8:30pm departure check-in 12:30-7pm -- Food/Activities 1st day?

[Newbie2006]

We have a cruise leaving San Juan at 8:30pm, but we can check-in as early as 12:30pm.

 

What food should be available once checked-in and on board? (dining room, or just buffet and specialty restaurants)

Will any other things be open on the ship worth checking out or doing if we arrive early?

 

I would like to know what to expect so we can decide on whether to go aboard early, or enjoy San Juan for a few extra hours before sailing.

 

Thanks,

Newbie2006

[Luvcrusn]

The buffet will be open to all as well as the Spa café, Mast grille. The MDR will be open for lunch to Concierge Class guests and Luminae will be open to suite guests. The Café Al Bacio  will be open for specialty coffee's teas for a fee unless you have a beverage package, but the desserts there are free. There will be various specialty restaurants that may or may not be open, depending on your ship. The bars will also be open. Rooms will probably not be availably until about 1- 1:30 PM and luggage will be delivered throughout the afternoon/evening. The pool and solarium will be open. Many of the venues will be available for booking reservations for specialty restaurants, or MDR dining for select dining passengers who've not already done so pre-boarding. There will be various venues offering discounts for booking specialty dining, booking pushes for spa services etc. 

[Jim_Iain]

When you arrive early you will find that Oceanview Buffet will be open, as well as Blu for Suites and Concierge has a lunch in the Main Dining Room.   The Pool Grill is also open for Hamburgers and Hot Dogs.  Susi on 5 is also open Ala Carte.  

Also the Aqua Club Café - open to all is open for lighter fare. 

 

None of the Specialties are open for lunch. 

 

The time schedule below was from Silhouette.  

 

 

 

[NantahalaCruiser]

Jim - think you meant to say Luminae (not Blu) open for embarkation lunch for suites-

[Luvcrusn]

Yes NantahalCruiser, you're right. Blu is never open for a regular lunch (and in Jim_lain's photo next to Blu it says dinner). We have on occasion see The Porch open for lunch on embarkation day on Reflection or Silhouette for a fee of course.

[Jim_Iain]

13 hours ago, NantahalaCruiser said:

Jim - think you meant to say Luminae (not Blu) open for embarkation lunch for suites-

You are correct.   Blu is never open for lunch.