a savory sauce.

Vibrant flavours of Asia

The Asian concept offers a vibrant journey through East and Southeast Asia. Appetisers include sushi chef’s selections, summer rolls, Vietnamese spring rolls and chicken satay. Soups and salads bring aromatic freshness with Tom Kha Gai, chilli miso and sesame wakame. Mains span beef teriyaki, Malaysian beef penaeng, shio ramen, Korean‑style pork cutlet, Thai vegetable curry, shrimp pad Thai and salmon claypot. With jasmine rice, udon noodles and stir‑fried vegetables, it’s a colourful, soulful celebration of Asian cuisine.

Gourmet comfort, poolside

Waves Grill delivers relaxed poolside dining with gourmet flair. Enjoy shrimp rolls, stacked club sandwiches, prosciutto paninis, Cuban sandwiches and classic all‑beef hot dogs. The burger menu is a highlight, featuring the Classic, the French with goat cheese, the smoky Texan, the hearty Matador and signature options like the fish burger or cheeseburger with homemade ketchup. Grilled chicken kefta and crisp French fries round out a menu perfect for sun‑drenched afternoons.

Global dining, open-air ease

Terrace Café offers a global buffet experience with live cooking stations and sweeping ocean views. Highlights include coconut‑lemongrass mussels, crispy ginger calamari, roasted pork rack, Thai seafood stir‑fries, grilled steak and lamb cooked to order and cavatelli pasta with littleneck clams. Desserts range from brownies and apple tarts to mango sticky rice, pistachio mousse and a full selection of ice creams and sorbets. It’s casual dining elevated, ideal for relaxed lunches and breezy evenings.

Sip freely, savour fully

Explorations by Norwegian includes a generous always-included beverage package, allowing guests to sip and savour throughout the day. Enjoy a wide selection of beers, ciders, wines by the glass, classic cocktails and premium spirits including Belvedere, Tanqueray No.10, Glenlivet, Casamigos and Diplomático. Liqueurs, cordials, soft drinks, juices and Vero Water are also included, along with cocktails up to US$15. It’s the perfect complement to Regatta’s exceptional cuisine.