Chef's Table - better at cruise beginning or end

[WestfieldTraveler]

We're considering the Chef's Table on the Oasis, and wondering if it is better doing it closer to the beginning or end of the cruise. We're also looking at the 150 Central Park menus too, so that may influence our decision as if/when to do Chef's table.

 

Opinions?

[spookwife]

we did it at the end of the cruise..mainly because they had half a table reserved and they were practically begging for people to book to fill it .. we ended up getting it for half price. as it was, we still had 3 empty seats.

 

I don't think it matters when you do it. unless you want to coordinate it with formal night.

[WestfieldTraveler]

I was mainly looking for the better group experience - perhaps at the beginning of the cruise where talk might be more towards backgrounds/interests and cruise plans, or later where there make be more talk about the past week.

 

Or if we're really lucky,not talk about the cruise at all!

[spookwife]

we discussed the food, and the reasons behind the wine pairings.

[MADflyer]

It was very heavily booked on my Oasis sailing, due to a great deal on the Chef's Package that included the Chef's Table, 150, Chop's and Giovanni's for just $120. They even gave a free lunch in Giovanni's as an incentive to book onboard and then half price at the Solarium Café.

 

I think they have moved to the same book 3 venues get 20% OBC across the fleet now, though.

 

I personally like doing it early in the cruise as it is a very social event and you maybe get to know some other passengers. Depending on ship the server from Chef's table has other duties and it can be nice to meet them again during the voyage in another venue.

 

Some found out that you could book it without the wine pairings at a discount and that inspired even more to book later in the sailing.

[FiveAce]

In my experience specialty restaurants are most enjoyed near the end of the cruise. If you think about it you're basically eating the same stuff for several days whether in the buffet or MDR. It's nice to get a little upgrade in quality on the fifth day or so and there's definitely a noticeable difference. Why start off with the best meal on the first day only to go downhill from there?

[foxgoodrich]

I'm not sure if this is true on every ship with Chef's Table, but we were given the opportunity to do a galley tour as part of our CT experience on Legend. The galley tour was scheduled for one of the last sea days.

 

We really enjoyed Chef's Table and that galley tour was the best one we've ever had - led by our CT chef.

Judy

[WestfieldTraveler]

Thanks everyone - I'll be looking to re-book my reservation once I re-analyze the some recent posted dailies to make sure we don't miss something we'll regret not seeing. That is, as long as the booking system allows me to (the reservation system has messed up my booking). And if the offer it with a tour, that would be perfect.

 

And I wonder if they will be offering it without the wine paring on my cruise - we don't drink that much wine and even getting one with,the other without, would be perfect.

[MADflyer]

Thanks everyone - I'll be looking to re-book my reservation once I re-analyze the some recent posted dailies to make sure we don't miss something we'll regret not seeing. That is, as long as the booking system allows me to (the reservation system has messed up my booking). And if the offer it with a tour, that would be perfect.

 

And I wonder if they will be offering it without the wine paring on my cruise - we don't drink that much wine and even getting one with,the other without, would be perfect.

 

There are many people that have dietary or other reasons that they absolutely can not drink alcohol and it is offered so they are not left out from this experience. This is a very social experience and the wine-pairing is otherwise a very essential part of the experience and not to be missed. It actually starts with a glass of champagne at the meeting area and then you are escorted to your assigned seat and all glasses are in place for the full experience. They are removed, otherwise.

[Merion_Mom]

In my experience specialty restaurants are most enjoyed near the end of the cruise. If you think about it you're basically eating the same stuff for several days whether in the buffet or MDR. It's nice to get a little upgrade in quality on the fifth day or so and there's definitely a noticeable difference. Why start off with the best meal on the first day only to go downhill from there?

 

That is a REALLY good point, FiveAce. :)

[tomatosauce]

In terms of timing of the Chef's table I would recommend doing it as soon as possible on the cruise because you have wonderful conversations and it is great to run into the people from your table for the rest of your cruise. I would also recommend doing it the night before a sea day if at all possible as it can be a late night with lots of drinking.

[lovetocruise/diamond]

On our last 2 cruises we have eaten at the Chef's Table on embarkation night, it's a great way to start off the cruise. and the next day is a sea day. It is a wonderful experience from start to finish. Enjoy!

[WonderousBlue]

How do you get chefs table paired with other restaurants at such a discount as one post of $120 for CT and specialty restaurants included?

[MADflyer]

They seem to have eliminated the dining packages fleet wide, including the Chef's Table dining package. Each ship has been allowed to have variable pricing.

 

I was on the first half of the Legend TA last week and they offered the Chef's Table for $75 any night, stand alone. Then the current discount pricing went into effect. That is 20% off for 3 reservations, 25% off for 4 reservations and 30% off all venues for 5 or more reservations.

 

The $75 offer was basically the same as the first night 20% off or the 3 reservation pricing.

 

The Chef's Table was even offering 2 menus on the 14/16 day TA as several Norwegian guests had booked it 2 times, once early on the sailing and a second time later in the sailing.

[CU64]

I was mainly looking for the better group experience - perhaps at the beginning of the cruise where talk might be more towards backgrounds/interests and cruise plans, or later where there make be more talk about the past week.

 

Or if we're really lucky,not talk about the cruise at all!

 

Full table/great couples, all interesting......I recommend at the beginning.

Oct 2013 RT Boston Canada/NE 7 day

Barb

[dancinman66]

I prefer to do it middle of the cruise personally and definitely not at end

 

 

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[sauvichick]

We have booked it both times on the 1st night on the Allure. Once on the 1st sailing there were only 9 of us. Last time there were 4 of us after a couple stormed off. We found there was not much going that we were interested in attending the 1st night. It wound up being our favorite meal each time.

 

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[Alter Ego]

I know the original post is several month's old, but as this was resurrected I just wanted to comment that I was told (by Chef's Table manager) that Chef's Table was no longer going to be on Oasis. I had assumed (or thought I read) that Chef's Table was being moved but I was specifically told that it wasn't coming back. The current location will become a Wonderland. I asked if they were getting rid of Chef's Table on all Royal ships and she couldn't say - she said probably Allure too.

 

Frankly, many of us were not impressed with the Chef's Table experience on Oasis versus other ships in which we had the experience. The table was on the 2nd floor of the Concierge Lounge, open to the area below. As the dinner started during the time the free drinks were served in the lounge, it was very loud and it was difficult to hear anyone speak. They had the music on loud, but we asked to turn that down so we could hear the presentations. We soon discovered the music wasn't the main issue. Is much nicer in a separate room, where the whole table could be part of the conversation rather than just being able to talk to the person next to you.

 

Anyways, that's what I was told. Anyone feel free to tell me I misunderstood.

 

Wonderland construction will take a few months.

[Iluvcruising2]

I prefer somewhere from the beginning to the middle. Definitely not towards the end.

[ehfl]

I like to do it at the end. It's something special to look forward to. It makes the cruise coming to an end a little less sad knowing that you have a special evening coming up.

[time4u2go]

I would think beginning since the food is fresher.