Cruise Line Dining: Tips For More Rewarding Dining

By Ralph Grizzle, The Avid Cruiser

On many cruise ships there are alternative dining venues, most of which have a surcharge, but are often well worth the extra cash. Celebrity has just come out with Qzine for its new ship, Eclipse. We hear that $30 will get you an unbelievably unique dining experience.

You may want to dine in a reservations-only restaurant on one night of your cruise, and take advantage of the no-additional-charge restaurants for your other meals. Following are a few suggestions for making those dining experiences extra special.

1. Check your table assignment when you board. Then go to the allocated dining room and see if that table location is to your liking. If not, see the Maitre d to change it.

2. For groups, round tables are better than long tables for promoting conversation.

3. Some ships have anytime seating, and lines can, and do form. Explain to the Maitre d that you plan to be there at a specific time each night, and see if he will save you a table. You also need to tell him, in advance, the nights you wont be there.

4. Ask your servers name, remember it, and use it when you speak with him. Youll get more personal attention. Find out where your server is from and learn hello, please and thank you in his language.

5. Ask the waiters opinion about the best offerings on the menu. This is especially worthwhile at later seatings. Hes seen what goes back to the kitchen uneaten.

6. Some menus list appetizer, soup and/or salad in the same category. You can have one, or all if you want.

7. Even if Im at a table for six, I try not to sit in the same place each dinner. Helps promote conversation.

8. Dont want to be in formal wear? These days most Lido dining areas serve good dinner fare at nicely set tables.

9. Dont be afraid to move if you are not comfortable being with the same group the entire cruise.My wife and I were at a table for six on a world cruise. One of our table mates would not let anyone order until she had shown the crafts she had made that day. This was a 100 night cruise. Nice lady, but we moved our table assignment.

10. If theres ever a problem with which you need help, point it out to the dining room captain for your area.

Bon apptit!

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