Dining room

[cherrypop]

We are new to Celebrity and I am noticing how people are talking about the buffet being crazy on embarkation. Is the main dining room not open for lunch when we get on?

[CathyCruises]

No, it is not open. But the Mast Grill for hamburgers is open, plus Bistro on 5 ($10 surcharge) and the Porch ($7 up charge, only on Reflection and Silhouette) and the Aqua Spa Cafe serving lighter fare

Edited April 14, 2015 by CathyCruises

[kenevenpar]

I think that experiences vary. Our last cruise on Reflection, we had no issue with the buffet on day 1, and in fact found a wonderful table outside on the deck with a great view. Never waited more than a few seconds in line for food. YMMV

[CruisingChick]

No, it is not open. But the Mast Grill for hamburgers is open, plus Bistro on 5 ($10 surcharge) and the Porch ($7 up charge) and the Aqua Spa Cafe serving lighter fare

 

The Porch is only on 2 S Class ships. The remainder don't have one.

 

Depends on when you board. If you board early or late the the buffet won't be that bad.

[jsf]

If you wait until the cabins are ready the buffet will clear out quickly.

J.

[dkjretired]

If you wait until the cabins are ready the buffet will clear out quickly.

J.

 

Correct, that is one of the problems with the buffet and is really an example of rude people. What occurs is many will board early, 11A.M. and beyond, eat and then stay in those seats until they clear the cabins. Instead of someone maybe eating for a half hour or longer they are sitting there for as long as two hours.

 

I don't have a problem with the buffet and never have because I'm usually there early, eat and then leave. I want to explore the ship.

 

Some people also just have a problem with buffets, my daughter is one of those. Doesn't bother me, after you've been to Atlantic City and the buffets in the casinos, the ship is like eating in a fancy restaurant.

Edited April 14, 2015 by dkjretired

[CruisingChick]

Not that anyone really cares but when we board (and it's usually early), my DH goes to the fitness center and I lay out by the pool or in the solarium. Usually he's done when the cabins are read and we go put our carry ons in our stateroom and then go eat about 2 PM or so. Crowds are not to bad at the buffet at that time.

 

We have late seating dinner so we don't want to eat early any way. Just my 2 cents your mileage and experience may vary.