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Guru Travel Tips of How about the Food Guru Travel Tips of How about the Food

CheapFareGuru.com provides most accurate and complete Tips and Tricks for your Health and Safety during your Trip.
Why do people returning from a cruise always talk about the food ?

  • A cruise is food, food and more food if you want it.  There are usually as many as 13 opportunities to eat each day. An early continental breakfast, regular sit down breakfast, brunch, sit down lunch, mid afternoon snack, afternoon tea, sit down dinner, buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, midnight buffet and room service.  You’ve seldom had so many eating options.  There are also pizza and ice cream stations offered on many ships.

How does the quality of food differ from one cruise line to another ?

  • Many lines feature haute cuisine. The more pricey lines will offer exotic foods to please all those with pampered tastes. If that fits you, do some research to find the best match for your likes and dislikes.  Usually, sample menus are posted on a cruise line’s web page, giving an example of their offerings.  Most lines sailing from U.S. ports provide very good quality food.  However, it would be naive to expect it to compare with a five star, on land restaurant.  Most restaurants don't have to serve 1000 to 3000 passengers up to 13 meals a day.

Can they provide any special dietary requirements ?

  • Usually if you contact the cruise line in advance they will accommodate you.  Most regular menus have choices that are low calorie, low sodium or vegetarian.  You’ll still may want to notify them before sailing to make certain that they can accommodate you.

With all the choices and times, how can I decide when to eat ?

  • Most cruise ships offer two main seating time schedules.

  • Early seating usually begins with breakfast between 7:30 to 8:00a.m. with lunch starting around 12:00 to 12:30pm and dinner about 6:30 to 7:00pm.

  • Late seating starts around 9:00 a.m. for breakfast, with lunch about 1:30 and dinner at 8:30 or 9:00pm

  • Times differ from line to line and sometimes even from ship to ship, but the examples should be close.

  • Be careful when you choose a mealtime.  You’ll be locked into a time and table for the three main meals of the day.

  • Many ships are more flexible about breakfast and lunch than dinner.


What if I don't make it at my scheduled time ?

  • Try to let your waiter know so they aren't waiting for you.  Don't worry, you’ll have many more meals, so you can catch up !  You'll never go hungry on a cruise ship.  Of course, there are so many other opportunities if you miss a meal.  You can always try an early breakfast on deck, a buffet lunch by the pool, tea and sandwiches or wait for the midnight buffet.  Today, most ships have 24 hour room service.

Which seating time should I choose ?

  • That's entirely up to you and your party.

  • Breakfast depends on whether you are an early riser or like to sleep later.

  • You probably will choose times that correspond with when you usually eat at home.

  • Consider other cruise activities.  One schedule may cut into your pool time. A late seating may conflict with your nightlife.

  • If you are inclined to linger over dinner, the later seating will allow you to do so without feeling pressure to clear the table.  There won't  another seating following your dinner, so you can stay for that after dinner drink. 


What are the choices when considering a table preference ?

  • Most ships have 2, 4, 6, 8, or even 10 person tables in each dining room.  They will try to accommodate your preference, but just like getting the best cabins, if you book early the chances are always better.

How do I know which size is best for me ?

  • When there are just the two of you, ask for a "deuce' if you want privacy.  They go quickly, since there are a limited number of two person tables on most ships.

  • The four person tables can be "chancy" for a couple.  You’ll have one other couple or two singles sharing your table.  Chances are you'll either get stuck with a people that you find boring or you'll meet new lifelong friends.

  • Many people look forward to the chance to meet others and request the larger tables.

  • A big table increases the odds that you'll find someone compatible and with whom you will enjoy spending time.


How does the line determine seating arrangements ?

  • They first consider the time you requested and your table size preference.  Matching you up with others with similar requests is the hard part, but usually works.  If you have a problem with the original arrangement, you can ask to be changed.  It will depend on availability, after sailing.  

How do l find out which seating has been assigned ?

  • Your request will be listed on the information packet that you receive before departure.

  • Most cruise lines will confirm your seating before departure.

  • If still not sure, usually there will be a meal assignment card in your cabin when you arrive, with your table number and time.

  • Jot down the number or take the card with you to your first meal.  It could save time and confusion.


What if I change my mind about my seating time ?

  • It could be tricky.  Speak with the Maitre d’ as soon as possible.  Often they won’t be able to make a change immediately, particularly if it's a heavily booked ship.  The time you want may already be full, especially the early seating.  Give them time so that can start to work out something.  If not, there's always the buffet on another deck ! 

What do I do if I can't stand my table companions ?

  • Again, speak with the Maitre d’ immediately, but don't expect an immediate solution.  Try to be subtle and gracious and realize that all the tables may will already be full.  Be prepared to accept any table change and not be demanding.  There's also no guarantee that you are going to love your new table-mates !

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