GeriatricNurse Posted March 5, 2020 #1 Share Posted March 5, 2020 Is the dining room open for lunch on the day of embarkation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAVIP Posted March 5, 2020 #2 Share Posted March 5, 2020 In my experience: yes. Most probable from 12:00 to 13:00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted March 5, 2020 #3 Share Posted March 5, 2020 We have experienced a couple of times when Travel Agencies had it closed for their purpose. When it is opened, the time is usually from Noon until 1:30. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in AZ Posted March 5, 2020 #4 Share Posted March 5, 2020 It usually is open but make sure to tell the Maitre 'd you are a 4 star or better yet have your room key card out and hand it to him. Last June on the Oosterdam I couldn't find any information that the MDR was open when we embarked so went and checked it out, was almost turned away until I showed him my card with my 3 stars on it. It was getting late, probably 1:00pm ish so I rushed to get my husband. We enjoyed lunch and even ordered our wine package. It was nice making a connection with the wine steward that first day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenValleyDogWalker Posted March 5, 2020 #5 Share Posted March 5, 2020 Yes..open from noon to 1 :30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare FlaMariner Posted March 5, 2020 #6 Share Posted March 5, 2020 It's the best kept secret......and the best way to calmly start a cruise. When you board, the staff will usher you to the lido......but head to the MDR. We've never experienced it not available on embarkation day but as mentioned previously, sometimes it's closed for private events. I like the idea above of ordering your wine package while it's not busy and the wine steward can assist.....I think we will try that next cruise while at lunch in the MDR. Smooth sailing.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkacruiser Posted March 6, 2020 #7 Share Posted March 6, 2020 3 hours ago, FlaMariner said: like the idea above of ordering your wine package while it's not busy and the wine steward can assist.....I think we will try that next cruise while at lunch in the MDR. I usually order the wine package before even getting to the MDR for lunch and have the Wine Steward open the first bottle for me to enjoy during my lunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bz Posted March 6, 2020 #8 Share Posted March 6, 2020 Just off the Konigsdam. MDR was open on embarcation day, 12-1:30. Lovely, quiet lunch. Wish they could quiet the noisy dinners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in AZ Posted March 6, 2020 #9 Share Posted March 6, 2020 3 hours ago, FlaMariner said: It's the best kept secret......and the best way to calmly start a cruise. When you board, the staff will usher you to the lido......but head to the MDR. We've never experienced it not available on embarkation day but as mentioned previously, sometimes it's closed for private events. I like the idea above of ordering your wine package while it's not busy and the wine steward can assist.....I think we will try that next cruise while at lunch in the MDR. Smooth sailing.......... Exactly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakridger Posted March 6, 2020 #10 Share Posted March 6, 2020 13 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said: It usually is open but make sure to tell the Maitre 'd you are a 4 star or better yet have your room key card out and hand it to him. Last June on the Oosterdam I couldn't find any information that the MDR was open when we embarked so went and checked it out, was almost turned away until I showed him my card with my 3 stars on it. It was getting late, probably 1:00pm ish so I rushed to get my husband. We enjoyed lunch and even ordered our wine package. It was nice making a connection with the wine steward that first day. I have never had to show my room key to eat at the MDR on embarkation day. My friend was a first time HAL cruiser and she ate in the MDR as well. It's been quite a few years since only Mariners were allowed to eat there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeriatricNurse Posted March 6, 2020 Author #11 Share Posted March 6, 2020 10 hours ago, bz said: Just off the Konigsdam. MDR was open on embarcation day, 12-1:30. Lovely, quiet lunch. Wish they could quiet the noisy dinners. Was the the Lunch on Embarkation Day held in the LOWER or UPPER level of the MDR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAVIP Posted March 6, 2020 #12 Share Posted March 6, 2020 1 hour ago, GeriatricNurse said: Was the the Lunch on Embarkation Day held in the LOWER or UPPER level of the MDR? Lower level. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bz Posted March 6, 2020 #13 Share Posted March 6, 2020 lower Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catl331 Posted March 6, 2020 #14 Share Posted March 6, 2020 I've never seen it done on the upper level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliceS Posted March 6, 2020 #15 Share Posted March 6, 2020 6 hours ago, GeriatricNurse said: Was the the Lunch on Embarkation Day held in the LOWER or UPPER level of the MDR? Lower level. Onboard now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat shepard Posted March 6, 2020 #16 Share Posted March 6, 2020 None of us had to show our room keys on my last cruise in October 2019. And at least two at my table on the lower level were HAL novices. I do not believe the upper level was open. It was a lovely oasis of peace & calm during a very busy day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in AZ Posted March 6, 2020 #17 Share Posted March 6, 2020 (edited) 15 hours ago, oakridger said: I have never had to show my room key to eat at the MDR on embarkation day. My friend was a first time HAL cruiser and she ate in the MDR as well. It's been quite a few years since only Mariners were allowed to eat there. I hadn't either until our last cruise. Must have just been this particular Maitre d'. I thought that maybe the policy had changed and proof of Mariner status was required. Guess you never know and never have an exact answer! Edited March 6, 2020 by Sharon in AZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakridger Posted March 6, 2020 #18 Share Posted March 6, 2020 1 hour ago, Sharon in AZ said: I hadn't either until our last cruise. Must have just been this particular Maitre d'. I thought that maybe the policy had changed and proof of Mariner status was required. Guess you never know and never have an exact answer! Interesting, Sharon. I have seen many policies on HAL that vary from ship to ship and even cruise to cruise on the same ship so you are right.....you never know!!! I'm glad I'm good at "going with the flow"!! 🙂 ~Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akke29 Posted March 11, 2020 #19 Share Posted March 11, 2020 Recently ended a cruise on Maadam. Based on info on CC, I had planned to eat in the MDR on embarkation day. Unfortunately its was NOT open. No big deal, just ate in the Lido as it was relatively early on after boarding started and wasn't busy. So... word to the wise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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