Buckeye94

The answer depends. Which team are you supporting? 😉

I usually eat dinner in the MDR or Specialty restaurants, but I have to say that dinner in Oceanview can be delightful. Quiet. Fewer guests so staff are very attentive. Never had to wait long for wine to be topped off. Yes, steaks, lamb, lots of tasty options. Maybe not the flair of the dining room, but I also felt comfortable dressed very casually and plenty of window seats! (You know, night 9 or so in a 12-night, and you just don't want to get dressed up again...until you realize it's almost over night 10 or 11! 😂) All that said, and to the OP, I do hope they offer more than chicken. Although I must say, I had the most tasty, moist, herb and lemon roasted chicken in the Oceanview cafe.

I like to begin my evening dinner with a cocktail, which usually means a stop at the ol' reliable Martini Bar. Sometimes, I see cocktails that look interesting on the MDR menu. I don't see the MDR cocktails on the menus at other bars, and when I've asked, they haven't always known how to make the drink. If I'm sailing Beyond, and I want an Old World Old Fashioned (Woodford Reserve, yeni raki (?), orange bitters, figs - ingredients that may not be at every bar location) outside of Cyprus Restaurant, where would I go? Where are the MDR cocktails made?

After almost 2 hours on hold, I can tell you all about sailing on Celebrity Flora, the first ship designed specifically for the Galapagos Islands destination. You'll enjoy luxury all-suite accommodations... 😩

Oh dear. I was excited to see this post because I have a answer, but my reply includes lobster. 😂 Sorry! I have only sailed Aqua once. One night, I was seated at dinner and struck up a conversation with the couple next to me. He was eating a dessert, and she had noodles! ? ?? She raved about the lobster soba noodle starter. She even ordered a second starter after her main instead of dessert! It really was that good...for those of you following this thread who like lobster. AND, yes, you can order more than one starter. Enjoy! Happy sailing and dining!

Welcome to Celebrity and to cruising! The first time I took a cruise I thought "never again," but I gave it a second chance and I'm hooked! It's all about your interests, your expectations, and finding your own best experience. As for drink packages, review what's covered under Classic (shared above). You might be fine with the choices available. If you like higher end spirits and wine, you might want to upgrade. Unless there is a great sale on upgrades, I wait until I'm on board. You also might want to wait until you're on board and can see the selection available as I've heard some supply issues have impacted what's available. I usually head to the Martini Bar and upgrade with them. They get credit for that. There will be people everywhere trying to get you to upgrade your drink package, buy specialty dining, on and on. Smile nicely and move on. Once on board, anyone can help you. You choose. Happy to answer any questions I can. Hope you have a wonderful vacation. Julie

Ugh, I wish I could edit for a longer window! @GenerationX I meant to say that I think I met @Jim_Iain (maybe, possibly), and it will be nice to meet more people like you and @hcat since I've followed you all for so long here! Julie

I think I met @Jim_Iain on a Greek Isles cruise out of Rome on Edge back in fall 2019. They may have been the kind souls to loan me $2 so I could get back to the ship. The details are sketchy! Hmm, I may need to get a map dress. Definitely shopping for something Gatsby appropriate! I'm so excited! My next cruise wasn't until my 12-night Patagonia cruise in January. This is perfect!

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I have been so inspired by your posts that I'm adding myself to the Beyond Nov 8 sailing!!!!

I enjoyed his wit and wisdom here on the CC Board. Makes me smile to imagine what he was like in real life. May his memory be a blessing.