Just Back from 5/5 Sailing to Bermuda on Explorer

[marci22]

- it's management - we watched & listened as one of the dining room "escort" got a verbal reprimand for re-seated a group of guests to a small table without informing & getting permission from the supervisors in charge/on duty ...

 

This is one thing that I -have- experienced on Ex.

 

On more than 1 occasion, I have asked specifically for a party of 5 for our 'own table' in MDR for lunch and have been led across the dining room to a table half full of seniors eating their main course (I have 3 teens). That really does aggravate me. It's like they think you won't notice!

[teddie]

Food is so very subjective, so what I think is good, you may find unacceptable. With all due respect, you sound a bit hard to please, so you may need to keep searching for the right fit for you with respect to cruise lines.

 

We've sailed the Explorer five times, the last being this past December, and really enjoyed the food. True, there were some selections, especially at the Windjammer, that looked less than appealing, and there is a definite change over the years in food offerings. But, we were always able to find something good to very very good. If served something we didn't like, we requested something else. We found our waiter especially personable, and we do enjoy learning about where they are from. It's part of them establishing a rapport with their customers, and it can be enlightening and fun to hear about the rest of the world.

 

That being said, different strokes for different folks.

 

From Mountainside, NJ,

 

Teddie

[johneeo]

We (a group of 20) have done the EOS twice.

 

We opted for first seating, got two tables.

 

From participating on CC, I have concluded that serving 3,000 dinners every night is not the easiest thing to do. My experience from having a set time (first seating) is that it tremendously simplifies the operation. The wait staff gets to know you and your specific requirements. It kinda turns it into a science.

 

Everyone orders (1,000 people) and the kitchen is ready to start bringing it on. They know that they will need 500 sea food platters, 200 pasta dinners, 100 ducks, etc.

 

I can see how MTD could be difficult. The servers do not get to know you, there is no established time, and I would imagine putting in individual orders at off times could be problematic and literally a PITA for the kitchen as opposed to serving those with the set times.

 

I have always been a big fan of the set time dining, and in our experience, it has worked very well. As mentioned, two cruises on the EOS with 20 of us, and I do not recall any complaints whatsoever about either the food or the service, matter of fact, quite the opposite, the MDR was one of the highlights of both cruises.

 

I always suggest to others to take a set time dining for the reasons mentioned above. I adhere to the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid) and have found that the set time dining is about as simple as it gets.

 

Thanx for the review. I am sorry that your dining experiences were not better.

[sept10dsm]

We (a group of 20) have done the EOS twice.

 

We opted for first seating, got two tables.

 

From participating on CC, I have concluded that serving 3,000 dinners every night is not the easiest thing to do. My experience from having a set time (first seating) is that it tremendously simplifies the operation. The wait staff gets to know you and your specific requirements. It kinda turns it into a science.

 

Everyone orders (1,000 people) and the kitchen is ready to start bringing it on. They know that they will need 500 sea food platters, 200 pasta dinners, 100 ducks, etc.

 

I can see how MTD could be difficult. The servers do not get to know you, there is no established time, and I would imagine putting in individual orders at off times could be problematic and literally a PITA for the kitchen as opposed to serving those with the set times.

 

I have always been a big fan of the set time dining, and in our experience, it has worked very well. As mentioned, two cruises on the EOS with 20 of us, and I do not recall any complaints whatsoever about either the food or the service, matter of fact, quite the opposite, the MDR was one of the highlights of both cruises.

 

I always suggest to others to take a set time dining for the reasons mentioned above. I adhere to the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid) and have found that the set time dining is about as simple as it gets.

 

Thanx for the review. I am sorry that your dining experiences were not better.

Yes and this makes sense. It seems in reading other threads some are told no set seating is available thus they must not only book the MTD but prepay the gratuities. I have done the Anytime on Princess without the lack of quality in food but at times waits for Table for 2 which does make sense as well. Maybe the MTD isn't working quite so well for RC. I don't know but it seems the MTD tables are mixed in whereas Princess has dedicated dining rooms and no prepd gratuities (except when actually onboard not at final pmt).

[sarahc78]

Great review very detailed.

 

You might want to consider giving Celebrity a shot. Your idea of a perfect vacation (good quality delicious food & relaxation) is exactly what we enjoy and have found our niche w/ Celebrity. :)

[jen07030]

Thank you for your review! I was waiting for somebody to get back from the May 5th sailing so I could sink my teeth into more info! We sail on the 19th - same itinerary.

Question - we picked the same MTD, 7:45 (hoping for a table for 2 as well). I would like to frequent some shows on board. With this timeslot, will we have any issues attending the shows? I know they are usually scheduled around Main/Late seating.

Also, you don't happen to have any compasses that you could post?

Lastly, I know your dining experience was the not the best - but wondering what night you choose to eat in Portofino"s? Looking at the menu we are thinking of skipping Night 4 in the MDR to eat at there.

 

Thanks again!

[LOVEMYMO]

Thank you for your review! I was waiting for somebody to get back from the May 5th sailing so I could sink my teeth into more info! We sail on the 19th - same itinerary.

Question - we picked the same MTD, 7:45 (hoping for a table for 2 as well). I would like to frequent some shows on board. With this timeslot, will we have any issues attending the shows? I know they are usually scheduled around Main/Late seating.

Also, you don't happen to have any compasses that you could post?

Lastly, I know your dining experience was the not the best - but wondering what night you choose to eat in Portofino"s? Looking at the menu we are thinking of skipping Night 4 in the MDR to eat at there.

 

Thanks again!

 

Could you tell me where I can view the menu'w for the 5 night cruise? Thanks!

[LakerVA]

In regards to the statement about "if these meals were served on land, the health department would fail EOS".....the U.S. Health inspector WAS onboard EOS on the 5/5 sailing ....I enjoyed drinks with him every evening and inquired whether EOS passed his inspection...."with flying colors....better grades than most of your best restaurants on shore". I thoroughly enjoyed the MDR...had great waiters...never had a meal that wasn't served at it's correct temperature...I had the late seating...and every little detail I asked for was never forgotten the entire cruise. (I like cherry tomatoes on my caesar salad, I like my tea with no ice). The only meal I didn't like was the prime rib...looked great...was tender...but not flavorful. I told my waiter...he brought me a steak instead. De-lish!

[Heidils]

These posts that drone on and on about food puzzle me? We eat very well at home. From what I cook, and I also am know as being a very good cook, to where we dine. We have never found that we couldn't get something satisfying on a cruise. Perhaps not five star, but certainly good food.

 

The OP's pasta story made me so glad not to have been her server.

[bibbysnow]

Everyone has their own opinion. We were on Explorer the cruise right before yours and we really enjoyed our food in the dining room, Windjammer and Cafe Promenade.

We never had reservations in My Time Dining and never had to wait and we loved it!!

[sivyaleah]

Thank you for your review! I was waiting for somebody to get back from the May 5th sailing so I could sink my teeth into more info! We sail on the 19th - same itinerary.

Question - we picked the same MTD, 7:45 (hoping for a table for 2 as well). I would like to frequent some shows on board. With this timeslot, will we have any issues attending the shows? I know they are usually scheduled around Main/Late seating.

Also, you don't happen to have any compasses that you could post?

Lastly, I know your dining experience was the not the best - but wondering what night you choose to eat in Portofino"s? Looking at the menu we are thinking of skipping Night 4 in the MDR to eat at there.

 

Thanks again!

 

Hi Jen,

 

I didn't save the Compasses because after cruising so many times, we just didn't think to do so. Plus, they never said what was for dinner that evening anyway. You had to go to the dining room each day to view the menu.

 

We also didn't do any shows at night. None of them interested us in the least so I can't respond to that - however, I think you may have a problem based on what I saw on show times.

 

At Portofino, wow I can't even remember the appetizers at this point. However, we split the papperdelle in mushroom cream sauce as a pasta course, which was very good. I had herbed lamb chops and my BF had a steak - both excellent (the lamb was the better of the two) once they got everything straightened out. The wine list was very nice - we chose a Cline Zinfandel 2009. Didn't do desert other than the chocolate dipped strawberries and cookies they provided on the table at the end of the meal. We were stuffed, and nothing really grabbed us enough to splurge on it. The breads they served were quite good, with a nice assortment of tapenades (red pepper, olive, roasted garlic, and roasted eggplant).

 

We ate there the 2nd night, which was my birthday. I do not know what night it was in the MDR, as we didn't even bother to go look. However, we did catch Fisherman's Platter night there, I think that was the 4th night. The last evening was really uninteresting - roast turkey, some kind of pasta, a couple of light dishes, nothing struck our fancy so we skipped eating there. Tried to go to Portofino again but couldn't get a reservation so we had grilled cheese sandwiches in Johnny Rockets instead and were more than satisfied with that.

[sivyaleah]

In regards to the statement about "if these meals were served on land, the health department would fail EOS".....the U.S. Health inspector WAS onboard EOS on the 5/5 sailing ....I enjoyed drinks with him every evening and inquired whether EOS passed his inspection...."with flying colors....better grades than most of your best restaurants on shore".

 

Either you're lying - or the that inspector is. Or he's on the take.

[marci22]

Could you tell me where I can view the menu'w for the 5 night cruise? Thanks!

 

NIGHT ONE - Bon Voyage Dinner

 

STARTERS

Strawberry, Kiwi & Pineapple Medley

Smoke Fish Tapenade

Vidalia Onion Tart

Sopa de Tortilla

Hot and Sour Shrimp soup

Child Watermelon Gazpacho

 

Caesar Salad or Spinach Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Truffled wild mushroom linguini alfredo

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

Grilled Mediterranean Quesadilla

Pan-seared golden sea bass

Pan-seared fresh atlantic salmon

Aloo Gobi Methi

 

DESSERTS

Strawberry Pavlova

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Savarin

Low-fat blueberry and peach cobbler

Sugar-Free chocolate pot de Crème

 

NIGHT Two - Captain's Gala (Formal Night)

 

STARTERS:

Shrimp Cocktail

Escargot Bourguignonne

Lobster Bisque

Oxtail Broth

Golden Pear Soup

 

Caesar Salad

 

MAIN COURSE:

Shrimp Ravioli

Grilled Seafood Brochett

Filet of Beef

Roasted Duck

Sauteed Seasonal Mushrooms

Potato Curry

 

DESSERTS:

Bittersweet Chocolate Souffle

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

Marinated Cherry Bake

Low-fat Berry Mouse

Sugar-free coconut vanilla layer cake

 

NIGHT THREE

 

STARTERS

Exotic Fruits w/ mojito jelly

Crab and Shrimp Salad

Beef and Veal Tortellaci

Jalapeno potato soup

Chicken Consomme

 

Caesar Salad

Seasonal Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Parmesan-Crusted Turkey Tenderloin

Cornmeal-Dusted Tilapia

Slow-Roasted Beef Shoulder Filet

Asparagus and Brie Tart

Penne Tarantina

Gobi Ki Sabzi

 

DESSERTS

Choca-Chino Trilogy

Banana and Baileys Irish Cream brulee custard baked under a caramel crust

Magic Mango Parfait

Low-Fat Exotic pineapple and coconut cake

Steamed Sugar Free vanilla and berry custard w/ fresh berries

 

NIGHT FOUR - Venetian Feast

 

STARTERS

Caprese Salad

Antipasti

Scallop Risotto

Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup

Minestrone

Strawberry bisque

 

Caesar Salad

Insalata Mista – mixed greens, crisp zucchini, sweet red bell peppers and black olives

 

MAIN COURSE

Rigatoni Pasta

Garlic Tiger Shrimp

Chicken Marsala

Lamb Shank w/Rosemary

Eggplant and Roma Tomato Bake

Kaju Paneer Dhansak

 

DESSERTS

Warm Chocolate Cake

Raspberry Panna Cotta

Tiramisu

Low-Fat angel food cake w/ grand marnier marinated strawberries

Sugar-Free Chocolate mint cake

 

NIGHT FIVE - Chef's Dinner

 

STARTERS

Eggplant and Kalamata Olive Tartare

Seafood Salad

Creamed wild mushroom in Puff Pastry

Cream of Asparagus

Double Duck Consomme

Roasted Peach Soup

 

Caesar Salad

House Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Thai BBQ Chicken Breats

New England Bay Scallops and Ziti

Fisherman’s Plate

Slow-Roasted Aged Prime Rib

Greek-Style Vegetarian Moussaka

Kabuli Chana

 

DESSERTS

Dessert Sampler

Cherries Jubilee

Low Fat Double Passion Fruit Cheesecake

Sugar Free Red Berry Tart

[JAMESCC]

Explorer is a beautiful ship, I miss her, its been awhile since we've sailed on her. The problem is every time I debark from Explorer I want to run right back on!

[LakerVA]

Either you're lying - or the that inspector is. Or he's on the take.

 

Wow! Must be nice to know everything.

[bridge&golf]

DH & I have always had great (maybe not perfect) service and food on EOS. My only

disappointment was in February when escargot was in short supply. I did not get my

fix every night.

 

happy sailing,

 

joann

[sivyaleah]

NIGHT ONE - Bon Voyage Dinner

 

STARTERS

Strawberry, Kiwi & Pineapple Medley

Smoke Fish Tapenade

Vidalia Onion Tart

Sopa de Tortilla

Hot and Sour Shrimp soup

Child Watermelon Gazpacho

 

Caesar Salad or Spinach Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Truffled wild mushroom linguini alfredo

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

Grilled Mediterranean Quesadilla

Pan-seared golden sea bass

Pan-seared fresh atlantic salmon

Aloo Gobi Methi

 

DESSERTS

Strawberry Pavlova

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Savarin

Low-fat blueberry and peach cobbler

Sugar-Free chocolate pot de Crème

 

NIGHT Two - Captain's Gala (Formal Night)

 

STARTERS:

Shrimp Cocktail

Escargot Bourguignonne

Lobster Bisque

Oxtail Broth

Golden Pear Soup

 

Caesar Salad

 

MAIN COURSE:

Shrimp Ravioli

Grilled Seafood Brochett

Filet of Beef

Roasted Duck

Sauteed Seasonal Mushrooms

Potato Curry

 

DESSERTS:

Bittersweet Chocolate Souffle

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

Marinated Cherry Bake

Low-fat Berry Mouse

Sugar-free coconut vanilla layer cake

 

NIGHT THREE

 

STARTERS

Exotic Fruits w/ mojito jelly

Crab and Shrimp Salad

Beef and Veal Tortellaci

Jalapeno potato soup

Chicken Consomme

 

Caesar Salad

Seasonal Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Parmesan-Crusted Turkey Tenderloin

Cornmeal-Dusted Tilapia

Slow-Roasted Beef Shoulder Filet

Asparagus and Brie Tart

Penne Tarantina

Gobi Ki Sabzi

 

DESSERTS

Choca-Chino Trilogy

Banana and Baileys Irish Cream brulee custard baked under a caramel crust

Magic Mango Parfait

Low-Fat Exotic pineapple and coconut cake

Steamed Sugar Free vanilla and berry custard w/ fresh berries

 

NIGHT FOUR - Venetian Feast

 

STARTERS

Caprese Salad

Antipasti

Scallop Risotto

Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup

Minestrone

Strawberry bisque

 

Caesar Salad

Insalata Mista – mixed greens, crisp zucchini, sweet red bell peppers and black olives

 

MAIN COURSE

Rigatoni Pasta

Garlic Tiger Shrimp

Chicken Marsala

Lamb Shank w/Rosemary

Eggplant and Roma Tomato Bake

Kaju Paneer Dhansak

 

DESSERTS

Warm Chocolate Cake

Raspberry Panna Cotta

Tiramisu

Low-Fat angel food cake w/ grand marnier marinated strawberries

Sugar-Free Chocolate mint cake

 

NIGHT FIVE - Chef's Dinner

 

STARTERS

Eggplant and Kalamata Olive Tartare

Seafood Salad

Creamed wild mushroom in Puff Pastry

Cream of Asparagus

Double Duck Consomme

Roasted Peach Soup

 

Caesar Salad

House Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Thai BBQ Chicken Breats

New England Bay Scallops and Ziti

Fisherman’s Plate

Slow-Roasted Aged Prime Rib

Greek-Style Vegetarian Moussaka

Kabuli Chana

 

DESSERTS

Dessert Sampler

Cherries Jubilee

Low Fat Double Passion Fruit Cheesecake

Sugar Free Red Berry Tart

 

On the 5 night cruise we were on, the meals went as follows:

 

NIGHT ONE - Bon Voyage Dinner

 

We had the Sopa de Tortilla, which tasted like canned soup with what looked like wonton noodles, not tortilla strips and there were only 3 of them. Sopa de Tortilla, typically has chicken in it. None to be seen. BF had the Vidalia Onion Tart. It was ok.

 

Main dishes were the Pan Seared Sea Bass and the Truffled Wild Mushroom Linquini Alfredo. Both dishes had to be sent back. The fish was so over cooked that it was hard around the edges. The pasta, was a glue like consistency do to over boiling. It was fine the 2nd go round.

 

We skipped dessert and went for Ben and Jerry's instead.

 

NIGHT TWO - Not sure, we ate in PORTOFINO. Must have been the Venetian Feast or Captain's Gala - formal night.

 

NIGHT THREE - CHEF'S DINNER

 

I had the Eggplant and Kalamata Olive Tartare, which wasn't bad but somewhat bland. I didn't taste any olive in it at all. My boyfriend had the Roasted Peach Soup. This, was actually quite nice.

 

For our main courses I had the Fisherman's Plate, which was close to being terrible. Under cooked lobster and shrimp, wrong vegetable, a headless shrimp served on the plate, and when I asked for cooked shrimp, they gave me more uncooked shrimp. BF had the New England Bay Scallops and Ziti which he said was ok. We also got a side of the Kabuli Chana to split (chickpea curry) which was quite good but they gave us the incorrect accompaniment to the dish.

 

BF had the Cherries Jubilee for dessert which wasn't a real version, but enjoyable nonetheless. I had nothing.

 

NIGHT FOUR - Didn't eat dinner, had late lunch on the island prior to departure, then room service later on. Again, either Captain's Night or Venetian Feast.

 

NIGHT FIVE - This was the menu without a name, that has the Turkey Tenderloin on it. We weren't interested in anything on the menu, so we didn't eat in MDR again, went for grilled cheese sammies in Johnny Rockets instead.

[LOVEMYMO]

NIGHT ONE - Bon Voyage Dinner

 

STARTERS

Strawberry, Kiwi & Pineapple Medley

Smoke Fish Tapenade

Vidalia Onion Tart

Sopa de Tortilla

Hot and Sour Shrimp soup

Child Watermelon Gazpacho

 

Caesar Salad or Spinach Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Truffled wild mushroom linguini alfredo

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

Grilled Mediterranean Quesadilla

Pan-seared golden sea bass

Pan-seared fresh atlantic salmon

Aloo Gobi Methi

 

DESSERTS

Strawberry Pavlova

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Savarin

Low-fat blueberry and peach cobbler

Sugar-Free chocolate pot de Crème

 

NIGHT Two - Captain's Gala (Formal Night)

 

STARTERS:

Shrimp Cocktail

Escargot Bourguignonne

Lobster Bisque

Oxtail Broth

Golden Pear Soup

 

Caesar Salad

 

MAIN COURSE:

Shrimp Ravioli

Grilled Seafood Brochett

Filet of Beef

Roasted Duck

Sauteed Seasonal Mushrooms

Potato Curry

 

DESSERTS:

Bittersweet Chocolate Souffle

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

Marinated Cherry Bake

Low-fat Berry Mouse

Sugar-free coconut vanilla layer cake

 

NIGHT THREE

 

STARTERS

Exotic Fruits w/ mojito jelly

Crab and Shrimp Salad

Beef and Veal Tortellaci

Jalapeno potato soup

Chicken Consomme

 

Caesar Salad

Seasonal Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Parmesan-Crusted Turkey Tenderloin

Cornmeal-Dusted Tilapia

Slow-Roasted Beef Shoulder Filet

Asparagus and Brie Tart

Penne Tarantina

Gobi Ki Sabzi

 

DESSERTS

Choca-Chino Trilogy

Banana and Baileys Irish Cream brulee custard baked under a caramel crust

Magic Mango Parfait

Low-Fat Exotic pineapple and coconut cake

Steamed Sugar Free vanilla and berry custard w/ fresh berries

 

NIGHT FOUR - Venetian Feast

 

STARTERS

Caprese Salad

Antipasti

Scallop Risotto

Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup

Minestrone

Strawberry bisque

 

Caesar Salad

Insalata Mista – mixed greens, crisp zucchini, sweet red bell peppers and black olives

 

MAIN COURSE

Rigatoni Pasta

Garlic Tiger Shrimp

Chicken Marsala

Lamb Shank w/Rosemary

Eggplant and Roma Tomato Bake

Kaju Paneer Dhansak

 

DESSERTS

Warm Chocolate Cake

Raspberry Panna Cotta

Tiramisu

Low-Fat angel food cake w/ grand marnier marinated strawberries

Sugar-Free Chocolate mint cake

 

NIGHT FIVE - Chef's Dinner

 

STARTERS

Eggplant and Kalamata Olive Tartare

Seafood Salad

Creamed wild mushroom in Puff Pastry

Cream of Asparagus

Double Duck Consomme

Roasted Peach Soup

 

Caesar Salad

House Salad

 

MAIN COURSE

Thai BBQ Chicken Breats

New England Bay Scallops and Ziti

Fisherman’s Plate

Slow-Roasted Aged Prime Rib

Greek-Style Vegetarian Moussaka

Kabuli Chana

 

DESSERTS

Dessert Sampler

Cherries Jubilee

Low Fat Double Passion Fruit Cheesecake

Sugar Free Red Berry Tart

 

Thank you very much!!

[marci22]

... went for grilled cheese sammies in Johnny Rockets instead.

 

Next time try asking your waiter for their suggestions for the evening. They know what people like, and what people send back, so they are going to do their best to get it right the first time.

 

Definitely not gourmet cuisine, but we have our favorites and they have been pretty dependable thus far.

[mking8288]

Either you're lying - or the that inspector is. Or he's on the take.

 

For real, he was on station with EOS in uniform, and drinking on the job, LOL. We, too, must've missed him (her) making the rounds in the public area - especially checking food temperature with a certified digital / infra-red thermometer device in Windjammer in the morning & at lunch time (we didn't bother with dinner upstairs.)

 

We observed many diners simply walked passed those automated (Purell) hand sanitizing stands and without cleaning their hands in the buffet, MDR and most definitely, the Promenade cafe - best practices against Noro-viruses, and, suffice to say, see the links for such potential outbreak onbroad. Fortunately, we made it home without incidents - the food service team's cleaning protocols leave room for safety improvement. (... Yes, I hold current certification in Food Safety issued by NYC DOFMH)

 

For our 5 days onbroad, we didn't noticed ongoing & continuous efforts to wipe/clean the stairs handles & railings, elevator buttons & areas around the restrooms or other high profile/high traffic area where folks can come into contacts with germs & viruses, etc. Not using a diluted bleach solution or equivalent cleaning products to wipe down the buffet tables after each use is NOT acceptable best practices ... And, if it happened - great - we missed it entirely & not just random luck.

 

Having said that, we made the best of our cruise, it was a vacation and we're not there to criticize and look for faults - but, the next time we read about an incident involving a RCCL ship & the EOS in particular, we would be in a better position to understood how it could've happened.

 

YMMV - of course, just our few cents for a different view, period.

[ZZA6]

Hi,

 

Iam going on exployer for the first time in september to bermuda,are you ableto make reservations before you board and pick your table size for open dining?Is It really that hard to get a table for two?Been on over 20 cruises and never had a problem with other cruiselines ,just wondering.

[mking8288]

Hi, ... on exployer ... in september to bermuda,are you ableto make reservations before you board and pick your table size for open dining?Is It really that hard to get a table for two?

 

With your reservation no. & other booking details, yes - you can submit your request online - ahead of your departure date (60 or 30 days prior, up to 3 days before departure) It's for dinner time only (open seating for breakfast & lunch) for no more than 10 people in the party - and you will receive an email confirmation. Really cannot help answer about getting a table of 2 for a given time except that we saw very few small tables as it is for 4, 6, 8 or 10, etc. mostly for our dining on Deck 5's MDR.

 

You can try to book & do daily reservations onboard - but, it seemed to involved a bit of waiting for those who didn't call or reserve early in the day. To be on safe side, I would do a bit of planning & book ahead, then try to change it daily if necessary - for our 5 day cruise, we just picked our preferred time except for the full port day (#3) while docked in Bermuda - picking 8 p.m. for a late supper instead (which worked out nicely, as we were out in town most of the day & didn't want to rush back for dinner.)

[tanelicus]

Hello...the seas called...and it is NCL....LMAO!!!! Cruise food is cruise food if you want 5 star head to NYC and eat 5star...the only real cruise i have been on with 5star + was Disney, both RCCL's where consistently 3-4 star...as to touchy feely wait staff...think if you where away from home for 3-6 months at a time, that is how they are on every ship in every cruise company..it is there way of being polite....SORRY...but these people are still people at least give them some respect...OK i am off the "box""...sorry for the bad food..sometimes it happens, it happen's on land too...

 

I wasn't wowed at all with Disney cruise food. Palo especially. I just don't get the fuss about Palo.

 

Moving around to different places was pretty cool.

[ZZA6]

With your reservation no. & other booking details, yes - you can submit your request online - ahead of your departure date (60 or 30 days prior, up to 3 days before departure) It's for dinner time only (open seating for breakfast & lunch) for no more than 10 people in the party - and you will receive an email confirmation. Really cannot help answer about getting a table of 2 for a given time except that we saw very few small tables as it is for 4, 6, 8 or 10, etc. mostly for our dining on Deck 5's MDR.

 

You can try to book & do daily reservations onboard - but, it seemed to involved a bit of waiting for those who didn't call or reserve early in the day. To be on safe side, I would do a bit of planning & book ahead, then try to change it daily if necessary - for our 5 day cruise, we just picked our preferred time except for the full port day (#3) while docked in Bermuda - picking 8 p.m. for a late supper instead (which worked out nicely, as we were out in town most of the day & didn't want to rush back for dinner.)

Thanks for the information.I will make resevations before I go.I quess when we get on the ship,I can see if we can have a table for two.