Cruise Specialty Dining - Worth It?

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When you first sign up on a cruise, you get hit with so many "suggestions" from the cruise line about what else you NEED to buy to have a great time.  It is easy to be overwhelmed : not just specialty dining, but drink packages, spa packages, internet packages, shore excursions, oh my!  You are probably thinking, I'm already getting free meals provided as part of my cost so why do I need to pay more?  Here are some pros and cons of specialty dining:

PROS:

• The food and service really are way better than the common buffet and main dining room. They will serve the more expensive cuts of meat, appetizers, and desserts.  We've done this on Disney, Princess, and Royal Caribbean so far and found this to be true. Example: main dining rooms no longer serve lobster (or they may call it that, but it is likely prawns).  So if you have a leisurely sea day and want to take your time with dinner, this is a good call.
• You have a special anniversary/birthday?  Can't feel more special than with specialty dining.  It is in a quieter environment and definitely more upscale.
• Some people just want a specific type of food, like Italian or Teppanyaki.  I have seen some people only do specialty dining for dinner every night for this reason.    
• Maybe there is a show you want to catch and you don't want to eat in the buffet because of norovirus concerns.  You can opt to pick a time and date that works better.  There is a catch to when you should book.  See below.

CONS:

• Yes, it does cost more.  Per person, it depends on the cruise line but it averages to about $35 for a regular dinner to $75 for a chef's table per person. Some cruise lines will sweeten the deal by offering discounts or packages if you prepay before you board.  However, if you don't like it once you try it, you won't get your money back.
• You won't be with the wait staff who know what you like, when you like it.  It is easy to be spoiled once your wait staff know you like hot tea served after dinner and only want ice cream for dessert.  Alas, choices choices.
• Specialty dining reservations should be made before you board or you can be left with times that don't work for you so this requires some up front planning.  These are small restaurants after all.

So if you decide you want to try specialty dining, try it on a day where you are not going to be rushed from excursions like on a sea day.  Best to not reserve the last day of cruise, in case specialty items have run out (like that case of Maine lobster).  Aim to reserve at least two months in advance - we found this out the hard way when we heard about how wonderful the brunch was in the adult only restaurant (Disney ship).  Could not find any reservations for brunch on Saturday or Sunday so settled for dinner instead. After dinner when the Maitre'D heard we really had wanted brunch, he penciled us in for Sunday.  It is good to check with them directly on the cruise ship if you really want that reservation, if nothing you wanted is online.