Savor

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: This is a composite account from multiple guest experiences, edited to our venue standards for clarity. Individual sailings vary by ship, itinerary, and crew.

Savor Review: The Main Dining Room That Tries Harder

Introduction. Savor is one of NCL's two main complimentary dining rooms (alongside Taste), found across the fleet. It's the traditional sit-down dinner experience included in your cruise fare — multicourse meals with table service, no reservations needed. Norwegian's "Freestyle Cruising" means no assigned tables or dining times; you show up when you want and sit where you want. The menu rotates nightly with some fixed favorites.

Food & Drinks

The menu is a step above what most guests expect from a free cruise dining room. The French Onion Soup is consistently good — proper caramelized onions, rich broth, Gruyere crust. The Shrimp Cocktail is a solid starter across every sailing. For mains, the Grilled Salmon is the most reliable protein — cooked accurately, nicely seasoned, served with seasonal vegetables. The Prime Rib (when it appears on the rotation) is the best free entree — tender, well-seasoned, and generously portioned. The Chicken Marsala is a safe crowd-pleaser. Where it falls short: the Pasta dishes are consistently the weakest — bland sauces, overcooked noodles. The Filet Mignon, when offered for free, is thin and overcooked compared to the specialty steakhouse version. Desserts are hit-or-miss — the Chocolate Lava Cake is reliable, but the cheesecake can be heavy and dense. Bread service is adequate, not exceptional.

Service

Service in the main dining rooms is the heart of the NCL experience. Waitstaff are professional, attentive, and quickly learn your preferences if you return. They'll suggest dishes, accommodate dietary needs, and pace the meal well. The Freestyle model means waits for a table can stretch to 30-45 minutes on sea days between 6:30-8 p.m. — the trade-off for no fixed times. Going early (5:30-6 p.m.) or late (8:30-9 p.m.) eliminates the wait. Wine service is competent, with an affordable by-the-glass list and reasonable bottle prices.

Atmosphere

Savor typically occupies a large, multi-level dining room — grand staircases, chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows on some ships. It feels like a proper restaurant, not a cafeteria. The decor varies by ship but leans toward warm, traditional elegance. Noise levels are moderate — it's a busy dining room, but conversations are manageable. On newer ships, the design is more contemporary. Request a window table on port-side during Caribbean sailings for sunset views.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.7/5. Savor is a strong complimentary dining room — the French Onion Soup, Prime Rib, and Grilled Salmon are genuinely good for included dining. It loses points for the weak pasta, inconsistent desserts, and the Freestyle wait-time issue. Tip: Dine at 5:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. to avoid waits. Order the French Onion Soup every time it's available, and ask your server which entree the kitchen is best at that night — they'll tell you honestly.

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