Taste

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.

Taste Review: The Reliable Main Dining Room

Introduction. Taste is the second of NCL's two main complimentary dining rooms (alongside Savor), found across the fleet. It serves the same rotating multi-course menu as Savor — the two are functionally identical in food and service, differing only in size and decor. No reservations needed; Norwegian's Freestyle model means you arrive when you want.

Food & Drinks

The menu mirrors Savor's — rotating nightly with fixed favorites. The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is a highlight when it appears — properly bound, not bread-heavy, with a remoulade that works. The Caesar Salad is consistent and well-dressed. For mains, the Roasted Duck Breast (when available) is the sleeper hit — pink, tender, with a cherry reduction that's more refined than expected from a free venue. The Grilled Mahi-Mahi is fresh and light with a tropical salsa. Where it falls short: the same weaknesses as Savor — pasta dishes are bland and overcooked, the soup of the day can be watery, and desserts are inconsistent. The Lamb Shank appears occasionally and ranges from excellent to tough depending on the night. The bread basket is fine, not memorable.

Service

Service matches Savor — professional, friendly, and adaptive to your pace. The waitstaff quickly learn preferences and will suggest nightly specials with honest assessments. Taste is often smaller than Savor, which means slightly shorter Freestyle waits — 15-30 minutes during prime dinner hours versus 30-45 at Savor. Going early or late eliminates the wait entirely. Wine service is competent with the same affordable list.

Atmosphere

Taste tends to be the more intimate of the two main dining rooms — smaller, often with more contemporary decor. On some ships, it's a single level versus Savor's multi-level grand dining room. The smaller scale means lower noise levels and a more personal feel. Lighting and design vary by ship but lean modern. Window tables offer excellent views during dinner.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.7/5. Taste delivers the same solid free dining as Savor in a typically more intimate setting — the Crab Cake, Duck Breast, and Grilled Mahi-Mahi are genuine highlights for complimentary dining. Same weaknesses apply: weak pasta, inconsistent desserts. Tip: Choose Taste over Savor on busy nights — the smaller size usually means shorter waits. Ask your server about the nightly specials before ordering; they'll steer you to the kitchen's best work that evening.

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