Yes you are allow to public but no point. Not sure will charge as palace meals you will tap in too.
Palace you got whole day comfort food at palace restaurant anytime. You also get high tea.
I personally like palace restaurant sometimes the menu not bad. Teppan & Bistro the same.
weird, i checked with the tour agency, they say only 1 specialty meal in their special restaurant per day only (meaning for wkend cruise, Fri 1 meal, Sat 1 meal). Like that abit sian liao loh.... Anybody else can confirm?