Trays of the Dream?

[cruisingkimo]

I have a question for recent cruisers of the Dream. I thought I saw a post about buffet trays a few months back but didn't really pay attention to it at the time and now that I've sailed once recently and will be on the Dream in another 2 1/2 weeks I am curious. I tried to do a search but search is down and can not even remember if the post I saw was specific to NCL or another line. I was on NCL's Majesty in August. There were no trays for the buffets and I am wondering if this is a practice throughout NCL or just on some ships.

Kim

[Cruizer_J]

Kim ~ This has been a subject of some debate, with some people in favor of and some against trays. There does seem to be a trend away from trays in conjunction with the “action stations” on more modern ships. Our Princess ship 3 years ago had the action stations and no trays; we were on the Majesty this year, but you already know the situation there.

 

Here’s a thread that mentions no trays on the Dream: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=790329&highlight=trays

Another one with a more general discussion: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=805061&highlight=trays

[Toyz711]

it's a problem with more then cruise ships:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-07-22-trays-college-cafeterias_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

[Cruizer_J]

it's a problem with more then cruise ships:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-07-22-trays-college-cafeterias_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Cathi ~ Thanks for the article -- good to see some statistics. I have to admit that I would prefer to have a tray, but I'm all for reducing waste.

[AFAMILY]

Cathi ~ Thanks for the article -- good to see some statistics. I have to admit that I would prefer to have a tray, but I'm all for reducing waste.

 

I agree. It is a minor inconvenience for us as a couple, however we really don't hit the buffet too often, at least not for a main meal. It's just another reason to go to the main dining rooms for a sit-down meal. I would think it would impact those with kids, or people needing assistance, moreso.

 

Overall it's a good thing IMO.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

[LOWTYD]

They are even taking trays away from college cafeteria now.:(

 

Oh, I didn't read the link before I posted this and realized that is what the link is about. Sorry.

[zamboni_girl]

it's a problem with more then cruise ships:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-07-22-trays-college-cafeterias_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

 

Hahaha I read that article and I can not confirm or deny using my tray as a toboggan.

 

But to answer your question, I was on the dream a couple of weeks ago and there were no trays.

[CC Help Michell]

It's not just for waste reasons. Cafeteria trays over time and many hot washes develop cracks in their surfaces -- studies have shown them to be among the most germ-infested surfaces we encounter. http://www.imakenews.com/kcprofessional/e_article000631337.cfm?x=b11,0,w Many elementary schools have eliminated them for this reason.

[cruisingkimo]

Thanks everyone. I do understand the various reasons why the cruiseline has chosen not to have trays. Germs are a problem for sure but I imagine the cost savings is significant as I believe that many are tempted by all of the wonderful choices and may fill their trays with more than they can really eat. Not to mention the fact that the cruiseline saves on water and detergent for washing the trays in addition to the manpower it takes to do this and to keep the trays stocked. I know it seems a bit crazy but I am thinking of buying and bringing trays for my friends and I. I found it such an inconvenience to have to go back and forth so many times on the Majesty in August. I would get my juice and coffee. Then the hot food then the fruit. 3 trips (I am notoriously clumsy). The process of eating breakfast took so much longer due to the many trips. On top of that I found that my family rarely ate a breakfast together due to all the back and forth required. When in Bermuda we planned early morning excursions and had to be off the ship between 7:15-7:30am. Since the breakfast buffet didn't open until 7am and required so many trips we were so hurried that breakfast was not enjoyable and we were constantly nervous about meeting our timeline. Room service breakfast wouldn't do. We're not pastry or toast people. While we don't eat huge breakfasts we like to have an egg and maybe a slice or two of bacon or a sausage link. So-tray shopping here I come.

 

For any of you that are on the next cruise with me-fear not. I promise to keep my trays clean so as not to spread germs.

Kim

[Swells1]

We went to the Sports Bar buffet once for lunch. Didn't have any trays, but didn't really have a problem with that.

However, when I went back to get dessert, I saw another passenger at the sandwiches. He would pick one up-with his fingers-pull it apart, put it to his face, smell it and then put it back down. I didn't have the nerve to say something to him, but I'm sure he saw my disgusted face and I made sure he heard me ask a server to replace those sandwiches.

[Toyz711]

Thanks everyone. I do understand the various reasons why the cruiseline has chosen not to have trays. Germs are a problem for sure but I imagine the cost savings is significant as I believe that many are tempted by all of the wonderful choices and may fill their trays with more than they can really eat. Not to mention the fact that the cruiseline saves on water and detergent for washing the trays in addition to the manpower it takes to do this and to keep the trays stocked. I know it seems a bit crazy but I am thinking of buying and bringing trays for my friends and I. I found it such an inconvenience to have to go back and forth so many times on the Majesty in August. I would get my juice and coffee. Then the hot food then the fruit. 3 trips (I am notoriously clumsy). The process of eating breakfast took so much longer due to the many trips. On top of that I found that my family rarely ate a breakfast together due to all the back and forth required. When in Bermuda we planned early morning excursions and had to be off the ship between 7:15-7:30am. Since the breakfast buffet didn't open until 7am and required so many trips we were so hurried that breakfast was not enjoyable and we were constantly nervous about meeting our timeline. Room service breakfast wouldn't do. We're not pastry or toast people. While we don't eat huge breakfasts we like to have an egg and maybe a slice or two of bacon or a sausage link. So-tray shopping here I come.

 

For any of you that are on the next cruise with me-fear not. I promise to keep my trays clean so as not to spread germs.

Kim

 

 

there's are other ways to handle this, without shopping for your own trays.

you can ask the servers (around the buffet), they should be able to get them for you. they have them for the servers and do keep some for the passengers

you can use the tray, under the coffee maker, in your room

or

you can order something from room service and keep the tray for your use.

with the weight limits on the airlines, trays would be a heavy addition.

 

i just started working at one of the local casinos, they don't have trays in the casino's buffet, but they have trays in the employee buffet.

[cruisingkimo]

I tried Walgreens as another poster had suggested. Nothing. Same for WalMart. Nothing at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Any other suggestions on where to buy trays?

Kim

[Cruizer_J]

I tried Walgreens as another poster had suggested. Nothing. Same for WalMart. Nothing at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Any other suggestions on where to buy trays?

Kim

Amazon has them, under cafe or food tray.

[pcreek]

We have found trays at both a Dollar Store and The Christmas Tree Shop. Very cheap....and light weight, too.

They usually have them seasonally decorated. We got a couple from The Christmas Tree Shop that had a beach theme printed on them. Under $5.00 for both, although I don't recall exact price. My husband was ecstatic!

[celis814]

Sailed last week.. nope.. no trays.