The Commodore Room

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.

The Commodore Room Review: Main Dining with a Premium Feel

Introduction. The Commodore Room is a complimentary dining room found on select Norwegian ships, serving as an alternative or supplement to the standard Savor and Taste main dining rooms. It often features a slightly more refined menu or atmosphere — the "premium" free dining option. No reservations needed on most ships; Freestyle applies.

Food & Drinks

The menu shares much with Savor and Taste but often includes a few exclusive dishes. The Lobster Bisque is a standout when available — rich, creamy, with real lobster flavor and a cognac finish. The Beef Wellington appears on select nights and is properly executed: flaky pastry, medium-rare tenderloin, duxelles with mushroom depth. The Pan-Seared Sea Bass is delicate and well-cooked, served with a lemon-butter sauce. The Shrimp Scampi is classic and well-prepared. Where it falls short: the non-exclusive menu items are the same as the other dining rooms — and the same weaknesses apply (pasta, inconsistent desserts). The "premium" positioning is undermined on nights when the exclusive dishes aren't available. The Caesar Salad is the same one everywhere.

Service

Service aims for a notch above the standard dining rooms — slightly more formal, more attentive, with wine recommendations that feel more considered. The maitre d' often greets and seats personally. Pacing is relaxed and European-influenced — expect 90-120 minutes for a full dinner. The Freestyle wait is usually shorter here than Savor because fewer guests discover it. Wine service is the same list but the staff present it with more knowledge.

Atmosphere

The Commodore Room typically has a more elegant design than the other dining rooms — darker colors, richer materials, a quieter atmosphere. It feels like the ship's "special occasion" dining room without the specialty surcharge. On some ships, it has the best views of any complimentary venue. Music is soft and ambient. The crowd tends to be guests who appreciate a more refined dining experience without paying extra. Table spacing is usually more generous.

Conclusion

Rating: 3.8/5. The Commodore Room is the best complimentary dining room on the ships where it appears — the Lobster Bisque, Beef Wellington, and Sea Bass are a clear step above the standard MDR offerings. It loses points for the shared menu items that are identical to Savor/Taste, and the inconsistent availability of exclusive dishes. Tip: Ask the maitre d' which nights feature the exclusive dishes — that's when to come. The Lobster Bisque and Beef Wellington are worth seeking out. On other nights, Savor or Taste is functionally the same.

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