Embarkation day on JOY, alternative to Buffet for Non Haven guests

[joelheather]

Looking to avoid the buffet on embarkation day.  what are the alternatives.

 

Thanks…

[jlabs03]

MDR (Savor and/or Taste, one or both should be open) and I believe the Local is open.

[Deb and Jack]

Main dining room will be open for a couple of hours. The local is another option

 

[ppcox]

We usually head for the Taste/ Savour and start off with a calm leisurely lunch. Haven’t been to the buffet on the first day since we realised there were other options.

[mking8288]

Local on the Joy was open for lunch by 11:15 am when we boarded, while crew were doing their job to steer the herd up to the buffet ... Savor or Taste opens at 12 noon for lunch, until 1:30 pm.  

[egurbi]

All American Diner also open, usually by 11:30.

[BirdTravels]

5 hours ago, joelheather said:

Looking to avoid the buffet on embarkation day.  what are the alternatives.

 

Thanks…

 

Times may vary by itinerary

Edited August 23, 2022 by BirdTravels

[joelheather]

Great. thank you all for the info.  i think the MDR sounds like a good idea.

 

[LaCal]

We go to the Local 

[Sailing12Away]

Planning on sending my folks to the Local for them to grab food. They should arrive at the pier around 12:30ish, so trying to make it to the MDR will be a rush for them to get checked in, on board, muster station out of the way, and then find the dining rooms on their own.

 

We'll be headed to the American diner since we're in Haven, then will go on a scavenger hunt to find my parents after lunch.

[oteixeira]

When I am non Haven it is absolutely the Local/O'Sheehans (depending on ship) for some nice quick and tasty pub food and a pint.  

[weltek]

Just adding that people need to pay attention to the times listed in the daily. Don't wait to long if you want to hit the MDR because it's only open til 1:30 (or whatever time is listed in your daily).

I've been cruising for years and still end up being surprised at my limited options when I lunch late. Even the buffet begins to neck down to fewer selection. And afternoon noshing is hard. 3:00 is usually when I'm hungry for a snack, and there are few good options. Pretty much some lame stuff in one area of the buffet, The Local and Observation Lounge (curious to see what they have). Or ice cream. The one time I really value the buffet concept is for an afternoon snack (especially when I'm hanging by the pool), and there's not great snack stuff there in my experience. But it's been a few years.

Speaking of...do any NCL ships still do a poolside BBQ for lunch on sea days? Loved the grilled chicken and it's the one time I felt like my burger was fresh! But I think that's a relic of the past.

 

 

[LaCal]

20 hours ago, weltek said:

Just adding that people need to pay attention to the times listed in the daily. Don't wait to long if you want to hit the MDR because it's only open til 1:30 (or whatever time is listed in your daily).

I've been cruising for years and still end up being surprised at my limited options when I lunch late. Even the buffet begins to neck down to fewer selection. And afternoon noshing is hard. 3:00 is usually when I'm hungry for a snack, and there are few good options. Pretty much some lame stuff in one area of the buffet, The Local and Observation Lounge (curious to see what they have). Or ice cream. The one time I really value the buffet concept is for an afternoon snack (especially when I'm hanging by the pool), and there's not great snack stuff there in my experience. But it's been a few years.

Speaking of...do any NCL ships still do a poolside BBQ for lunch on sea days? Loved the grilled chicken and it's the one time I felt like my burger was fresh! But I think that's a relic of the past.

 

 

Haven’t seen the poolside BBQ in Years.  Use to love it 

[mjkacmom]

21 hours ago, weltek said:

Just adding that people need to pay attention to the times listed in the daily. Don't wait to long if you want to hit the MDR because it's only open til 1:30 (or whatever time is listed in your daily).

I've been cruising for years and still end up being surprised at my limited options when I lunch late. Even the buffet begins to neck down to fewer selection. And afternoon noshing is hard. 3:00 is usually when I'm hungry for a snack, and there are few good options. Pretty much some lame stuff in one area of the buffet, The Local and Observation Lounge (curious to see what they have). Or ice cream. The one time I really value the buffet concept is for an afternoon snack (especially when I'm hanging by the pool), and there's not great snack stuff there in my experience. But it's been a few years.

Speaking of...do any NCL ships still do a poolside BBQ for lunch on sea days? Loved the grilled chicken and it's the one time I felt like my burger was fresh! But I think that's a relic of the past.

 

 

Our last cruise was several years ago on the Gem and they had it (and on previous cruises on spirit and Jewel), I don’t think the newer ships ever had it.

[Woodholme Cruiser]

We are in Haven.  Does the Haven dining room serve lunch on embarkation day?

[vacation44]

When we sailed on the Joy this past February as a Haven guest, we ate lunch the American Diner.  Next week, we will back to our usual lunch at Local/O'Sheehans.  

[UKstages]

5 hours ago, Woodholme Cruiser said:

We are in Haven.  Does the Haven dining room serve lunch on embarkation day?

 

yes.