Best day to skip MDR for Windjammer

[molly361]

Originally Posted by emachine

We are somewhat new to cruising and don't know what a lot of these acronyms mean. Where is the best place on these "boards" to help us get started ?? There is SO much information out there.

This should help

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...light=acronyms

[TxKroozer]

Originally Posted by smeck

Whenever we're in port late we skip the MDR. We just got off the Explorer yesterday which included a late port day in St. Martin. We chose the Windjammer instead of the MDR which turned out great. Only downside most of the ship had the same idea.

We had the same idea and boy were we wrong to. It seemed everyone missed main dining and chose the WJ as well and there was a mixture of those who had cleand up and others still in beach wear. Was not fun.

[royalcruz]

We just look at the MDR menu during the day and if there aren't any entrees that we want we go to WJ or specialty dining if there are openings. This helps us figure out what to wear for the evening too, per where we are going to be dining.

[Clio1610]

Originally Posted by royalcruz

We just look at the MDR menu during the day and if there aren't any entrees that we want we go to WJ or specialty dining if there are openings. This helps us figure out what to wear for the evening too, per where we are going to be dining.

Ditto !!!

This is exactly what we do too !!!

And we really like the atmosphere in the WJ in the evening, seems very relaxed with the subdued lighting etc... Very different than for breakfast & lunch !!!

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

We enjoy both the MDR, alternative dining options and the WJ for dinner. Each day the menu is posted outside the MDR, if we don't like the menu, we will go to the WJ that night.

We too have been to the WJ when the ship is in port for later hours, some people really should be turned away!

***

[KathyPet]

I would like to know which nights the "singing waiters" do their shtick so I can avoid the MDR on those nights.

[ollienbertsmum]

Originally Posted by KathyPet

I would like to know which nights the "singing waiters" do their shtick so I can avoid the MDR on those nights.

Our waiters have always come round after coffee and given us a run down of what will happen in the MDR the next day - the dishes we will be tempted with, what time breakfast and lunch will be served and of course if the wait staff will have "a little treat" for us we have got to understand the euphemism for the singing waiters.

We are trying MTD this time because there are just the 2 of us and we want to eat on a small table, maybe we will end up with a different team each night and so will not get so much of this bonding. Can anyone advise me, if we don't give out the tip envelopes, as they are prepaid anyway, does it really matter? That means we could avoid the MDR on the last night - I really don't enjoy the last night feeling in the dining room.

Of course if there is exceptional service we could still drop by and give the envelope plus anything else we want to drop in it.

[phish tales]

Originally Posted by Debde

We ban formal nights!!
WJ dinner is just fine. Wish I could choose that as my dining choice. Add a specialty restuarant once or twice and bingo-no MDR at all!!!

what do you mean by "ban formal nights" ?? i think ban mean to forbid, not to allow......am i wrong?

[jonbgd]

I think its the 4th or 5th night we least like in the MDR.

[pens66]

Too bad Royal Caribbean doesn't offer balcony dining like Princess. We would probably give it a shot since we are going to have a large aft balcony this year. It seems like it would be a good option on long port days.

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

Originally Posted by pens66

Too bad Royal Caribbean doesn't offer balcony dining like Princess. We would probably give it a shot since we are going to have a large aft balcony this year. It seems like it would be a good option on long port days.

If you are in a balcony cabin, order room service.....balcony dining!

***

[lrn2cruise]

Originally Posted by Debde

We ban formal nights!!
WJ dinner is just fine. Wish I could choose that as my dining choice. Add a specialty restuarant once or twice and bingo-no MDR at all!!!

I am with Debde!
I say every night is a WJ night! I just dont like getting waited on.

Actually, it is your vacation. You do what you want, when you want!

[Debde]

Originally Posted by phish tales

what do you mean by "ban formal nights" ?? i think ban mean to forbid, not to allow......am i wrong?

You got me!! probably bad choice of a word. Can I say avoid it like the plague!!!
Seriously-like I said. I'm glad those that enjoy it have the option. As I am glad to have other options for that evening.

[newlifeca]

Originally Posted by emachine

We are somewhat new to cruising and don't know what a lot of these acronyms mean. Where is the best place on these "boards" to help us get started ?? There is SO much information out there.

MDR = Main Dining Room - which is where you would go for a sit down meal with servers

WJ = Windjammer Cafe - which is the buffet, self serve

[Debde]

Originally Posted by lrn2cruise

I am with Debde!
I say every night is a WJ night! I just dont like getting waited on.

Actually, it is your vacation. You do what you want, when you want!

Yup!! and if we could chose that option, no waitstaff would be expecting us for dinner!!! Also no waitlist for MDR times. I'm thinking that would be a thing of the past!!

[Artemis908]

Is the food in WJ different lunch vs dinner?

[Debde]

To me-there is a huge difference between lunch and diner.

You can get amost everything they serve in the MDR.
Much quieter.
Truly-MTD
Wait staff will get to know you the same as they do in the dining room if you sit in the same section every night.

[jonbgd]

Originally Posted by Debde

You can get amost everything they serve in the MDR.
.

Cant get the fishermans platter

[Debde]

Originally Posted by jonbgd

Cant get the fishermans platter

Like I said-almost anything.

But I will tell you-my brother in law asked for escargot and they went and got it for him!! Never hurts to ask!!!

[time4me2fly]

Originally Posted by Debde

We ban formal nights!!
WJ dinner is just fine. Wish I could choose that as my dining choice. Add a specialty restuarant once or twice and bingo-no MDR at all!!!

You can stop by the MDR after you board and tell them you want to release your seats, because you will not be dining there. This way they can offer your seats to cruisers that are waitlisted for your dining time.

Originally Posted by cb at sea

As far as tipping goes, the suggested tips should remain in place....that way, you don't have to worry about tipping individuals as you go....the dining room tips cover everyone who serves you in the WJ, too!

Sorry, I disagree cb. If someone gives up their MDR seats, the staff will assign their seats to cruisers on the waitlist. The waiter, assistant waiter and head waiter will receive tips from the waitlisted cruisers. Why should cruisers who do not dine in the MDR tip servers that do not serve them?

As far as WJ staff...They are either on their off week and do not expect tips that week or they are assistant waiters from the MDR who will be receiving tips because they are serving dinner in the MDR. They are well aware of this when they sign up for the position.

There is NO requirement to tip waiters for service in the WJ. If a cruiser wishes to tip each day in the WJ, then that is their own choice.

Your tipping advise is incorrect. Stop making new cruisers feel they need to tip for WJ service or tip MDR servers that do not give them service, if they give up their seats.


gra·tu·i·ty
noun, plural gra·tu·i·ties.
1. a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip.

2. something given without claim or demand.