(Gem) Lunch in the MDR on embarkation day?

[bbryan5]

Going on my 3rd ever cruise in May aboard the Gem from NYC. I have heard that on embarkation day, instead of fighting the crowds in the buffet, lunch is also served in the MDR.. is this true? If so, is it both MDR's, or just one? Does anyone know what is usually served? Is it like eating dinner in the MDR where you get a menu with 5 or 6 choices? Thanks so much for any help you could provide! If anyone has a picture of the lunch menu for the MDR on embarkation day, please post it! :D

[jaja]

The aft dinning room is open for lunch..and there are about 5-6choices for lunch entree ...and it is a relaxing way to start any cruise !!!

[camz]

On some ships, Blue Lagoon is open is well. Worth checking out! However, you cannot guarantee that they will be open. I can tell you they were open on the Gem and the Dawn. More recently, on the Star, Blue Lagoon was not open during embarkation. The buffet is always chaotic. :eek:

[bbryan5]

Thanks for the info! Any idea what is usually offered for lunch in the MDR? Is it just a soup and a salad kind of thing?

[johnql]

Thanks for the info! Any idea what is usually offered for lunch in the MDR? Is it just a soup and a salad kind of thing?

No, it's a full menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Definitely the way to go on embarkation day.

[camz]

Thanks for the info! Any idea what is usually offered for lunch in the MDR? Is it just a soup and a salad kind of thing?

 

Just some options that come to mind are Burgers, chicken sandwiches, strip streak, pasta, salads, soup, desserts. Much more relaxing then the buffet.

[bbryan5]

Sounds like the MDR is the way to go embarkation day! Thanks everyone!:D

[sailingnut]

Please do not go to the buffet it is crazy

~~always go to the dining room and you will feel relaxed. Went on the "Gem" and the dining room was the answer!:)

[Rhea58]

I always go to the main dining room where I can relax & have one of my faves - the Cobb Salad. Pleasant way to relax before the announcement that the cabins are ready.

[bbryan5]

Thanks for all the great info :D

[Richpontone]

Thanks for all the great info :D

 

Was on the Gem on the 3/13/2013 9 day cruise to the Caribe. Had the embarkation day lunch at the Grand Pacific. That is the MDR at the stern of the ship. Great relaxing lunch. But you have to remember that it closes at 2:30 to new diners although if you come earlier than that, you can stay later than 2:30. This lunch is better prepared than the outdoor barbecue buffet that stays open later than 2:30. With that buffet, you got to struggle with 1800 other passengers for the limited tables and chairs that are available. And it is nice to be well fed before going thru the muster drill. And there are only a couple of dozen passengers who do the MDR lunch--that seems to be all the passengers who know about it.