Alternative Dining Question

[MOONMOUNTAIN]

We sailed on the Paradise five years ago and at that time when you went to the alterntive dining room at night, half the room was setup with linen tablecloths, silver etc, there was a Maitre d along with waiters and they

would present you with a menu and take your orders. Does Carnival still offer this service on their ships? We are sailing on the Spirit in November and was

wondering. It was a nice service if you were late in returning from shore you could still have a very nice evening dinner. We were lucky to have an excellent waiter our first evening and was able to request him on our other visits to this area.

[mrdood]

Never heard of "alternative" dining where you get to sit down in a dining room setting:confused:

 

Sounds like a nice idea, just asked DW she has never heard of that (she is more experienced)

[Mom1977]

It was a nice service if you were late in returning from shore you could still have a very nice evening dinner.

 

Not sure what you mean, but on the Truimph last week, there was one night for dinner (we had just pulled into San Juan) and instead of regular dinner time/location, they just had one dining room open with open seating. It was handled like they do for breakfast and lunch. Could this be what you are thinking of?

 

Other than that one night, we went to the dining room at our scheduled time/location.

[serene56]

Sounds like you are describing the dining room. The alternative dining is the buffet area-- you serve your sefl from different stations. Silverware is on the tables but thats about all.

Now the dining room for breakfast and lunch you are greeted at the door- shown to your seats then given a menu. (for dinner you find your way to your assigned table)

[FlashbackAlternatives]

We were on the Imagination back in Oct. 2000 and did the Casual/Alternative Dinner one or two nights.

 

Anyway, yes, half the room was setup with linen, silver, etc. We were greeted and seated. There was a menu, and waiter service for part of the meal - buffet for the salad bar and deserts.

 

The other half of the room was as normal, for those grabbing pizza.

 

Ed

[MOONMOUNTAIN]

That is what I was inquiring about. Apparently they have done away with it during the evening meal and now only buffet service. It was a very nice touch for anyone who wanted a nice but casual dinner.

We have not been back on Carnival since our Paradise cruise so do not know what they still offer.

We will be giving them another try in the fall.