Lunch in MDR on Embarkment Day

[cruz chic]

Check out this article. Celebrtity is treating suites guess very sweet.;) on embarkment day you are escorted on to the ship to a private function. All perks are up and running except the restaurants which will open in April across the fleet.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/02/13/celebrity-cruises-suites-perks/5447379/

 

Thanks for the info.

[cruz chic]

If you enjoy the very limited offerings.

 

There is nothing wrong with it. I'd rather be there then everyone pawing the food that I eat and searching for a table forever. I'd pick being served in a nice dining room over a cafeteria any day.

[Lizzie68]

Check out this article. Celebrtity is treating suites guess very sweet.;) on embarkment day you are escorted on to the ship to a private function. All perks are up and running except the restaurants which will open in April across the fleet.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/02/13/celebrity-cruises-suites-perks/5447379/

 

Wow, sounds nice. HAL, are you listening?

[summersigh]

If you enjoy the very limited offerings.

 

For us it's not the grandure of the lunch menu offerings in the MDR on embarkation day :D but rather the relaxation and being waited on rather than shuffling through crowds and lines with DH trying to balance a tray and deal with his cane.

 

We're not so much opposed to the Lido lunch on "normal days" - on HMCay day after going ashore for an umbrella drink we like eating in the Lido when it's more peaceful.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Check out this article. Celebrtity is treating suites guess very sweet.;) on embarkment day you are escorted on to the ship to a private function. All perks are up and running except the restaurants which will open in April across the fleet.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2014/02/13/celebrity-cruises-suites-perks/5447379/

I hope Holland does not follow... and the dining room on Holland, We go when ever it is open We in joy it over the lido

Edited January 1, 2015 by we're sailing away....

[bjarrett7]

We are also trying to figure out where to go and what our options are for lunch on embarkation day. Since we're first timers, we don't get to eat in the MDR. Does anyone know if the terrace grill is open?

 

 

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[CruiserBruce]

It is called the Dive In, and it should be open on boarding.

[david,Mississauga]

Totally agree. I get my fill of crowds of people in my everyday life. I get sick often enough already without dealing with the lido germ pit. The less time spent there the better.

 

Sometimes I think I'm the only one who loathes cafeterias at sea. I'm pleased that others do. Years ago when such venues were rare on ships, there weren't as many outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness. (The name Norovirus hadn't been invented then.)

 

A question of the experts, if I may: Several of our friends cruise frequently with HAL and some say that the MDR is closed for lunch on port days and others say it is open. Does this policy vary? We are going on an Alaska inside passage cruise and won't be in danger of malnutrition if we miss the occasional lunch, but I'm just curious.

[summersigh]

Sometimes I think I'm the only one who loathes cafeterias at sea. I'm pleased that others do.

.

 

When we do go to the Lido for lunch it's rare we actually go through a line for full entrée "stuff" :) Regardless of what ship or cruise line we're on we find a station that makes fresh sandwiches (where the masses don't have access to the food) and a desert. It works for us and we never go hungry!!

[RuthC]

A question of the experts, if I may: Several of our friends cruise frequently with HAL and some say that the MDR is closed for lunch on port days and others say it is open. Does this policy vary?

Whether or not the dining room is open for lunch on any given day does not seem to depend on whether it's a port or sea day. There's no consistency, and I haven't figured out the determining factor (if there is one).

 

The best thing to do is check the daily program to see if it's going to be open that day. Also check to see if the Pinnacle Grill is open. It's a more elaborate lunch, but is a nice treat once in a while.

[cruz chic]

Sometimes I think I'm the only one who loathes cafeterias at sea. I'm pleased that others do. Years ago when such venues were rare on ships, there weren't as many outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness. (The name Norovirus hadn't been invented then.)

 

A question of the experts, if I may: Several of our friends cruise frequently with HAL and some say that the MDR is closed for lunch on port days and others say it is open. Does this policy vary? We are going on an Alaska inside passage cruise and won't be in danger of malnutrition if we miss the occasional lunch, but I'm just curious.

 

Much to my dismay, the MDR seems to be closed most port days of the cruises I've been on lately. It seems that they are going the way of princess that does close the MDR every port day. I found myself ordering room service for lunch more often then I used to. Maybe the MDR opening varies by itinerary. Like Ruth mentioned, the pinnacle is quite nice for lunch.

Edited January 1, 2015 by cruz chic

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have also noticed that the main dining room is closed a lot more than it used to be.

 

I have a feeling that it is due to trying to give the staff some time off in the ports. There was a time when they got some time off on embarkation day -- but that seems to be gone -- I think.

[cruz chic]

We have also noticed that the main dining room is closed a lot more than it used to be.

 

I have a feeling that it is due to trying to give the staff some time off in the ports. There was a time when they got some time off on embarkation day -- but that seems to be gone -- I think.

 

That would be nice if it happened but they just seem to send them up to the lido.

[albingirl]

Generally, I've found the embarkation lunch in the MDR repetitious especially since the menu hasn't changed in the last few years. Lido I don't mind for a salad and soup. No big deal on the embarkation luncheon; I'm much more interested in finally boarding!;)

[CynCyn]

We have sailed Princess and Carnival, so we can eat in the MDR?

 

Also, is Neptune Room reserved for Neptune Suites? We are in a Vista Suite.

 

Thanks!

[sail7seas]

It is called the Dive In, and it should be open on boarding.

 

We have sailed Princess and Carnival, so we can eat in the MDR?

 

Also, is Neptune Room reserved for Neptune Suites? We are in a Vista Suite.

 

Thanks!

 

Seeing you have sailed on a Carnival Brand, you will be considered a Mariner (repeater) and if the MDR is serving Embarkation Lunch, you are welcome.

 

Neptune Lounge is for Neptune and Pinnacle Suites only.

 

[CynCyn]

Thank you!

[RuthC]

We have sailed Princess and Carnival, so we can eat in the MDR?

Presuming it isn't closed for a private party, or reserved for higher ranking Mariners, yes, you can eat lunch in the dining room after you embark.

Also, is Neptune Room reserved for Neptune Suites? We are in a Vista Suite.

Yes, Neptune and Pinnacle Suites only in the Neptune Lounge.

But I am sure you will love your Vista Suite. There is a telephone concierge for your suite.

[cruz chic]

Generally, I've found the embarkation lunch in the MDR repetitious especially since the menu hasn't changed in the last few years. Lido I don't mind for a salad and soup. No big deal on the embarkation luncheon; I'm much more interested in finally boarding!;)

 

I don't think it does change often. Very nice if you enjoy the cafeteria. Less busy in tge MDR for those that do enjoy it:).

[CynCyn]

Yes, Neptune and Pinnacle Suites only in the Neptune Lounge.

But I am sure you will love your Vista Suite. There is a telephone concierge for your suite.

Forgive my naïveté, what does the concierge do?

[RuthC]

Forgive my naïveté, what does the concierge do?

Beats me. I had one once, but just found it easier to do things myself, or stop at the Front Desk on my way by. I would really rather make my own specialty dinner reservations, in case adjustments to preferred time, or a different night, has to be worked out. Same with salon appointments.

 

I did have guests in for wine &, so called the concierge for the wine bucket & ice, extra glasses, napkins, and a little something to serve. It was delivered and set up promptly. I appreciated that I didn't have to take care of that myself.

[cruz chic]

Yes, Neptune and Pinnacle Suites only in the Neptune Lounge.

But I am sure you will love your Vista Suite. There is a telephone concierge for your suite.

Forgive my naïveté, what does the concierge do?

 

Make reservations for dinner, purchase shorex for you, that type of thing. The only time I had had one I didn't ask them to do anything. I'd just rather do it myself but it might be if interest to you.