What Are My Casual Dining Options at Sea?
No one wants to dress up anymore. The cruise industry is listening. If people dress up to go into the office or wear a uniform working at a hospital, they want to dress however they please while on vacation. I also want to eat, but on my own terms. What are my options for casual dining?
Guest Post: Thank you to Bryce Sanders!
If you step ashore, the answer is easy. You walk into McDonalds or Starbucks and order at the counter. You get the added advantage of free WI FI. There are plenty of other dining options nearby.
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When you are at sea and the ship pulls away from the pier, what are your casual dining options?
- The main dining room. This is the obvious choice. Maybe 100 years ago, people used to dress up all the time. Today, cruise ships might have a couple of formal nights and dress codes are relaxed on the other days. Regardless of the cruise line, the day of arrival and the night before departure are casual nights. The evening of a day you spent in port are usually casual too. Put another way, formal nights are usually on sea days. There is still a dress code.
- Room service.Open the desk drawer in your cabin! There is usually a binder or booklet, often in immaculate condition. Why? Because hardly anyone opens the desk drawer! The binder includes a room service menu. Although surcharges have crept in, some of the items should be included with your cruise fare. Having a dinner for two on your balcony is worth trying at least once.
- The buffet. Often called the food Court or the Lido Buffet, this is a giant cafeteria stretching almost the full length of the ship! They have everything, including harsh lighting. You pick up a tray or a plate, moving from station to station. You can dress however you please, but you might get flashbacks to high school.
- Eating options poolside. The most casual spot onboard is at the pool. The reason is obvious. You will get splashed and dripped on as people make their way from the pool or hot tub back to their sun lounger. There is usually a counter where you can order burgers and other fast food. This has improved greatly over the years. Your options might include salads and gluten free pizzas. There is usually seating too.
- The pool bar.Not all people want to sit down for a meal. They might want to drink and have the occasional bar snacks. (Many people choose the alcohol included package.) If you like a beer with your burger, this might be your option. If the bar is poolside, it will be casual.
- The coffee shop.On cruise ships, you expect free coffee. Ships have figured out the crowd that visits Starbucks in port will pay for a Cappuccino at sea. This should be located Midships and be very active during daytime. You will also see plenty of people who curl up on a sofa with a good book and chase the waiters away.
Cruise ships provide an inclusive package that includes your cabin and multiple opportunities to eat every day. Cruise ships also have added profit centers like the coffee shop (and bars) where you can get something desire, under your own terms, but there might be a price attached.
Queen Victoria Grand Lobby fruit carving, credit Bryce Sanders
Explore and book anytime: Cruises-n-More
Call us: 800-733-2048 (Toll-Free USA/Canada)
- Australia 800.076.002
- United Kingdom 0.808.189.1292
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