Do: make reservations in advance for specialty restaurants.
While all meals are included on a cruise, each ship has several specialty restaurants that they offer at a reasonable surcharge in order to cover gratuities. Prime seating times book up fast so make reservations as soon as your party decides which restaurants they would like to try out.
Hint: Most cruise lines allow you to make reservations once your cruise has been fully paid for. If there is a restaurant you are definitely looking to try out, make the reservations prior to arriving on the ship.
Don’t: be afraid to request specific dining desires and seek out your favorite foods.
Just because it’s not on the menu, doesn’t mean you can’t ask them to prepare something else for you. It is always an option to ask your server to accommodate a special request. If it is possible, they will attempt to fulfill your culinary wishes. Dining is one of the biggest parts of cruising and you should enjoy it as much as you can.
Hint: Most cruise lines have certain staple items that they will have available at every meal. Most often they will have a steak, chicken and pasta meal available in addition to the regular menu. Also, check the kid’s menu, just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t order off of that menu if the food appeals to you.
Do: make friends with your server.
Some people say the food makes the cruise, but honestly, the service is just as important. Having a bad server can make your meals a nightmare. Take a few minutes to make friends with your server and you may find them to be much more attentive to your table’s needs.
Hint: Being friendly with your server does have its perks. Once they know your likes and dislikes you just might find your normal drinks waiting for you and even special desserts available that are not even on the menu.
Don’t: forget that room service is usually available 24 hours a day.
One of the big fallacies about traveling is that there is a buffet open at all times. That is not necessarily the case. But, there is room service available 24 hours a day, free of charge. Just remember the menu might be limited and it may take 30 minutes to receive what you order.
Hint: Some people like to sleep in late on certain vacation days and because of this they might miss breakfast. On a cruise ship you can usually order breakfast the night before and have it delivered the next morning at a time of your choosing.
Do: let the ship know 30 days in advance of any special dietary needs.
Cruise lines will do their best to accommodate whatever dietary needs you have. Whether you need a diet catered for gluten free/wheat free, dairy free/Lactose intolerant, vegetarian/vegan, Kosher, low fat or diabetic, contacting the cruise line early will guarantee they will do their best to take accommodate of your needs.
Hint: For those of you with very young children, there may be no need to bring jarred baby food with you on your cruise. Check before hand with the cruise line, as most will have these items available. Contact them ahead of time to find out what brands they use, and what varieties they carry, as your child’s favorite food may not be something they keep on hand.
Don’t: GAIN WEIGHT!
Most people expect to gain weight on a cruise. There is food everywhere, and really, when else are you going to have dessert with every meal? Where else is a fourth meal considered a midday snack, and a full rib dinner acceptable midnight fare? Well, enjoy yourself, but in moderation. Whatever weight you gain is weight you have to lose, and most of us know how hard that can be.
Hint: Take advantage of the exercise classes available and remember most ships have large state of the art gyms available to help you work off those pounds. If that isn’t for you, a nice walk around the ship’s deck everyday can also help.
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