Every new cruise ship is equipped with at least one specialty restaurant. For a fee, these alternative evening dining rooms serve anything from top steaks or sushi to an elegant presentation of regional fare. 

But are they worth the price?

The basic answer is: Yes, at least most of them. Cruise lines generally don't make a profit from your trip to the specialty restaurants. Chances are you'll get more than your money's worth, and a table for two can be a special romantic occasion.

Still, if your vacation budget is tight, there's no need to lay out an extra $10-$30 per person for dinner when food flows freely elsewhere on the ship.

Besides, cruise lines say that fees charged in specialty restaurants are primarily to control the crowds, to restrain, for instance, half the ship from heading to the steakhouse every night — such as Chef's Art, above, on the new Carnival Dream.

On most ships, you can order a steak every night in the main dining rooms, without a fee.

CLICK for more on cruising's specialty restaurants at TheTravelMavens.com