talltexan

The alternative dining restaurants on Expedition ships are small compared to a “Main Dining Room” table service venue on larger cruise ships. This smaller capacity forces/encourages more diners to use the buffet-style World Cafe, as they are not designed to serve most of the passengers each evening. Since we enjoy table service we dined there a couple of times, and I chose a nicer top than my daywear, but I didn’t really dress up. If this appeals to you, take a few things to feel a bit more upscale, but don’t plan to eat in the alternatives *every* evening because it is unlikely they will be available every night.

You may have to ask crew for directions to The Hide — it is (intentionally, I think) a challenge to get to - think speakeasy. We finally managed it using a forward, starboard side elevator, I think, down to the level, then through a closed door. We went after dinner and were the only ones there. The lone bartender came and rolled the bar cart out of the bow shaped (because it’s literally in the pointy end of the boat!) closet, and made us drinks. Since it turned out to be such a private affair, we asked him about his life on board and his family in the Philippines, and about a baffling “issue” that had happened with an AWOL crew member the day before. It was a very interesting experience that wouldn’t have taken place in a regular bar, I think.