Question about dining "in suite" & ordering from the main D.R. menu

[Liv4cruzin]

I hope my learned Crystal friends can give me guidance on the proper procedure involved.

I desperately need to decompress during the first leg of my upcoming B2B on Serenity. And for me, that means peace & quiet, alone time & probably some "in suite" dining. Heck, I may not even step out of the cabin for a few days. I've read that you can order off the main D.R. menu & have it delivered to your cabin. I also know that it's possible to ask your D.R. waiter to show you the next day's menu in advance. I have made suggestions in the past that they should broadcast the D.R. menu on the cabin TV like they do on some other cruise lines. But, as far as I know, that's not happening yet.

So, I'm hoping you can answer the following questions:

1. Who do you call to place your dining order with? Room Service? Main D.R.? Page your cabin stewardess?

2. Who can supply a copy of the D.R. menu without my having to physically go pick one up or read the one that's posted outside the D.R.?

3. Who delivers this "in suite" meal? D.R. Staff? Your own cabin stewardess?

I will not be in a suite or penthouse; just a normal cabin. I will value your advices.

[Keith1010]

You have asked very good questions.

In terms of the menu.

In most cases if you dine in the main dining room the evening before you can ask the head waiter if the menu for the next day is available. If it is, they will gladly show it to you. Many times it is available while sometimes it is not. In addition, call the front desk or ask the stewardess if you can get a copy of the menu on that particular day (not in advance as they won't have the copies but that day). I know that in the suites the butlers will do this. I realize you are not in a suite so just ask the stewardess or front desk about this. As you noted, the menu is also posted by the main dining room usually right after lunch is served. And it might also be available at the front desk.

You will call room service to place the order for the meal.

The meals themselves are either delivered by the stewardess or by room service personnel. They are not delivered by the dining room personnel.

Keith

[Liv4cruzin]

Keith, I knew it would be you......thank you for the info. I was more concerned about seeing the menu w/o leaving the cabin. Why, oh why, won't they just flash it periodically on the info cannel on TV?

[All too soon...]

I expect that in a matter of a few years, cruise ships will have computers in each room where you can access menus, event schedules, port guides, news, make reservations, get on the Internet (for a fee) and most importantly, send instant messages to the computers of other guests and crew.

For instance, you'll be able to send a quick message to your tablemates if you decide to dine en suite, with the appropriate crew alerted as well. Or inviting a group for cocktails is easier than leaving phone messages.

[PennyAgain]

When dining in, I learned to order when and how I want the courses delivered. Some people want everything at once, but I prefer not to do that unless I am really tired and don't want to be bothered.

If you tell your stewardess to come in and set out the meal for you instead of having to answer your door, you are then free to shower and not wait for the knock on the door.

I do let my tablemates know so that they won't wait for me to arrive

[Liv4cruzin]

Originally Posted by All too soon...

I expect that in a matter of a few years, cruise ships will have computers in each room where you can access menus, event schedules, port guides, news, make reservations, get on the Internet (for a fee) and most importantly, send instant messages to the computers of other guests and crew.

For instance, you'll be able to send a quick message to your tablemates if you decide to dine en suite, with the appropriate crew alerted as well. Or inviting a group for cocktails is easier than leaving phone messages.

Won't that be a blessed day?

[Liv4cruzin]

Originally Posted by PennyAgain

When dining in, I learned to order when and how I want the courses delivered. Some people want everything at once, but I prefer not to do that unless I am really tired and don't want to be bothered.

If you tell your stewardess to come in and set out the meal for you instead of having to answer your door, you are then free to shower and not wait for the knock on the door.

I do let my tablemates know so that they won't wait for me to arrive

I had wondered about the courses being served. I suppose if I was too tired or stressed to go to the D.R., I wouldn't mind if the whole meal came at the same time. But I do appreciate the advice about the stewardess letting herself in if I'm indisposed.

As for notifying my tablemates in advance, I would certainly do that IF I knew in advance I wasn't going to show up. It may just be the first few nights that I'll be in the "unwinding" mode. Come to think of it, I may just stop by & tell the maitre d' when I board that I might be taking some meals in my cabin. He could get the word to my waiter to start service if I'm not in my seat w/in 5 mins. I'm always punctual when it comes to food.

[Keith1010]

Originally Posted by Liv4cruzin

I had wondered about the courses being served. I suppose if I was too tired or stressed to go to the D.R., I wouldn't mind if the whole meal came at the same time. But I do appreciate the advice about the stewardess letting herself in if I'm indisposed.

As for notifying my tablemates in advance, I would certainly do that IF I knew in advance I wasn't going to show up. It may just be the first few nights that I'll be in the "unwinding" mode. Come to think of it, I may just stop by & tell the maitre d' when I board that I might be taking some meals in my cabin. He could get the word to my waiter to start service if I'm not in my seat w/in 5 mins. I'm always punctual when it comes to food.

You have it right. If you were going to miss the first few days in the dining room just let the Maitre d' know. On the first day he will have hours in the afternoon this would be a perfect time to notify him. In turn, he will let the head waiter know so that other guests at your table are informed along with the senior waiter and the waiter. In this manner, everyone at your table will know that they can begin the meal and not wait on you.

If you are unsure of all of your plans just let the Maitre d' know about the first day and if you decide say on the second day that you won't be making it to the dining room for dinner that evening just stop by the dining room and let the Maitre d' know sometime during the day.

Keith

[Liv4cruzin]

Thank you, Keith. I'm almost outta here.

[PennyAgain]

One of my favorite in room meals is an omelet with grilled tomatoes, a muffin and fresh fruit. It is my travel fatigue/jet lag menu.

Be sure to leave your table clear for the food.

Bon Voyage! I wish you a good rest.

[Liv4cruzin]

I wanted to report on my first "in suite" dining experience. First of all, I went to see Mario; & told him of my plans. Advised him to tell the head waiter to start serving if I was more than 5 mins. late. He also said he would see that menus were delivered to my cabin every day. Sure enough, by 6 pm last night, I had the next day's lunch & dinner menus. (I love these people.) Since lifeboat drill was at 8 pm; I did go to the D.R. last night. I was a zombie; but they were understanding. I am honored on this voyage to be assigned the Chief Engineer's table (more pressure). And as luck would have it, one of my tablemates is an occasional Naples resident.

But today, I hit the wall. Just didn't want to face the world. I ordered off the D.R. menu for breakfast & lunch. My simply magnificent stewardess, Catherine (India) delivered & set up a lovely dining experience on my coffee table. It is Capt's night; & I feel compelled to dress & "go out" as the officer will be at the table tonight.

FYI, in Reflections today they promoted the special (singles) "Table for 8". From the way it was presented, it looks like they only do it once per cruise; & they alternate between the 2 restaurants. On 9327, it will be in Prego on Dec. 6th at 8:30. On 9328, it will be Silk Road.

[Keith1010]

Becky I am glad to hear that everything is going well including the meals.

Have a wonderful cruise.

Enjoy!

Keith