Brunch

[d4m]

I have found a few threads that mention an "amazing brunch," & although I have searched, I can't find much about it. Apparently there is one brunch served, on a sea day? Can someone tell me about this, such as time, menu etc? In particular, am talking about on Equinox. Thanks!

[algorithmannie]

The brunch is held one time during each cruise and is usually on the first sea day. You will receive info about it the night before.

 

The food is really lovely! We were seated at shared tables and there was live music. It was a traditional buffet brunch setup but waiters cleared plates and filled coffees etc. They had a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, tons of desserts, pot pies, made to order waffles, eggs, and I think some other lunch type items.

 

I have a bunch of brunch pictures on my blog if you're interested (link below). It's definitely a don't miss event!

[d4m]

Thanks for the response. Nice pictures & blog!

[Bruin Steve]

Counter opinion: The "Brunch" sucks...

 

Here's the deal: You can get a similar "brunch" any day you want...it's up on Deck 14 in the "Oceanview Cafe"...it's called a buffet...

 

We don't like buffets...We would rather go to the Main Dining Room and be SERVED a meal that is personally cooked for us...with regular elegant dining room service...

 

Instead, they've removed this option and merely put out food for people to graze over...So you can get food that everyone on the ship has picked through before you...

 

Then you can carry your own plate until you find a seat at a partially empty table...one where, though they may have changed the silverware, the tablecloth is stained from whatever the people sitting there before you have spilled...

 

Table conversation is questionable because some of your tablemates actually got there a while ago and are ready to leave just as you sit down...others keep getting up to go out and graze for seconds or for dessert...

 

The waiters can't keep track of everyone...so they don't necessarily see you and come bring you coffee or iced tea...You are not really certain if that water glass on the table is "new" or "used"...

 

Quite frankly, I would rather they leave this sort of spread for Deck 14 and leave the old fashioned sit-down lunch with menu in the MDR...

[CruisingChick]

Counter opinion: The "Brunch" sucks......

 

Steve I basically agree with you but I wouldn't say it "sucks." It's just not to our liking for all the reasons you have mentioned.

 

Anne Maria

[GeorgeL]

Counter opinion: The "Brunch" sucks...

 

Here's the deal: You can get a similar "brunch" any day you want...it's up on Deck 14 in the "Oceanview Cafe"...it's called a buffet...

 

We don't like buffets...We would rather go to the Main Dining Room and be SERVED a meal that is personally cooked for us...with regular elegant dining room service...

 

Instead, they've removed this option and merely put out food for people to graze over...So you can get food that everyone on the ship has picked through before you...

 

Then you can carry your own plate until you find a seat at a partially empty table...one where, though they may have changed the silverware, the tablecloth is stained from whatever the people sitting there before you have spilled...

 

Table conversation is questionable because some of your tablemates actually got there a while ago and are ready to leave just as you sit down...others keep getting up to go out and graze for seconds or for dessert...

 

The waiters can't keep track of everyone...so they don't necessarily see you and come bring you coffee or iced tea...You are not really certain if that water glass on the table is "new" or "used"...

 

Quite frankly, I would rather they leave this sort of spread for Deck 14 and leave the old fashioned sit-down lunch with menu in the MDR...

 

You have expressed my thoughts, exactly. Thank you.

[debkaysmith]

I respectfully disagree because we thought the brunch was heavenly. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was relaxing and beautiful. It was a terrific way to start a sea day... good food, lovely music, and Celebrity service. Wish I was there right now!

[cadburysmom]

Counter opinion: The "Brunch" sucks...

 

Thanks, Steve...my thoughts exactly.

[Gonzo70]

I enjoyed the brunch. While it is a buffet, there are several tasty items served that are not available during the typical breakfast/lunch buffet at the Oceanview Cafe and the ambiance is more elegant than at the Oceanview Cafe. I am looking forward to going again on my upcoming cruise.

[cruiseacecat]

The brunch varies so much depending on the ship. A few have had pretty much what you can get up in the buffet, but most have had interesting items that are only available at the brunch.

If having the rest of the passengers pick over the food bothers you, go early as I do and you can be one of them. :D

The brunch, when done well, is a very nice touch and one I hope will be continued.

 

Anne

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

The brunch varies so much depending on the ship. A few have had pretty much what you can get up in the buffet, but most have had interesting items that are only available at the brunch.

If having the rest of the passengers pick over the food bothers you, go early as I do and you can be one of them. :D

The brunch, when done well, is a very nice touch and one I hope will be continued.

 

Anne

 

Actually, our MDR waiter advised us to go later so that the crowds would thin out.

 

Don't quite get the comment about the tables--all the times I've attended this brunch, one is escorted to and seated at a particular table. It's always been a freshly-laid table. We even had our waiter grab us from the maitre d' one time and insist that we be seated in his section so he could take good care of us.

 

Yes, you have to go and get your own food. Gives you an opportunity to see what it looks like and maybe find something interesting you haven't tried before. And your omlette will be cooked to your order. I've found it to be quite pleasant.

[jackdiamond]

In my opinion, the brunch is outstanding.

[Bruin Steve]

I have the strange feeling that most of those who like the Brunch are the ones who usually eat their lunches and/or breakfasts up in the buffet...

 

If one normally eats in the buffet, they likely find this to be a more elegant version of their usual buffet...with some "extra" items...

 

Interesting also to hear people say they like it for the Celebrity "service"...

 

BUT, for those of us who virtually never eat up in the buffet if we can help it...those of us accustomed to dining in the Main Dining Room with actual menus and table service...this is a SEVERE DOWNGRADE...

 

It always interests me that there seem to be two groups on a ship--those who always hit the buffets for breakfast and lunch...the people who like to load up on large amounts of a variety of food and get it quick and on immediate terms...and the second group--the ones who really cruise for the service and experience...who prefer to eat all of their meals sit-down restaurant style...to be served a meal made just for you at an elegant pace with the REAL high standards of Celebrity Dining Room service...

 

What the "Brunch" does is to UPGRADE the experience for those in the first group...and to DOWNGRADE the experience...to virtually take it away...from the second group...

 

My answer: Put those extra items up in the buffet room on 14...dress up the place a little one day only...and leave the more formal MDR experience alone for those of us who enjoy that...

[Janet524]

Counter opinion: The "Brunch" sucks...

 

Here's the deal: You can get a similar "brunch" any day you want...it's up on Deck 14 in the "Oceanview Cafe"...it's called a buffet...

 

We don't like buffets...We would rather go to the Main Dining Room and be SERVED a meal that is personally cooked for us...with regular elegant dining room service...

 

Instead, they've removed this option and merely put out food for people to graze over...So you can get food that everyone on the ship has picked through before you...

 

Then you can carry your own plate until you find a seat at a partially empty table...one where, though they may have changed the silverware, the tablecloth is stained from whatever the people sitting there before you have spilled...

 

Table conversation is questionable because some of your tablemates actually got there a while ago and are ready to leave just as you sit down...others keep getting up to go out and graze for seconds or for dessert...

 

The waiters can't keep track of everyone...so they don't necessarily see you and come bring you coffee or iced tea...You are not really certain if that water glass on the table is "new" or "used"...

 

Quite frankly, I would rather they leave this sort of spread for Deck 14 and leave the old fashioned sit-down lunch with menu in the MDR...

 

WOW, tell us how you really feel about it!:rolleyes:

[CruisingChick]

...and leave the more formal MDR experience alone for those of us who enjoy that...

 

I agree with that also. I miss the old Celebrity lunches in the MDR. Now the MDR is hardly ever open for lunch and the menus have gone downhill big time.

 

I guess on the good side, I don't gain as much weight because I don't eat as much for lunch as I use to.

[franma]

We've enjoyed the brunches. And yes, we do eat many breakfasts in the dining room. Like any other buffet, you do need to get up and move around to choose your food, but I personally don't mind doing that. Would I want it every day? No, but I think it was a good alternative to the midnight buffets, which were a waste. I guess if you miss being waited on for that one morning, you could get room service, and stay away altogether. JMHO

[nordski]

I have the strange feeling that most of those who like the Brunch are the ones who usually eat their lunches and/or breakfasts up in the buffet...

 

If one normally eats in the buffet, they likely find this to be a more elegant version of their usual buffet...with some "extra" items...

 

Interesting also to hear people say they like it for the Celebrity "service"...

 

BUT, for those of us who virtually never eat up in the buffet if we can help it...those of us accustomed to dining in the Main Dining Room with actual menus and table service...this is a SEVERE DOWNGRADE...

 

It always interests me that there seem to be two groups on a ship--those who always hit the buffets for breakfast and lunch...the people who like to load up on large amounts of a variety of food and get it quick and on immediate terms...and the second group--the ones who really cruise for the service and experience...who prefer to eat all of their meals sit-down restaurant style...to be served a meal made just for you at an elegant pace with the REAL high standards of Celebrity Dining Room service...

 

What the "Brunch" does is to UPGRADE the experience for those in the first group...and to DOWNGRADE the experience...to virtually take it away...from the second group...

 

My answer: Put those extra items up in the buffet room on 14...dress up the place a little one day only...and leave the more formal MDR experience alone for those of us who enjoy that...

What a fascinating description of those who "hit the buffets". I never knew that people revealed so much about themselves based on their choice of eating venues.

 

Perhaps you can add a third group found on a cruise: those with dietary issues who simply find it sometimes easier to "load up" (and not necessarily a large amount) of safe foods at a buffet without having to have a protracted discussion with wait staff.

[nusail]

...

 

It always interests me that there seem to be two groups on a ship--those who always hit the buffets for breakfast and lunch...the people who like to load up on large amounts of a variety of food and get it quick and on immediate terms...and the second group--the ones who really cruise for the service and experience...who prefer to eat all of their meals sit-down restaurant style...to be served a meal made just for you at an elegant pace with the REAL high standards of Celebrity Dining Room service...

 

What the "Brunch" does is to UPGRADE the experience for those in the first group...and to DOWNGRADE the experience...to virtually take it away...from the second group...

 

Well ... certainly no judgement there! :rolleyes: So ... people who enjoy the variety of a buffet are simply fast food hogs with no appreciation for the kind of service for which Celebrity is known? That's a little harsh.

[Gonzo70]

I have the strange feeling that most of those who like the Brunch are the ones who usually eat their lunches and/or breakfasts up in the buffet...

 

BUT, for those of us who virtually never eat up in the buffet if we can help it...those of us accustomed to dining in the Main Dining Room with actual menus and table service...this is a SEVERE DOWNGRADE...

 

 

Doesn't apply to my wife & I. We ate most of our breakfasts in the dining room last cruise, but really enjoyed the brunch and consdiered to to be a significant upgrade to the typical sit down breakfast service in the dining room. There is more to the quality of one's dining experience than if you ordered the food from a waiter or had the food available buffet style. There are very nice high end buffets and there are very poor sit down restaurants. I do not find the sit down meals in the main dining room to be anything special at breakfast time. While I can see how some people like and appreciate them, to say that the brunch is a "SEVERE DOWNGRADE" is a severe misnomer.

[bighairtexan]

So it seems there is conflicting information here. Do the waiters or whoever, escort you to an available table? Or is it like the regular buffet where you or mostly on your own to find a clean place to sit. It seems as if having someone seat you would cut down on things like dirty linens, wait staff not knowing if you just got there or have been there, arriving as table mates are leaving. Guess it won't help the food being "picked over" by fellow diners.

[Momorider]

I guess what I have read regarding "Celebrity Snobs" is real. :confused:

[bikinibottom]

I am not a buffet fan- on the Infinity the big brunch was served in the MDR but it was still choas. We went in to check it out but did not stay to eat either time - like I said I just don't care for buffets (they kinda gross me out the way people breathe and paw over all the food) because I am a germaphobe (not because I am a snob - which I am not)

 

I will say that there were some amazing treats and really good looking stations of soups, chocolate and pastries. So if one likes buffets it would probably be a nice selection!

[jackdiamond]

Vis-a-vis some comments suggesting that folks who enjoy this particular brunch are buffett people, allow me to advise you that we eat breakfast and dinner in Blu, and lunch at the Aqua Spa Cafe.

[I&J Cruisers]

We tried the brunch on our last cruise on Solstice and were mostly unimpressed. The things that looked the best, the Chocolate Fountain, cakes, petit fors were primarily things that I try hard not to induldge in in the morning or early afternoon. There weren't enough healthy foods available. There was no omlet station. We slept in that day and it did look picked over. We ate most of our breakfasts at BLU and they were exceptional.

Irene

[vickila]

As a scooter user, the brunch is just another problem for me -- obviously getting hubby to do all the work going around twice. Might as well go up to the buffet where there is a LITTLE more room to move around. And really don't like combining foods on one plate -- even if I did it myself -- (you know, potatoes shouldn't touch the turkey on Thanksgiving plate folks)! I do hope they discontinue this idea -- can't see where it is any easier for the waiters, etc. And absolutely hate eating at a soiled linen table. Vicki