MDR on the Gem

[Nysealover1]

Is the mdr a lunch option on embarkation day? I have read old posts that suggest it is.

[Studebaker59]

Yes, the Grand Pacific is open for a few hours. Ask when you board the Gem. Most people go to the buffet. With all the carryons, etc. it is very busy there. The Grand Pacific is quiet, and the food is served to you....much better!

 

Announcements are made when the cabins are ready, about 1:30-2:00 P.M.

[Turtles06]

Yes. the larger MDR (Grand Pacific) is open for lunch on embarkation day, and it's a really good option. Let everyone else crowd into the buffet, while you enjoy a nice sit-down meal in a beautiful space. Ask to be seated in the stern near the windows.

[jkneern]

Yes, it is but I have found they try to herd everyone up to the buffet. I do enjoy a quiet lunch in the MDR on embarkation day.

[Cutesydani]

isnt o'sheehans open on embarktion day as well?

[Studebaker59]

Yes, O'Sheehan's was serving lunch when we went last January.

[tomk3212]

As previous posters have stated they try to herd everyone up to the Garden Café but the Grand Pacific is open till 2PM, I believe. This is true on all NCL ships we've boarded that the MDR is open for lunch. DW's habit & mine is to get aboard, stow the carry-on luggage in the cabin & then mosey on down to the MDR & have a nice, leisurely lunch. Lately we've also had the wait staff take a pix of us there that we text to our grown kids to let them know mom & dad are safely aboard.

 

As a sidebar, if you order something from the bar you WILL be charged NYC sales tax in addition to the 18% standard gratuity added onto all bar bills if you're embarking from NYC. So wait until you're outside US waters & on your way to Bermuda or wherever for that first drink...lol

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Tom

[Nysealover1]

Thanks for all the responses. The MDR is definitely on my agenda embarkation day.