Yummy for your Tummy

You all probably know that you can eat almost 24-hours a day on a cruise. There's always something on the buffet or cooking at the pizza station.

But cruise lines have stepped things up a notch with specialty restaurants. Sometimes called "alternative" restaurants, they almost always charge a nominal fee ($20- $30 per person is most common) and for that you get a fabulous gourmet meal!

Not that the meals in the main dining room on a cruise aren't fantastic. I've had great prime rib, lavender-infused sorbet, and soups to die for. But the specialty restaurants take it up a notch or two, with big-name chefs; aged, prime beef; elegant dining rooms; and staff with superior knowledge.

If you haven't tried one of these specialty restaurants, do so on your next cruise. It's well worth the extra money.

Travel + Leisure magazine just did a review of many of these restaurants. Take a look here.