screwsmcernst

We are sailing the Reflection over Christmas, and I was wondering if there is a special Christmas dinner option on the menu in the MDR. If you have sailed over Christmas, please share any special events that were offered. Thanks. 🎅🎄

I am loving your review. I can't wait to hear how the ship has been "Freshened up" from dry-dock. We sail on her in May. Your photos are beautiful. Bon Voyage!

Thanks. That is exactly what we are doing. Using it as our base for the whole family on Christmas Day in Cozumel. BIL & SIL are going to reserve one as well. Hopefully, they will be close to each other. That way more room for 14 people to come and go throughout the day.

you forgot boorish

We have been on almost 20 cruises, and it has only happened twice. On our 1st cruise at the Midnight buffet, and then a few years later when DH and I took our first "No Kids" cruise. Both of these incidents took place when we sailed Carnival. I don't think the line matters, it was just the only cruise line we sailed on where we shared a larger table with strangers.

We always eat at set dining times, whether early or late, so I am going to pose a question because I genuinely do not know the answer. If you make a reservation for anytime dining, how late can you be before they give up your table?

I bow my head and say a silent grace at every meal. I would never expect/demand my table mates join in. On 2 separate cruises we sat with people who were quite insistent that the whole table say grace. Both times were quite a lot. 🙁

Yeah, I've never understood that. It does not look like fun to me. I don't enjoy the alcohol tastings either. I am perfectly okay with my beverage package. 🥂

I think it is inconsiderate of people to be more than 5 minutes late.

I will not show up to set time dining before the MDR doors open. I think the best way to do is to still be walking towards the MDR when the doors open. That way I'm not waiting with "impatient" people. I prefer to walk through the doors at the back of the "I have to be first" people. Then walk straight to my table. 😃

We have a lot of OBC as well. That is why we thought it might be nice to have a spot where our group could meet up on and off throughout the day. MIL & FIL will have a place to spend some time without hunting for seats on the pool deck.

I have Celiac Disease, and when we cruise, I always speak to the MatreD once we get on the ship. He will be able to tell you the way they will handle your situation. I prefer to have set dining to get the same waiters for the whole cruise. If we have any time dining, I still try to sit with the same wait staff every evening. That way I know that my waiters will know what is going on. I also get the next evening's menu, and place my order for the next night. If I am eating in a specialty restaurant, I will go to the restaurant the day before and place my order. That way, there are no surprises. I have never been on one of the newer ships that have more than one MDR. I would guess that if you do decide to eat in different dining rooms, maybe if you give them your cabin # and name, it may be easier for the staff to locate your order from the previous night. That would be a good question for the Matre D. The kitchens have a completely separate area for allergy food prep. That way there isn't any cross-contamination. They really do a good job. I hope this helped.

The dress code blurb makes sense now that I know it is through dining. Thank you so much for clarifying this for me. I knew I saw people in casual wear on prior cruises. 😃

We are sailing with family over Christmas, and are thinking of reserving one of the alcoves. we were reading the highlights and it says smart casual. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants or jeans, and stylish top or button-down. No shorts, bathing suits, or cover-ups. Is this really enforced? Are they serious about no shorts? It seems ridiculous to be on a ship in the Caribbean sitting outside and shorts are not allowed.