MDR bookings needed on Jade?

[Ergates The Ant]

Considering first NCL cruise on Jade. I've read that on the larger ships, it's essential to prebook dining times, even for the complimentary restaurants. My sister also had a poor experience on a larger NCL ship, where they ended up with very little choice because they didn't book before sailing.

I have seen some posts where guests have said this is not a problem on Jade, as it is a smaller ship, and it is quite possible to decide at short notice where you would like to eat, and have no more than a short wait.

Can anyone who has travelled on Jade, let me know how Freestyle works on this ship?

Also, are menus posted in advance of dinner time, so I can decide whether to trek down to the MDRs or head straight to the buffet?

Many thanks

[NMLady]

Considering first NCL cruise on Jade. I've read that on the larger ships, it's essential to prebook dining times, even for the complimentary restaurants. My sister also had a poor experience on a larger NCL ship, where they ended up with very little choice because they didn't book before sailing.

I have seen some posts where guests have said this is not a problem on Jade, as it is a smaller ship, and it is quite possible to decide at short notice where you would like to eat, and have no more than a short wait.

Can anyone who has travelled on Jade, let me know how Freestyle works on this ship?

Also, are menus posted in advance of dinner time, so I can decide whether to trek down to the MDRs or head straight to the buffet?

Many thanks

 

No reason to pre-book main dining room. Neither one had too much of wait.

For Specialty restaurants definitely prebook Teppanyaki since it's small.

For Le Bistro and Cagneys if you like to eat before 7pm then pre-book. For later times you can wait until you're onboard.

 

Yes, dinner menus at Alizar and Grand Pacific are posted ahead of time, usually after breakfast.

[Ergates The Ant]

Many thanks, that sounds fine. I'm not planning to use the speciality restaurants, usually too fancy and meat orientated for me, so good to know when the two MDRs will be serving something that appeals.

[brockwell]

I was just on the Jade last week and noticed every day when I checked the tv monitors showing availability in all the restaurants that the two main dining rooms were almost always green - meaning there was always availability. We were a family of six and did make reservations one night at the last minute and they were able to fit us in at 7:00 no problem.

[khaide612]

Party of 5 waited about 15 minutes one night at 7pm at Alizar. No wait in Grand Pacific but it is much larger and they were turning away anyone in shorts.