Main dining room questions

[Liverzeb]

Hi

 

First time cruiser - sail next Feb and can't wait.

 

Really love these forums so I am going to pester you all for a while.

 

I am aware that Seaside has two buffets and two regular restaurants that are part of the package and that you are given an early or late seating time for the main rooms.

 

My question is do you still need to let the restaurant know in advance whether you will be dining there or can you just show up at your allotted time and expect a table.If you do have to advise them then I assume you should let them know if you have decided to stick with the buffet?

 

I am fairly sure that the drinks package can be used in the dining rooms but can someone confirm this is the case?

 

Is every other place you can eat apart from the buffets and the two restaurants payable? I know there is a ports bar and a bistro and probably a few other places like that - if they do snacks etc. are they all extra? If so can you bring food from the bufffet with you into these places?

 

Thank you.

[reedprincess]

Assuning your Belka or Fantastica on Seaside - you'll be assigned a specific time and table for dinner each night (same time/table every single night). Thats your dining time/spot. If you decide to go, just show up at the assigned time - the first night you'll be escorted to your table and after that, it's expected you'll find it yourself within 5 or so minutes if dinner time.

If you know you won't be there one night in advance - its polite to let your wait staff/any table mates  know so they're not waiting on you to start service 

Both buffets are included in your fare. The one on 8 is open for dinner and has a pretty large selection - serve yourself .

Otherwise, there's no other included venues - sports bar is a charge for food as is Asian, Teppanyaki, Steak house and Seafood venue.  The bistro tapas - never ever saw it open as a food venue, pretty sure it's just seating area - lots of crafting and games going in there, maybe someone else can help.

There's room service - whether it has a delivery charge depends on your experience, plus some food items have a charge regardless (except in YC or with Premium Plus package).

 

You won't go hungry, never fear..

[Liverzeb]

Thanks for the info - all sounds good to me.

 

[modes]

You will be assigned a table for the week and you can go every night or not go at all and you don't have to tell them anything.

[Marie51]

 Are we able to get a table by ourselves or will they assign us to a large table with other people? 

[Beamafar]

6 minutes ago, Marie51 said:

 Are we able to get a table by ourselves or will they assign us to a large table with other people? 

 

It depends on the cabin 'Experience' that you book.  Aurea and Yacht Club have 'MyChoice' dining.  Bella and Fantastica bookings are assigned a table and dining time in the MDRs, with Fantastica receiving their preferred time of early or late dining.  However, you can request a table for 2 after boarding by visiting the m'D in one of the MDRs.  If he can accommodate you, he will, but there are more requests for 2-tops than exist so priority is given to those with special needs or celebrating a milestone birthday/anniversary, then Black Card holders are accommodated next down the list.

[Marie51]

1 hour ago, Beamafar said:

 

It depends on the cabin 'Experience' that you book.  Aurea and Yacht Club have 'MyChoice' dining.  Bella and Fantastica bookings are assigned a table and dining time in the MDRs, with Fantastica receiving their preferred time of early or late dining.  However, you can request a table for 2 after boarding by visiting the m'D in one of the MDRs.  If he can accommodate you, he will, but there are more requests for 2-tops than exist so priority is given to those with special needs or celebrating a milestone birthday/anniversary, then Black Card holders are accommodated next down the list.

 Thanks, actually there are three of us and I’m just starting to gather information. 

[beachluver9]

We booked the anytime dining (we had an Aurea cabin).  We were able to dine when we wanted and had the same table each night.  Yes, you can use your drink package in the dining room.  If you drop by the MDR on your embarkation day you can take an advanced peek at your table size and location.  If you aren't happy, speak to the Maitre D and they will try to change it for you.