The American Diner has never been a crowd favorite on Norwegian Cruise Line ships and has frequently been deserted. Therefore, the decision to transform it into a complimentary dining option instead of a paid experience is a logical one. This process, initiated at the beginning of January, is projected to be finished by mid-February on six NCL vessels. The revised menu eliminates some of the fancier choices, like Lobster Sliders, and brings the available options in line with other free dining choices throughout the fleet.
Moving towards a Complimentary Culinary Adventure
Beginning on January 2, 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line has initiated the process of providing complimentary lunch and dinner at the American Diner. This shift will occur on the six Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus cruise ships that currently offer specialty dining. Norwegian Getaway was the first ship to undergo this transition, starting with the January 2 cruise. Following suit, Norwegian Escape will implement the change for its January 6 voyage departing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
According to the NCL website, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Bliss are scheduled to transition on January 7, with Norwegian Joy following suit on February 13, 2024. The American Diner, which exudes a nostalgic Americana vibe akin to a traditional diner, has not garnered much popularity among passengers aboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships. However, comparable menu choices can be found in other complimentary dining establishments like The Local and O’Sheehan’s.
On the other hand, the alterations that NCL plans to introduce in the menu for the American Diner closely resemble the menu choices at O’Sheehan’s and the Local. For instance, you can enjoy spaghetti and meatballs at the American Diner or opt for Fettucine Carbonara at O’Sheehan’s. Additionally, the NCL dining venue will also include the popular Wrangler Burger from O’Sheehan’s.
The popular lobster sliders have been removed from the new menu, but there are plenty of new starter options to choose from. These include a smoked fish dip, white bean chicken chili, cheese nachos, Caesar Salad, and Grecian Salad. In terms of sandwiches, guests can now enjoy a battered fish sandwich, pulled pork sliders, and a chicken salad sandwich. Comfort foods like chicken pot-pie casserole, Lechon Asado, and homemade meatloaf are also available. For dessert, there is a choice between bread pudding, carrot and walnut cake, and chocolate mousse. It’s worth noting that milkshakes will now have a $7 surcharge.
The decision by Norwegian Cruise Line to make the American Diner complimentary will have a positive impact on other complimentary dining options on the ships. This includes the Garden Cafe, the Main Dining Rooms, and O’Sheehans and Shanghai’s Noodle Bar.
The warm and inviting atmosphere of the American Diner, complete with checkered floors and classic booths, will surely attract more guests now that it is a complimentary dining option. This will help alleviate some of the overcrowding issues experienced during peak lunch and dinner hours, particularly at the Garden Cafe.
The option of a complimentary breakfast or a 24-hour dining experience is not provided in the American Diner, as O’Sheehans already caters to those needs. However, it is important to note that the American Diner is exclusively available on the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus class cruise ships. This dining option is not offered on the new Prima-class cruise ships, such as Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, as well as on Norwegian Epic or any other ships in the fleet.
