Cruise Ship Dining Explained

There are many cruise ships now that havealways ask for a table for two, but be aware
Freestyle Dining (Norwegian Cruises) or Choicethat there are only a few of them.
Dining (Prince Cruise line) available. Or on DisneyIf you make a special request one night, John
Cruise Lines they have what is called "Rotationalalways asks for blue cheese, your waiter will bring
Dining". They have you and your tablematesit every night. They pride themselves on
rotate through the three restaurants eachremembering your tastes. (This only happens
evening.when you choose traditional dining). On one cruise
TIP: There is usually open seating for breakfastwe asked for Melba toast, and you bet, every
and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurousnight we had Melba toast. There is one thing I
with the menu because if you don't like somethingalways make clear to the waiter. I am not a big
you can send it back for a replacement. And ifeater but I like to taste everything. I tell this to
they have two things on the menu that you likethem the first night so they don't think I am
ask for both of them. My husband, John, alwaysunhappy with the food. It is their job to keep you
orders the Filet Mignon and the Lobster Tail whenhappy and they take it very seriously.
they are served on the same night. Many timesIf you don't want to eat in the main dining room
he tells the waiter to bring what the waiteralmost all ships have a Lido cafe where it is casual
recommends for that evening.but you order from a menu and are served by a
This means you don't have to choose first orwaiter. It's one of the many choices if you don't
second seating. (First seating is 6:00 to 6:30 andwant to participate in a formal night or if you just
Second seating is usually 8:00-8:30). There can bewant to eat by yourselves. On Carnivals single
more than one restaurant where you just walk incruises they encourage this style of dining so the
when you are ready to dine. Every ship will asksingles can meet more people. There are
for your dining preference when you book yourexceptions to this but not many. On some of the
cruise. You can indicate first, second or flexiblenewer ships the Lido is open 24 hours a day.
dining, whichever will make you more comfortable.On most of the cruise lines they offer the food
The newer ships have a 24 hour dining spot whichof the region that you are visiting. While on
is always casual so if you don't want to do theHawaiian cruises expect to be served Hawaiian
formal nights you don't have to, although I findfood. When on an Alaskan cruise you will be given
dressing up to be quite fun.the choices of salmon and Alaskan king crab legs.
You will have many options for each meal. YouIt makes more fun to dine on the local cuisine.
may have any meal delivered to your room,All of the cruise lines offer healthy alternative
taken in the buffet restaurant or in the diningmenus or what they call spa menus. So if you
room. There is usually outdoor dining around thewant low-fat, low-salt, low cholesterol, vegetarian
pool with hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza, salads,or any other type of diet, they are available. It is
even Tacos.best however to inform your travel agent of any
There are also alternative dining rooms availablespecial needs so they can notify the cruise line
on some ships that require an additional fee butahead of time. If you have special dietary needs
the service and food are generally 4 to 5 starmake sure the cruise lines knows before hand.
and worth it if you want to splurge.For example, Royal Caribbean cruises cater to
In my experience families with young children andfood allergy, Kosher, Indian, Vegetarian and Gluten
people who go to bed early usually dine in firstFree Diets.
seating. But if you don't want to be on a scheduleTo be really safe read all of the cruise reviews
or want to meet new people every night, go forand cruise critics sites for each ships food and
the alternative dining option. Of course you canservice ratings.