Dining Onboard

Dining Onboard

 

 

Q: What about meal times? How can we choose?

A: Choices, choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different dining options - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria and at an espresso bar, to name just a few. A night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating." Many ships offer you a choice of several seating times, and others offer multiple restaurants for "anytime" dining. More traditional ships have two seating in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm.

 

To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late - then choose your dining preference when you book your cruise on Best Holiday Cruises website. Frequently, you can choose to enjoy dinner someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features Italian or Asian cuisine. More and more cruise line are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!

 

 

Q: Is cruise ship dining as good as I have been told?

A: Everything you have heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you will find a varied selection of entrees, appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too, and each day the selection will be different. If you have ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entree, appetizer or dessert! But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, does not mean you will come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you will never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because your meals are INCLUDED!

 

 

Q: Early Dining? Late Dining? How should I choose?

A: It's really up to your preference! It's your vacation and you have control. There are many reasons why one dining may be better just for you than another.

Early dining is perfect if you are traveling with children or elderly who need to stay on schedule to a set meal and bedtime.

 

You may prefer late dining if you do not want to feel rushed for dinner after a day in port; you love late-night social activites; and if you do not mind to finish you meal late.

 

 

 

Q: Can I get a special diet?

A: Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, diabetic, or other diet preference. This request should be made in advance, so be sure to choose your selection during the booking process, or contact one of our Cruises Vacation Specialist for assistance.

 

 

Q: What about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse, friends or family only, or will I have tablemates?

A: Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two, four, or even ten! In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely and politely.

 

 

Q: Will I need a tuxedo for formal dinner?

A: Reflecting today's lifestyle trends, many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise - while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

 

 

Q: We are celebrating a family member's birthday onboard. Can we celebrate a special occasion?

A: Absolutely! Most cruise line will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers or canapes. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is choose your special occasion during your booking process, or contact one of our Cruises Vacation Specialist for assistance.