Dining at Blu

[Orator]

Remember the extra $5.00 per person is for the tip. If your tips are directed to Blu why would you be charged an additional amount? I'd love to see a change in policy that would allow one in a Suite to make Blu their venue for the cruise if space is available and shift the standard tip from the MDR to Blu. Just a thought. Now, having an AQ Suite may change the game somewhat. I believe the service I've received in Blu is worth every bit of the tip and more.

[Cruising Forever!]

Even though you are assigned Blu as your dining room in Aqua Class, you are not required to eat there. You are always free to dine other places such as the MDR on the select dining option or the specialty restaurants. We would just check the menu each day and see what they were having in the MDR and Blu and decide where to eat.

 

FYI if you are traveling with others not in Aqua, you can see the head maitr'd upon boarding the ship and you can get assigned to their table to be able to eat with them whenever you want. This does not remove you from dining in Blu. Make sure it's the "head" maitr'd or you might get turned down. Just explain the situation. We did this in December on the Eclipse.

 

Here are some examples with pictures for Blu. They also have an everyday menu similar to the MDR where you can choose steak, chicken or fish.

 

https://docs.google.com/#folders/folder.0.0B5BK-JzLUuM2YzIzOWI0OWYtZWE5Ny00NWRiLTg2NTctNGRiMDllNzNkZDMx

 

 

We took an AQ for our next sailing, so this is all new to me. So, what you are saying is that you are not assigned a table in the MDR but there's always a table open in Blu (not assigned, but plenty to accommodate AQ guests I guess?). If I want to eat in the MDR, I have to do "Select dining" what's that? Is this where you pay tips up front for the entire cruise? Do I need to set this up before the cruise or can we do this day by day on the cruise?

 

Also, how does tipping work in Blu?

 

Glad to hear the menu changes in Blu :)... I only saw a sample menu and I realized this would get very dull over 12 nights.

 

Btw- does Blu have dessert selections as well?

 

Thanks,

Paul

[Cruising Forever!]

Even though you are assigned Blu as your dining room in Aqua Class, you are not required to eat there. You are always free to dine other places such as the MDR on the select dining option or the specialty restaurants. We would just check the menu each day and see what they were having in the MDR and Blu and decide where to eat.

 

FYI if you are traveling with others not in Aqua, you can see the head maitr'd upon boarding the ship and you can get assigned to their table to be able to eat with them whenever you want. This does not remove you from dining in Blu. Make sure it's the "head" maitr'd or you might get turned down. Just explain the situation. We did this in December on the Eclipse.

 

Here are some examples with pictures for Blu. They also have an everyday menu similar to the MDR where you can choose steak, chicken or fish.

 

https://docs.google.com/#folders/folder.0.0B5BK-JzLUuM2YzIzOWI0OWYtZWE5Ny00NWRiLTg2NTctNGRiMDllNzNkZDMx

 

btw- Could not follow your link w/o password???

[PS90]

We took an AQ for our next sailing' date=' so this is all new to me. So, what you are saying is that you are not assigned a table in the MDR but there's always a table open in Blu (not assigned, but plenty to accommodate AQ guests I guess?). If I want to eat in the MDR, I have to do "Select dining" what's that? Is this where you pay tips up front for the entire cruise? Do I need to set this up before the cruise or can we do this day by day on the cruise?

 

Also, how does tipping work in Blu?

 

Glad to hear the menu changes in Blu :)... I only saw a sample menu and I realized this would get very dull over 12 nights.

 

Btw- does Blu have dessert selections as well?

 

Thanks,

Paul[/quote']

 

Select dining is the newer class of dining in the MDR that allows you to sit in a designated area in the MDR whenever you want. Often you may have to wait for a table to open up - just as you would at Applebee's (or some other chain-restaurant on land), but usually it seems the wait is fairly short.

 

I have not yet been in an AQ cabin, and also have the same question regarding seating - I have heard that Blu is opening seating. So, as an AQ pax, does that mean, at a busy time of the night, that I will have to wait until a table opens up to eat in Blu?

[Orator]

If more people show up at a given time than seats available, some might need to wait. I've been in Blu many, many times and only noticed people waiting once.

[TomMMD]

If you make a reservtion, you won't have to wait long.

[PS90]

If you make a reservtion, you won't have to wait long.

 

I have heard that Blu does not take reservations. Is that not true?

[retiredtogolf]

Was on the Equinox in AQ in April. Did Select Dining, but only used mdr once, too noisy and service was not nearly as good as in Blu. Sailing on Silhouette in Dec and will be Blu only. Never had wait more than five minutes to get a table in Blu. We got same table most nights and same waiters area after first few nights. The theory is Blu can seat 1/2 of the AQ passengers at any time thus waiting should be minimal.

[Cruising Forever!]

Is the tip at Blu included in the AQ cabin price, or do you tip each night? Also, still wondering if there's a dessert menu in Blu? (I think I keep hesitating over the "healthy fare" wording I see for the breakfast in Blu; health is great, but I like to splurge on a cruise when it comes to eating!):D

[Cruising Forever!]

Was on the Equinox in AQ in April. Did Select Dining, but only used mdr once, too noisy and service was not nearly as good as in Blu. Sailing on Silhouette in Dec and will be Blu only. Never had wait more than five minutes to get a table in Blu. We got same table most nights and same waiters area after first few nights. The theory is Blu can seat 1/2 of the AQ passengers at any time thus waiting should be minimal.

 

How did Select Dining work? I think on RCI, you have to pay for a week's worth of tips to do their version of open dining in the MDR... is this the case with Select?

[Gracie115]

Is the tip at Blu included in the AQ cabin price' date=' or do you tip each night? Also, still wondering if there's a dessert menu in Blu? (I think I keep hesitating over the "healthy fare" wording I see for the breakfast in Blu; health is great, but I like to splurge on a cruise when it comes to eating!):D[/quote']

 

 

The tips are the not included in the price, same as in the MDR. There is indeed a dessert menu in Blu, I almost always opted for the homemade ice creams, but there are other choices too.

[uktog]

But to avoid confusion

If you are staying in an Aqua class room, the per day rate in tips you pay either in advance or on board covers Blu

If you are in a suite, you still pay that per day rate but in addition you pay $5 each time you visit Blu (with no reduction on your day rate).

 

(By the way this is not an issue for us, as I understand it, as we always give up our MDR table on boarding, our tip is not allocated to the waiter as they usually give the space to another couple whose tips go to the waiter, our tip goes into the general pool that is allocated across all waitstaff and of course reflects their breakfast and lunch efforts as well)

 

Wherever you eat, you can of course tip extra to servers on the final night if you have been particularly well looked after by individuals - only once has the waiter who became our regular not had extra and coincidentally that was the cruise where our MDR experience was poor and we were convinced to move to Blu even though as suite guests we have to pay $10 a night extra

[dkjretired]

Just so there is no confusion, you do not have to tip daily in Blu, the tips you pay on your account cover it.

[dkjretired]

How did Select Dining work? I think on RCI' date=' you have to pay for a week's worth of tips to do their version of open dining in the MDR... is this the case with Select?[/quote']

 

If you choose Select Dining, all your tips must be prepaid.

[kitkat9438]

We took an AQ for our next sailing' date=' so this is all new to me. So, what you are saying is that you are not assigned a table in the MDR but there's always a table open in Blu (not assigned, but plenty to accommodate AQ guests I guess?). If I want to eat in the MDR, I have to do "Select dining" what's that? Is this where you pay tips up front for the entire cruise? Do I need to set this up before the cruise or can we do this day by day on the cruise?

 

Also, how does tipping work in Blu?

 

Glad to hear the menu changes in Blu :)... I only saw a sample menu and I realized this would get very dull over 12 nights.

 

Btw- does Blu have dessert selections as well?

 

Thanks,

Paul[/quote']

 

Here's how it works. When you book an Aqua Class cabin, you are automatically assigned Blu as your dining room. You do not make reservations and it is always the anytime dining option between their operating hours (they aren't open for lunch, only breakfast and dinner). Normally when you book the cruise you select a dining time, i.e. 6:30 or 8:30. When you get to your cabin the first night, there will be a card from Blu requesting that you dine your first night only at the time you signed up for so they can get a handle on how many passengers will dine during those hours. Thereafter, you dine whenever you want. You will not have an assigned table in Blu, but you can request the same table and waiter if they are available.

 

In the MDR, there are two options, assigned seating, early or late and "select dining", which is anytime you want to go between their open hours. You just show up and are seated on a space available basis. Now if you are traveling with a group of friends or relatives who aren't in Aqua, you can see the head maitr'd upon embarkation (go there first thing) and explain your situation so you can get assigned to their table to be able to eat with them. This will still allow you to eat in Blu if you wish.

 

When booking your cruise if you choose "select dining" you have to prepay your trips. Otherwise, if you choose a select dining time, your tips are added to your shipboard account on a daily basis (this covers all the restaurant's wait staff, cabin steward, etc.). If you choose not to have them automatically added so you can tip yourself, you can have them removed at guest services. Celebrity automatically divides up the tips among their crew members. I'm not sure how they figure that out.

 

Also, if you want something that is not on the menu such as caesars salad, shrimp cocktail, creme brulee, just ask for it. Normally they are more than happy to accomodate simple requests. My husband even asked for a martini (we had the alcohol package) and they were more than willing to go get it for him.

 

I don't know why the link didn't work for the menus. I've copied them in here plenty of times. They were posted by another cruiser long ago. Let's see if I can paste them in here. Day 6 was missing.

 

DAY 1:

APPETIZERS

Grilled Tamarind Glazed Quail

Cinnamon Pickled Carrots, Tabbouleh Salad

Chilled Seafood Nappolean

Cucumber Carpaccio, Saffron Vinagrette

BLU Cheese Soufflé

Candied Anjou Pear and Port Wine Reduction

SOUPS & SALADS

Chilled Avacado and Lemon Soup

with Poached Shrimp

Sweet Yellow Corn Velouté

Chile Oil, Cilantro and Chorizo

Baby Spinach Salad

Roquefort Cheese, Bloomed Craisins, Toasted Pecans,

Prosciutto and Black Pepper Emulsion

Marinated Tear Drop Tomatoes and Bocconcini Salad

Basil, Argan Olive Oil and Balsamic Syrup

SALAD ENTREÉ

Grilled Salmon Filet and Endive Watercress Salad

with Basil Pesto

ENTREÉS

Orecchiette Pasta

Porcini Mushrooms, Vegetable Pistou and Basil

Blackened Ahi Tuna

Forbidden Rice, Baby Bock Choy, Spicy Onion

and White Sesame Seed Vinaigrette

Roasted Chicken Breast

Green Lentil Blini, Wilted Spinach

and Tomato Galic Emulsion

Pan Seared Filet Mignon

Celery Root Puree, Green Asparagus,

Cabernet Confit Shallots

and Olive Oil Beef Jus

Daily Vegetable

Baby Poached Vegetables and Lemon Oil

DESSERTS

Gingersnap Basket

Coconut Crème Brûleé

No Sugar Added Guava Ice Parfait

Ice Cream

Guava Sorbet

Low Fat Frozen Yogurt Vanilla Lychee

No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream

DAY 2:

APPETIZERS

Heirloom Tomato Stuffed Endive

Granny Smith Apple Coulis and Herb Salad

Pickled Beet Salad

Smoked Chicken Breast, Frisée

and Curry Emulsion

Pan Fried Macadamia Nut Crusted Sea Scallops

Sweet Pea Purée, Fennel Salad

and Pink Grapefruit Emulsion

SOUPS & SALADS

Vine Ripened Tomato Cucumber Gazpacho

Olive Oil Sorbet, Marjoram Crisp

California Blue Crab Bisque

Flying Fish Caviar, Scalions

Nicoise Salad

Kenya Beans, Cherry Tomatoes,

Fingerling Potatoes

and Poached Albacore Tuna

Mixed Greens and Shaved Pear Salad

Breakfast Radish, Baby Mizuna

and Red Wine Vinaigrette

SALAD ENTREÉ

Grilled Pork Medallions

Macerated Haricot Verts,

Grilled Red Bell Peppers and Apricot Vinaigrette

ENTREÉS

Lump Crab and Morel Mushroom Risotto

Green Asparagus, Parmesean Coulis

Pan Seared Pacfic Salmon

Green Lentils, Curried Pickled Vegetable Frisée

and Lemon Mosto Emulsion

Sherry Glazed Pheasant Breast

Oven Roasted Tomatoes,

Crispy Paprika Smoked Potatoes

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Braised Lamb Shoulder in Crispy Phylo

Green Pea Melange, Fingerling Potatoes

and Pinot Noir Sauce

Daily Vegetable

"Imam Baylid" Olive Oil Baked Eggplant,

Sweet Bell Pepper Confit

DESSERTS

Chocolate Floating Island

Pear Tart Tatin

No Sugar Added Dark Cherry Nage

Ice Cream

Coconut Sorbet

Low Fat Blueberry Frozen Yogurt

No Sugar Added Strawberry Ice Cream

DAY 3:

APPETIZERS

Mediterranean Vegetable Caponata Tartar

Sweet Basil, Aged Balsamic Syrup

In-House Cured Citrus Wild Salmon

Shaved Baby Fennel Chives, Sprouts

Crispy Boursin Cheese

Roasted Red Peppers, Toasted Cashew Dressing

SOUPS & SALADS

Chicken Consommé

Cheese Tortellini, Carrot Pysanne

Chilled Pumpkin Soup

Duck Confit, Lemon Zest

Grilled Mushroom Salad

Baby Greens, Shallot Sherry Vinaigrette

Celery Salad

Raspberries, Peanuts and Mint

SALAD ENTREÉ

Turkey Pillard Salad

Sweet Potatoes, Baby Greens

and Cranberry Vinaigrette

ENTREÉS

Fettuccini Pasta

Saffron Cream, Torn Basil and Manila Clams

Pan Roasted Seam Bream

Grilled Artichokes, Roasted Eggplant

and Red Pepper Coulis

Pan Seared Pheasant Breast

Braised Buttered Brussel Sprouts,

Aromatic Honey Barbeque Sauce

Cumin Grilled Pork Chop

Polenta Cake, Ancho Chili Sauce

and Watecress Salad

Daily Vegetable

Ragoût of Sautéed Asparagus and Haricots Verts,

Apricots and Curry Emulsion

DESSERTS

Duo de Fromage Doux

Praline Ganache Cake

Macadamia Nuts Biscuit

No Sugar Added Mango Upside Down Cake

with Coconut Ice Cream

Ice Cream

Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate or Ginger

Pineapple Sorbet

Low Fat Mango Lime Frozen Yogurt

No Sugar Added Butter-Pecan Ice Cream

DAY 4:

APPETIZERS

Marinated Grilled Eggplant

Sun Dried Tomato Olive Fricassé,

Sweet Basil Hearts and Parmesan Coulis

Angus Beef Carpaccio

Black Truffle Aioli, Herb Salad and Garlic Chips

Lump Crab Martini

Avocado, Cucumber and Crispy Spiced Boon

SOUPS & SALADS

Chilled Asparagus Soup

Goat Cheese, Toasted Pistachios

and Lemon Oil

Sweet Red Bell Pepper Soup

with Corn and Shrimp Ragoût

Arugula Salad

Hearts of Palms, Feta Cheese,

Sun Dried Tomato, Toasted Pine Nuts

and White Basamic Emulsion

Shaved Fennel and Citrus Salad

Baby Mache, Blood Orange Emulsion

SALAD ENTREÉ

Grilled Lamb Chops

Rocket Salad, Goat Cheese, Red Onion,

Roasted Red Peppers and Balsamic Glaze

ENTREÉS

Rigatoni Pasta

Chicken Confit, Basil and Parmesan Tomato Sauce

Lemongrass Infused Seafood Nage

Whole Shrimp, Manila Clams, Mussels,

Calamari, Celery Root and Edamame Beans

Pomegranate Glazed Duck Breast

Crispy Seared Duck Leg, Grilled Radicchio,

Wild Rice Pilaf and Star Anise Sauce

Grilled Rib Eye Steak

Warm White Bean Truffle Salad, Natural Jus

Daily Vegetable

Primavera Lasagna

DESSERTS

Lime Parfait

with Fresh Papaya and Mango in Basil Syrup

Chocolate and Coconut Cake

with Banana Coulis

No Sugar Added Blue Mountain Crème Brûlèe

Ice Cream

Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry or Butter Pecan

Lemon Raspberry Sorbet

Low Fat Peach Almond Frozen Yogurt

No Sugar Added Butter Pecan Ice Cream

DAY 6:

APPETIZERS

San Daniele Prosciutto

Smoked Ricotta, Micro Mache and Fig Preserve

Seafood Ceviche

Scallops, Shrimp, Cucumber, Pickled Ginger,

Tomato and Sesame Seed Oil

Mozzarella Cheese and Bell Pepper Empanda

with Cilantro Pesto

SOUPS & SALADS

Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup

Mint, Preserved Lemon

Tortilla Soup

Spiced Chicken, Avocado Salsa

and Scallion Sour Cream

Mixed Green Salad

Avocado, Daikon Sprouts,

Edamame and Miso Dressing

Boston Lettuce and Radicchio Salad

Cherry Tomatoes, Feta Cheese,

Toasted Pistachios and Prmegranate Vinaigrette

SALAD ENTREÉ

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast and Frisée Salad

Tomato Avocado Salsa

ENTREÉS

Pumpkin Gnocchi

Sautéed Arugula, Sun Dried Tomatoes,

Marinated Artichokes, Basil Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese

Grilled Hawaiian Style Salmon Filet

Carrot Slaw, Sticky Jasmine Rice

and Coconut Pineapple Salsa

Pecan Crusted Duck Breast

Caramelized Apple Endive Fricassée

Wild Rice Blinis and Cranberry Emulsion

Slow Braised Colorado Lamb Shank

Grilled Merguez Sausage, Saffron Couscous,

Glazed Carrots au Jus

Daily Vegetable

Cous Cous Tagine

DESSERTS

Low Fat Strawberry Shortcake

and Citrus Coriander Coulis

Chocolate Rum Cake

and Candied Zest

No Sugar Added Apple Aumonière

Honey Sauce

Ice Cream

Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Peanut Butter or Piña Colada

Mango Ginger Sorbet

Low Fat Chocolate Ice Cream Frozen Yogurt

No Sugar Added Chocolate Ice Cream

DAY 7:

APPETIZERS

Wild Mushroom Napoleon

Melted Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese

Porcini Dust

Chilled Maine Lobster Salad

Shaved Hearts of Palm, Lemon Herb Aioli

Almond Crusted Baked Brie

with Organic Pepper Jelly

SOUPS & SALADS

Chilled Romaine and Yogurt Soup

Blue Point Oyster, Sevruga Caviar

Creamy Spiced Parsnip Soup

Caramelized Apples, Duck Confit

and Fried Shallots

Jicama Salad

Cucumbers, Watermelon

and Mint Mojito Purée

Wild Watercress Salad

Walnut Bread Croutons,

Black Pepper Cranberry Dressing

SALAD ENTREÉ

Grilled New York Steak

Mixed Green Salad, Herb Vinaigrette

ENTREÉS

Sautéed Orzo

Smoked Chicken Breast, Preserved Tomato and Garlic

Broiled Daurade

Sautéed Artichokes, Sauce Niçoise,

Petit Arugula Salad and Lemon Oil

Roasted California Squab

Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Spicy Sausage,

and Sage Pan Jus

Cabernet Braised Short Ribs

Horseradish Mashed Potato, Red Onion Marmalade,

Brioche Croutons and Haricots Verts

Daily Vegetable

Vegetable Tart, Shaved Parmesan and Herb Pesto

DESSERTS

Passion Fruit Maracuja Cake

with Mojito Gelée

Chocolate Biscuit

with Mandarin Mousse

and Caramel Nutmeg Sauce

No Sugar Added Rhubarb Crumble Clafoutis

with Cinnamon Chiboust

Ice Cream

Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Pistaccio

or Cherry Brandy

Kiwi Sorbet

Low Fat Piña Colada Frozen Yogurt

No Sugar Added Chocolate Ice Cream

DAY 8:

APPETIZERS

Smoked Chicken and Macerated Potato Napolean

Chopped Parsley, Cream Fraiche

Sautéed Fish ?

Pressed Avocado, ? and Chili Oil

Crispy Gnocchi

Sweet Peas, Sprouts, Wild Mushroom Foam

and Ash Goat Cheese

SOUPS & SALADS

Green Lentil Soup

Italian Sausage, Toasted Caraway Seeds

Chilled Creamy Celery Root Soup

Caviar, Crispy Potato Chips

Mediterranean Salad

Crispy Pita Chips, Peppers

and Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Mesclun Mix, Feta Cheese

SALAD ENTREÉ

Confit Duck Leg Salad

Chopped Endive, Frisée

and Black Truffle Emulsion

ENTREÉS

Pinot Noir Risotto

Sautéed Beef Tips, Gorganzola Cheese

Five Spice Crusted Tuna

Grilled Asparagus, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

and Natural Jus

Roasted Semi Boneless Quails

****ake Mushrooms, Soy Beans

and Soy Lemongrass Broth

Honey Glazed Kobe Beef Style Meat Loaf

Sautéed Green Beans, Potato Mousse

Daily Vegetable

Caramelized Onion, Thyme and Brie Cheese Tart

DESSERTS

Foster Rum Cake

Roasted Pineapple, Salty Caramel Ice Cream

After Eight "Surprise"

Chocolat Menthe

No Sugar Added Apple and Walnut Cake

with Cinnamon Crême Anglaise

Ice Cream

Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana Rum

or Cinnamon

Green Apple Sorbet

Low Fat Passion Fruit Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt

No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream

DAY 9:

APPETIZERS

Baked Goat Cheese

Grilled Baguette, Orange Essence

and Honey Pecan Dressing

Crispy Soft Shell Crab

Baby Arugula, Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette

Potato Croquettes

Smoked Gouda, Tasso Ham

and Black Bean Purée

SOUPS & SALADS

Chilled Sweet Pea Soup

Crab Salad, Toasted Almonds

Spicy Roasted Plantain Corn Soup

Green Chilies, Cilantro

Endive Salad

Watercress, Crispy Apples

and White Balsamic Vinaigrette

BLU Caesar Salad

Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Croutons, Sprouts,

Tofu and Creamy Smoked Garlic Dressing

SALAD ENTREÉ

Sautéed Veal Scaloppini

with Lemon Herb Salad

ENTREÉS

Kobe Style Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

Black Truffle Vinaigrette, Ricotta Fondue

Oven Roasted Warm Water Lobster Tail

Escarole, Fingerling Potatoes,

Tangerine Emulsion and Drawn Butter

Phyllo Crusted Chicken Paillard

Sautéed Artichokes, Kalamata Olives, Spinach,

Preserved Tomatoes and Saffron Aioli

New York Pepper Steak

Caramelized Cipolini Onions, Watercress

and Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Daily Vegetable

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce and Parmesan

DESSERTS

Pineapple Victoria on Coconut Brioche

Rum Sultana Crème Anglaise

Pastry Cigar

Filled with Cognac Cream, Assorted Berries

No Sugar Added Rose Lychee Gelée

and Cassis Timbale

Ice Cream

Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate,

Caramel or Cherry Brandy

Pear Ginger Sorbet

Low Fat Mandarin Frozen Yogurt

No Sugar Added Strawberry Ice Cream

[CathyCruises]

Don't let the 'healthy' label fool you. Blu may be healthIER, but it is very good food, not vegetarian fare. One night I couldn't find an entree to my liking so I ordered three appetizers! Another night I made a casual inquiry and they brought me a delicious Indian meal!! I guess it came from the kitchen at Qsine, but it was lovely of them and the food was great!

[Cruising Forever!]

[quote name='kitkat9438']Here's how it works. [snipped to save space by me]
[/quote]

Kathy,

Thank you SOOO much! Having these menus makes it so exciting (even if they change for our Silhouette cruise, it still shows the sort of variety we can expect)!

I still think we might opt into Select Dining, but I am still confused about this. I think it's because on RCI, you don't have to pay tips up front whereas on Celebrity, you do? I cruised on Solstice back in '09, and I can't remember if I did this or not (I probably did... I over tip generally and forget about it. I was a waiter in a past life, so I appreciate their efforts! :)) I would like to have the option to eat in the MDR at least once... I think S class MDRs are gorgeous (yes, I'm the one) and the food fantastic (yes, that's me, too- lol). Is Select Dining a set cost? How much is it per day? I'm on a 12 nt cruise.

One of the things we loved on Solstice was the ample breads and spreads on the tables in the MDR... unheard of on RCI ships... does Blu have rolls/breads/spreads on the table, too?

Thanks,
Paul

[Cruising Forever!]

[quote name='CathyCruises']Don't let the 'healthy' label fool you. Blu may be healthIER, but it is very good food, not vegetarian fare. One night I couldn't find an entree to my liking so I ordered three appetizers! Another night I made a casual inquiry and they brought me a delicious Indian meal!! I guess it came from the kitchen at Qsine, but it was lovely of them and the food was great![/quote]


That's great! The idea of eating in a specialty restaurant - Blu - everynight as part of my Aqua Class cabin fare wasn't something I thought about a lot when I booked. Actually, I just thought Blu was an option given to AQ guests if they did not feel like eating in the MDR. I mostly was interested in AQ for the added cabin amenities and the spa/persian gardens inclusion. (my wife LOVES those heated tile beds)

The Blu idea is adding a whole new element to the excitement now. :D

As to the healthy part, the menu looks like it isn't a weight loss diet plan sorta menu at all! I feel alot better about Blu after seeing the menus. That was my fear- I diet all year to maintain my weight- that goes out the window on a cruise! ;)

Thanks,
Paul

[SFCAcruiser]

[quote=Cruisin' Forever!;29971084]...
I still think we might opt into Select Dining, but I am still confused about this. I think it's because on RCI, you don't have to pay tips up front whereas on Celebrity, you do?....
[/quote]
At the risk of muddying the waters, I will relate my recent booking experience for AQ & Blu. [I]Disclaimer[/I]: I have not yet sailed in AQ (that happens in a month) but I've read everything I could here about AQ & Blu.

As I understand it, Blu is open dining, not the traditional early/late seating arrangement. BUT when I booked our AQ cabin, our very big online travel agent said we had to pick either an early or late seating for booking purposes. "Select" dining was not available to us [I]during the booking process[/I]. Once onboard, the entire Blu restaurant is open seating - there is no early or late traditional seating, even though my cruise document indicates "early seating".

This process seems to have been validated by experienced posters here on CruiseCritic. One small benefit: by choosing early seating, we avoid having to prepay gratuities.

Bottom line for you is, I believe, that you will not be able to "opt into Select dining" if you book AQ cabin. You will be able (in fact, be required) to have Select dining if you choose to eat in Blu. So, when you book AQ, you pick a dining time, when you get on board, you have Select dining in Blu or in the MDR if you so desire.

[Cruising Forever!]

[quote name='SFCAcruiser']At the risk of muddying the waters, I will relate my recent booking experience for AQ & Blu. [I]Disclaimer[/I]: I have not yet sailed in AQ (that happens in a month) but I've read everything I could here about AQ & Blu.

As I understand it, Blu is open dining, not the traditional early/late seating arrangement. BUT when I booked our AQ cabin, our very big online travel agent said we had to pick either an early or late seating for booking purposes. "Select" dining was not available to us [I]during the booking process[/I]. Once onboard, the entire Blu restaurant is open seating - there is no early or late traditional seating, even though my cruise document indicates "early seating".

This process seems to have been validated by experienced posters here on CruiseCritic. One small benefit: by choosing early seating, we avoid having to prepay gratuities.

Bottom line for you is, I believe, that you will not be able to "opt into Select dining" if you book AQ cabin. You will be able (in fact, be required) to have Select dining if you choose to eat in Blu. So, when you book AQ, you pick a dining time, when you get on board, you have Select dining in Blu or in the MDR if you so desire.[/quote]

My cruise papers have me as late seating... so I guess it's open seating at Blu and late dining in the MDR if I choose to? Still confused...

[Richard&JohnSTX]

[QUOTE=Cruisin' Forever!;29981274]My cruise papers have me as late seating... so I guess it's open seating at Blu and late dining in the MDR if I choose to? Still confused...[/QUOTE]

By your choosing the late dining option on the reservation only means that on the first night of the cruise you go to Blu at that time - you will have confirmation of this on a card in your cabin when you board. After that you can go to Blu whenever you want within dining hours or to Select Dining at the MDR whenever you want within the dining hours.

[NanFi]

If you have an AQ cabin can you forgo eating in blu and just eat in the mdr or can you, while in blu, order from the MDR menu. After seeing the menu I think I would much prefer the options in the MDR. I like good quality food but simply prepared. I would be hard pressed to find something I would enjoy on the blu menu.

[BrummieGirl]

Just back from AQ cruise in July. Blu is open seating but if you choose to go to the MDR then you have to go at the time allotted. On the first night they encourage you to book a time to eat in Blu; pop down when you board and speak to the staff to book your slot; other evenings you turn up when you want but expect that you may have to wait in a queue. i waited no more than 10 minutes even when blu was full.

in terms of food, i eat only gluten free food and the chef's served food exceptionally well. it was good cooked simply and well and the service was second to none..even ones i've dined in london with michelin stars and other awards. So, my advice is if you're in aqua, go and enjoy a couple of nights dining in blu and then make a decision about whether the MDR is an option. it isnt just the food, the atmosphere, service and views out to the ocean are amazing.

[dkjretired]

[quote name='NanFi']If you have an AQ cabin can you forgo eating in blu and just eat in the mdr or can you, while in blu, order from the MDR menu. After seeing the menu I think I would much prefer the options in the MDR. I like good quality food but simply prepared. I would be hard pressed to find something I would enjoy on the blu menu.[/QUOTE]

Blu has everyday items which are simple and their lobster tails are excellent.Unless you got a real good deal in AQ, why anyone would pay AQ prices and then not partake of its major benefit is beyond me.

[dkjretired]

[quote name='SFCAcruiser']At the risk of muddying the waters, I will relate my recent booking experience for AQ & Blu. [I]Disclaimer[/I]: I have not yet sailed in AQ (that happens in a month) but I've read everything I could here about AQ & Blu.

As I understand it, Blu is open dining, not the traditional early/late seating arrangement. BUT when I booked our AQ cabin, our very big online travel agent said we had to pick either an early or late seating for booking purposes. "Select" dining was not available to us [I]during the booking process[/I]. Once onboard, the entire Blu restaurant is open seating - there is no early or late traditional seating, even though my cruise document indicates "early seating".

This process seems to have been validated by experienced posters here on CruiseCritic. One small benefit: by choosing early seating, we avoid having to prepay gratuities.

Bottom line for you is, I believe, that you will not be able to "opt into Select dining" if you book AQ cabin. You will be able (in fact, be required) to have Select dining if you choose to eat in Blu. So, when you book AQ, you pick a dining time, when you get on board, you have Select dining in Blu or in the MDR if you so desire.[/QUOTE]

There is absolutely no benefit to choosing Select Dining if you are in an AQ cabin, none whatsoever. Blu is totally anytime dining, even the first night, picking a time is only a procedural thing.