"Take Out" from a specialty restaurant?

[flashdog_1]

My husband doesn't particularly want to go to specialty restaurants, but I do, but don't want to sit alone, or intrude with other couples in our roll call. So I wondered if you are able to skip a reservation and just order by phone (or in person) and pick it up and hand them your sea pass card to pay? Yeah, I know, Suite pax get to have their butlers get something from any restaurant on the ship. That's what made me think it might be a possibility since I've read that one person will order from say the Italian and the other from the French, so it's not like they have to plan in 2s.

 

I'm not asking for opinion. I'm asking for facts. Ever see a take out container on board. ha If ya'll don't know for SURE, I'll ask on board. Thanks

[LOWTYD]

I have not actually ordered as take out but my waiter gave me my left overs (I was a little bit quesy for the crab legs and took them back to my room to put in the fridge for the next day). I can't remember if it was on a plate with a cover or in a container. I know the cruise lines don't like to use throw away items so it may have jsut been on a plate. You can definitly ask and I don't see why they couldn't have it brought to your room or even picked up. They are still getting their $$.

[cruizinwithkids]

I've never heard of ordering to go either. I can say however that a few years ago we were on the Dawn. Between ordering and being served my husband didn't feel well. He left and the maitre d' asked if there was a problem. When I told him that my husband didn't feel well, he brought my husband's food for the rest of to share and then literally followed me out of the restaurant with a covered plate for me to bring back to the room.

 

I didn't think tex-mex would be the right choice at that time for my husband, but I did give it to one of my son's friends who was eating with us and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

[garycarla]

Maybe that is a good idea for you and your husband. He can go with you to place the order, then excuse himself?

 

(somebody is gonna get into opinon about the situation, but I am sitting on typing fingers avoiding comment!)

[LOWTYD]

Maybe that is a good idea for you and your husband. He can go with you to place the order, then excuse himself?

 

(somebody is gonna get into opinon about the situation, but I am sitting on typing fingers avoiding comment!)

 

I was thinking the same thing...........:rolleyes:

[johnritt]

On board the Pearl last April, I saw a couple who were getting take out from Cagney's. Their son (less than 2 yrs.) was just not in the mood to sit for dinner and they said that they ordered out every night, and said that the staff was very helpfull.

[flashdog_1]

On board the Pearl last April, I saw a couple who were getting take out from Cagney's. Their son (less than 2 yrs.) was just not in the mood to sit for dinner and they said that they ordered out every night, and said that the staff was very helpfull.

 

So there's hope. Did you see how they carted it back to their cabin (or to the buffet to sit down?) Thanks SO much for confirmation that it may be possible.

[TrinaLC]

It can't hurt to ask! All they can do is say no.

 

You might try it this way though: make a reservation, and then late afternoon call and indicate that someone is unwell, and ask if you can get your dinners to go.

[johnritt]

So there's hope. Did you see how they carted it back to their cabin (or to the buffet to sit down?) Thanks SO much for confirmation that it may be possible.

 

Sorry, don't remember or didn't see how they recieved their dinners. I think we were going in to eat when they were in the process of picking up their order.

 

You might have your husband look at Cagney's when it isn't open. It's not really a crowded or pretentious restaurant. He might like it.

 

Have fun on your cruise.

[nadalina]

I actually love the idea of take-out and eating a romantic dinner alone on our own balcony. I'll be on the Pearl in a couple of weeks and will definitely ask about it. Thanks for the idea!

 

Peggy

[flashdog_1]

It can't hurt to ask! All they can do is say no.

 

You might try it this way though: make a reservation, and then late afternoon call and indicate that someone is unwell, and ask if you can get your dinners to go.

 

One of my points is that I don't want to deprive someone else of the chance to get a reservation. Thanks for the idea, though.

[terrymtex01]

I think it is going to vary by ship to ship, restaurant to restaurant if you can do this, however it can be done. It won't be done up in real "to go" containers, but rather plastic wrapped plates and they might have a tray for you to take it with you. The only restaurant it probably will not be allowed for is Teppanyaki as it is all they can do just to cook for the people who are eating there.

 

I'm just curious why your husband does not think he wouldn't enjoy the specialty restaurants. Of course you know you don't have to answer.. I'm just curious.

[TrinaLC]

One of my points is that I don't want to deprive someone else of the chance to get a reservation. Thanks for the idea, though.

 

I don't think you would be. They take last minute reservations and walk-ins if they have space.

[johnritt]

It can't hurt to ask! All they can do is say no.

 

You might try it this way though: make a reservation, and then late afternoon call and indicate that someone is unwell, and ask if you can get your dinners to go.

 

Doubt it is necessary. Most restaurants love to provide takeout. Same cost....less labor.....more profit on the food. You lose the liquor/wine profit (maybe) but it like an extra table for the restaurant without all of the work.

[flashdog_1]

I think it is going to vary by ship to ship, restaurant to restaurant if you can do this, however it can be done. It won't be done up in real "to go" containers, but rather plastic wrapped plates and they might have a tray for you to take it with you. The only restaurant it probably will not be allowed for is Teppanyaki as it is all they can do just to cook for the people who are eating there.

 

I'm just curious why your husband does not think he wouldn't enjoy the specialty restaurants. Of course you know you don't have to answer.. I'm just curious.

 

It's all I can do to get my husband to go to the regular restaurants! He is strictly a catch a hamburger on the run, grab an ice cream cone between beers kind of guy. If I weren't here to cook for him he'd be very unhealthy. Our first cruise was on Celebrity. I selfishly chose that line because of their reputation for such good food. He hated the confinement of the assigned table, having to dress up, the fancy, foreign names of the dishes. After that cruise I took my adult children with me rather than go alone. But I thought he'd like NCL so booked Majesty to Bermuda. He liked the casino, the ship itself, being able to get a table for two the few times I dragged him to a restaurant. But if he had his druthers, he'd have me bring him something from the buffet while he watched a movie on tv. See why I want take out for myself? And maybe he'd take a bite of whatever I ordered, as well. I'm interested in the lobster ravioli from Impressions and the lobster tacos at Salsa. But he might sit at a bar and eat tapas while I ordered the tacos. We'll see. Don't think ordering the Bouillabaise from LeBistro would work for a take out, though! So maybe I could talk him into getting a filet mignon while I got the soup, just maybe, with protests and groans.

[garycarla]

for sure NCL is the line for you guys. for sure the formal sit down at assigned table is a drag for many people. But even waiting for food in a normal restaurant can be a pain for some people.

 

NCL has some great buffet options too.

 

I did not catch which ship, but the Blue Lagoon is a bit more casual, and they have burgers and fries. Way more relaxed on some ships like Spirit.

[flashdog_1]

Sorry I didn't state it. It's in my signature.

 

Yes, he will probably try Blue Lagoon since it sounds more like a fast food restaurant.

 

don't misunderstand. When we go to Hilton Head every year to our timeshare, if we are alone, he will go to steak houses or seafood restaurants with me. But if my daughter is with us he'll say, "you two go on ahead. I'll get a peanut butter sandwich." So, he really doesn't like restaurants much to begin with unless he knows the food will be great, or fast.

 

Since my only experience with NCL was Majesty which had only one surcharge restaurant, and the free Pasta place (which he did go to but didn't like the slow service) he went only ONCE to Venetian! So it's not much fun for me to go alone, although I did it. I guess he just likes to feel like he's at home and can get something to eat any old time (no, the only time we have a sit down dinner is for holidays or company).

 

I will let you all know if any of the restaurants allowed me to "take out" food!

[EmmasNana]

I actually love the idea of getting it to go and eating on the balcony. Moon in the sky...stars in the eyes...oh yeah...

[cello8619]

You should have no problem doing this, the only thing that you can not take out is Sushi. Its a USPH thing, I know that the guests in the suites (including Garden Villa) can not order Sushi to be delivered to their room. However if you want Sushi, its no big deal to sit down at the sushi bar by yourself instead of having a whole table for yourself. Just ask the Maitre D's for the restaurant and I am sure they can accommodate your request.

[coka]

Hi flashdog1, when I was on the Gem, we ate in Cagney's. We asked if we could order dessert and take it back to our cabin. The waiter said he would have it delivered instead.

 

I agree though the answer might vary from ship to ship.

 

On a side note, try going to the restaurant by yourself. You might just be surprised how easy it is to dine alone. You think a lot, it is a character builder, and sometimes, yes sometimes, you can not finish your meal because everyone stops to talk to you!

 

good luck with your decision!

 

coka

[terrymtex01]

Wow Phyllis.. your husband sounds a lot like my brother.. LOL.

 

Maybe someday we will end up on the same ship and you can join Doug and me in some of the specialty restaurants. You sound like a fun person to me and would be interesting to get to know you over dinner. You know, just as I was typing this, I had this thought. You said you did not want to be a "burden" to people from the M&G, however if I find you interesting just from your postings, I bet many of them would enjoy having dinner with you. Might not be a bad idea to post something like this thread on your roll call but just asking if folks might enjoy some M&G dinners a few nights of the cruise.. etc. I have read of many of them here on the boards..

 

I do hope you get to try all the foods you want to try and I hope your cruise is a blast.

[Chuck2810]

My experience was that you could have whatever you want. My wife got queasy at Il Adagio, it was hot in there, and went to the room. I had just been served and I asked for the check and room service. Both meals, the wine, and even a dessert were at the door before I got back. My experience, as long as you are paying ($5 for this) the staff is very accommodating. After all, you paid for the dinner already.

 

A few times we asked for dessert to go, and got a covered dish to take back - not too easy to carry, but OK.

 

Of course since we has Owner's suite, we did get pampered. I am convinced we could have filled the room to the ceiling with dishes, if we would have asked....

[geegee1]

Last March, tried to get some takeout late at night from the Blue Lagoon and was told it was not allowed. Had to sit there and wait for them to bring it to me and sit there to eat it. probably the only bad experience on the entire cruise.

[jondirk]

Phyllis, why don't you dine with us (Mom, Aunt and myself.) You wouldn't be breaking up a couple and we'd love to share an Italian meal with you at Impressions. Just today I was asking my Mom if she was gonna join me in a Lobster Ravioli -- that sounds sooo good.

 

Maybe Saturday night for dinner???

[*Wink*]

Last March, tried to get some takeout late at night from the Blue Lagoon and was told it was not allowed. Had to sit there and wait for them to bring it to me and sit there to eat it. probably the only bad experience on the entire cruise.

Bummer.. but maybe since Phyllis is talking about a pay restaurant they'll be more accommodating??

Phyllis, your husband is a lucky guy to have a good wife that wants him to be comfortable. I hope you can do take-out to your hearts desire. :)