So when is NO food available

[envy4u]

Another beef is food is not available 24/7. What are the hours for the buffet? 

 

[BrianCruiser]

it varies on ship and itinerary and sea day or port day. but in addition to meals you have morning and afternoon tea available. So really the only dead period is after dinner by which time the pizzeria has opened and you can eat there. But also good to have some smacks in your cabin for when its late and you are lazy to go out.

Day time you will have a few small windows where its too early for breakfast. OR breakfast is done and not yet morning tea. But you'll get a pastry from a coffee shop or you should be out in the port during this period. Lunch is done but not yet afternoon tea. etc.

Bear in mind they need to clean the area and staff need breaks. Usually split shift like 3hr on 2hr off. 3hrs on. 2hrs off. 4hrs on. sleep. repeat. That's why if they do get to go off in port the usually have at best a 2hr window. Some crew might get a lunch off on a rotating roster. They roster is COSTA plus spacing for sea days. If you are given letter C you get lunch off that day. O next day and so on.

Some departments like entertainment and casino is much quieter in port and get more time. And of course they have various stops on world tour where they try give everyone from Indonesia a day off in Indonesia. Or Peruvian in Peru. And the various Indian independence days which are celebrated onboard.

Edited October 16, 2019 by BrianCruiser

[envy4u]

Thanks Briancruiser you are a wealth of information. I am not a big eater but my husband is. I was worried about him not having enough for dinner but I read he can ask for more (second entree)if necessary. 

Edited October 16, 2019 by envy4u

[kremerlorraine]

You can have as many courses as you like at dinner. The portions tend to be on the small side (especially if you are used to American cruise lines).