Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner
The great thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. The bad thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. Too many foods know my name.
I hope you didn't let that snobby comment bother you. I watch all of your videos and I have seen you eat at the buffet many times. Some people just want to be nasty. We love your videos. Don't rethink or feel like you need to justify anything
We just got off the Harmony and our young kids and grandkids loved the Main Dining room. We ate dinner there every night. They thought we were taking them someplace fancy. We did eat buffet also, but that was just okay.
Illana, you are such a lovely person, I love all your videos. Don't let that mean person and the insensitive words hurt you! Actually I prefer to eat in the MDR and I only go to the buffet for my xtra salads and fresh fruits 😂 and if I need to get off the ship early for an excursion. Am I a snoob too? 🤔
Wow, I missed whatever started this. You are clearly a lovely person as is your family. Your channel has always been one of my favorites. Sadly, social media allows people to hide behind anonymity and say things they could never say face to face. Keep up the great work!
Celebrity cruiser here. After 35+ cruises we eat all of our meals in the ocean view. I do not like sitting for 2 1/2 hours to have a meal. Another thing I love about cruising, so many options for everyone. I still get dressed up at night I just do not like to sit in the main dining room waiting forever for my food. We even eat in the buffet when we are in a suite lol. To each their own.
@@wandamotsko7263 love this! As someone once told me, the great thing about a cruise is that we can all be on the same ship, but have a unique vacation that is just right for us 🚢👏
Had one meal in dining room. As the ship left port during our dinner time we decided to get a table on the back deck and used the buffet. More relaxing!
I just finished a cruise on princess discovery to Alaska, all food was great but we like to try all as well. We never did buffet for dinner, but breakfast a couple of days and lunch once. Main dining and casual dining for dinner. I did not do the specialty, but will do some on our next one to hawaii in the spring. I agree variety.
Another thought. My wife is hypoglycemic she was on a sugar crash, we tried room service (45 minute wait), main dining outside our time and delay, snack store too expensive, ran to buffet as she was barely able to walk. Ran up grabbed some shrimp, sugars and proteins, it was literally like an emergency room if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic.
My husband was a diabetic. We always kept peppermint candy with us “just in case”. Both of us had it handy-either in pockets or purse. Glad you made it to the buffet in time.
We used to eat all meals in the buffet. We now eat breakfast and dinner in the dining room. In all honesty, I can’t control my portions in the buffet. I go in with good intentions but I see all the wonderful food and go overboard!
I usually cruise solo. MDR takes a long time and can just be uncomfortable for me. I'm not into dressing 😒 up every night so casual for me is good. The buffet I can try small portions of many different dishes that I've never had instead of just one. I live doing things on my own schedule, just walk in and enjoy, plus a sea view every time. I love the advantage of what the buffet has to offer.
You are definitely not a snob. Please continue to enjoy your cruise vacation as you see fit as the cruise offers many choices for all and we shouldn’t judge the choices of others 🙃
As a solo traveler (widower), I now seldom go to the dining room. No only does sitting by myself remind me that I no longer have my loved one but as a solo diner, I am invariably placed in a high traffic area where I have to constantly pull in my elbows to let people by, Also, as a solo traveler, I feel the wait staff gives me a low priority for service and the service is hurried. And it is much easier in the buffet area to engage in casual conversations with fellow diners.
After 38 cruises I have not eaten in the buffet one time for dinner! We do eat there occasionally for breakfast or lunch, but mostly MDR or Specialty, or on deck (for lunch). But, sit-down dining and dressing up is a huge part of my reason for cruising, and we no longer go to the shows or even to ports much, so we don't ever want to 'eat and run', and dining is our activity of choice in the evenings. But I can see how it is the best choice for many.
next month will be my 18th cruise and I've only ate a couple of times at the buffet for dinner. The last cruise I wanted to watch the Football game in the sports bar so I grab dinner at the buffet. I just enjoy the food a lot more in the MDR.
I’ve done about 13 cruises and has never missed the formal dinning. However, a month ago on an MSC cruise we got the 10 pm seating. We only did it 3 times and ended yo changing to the buffet. To our surprise they had the same items for dinner as the formal dining plus more. It was super relaxing plus we could go a lot earlier for dinner.
My husband and I are seasoned cruisers (25+) cruises and about 10 years ago we stopped going to the buffets. We prefer to be served and relax when eating.
Usually only 1 meal in the MDR. I love the buffet because of the variety. I also eat more salad because it is ready to eat. Watermelon at breakfast is a must when cruising.
I am a cruise ship snob and proud of it LOL...We love main dining room for breakfast and dinner. Part of our eating enjoyment is having it served to us. And we find we don't over indulge something that is easy to do at the buffet. Lunch is either had on shore, or for cruise days, the outdoor hamburgers.
I cruise exclusively on HAL. The buffet is served to you, so I'm always confident in cleanliness. I love my breakfast hot, and I can get that in the buffet. Eggs cooked to order, fresh salad, made to order, and a stirfry station, among other things. I also like the Dive in, or New York pizza and deli. I can relax on the deck, eat a leisurely meal, and read a Kindle book.
I love the MDR because of the fresh food and pampering and relaxation. My 3 granddaughters and son who live in Australia (I’m in USA) love the buffet. I am visiting them in March 2025 and we booked a 7 day cruise out of Sydney. One of the qualifications was to get cabins that were near the buffet because my dear granddaughters just love to visit and enjoy the buffet anytime of the day. So I, being the loving grandmother, booked two connecting cabins near the steps that lead one level up to the buffet. I love them so I was happy to make this concession and can’t wait to enjoy the time with family. Hoping to change my mind about buffets in March 2025.
We've done a lot of these, always take snacks back to our cabin. We LOVE sitting on Lido to eat and get AWESOME pictures. I agree about food portions. Honestly we like doing buffet because we don't always want main dining room, that's why we do "any time" for the times we Want to go. Otherwise we eat buffet, or choose specialty or the free venues. Heck we don't even eat anymore set at home. 4 adults in the house and no one knows what they want. Most times it's on your own. Yes we have our son and his partner living with us. We help each other out for things AND we actually all get along
this was a great video. when we were on the Royal Princess, we ate at the buffet a few times. We ate their for port day breakfast because it was just easy and much faster than sit down..... we got in/ got what we wanted and were able to leave the ship on time for our excursion. We did eat dinner there 2 nights, but we found that we did like the sit down better. that's just us. I thought for lunch, the buffet was super convenient. I honestly feel , like you said, it's whatever your mood is..... if you kind of want light / healthy / quick.... the buffet is the way to go. ( or for some good mac and cheese !) the great thing is, you have a choice !
We just got off 24 days on HAL. We had dinner in the MDR twice, speciality dinners twice, breakfast once in MDR and everything else in buffet. The MDR menu was just about identical to what was offered in the buffet. I enjoyed putting together my own plate ( with lots of vegetables) and not having to wait to be served. We ate in MDR on dress up nights. I also was uncomfortable at a table for two - being seated very close to another table for two. While some people were very pleasant to talk with; some were less communicative. We loved eating on the lido deck by the pool- especially when the roof was opened. It was like eating outside and we loved the big windows for site-seeing! I came home losing 2 lbs from making better choices, not having seconds. I enjoyed a dessert everyday too! Yeah- even as an older couple- we much prefer casual!
We usually start our days with breakfast at the buffet on most cruises and lunch sometimes. Most dinners in the MDR, but with my upcoming cruise, I actually decided to try the buffet more for dinner. I’ll see if it’s like most people are saying, that buffet have basically the same choices as the MDR, just the presentation is different 😊
I avoid buffets but not because I am a snob, I am just avoiding getting sick. If you watch how many people don't wash their hands and then go handle the ladles or even pick up food and put it back, that makes it a little less appetizing. But I totally understand why some people love buffets.
How right u are. I just got off of Visions Saturday. It started by blowing my nose. By the time I drove the 40 minutes I was sneezing and achy. Decided to take a Covid test and low and behold it was positive. I started off eating in the MDR for breakfast and service was so slow so I started eating at the buffet. The hostess was there with hand sanitizer and people were just brushing past her. If possible eat in the MDR and save yourself the grief I’m going thru now.😢😢😢😢
I wash my hands before going through the buffet. Then I bring hand sanitizer to use just before I eat, because I know most people didn’t wash their hands before using the serving tongs and utensils.
This is also why I’ve enjoyed the buffet where they do more of the serving. It also decreases chances of illness. I’ve been involved as staff at large camps where illnesses common in large groups have gone through, even in an inside cabin I’d prefer getting them on a cruise ship than a camp with temporary toilets, but that’s where my sanitary habits when on cruise ships base themselves. If my practices can keep me safe at camp, they can keep me safe on a ship.
My first (and so far only) cruise we ate in the MDR for dinner the first and second night but after that it was buffet every night. The second to last morning we went to MDR for breakfast and realized we’d been making a huge mistake. For us, being able to sit at the table and have food come to us while the coffee is kicking in was a great way to ease in to the day. Far better than the hustle and bustle of the buffet. Our plan now is MDR breakfast every morning on the next cruise and buffet for most lunches and dinners.
My wife and I rarely use the buffet for dinner (we enjoy the pampering that we get in the MDR and occasional specialty restaurant and appreciate the fact that it helps us to control portion sizes), but we do enjoy the convenience of the buffet/casual dining for breakfast and lunch, particularly on port days. (We just try to make sure our eyes match our appetite). That being said, I can think of a couple of other reasons why people may want to consider a buffet for dinner, besides speed and convenience. First, on some lines such as Holland America, the menu on the buffet will include many of the items that are being served in the MDR. Thus, you can get the best of both worlds. Second, the one complaint that is often made of MDR food is the quality and size of sides, such as veggies and starch. Sometimes it seems like they are afterthoughts to the protein. Personally, many times I would prefer a smaller protein and a larger serving of veg. By going to the buffet, you can easily fix your plate to the proportion you want.
We eat breakfast & dinners at the MDR mainly because it is so nice to be waited on! We are early risers and grab Americano coffees and a croissant or danish before breakfast. Lunches are at the buffet, poolside burgers/ pizza or at the International Cafe depending on our mood or energy level….sometimes going to the buffet just doesn’t seem worth the effort. We hang out a lot in the Piazza and just relax, enjoy the activities or music there. I agree when you have a balcony, sometimes it is so nice to take food back to your room and decompress from the crowds in the open air!
I'm a nibbler, in the morning, I like to have some fruit and a little bit of everything, for lunch, I enjoy a nice salad, cheese, and crackers. My last cruise was on Viking and their buffet was awesome. We always took some sweets back to the room. As for cleanliness, wash your hands and use a napkin to handle the tongs. Viking was quite vigilant making sure people washed their hands as well.
I've been on 1 cruise, RC. And our main dining experience was the BEST thing on the trip. We went at our specified time, and our dining neighbors were GREAT and the service was 5 star. I found the RC buffet to be average, okay for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner.
That was my view also recently with RC, less so with HAL which I did my first one on recently. I could walk through the buffet on RC and find nothing I wanted, usually ate there due to need rather than want (missed meal time in MDR). On HAL it became my, missed meal in MDR or snack between meal location as I could always find something I wanted, even if only my green apple and cheese (land based favourite snack).
I’ve not been on many cruises, but on three different lines, though one many years ago. I love the ability to look at the menus online before as it’s has helped me choose where to eat at a particular time. Be it a specialty or MDR or other location. I have a couple food restrictions, usually can manage on my own but can be easier in the MDR, especially when assigned time, but as a solo traveller, I got some of the best seats when willing to share a table, as well as meeting new people or being introduced to new foods or drinks. Discovered Darjeeling tea that way. It has been more common for me to walk around a buffet and be unimpressed with the food, or there be a line up to either get the food or difficulty finding a seat, that I have never had in a MDR. It’s not saying the foods not good, but I’m generally looking for something I wouldn’t do at home, and that is seldom found in the buffet, except for deserts.
One of the things that wasn’t mentioned is getting a table in the buffet. Upon entering, someone in your party needs to “ save” a table. Otherwise, you could be wandering around with a plate of food in your hands trying to find a place to dine. With us, I’ll save a table while hubby gets his food. Then I will get mine. We enjoy the buffet, but we have dinner either in MDR or a specialty restaurant. For breakfast, we usually have room service.
Holland America puts linen table cloths in the Lido for dinner. There are some of the choices from the MDR. So nice to come back from a busy port day and not have to get dressed. We also like to dress for dinner and enjoy all the food options available. Thank you for all your fun informative videos.
We actually really enjoy the buffet! We are more casual folks and although it’s nice to be served in the main dining room once in awhile, we found ourselves more often in the buffet. We also like O’Sheehans on the NCL cruise ships. On our last cruise to Alaska, our stateroom was just down the hall from O’Sheehans, so it was easy. The menu doesn’t change much, but the food is good, servers are friendly and it’s more casual. I loved having breakfast in there. I do kind of miss the days when you had a dinner time assigned for the main dining room where you would sit at an assigned table with other cruisers and usually had the same server. It gave an opportunity to meet others and the servers got to know your preferences and might surprise you with a little treat. Although the last time we cruised with this set up, we assigned a table with a man in his mid forties and his father, who was just a sweet, lovely man. The son turned out to be quite the bore, monopolising the conversations with his extensive ramblings of previous cruises! I would have loved to talk more with the father, but it was quite impossible. After a few nights we started eating elsewhere! I felt bad for the dad, though! Covid changed that arrangement!
We rarely eat in the buffet, you gave great reasons to eat there but we find the crowds,(kids), trying to find a table, and sanitation(not crew but passengers) are the main reasons we don’t eat at buffet. We eat at complementary venues, Park Cafe, Promenade Cafe, or MDR. Specialty restaurants for special events.
I go to the buffet for breakfast, Lunch, and sometimes when I get back from the shore’s excursion. It’s easier to have dinner at the buffet, get dressed up and go to the shows. I like to have my dinner at the MDR. ❤
Looks like the Celebrity Beyond....excellent buffet. They also have 4 different themed main dining rooms that were fantastic. I agree with you that on some days, it is just too much effort to get all dressed up after a long day sightseeing to go to a dining room. We are about to embark on our 60th cruise and I've learned that I'll do me and be happy.
Forgot to mention...the Caesar salad in the buffet was far better than in the MDR. That was a surprise. The young woman made it while I waited and added just the right amount of dressing and anchovies that I requested.
We usually just do the MDR for dinner only. Our last cruise was a 10-day cruise and we found that we got a little tired of eating at the main dining room. At least on Princess, the buffet food is so good with plenty of options. And we noticed some of the dinners you could get in the MDR were also at the buffet. We like to put a little bit of different things on our plate to try. We feel like we actually eat less this way. They’re more like little hor’dourves. But for our next cruise (14-day) we’ve decided that we’re going to experience breakfast and lunch at the MDR on separate occasions just to change things up. We will also be sure to frequent more of the included restaurants too. In some ways the buffet can be a little too convenient. One thing we definitely do not see ourselves ever doing is pay for specialty dining. That’s just our personal preference. Thank you for all of your great tips!
I don’t find you to be snobbish on your videos. I appreciate your perspective and I will definitely consider your opinions when I’m planning my family’s cruise trip. Thank you for putting your videos out! I appreciate you.
We cruised NCL Joy to Bermuda this summer, and the buffet was SO GOOD! I loved that we could have the flexibility of everyone eating when they wanted, or we could pop by for fruit or other snacks before/after excursions, and everything was so delicious! *Washi Washi Everyday...Good for you, good for us...*
I like long cruises so the dining room gets monotonous night after night. I like to mix it up with a nice charcuterie plate from the buffet and sit at the back of the ship and watch the sunset.
My wife has food sensitivities so the buffet is perfect to let her pick and choose exactly what’s on her plate. But we love the main dining room for breakfast. Much quieter first thing in the morning.
I’ve only been on three cruises. I thought the buffet was better than the main dining room. Quality, variety, amazing staff. If I ever cruise again I’ll be completely skipping the main dining room.
To me the difference between the Buffet and the restaurants/MDR is "Eating" vs "Dining." Sometimes you just want some food, sometimes a food experience. So we like the variety of options. Often, if we don't see a dessert that we like in the MDR, we stop by the buffet and see what they have and take it back to our cabin. One turn off to us is that often in the buffet, there are passengers that are planted for hours in the window seating, reading, visiting, eating and staying a long time in those most desirable seats.
I suggest looking at the buffet offerings before deciding again MDR. On the Sapphire Princess this July, we decided to go to the buffet for dinner. They were serving Indian food and there wasn't anything we liked. Ended up eating a burger by the pool. Learned a lesson from our experience. Check before missing your dinner reservation.
Hi:) My husband and I have heard you mention the cruise buffets quite a few times through your amazing videos (we love your videos 😊). The cruise buffet for us is fantastic for breakfast and lunch (we don't generally care for the main dining room because we don't wish to dine with others that we don't know, and for dinner we like to get all fancy and enjoy something a little special on our cruise that is a bit more romantic, so we tend to make reservations at specialty restaurants). We hope you continue to make videos and not be discouraged by people that just aren't the nicest (maybe they were having an unfortunate "moment"). Your videos are super informative, and it is like listening to a regular friend speak of their experiences on a cruise, which makes it feel more trustworthy and not gimmicky like so many others. Best wishes and happy sailing 😊⚓🚢 ☀️
We ate at the buffet for breakfast and lunch. Unless we were on a tour. Dinner was always "dress-up and drinks" before dinner. All of the food was delicious. No matter where we ate. The buffet always had a large variety if selections.
We have set dining for dinner in MDR. They are really good for taking care of my Gluten intolerance. I find the Buffet better for breakfast as it is quicker and I can grab fruit, eggs, bacon and a Hot Chocolate quickly. Sea day lunches usually in MDR, but occasionally deck munchies. The buffet is great if we get back late from a Port excursion.
I just came back from the Carnival Firenze...The food inclusive with the package was delicious....the guys burgers, the tacos and burritos and other foods. There were a few I did not like. So glad I went to non-inclusive dining the Bonsai Sushi...it was not expensive and very delicious...it did not have taxes, but it does have service fee...I did not ordered a lot...the service fee was little more than $4 but not $5. Everyone was polite and nice. Guest services are phenomenal...Excellent.
We have 2 children under 10 and the buffet works best for us. We took them to 2 specialty restaurants and it took FOREVER to get the food. We much preferred to get our own food and eat right away. You can’t beat the variety either!
Hi we love formal dinning at night . However we love buffet breakfast and lunches . Or just to stop by for a filler when walking by lol . I'm left station that is my favorite breakfast.
If you are ok with the chaos of the buffet, then go there. When it comes to a long day of sailing and excursions, the main dining room is a nice and calm way to just eat and relax.
Love your videos and such good advice!!! I have been on over 20 cruises. I stopped eating in the MDR for one reason only. It is just too slow. I just don't spend that much time dealing with food so the buffet is way more appropriate for us. Plus we have met some awesome people in the buffet...not so much in a formal atmosphere dining room. Plus the food isn't better enough to lure us in.!
I like buffet style on land, as well. Because I eat smaller portions, but like variety. Plus, I’m predominately a plant based eater, so it’s simpler for me to get a plate of veggies, some dal, and bread.
I love your videos! Thank you so much! I cannot believe that mean spirited people accused you of being a cruise food snob. It’s possible that this person or persons feels intimidated by eating in the main dining room.
Love you and tell others about your great channel! The BUFFET vs the MDR: MDR - I like to be waited on. I like finding the best table waiter for us and stick with them. They can learn our preferences in drinks/wine, kind of specialty water, and foods. Makes life easier. Usually always at dinner time. BUFFET - We go very few times at dinner. Sometimes for lunch and breakfast. Good for coming in late after a tour. I like serving myself just the amount I will eat. I like having more control over the variety of foods I eat. I hate walking around and around to find a seat!!!
We are late night people and we often bring food back to the room to snack on later. The night before disembarkation I grab some fruit and cookies for a quick snack in the morning.
We tend to stay away from the buffet. We enjoy having a nice dinner or breakfast. We are on vacation & want to enjoy it. We may swing by the buffet for a quick snack if the International Cafe on Princess is too busy. The buffet is the only place I can get iced tea whenever I want. Big complaint by me that iced tea isn’t available everywhere on the ship. I don’t drink coffee, alcohol or soda, so it’s a huge inconvenience. Keep putting this on my surveys but don’t see any changes. Still have hope. 🤞🏻🙏🏻
What I usually do is after main dining room I just go to buffet for more variety of desserts and fruits , also pick up something else back to my cabin 😊
Love the buffet. So many choices. Portions very small in the main dining room compared to what you can get at the buffet. It’s also much quicker and the ocean views are a plus.
When my husband and I travel without our sons, we usually eat in the MDR. My sons LOVE the buffet for the casual atmosphere and great variety. My husband and I will check the MDR menu during the day. If we aren't interested in what's being served (that rarely happens!). If we aren't interested in what's being served in the MDR, we'll go to the buffet. As you mentioned, if it was a busy day and we just want to eat NOW, buffet is great for this. My husband and I love to dress and have dinner in the MDR. It's just our preference.
Love the buffet! Love the MDR also. Both have a spot in my cruise. Buffet is great for picking up a variety of items to enjoy in your room in your pjs! I try to mix up my dining methods in order to try everything the ship has to offer!
The buffet is amazing on Princess! It's great for my picky kiddo. The only caveat with the buffets is the potential for cross-contamination with allergies. But the crew were superb and let us know they would do their best to help us out. Now that my kid is old enough for the kids club, we are definitely going to take advantage of that buffet tip!
My wife and I usually eat at the buffet over half our meals. I like to make combos of Indian , American, Italian and the salad bar. Keeps things interesting.
I generally eat breakfast at the buffet every day. Other meals depend on the Itinerary for me. For example, just took a Norwegian Cruise to Italy & Greece and so we ate lunch and sometimes dinner off the ship on purpose to try new cuisines.
I loved all the options at the buffet. Especially if you have food limitations/restrictions. On our first cruise, we did eat dinner in the MDR but i found it really loud and meals dragged on. On our second cruise we upgraded our room class that had it's own DR. Much smaller and better service. All in all, loved the buffet option.
Hi from Ireland llana, I am really enjoying your channel, hope to go on our first cruise this Christmas. Wouldn't have the first clue about how anything works, so grateful to you x
My wife & I prefer the main dining room in the evening, most of the time. We like a more forml atmosphere. We sometimes ask to sit with strangers to meet other people. Occasionally we will eat at the lido, if we have time restraints, or for just a change.
We just got back from our first family cruise. We had some amazing meals. The buffet was very nice, but if I had to rank all the eating establishments, the buffet would be at the bottom. We loved the main dining room best! We loved the service, ambiance, and of course, the food.
I did breakfast buffets on an Alaska Carnival cruise back in 2010 , and they had the best omelets I’ve ever had . I’d sit there by the huge window enjoying my breakfast while watching the Alaska scenery go by.
First of all, we enjoy watching your channel on a daily basis. Please don''t let the people who search for negativity in life affect your channel. Secondly, we don't go on cruises to eat. There are too many other things we want to do, and our schedule is normally tight. Thus, we normally eat in the buffet. We are not willing to give up other activities to make the time to eat in the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants except on special occasions. We are very happy with eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the buffets.
After 40+ years of cruising, my husband prefers the buffet for every meal - although he does like the specialty restaurants. I do like the buffets but I also like dinner in the MDR.
Never cruised yet, but honestly this made me feel more comfortable for our future cruise. Usually when delicious food is put in front of me I will eat it all. But, I’m often not all that hungry or shouldn’t have it (eap desserts!) I love indulging sometimes, that’s fine, but much better off just not having it all on the plate for the most part. At a buffet I feel like I’m actually less likely to eat all the things, to stop when I’m full, and choose more wisely in the first place. I know that sounds like opposite land, but it’s my best bet for me. We’ll see! I could be very very wrong ;)
I love the buffet for breakfast, lunch and late night food! But for dinner I will almost always choose the main dining room (and occasionally specialty dining when it's in our budget) simply for the experience and the gourmet food options. I can't speak on all the cruise lines as I've only ever been on celebrity, and a couple royal caribbean, but either way I don't think I've ever been disappointed in the food🤤😍
@@juliehall2893 I adore celebrity cruises! It's hard for me to even consider any other cruise line because I know how much fun I'll have. And the food is definitely a big part of the experience!😍
I so enjoy your videos. Please don’t let these negative Nelly comments bother you. I have severe food allergies and only eat in the dining room. Buffets can’t guarantee ingredients and cross-contamination. MDR is very responsive to allergy requirements.
On our last cruise, we never went to the main dining room. We were on HAL with lots of port days and spa passes. Not being foodies, we just wanted a simple meal. We also took advantage of the free room service several times.
I routinely walk up to and peruse the ship buffet right b4 dinner. Sometimes they might have something unique there that i love, such as mussles (yum).
On Oceania we love the buffet! Choices are great and we prefer to sit outside which is an option when dining at the buffet. Also, their specialty restaurants are fabulous as well.
Buffet dining can work for everyone. Depends on our schedule, how much we had to eat earlier etc. We are SOOO excited to be sailing on the Sun Princess in January - very interested to see the "new" hands off buffet. Thank you so much for all your info...you are amazing and we so enjoy your info videos.
@@lynnerooney9698 We will also be on the Sun in January. We normally cruise on Holland America and this will be our first Princess. Really looking forward to checking them out, and now they have new packages that basically make it all-inclusive. Great new perk from Princess.
Mostly Breakfast is in the MDR on sea days, grab and go or buffet for ports with tour days. Lunch everywhere on the ship, maybe even 2x a day, little here, little there. Stopped trying MDR because you want to get on to your next activity. MDR almost every dinner. Exceptions include long port days, when there's a show I don't want to miss or like in Alaska, when sitting at the back of the buffet outside was such a great view. When the kids were little, we did the buffet at 5pm and date night after like you shared. I imagine that's why the MDR is no longer the only place to eat like in the 90's.
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner
The great thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. The bad thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. Too many foods know my name.
lol true story!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
If I don't control myself at a buffet, I'll hurt myself.
@@timgreen4137 😜
@@timgreen4137 😂😂😂
I hope you didn't let that snobby comment bother you. I watch all of your videos and I have seen you eat at the buffet many times. Some people just want to be nasty. We love your videos. Don't rethink or feel like you need to justify anything
@@Belinda-BJ lol, no let this be the worst I’m called 😂
I totally agree she’s awesome and I love her channel thanks to her channel our first cruise was smooth, we had everything we needed. 😊❤
We just got off the Harmony and our young kids and grandkids loved the Main Dining room. We ate dinner there every night. They thought we were taking them someplace fancy. We did eat buffet also, but that was just okay.
She’s a very classy lady ;they just want to knock her down a few pegs!
This channel is the best 🎉 people will always have something to say!! Keep it up with the great content ❤
SIMPLE : WHOEVER SAID THOSE MEAN SPIRITED THINGS ABOUT YOU...THEY DONT LOVE THEMSELVES.
YOU ARE A SWEETHEART❤ AND BRILLIANT TOO🎉
Haha that’s ok. Let’s hope this is the worst thing I’m called 😂
@jamessalemi1477 I thought the same! Like, Ilana is so nice! Why would someone be so mean in the comments??
I agree, Illana is wonderful and so helpful in every way
Illana, you are such a lovely person, I love all your videos. Don't let that mean person and the insensitive words hurt you! Actually I prefer to eat in the MDR and I only go to the buffet for my xtra salads and fresh fruits 😂 and if I need to get off the ship early for an excursion. Am I a snoob too? 🤔
Wow, I missed whatever started this. You are clearly a lovely person as is your family. Your channel has always been one of my favorites. Sadly, social media allows people to hide behind anonymity and say things they could never say face to face. Keep up the great work!
Celebrity cruiser here. After 35+ cruises we eat all of our meals in the ocean view. I do not like sitting for 2 1/2 hours to have a meal. Another thing I love about cruising, so many options for everyone. I still get dressed up at night I just do not like to sit in the main dining room waiting forever for my food. We even eat in the buffet when we are in a suite lol. To each their own.
@@wandamotsko7263 love this! As someone once told me, the great thing about a cruise is that we can all be on the same ship, but have a unique vacation that is just right for us 🚢👏
Had one meal in dining room. As the ship left port during our dinner time we decided to get a table on the back deck and used the buffet. More relaxing!
I like to do a little of everything. MDR, Specialty Restaurant, Buffet, Poolside Grill etc. Variety, the spice of life. 😊
@@jrm2515 love that
I just finished a cruise on princess discovery to Alaska, all food was great but we like to try all as well. We never did buffet for dinner, but breakfast a couple of days and lunch once. Main dining and casual dining for dinner. I did not do the specialty, but will do some on our next one to hawaii in the spring. I agree variety.
Another thought. My wife is hypoglycemic she was on a sugar crash, we tried room service (45 minute wait), main dining outside our time and delay, snack store too expensive, ran to buffet as she was barely able to walk. Ran up grabbed some shrimp, sugars and proteins, it was literally like an emergency room if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic.
My husband was a diabetic. We always kept peppermint candy with us “just in case”. Both of us had it handy-either in pockets or purse. Glad you made it to the buffet in time.
We used to eat all meals in the buffet. We now eat breakfast and dinner in the dining room. In all honesty, I can’t control my portions in the buffet. I go in with good intentions but I see all the wonderful food and go overboard!
That’s why you wear your tightest clothes at the beginning of a cruise & save the larger ones to wear after going to the buffet a few days….😂
@@cruisergirl067 great point
Me, too. That's why I take a very small portion size to begin with and just go back for seconds if I really like the food (and still want more).
I usually cruise solo. MDR takes a long time and can just be uncomfortable for me. I'm not into dressing 😒 up every night so casual for me is good. The buffet I can try small portions of many different dishes that I've never had instead of just one. I live doing things on my own schedule, just walk in and enjoy, plus a sea view every time. I love the advantage of what the buffet has to offer.
@@darlenemichalski2225 makes lots of sense
You are definitely not a snob. Please continue to enjoy your cruise vacation as you see fit as the cruise offers many choices for all and we shouldn’t judge the choices of others 🙃
@@jenniferbruce2303 yes, love this attitude 👏
As a solo traveler (widower), I now seldom go to the dining room. No only does sitting by myself remind me that I no longer have my loved one but as a solo diner, I am invariably placed in a high traffic area where I have to constantly pull in my elbows to let people by, Also, as a solo traveler, I feel the wait staff gives me a low priority for service and the service is hurried. And it is much easier in the buffet area to engage in casual conversations with fellow diners.
I love the buffet. I love the fresh fruit and veggies and I can select my portions.
Me too!
I do the MDR at 5:00 pm and then hit the buffet later before it closes. Best of both worlds😊
After 38 cruises I have not eaten in the buffet one time for dinner! We do eat there occasionally for breakfast or lunch, but mostly MDR or Specialty, or on deck (for lunch). But, sit-down dining and dressing up is a huge part of my reason for cruising, and we no longer go to the shows or even to ports much, so we don't ever want to 'eat and run', and dining is our activity of choice in the evenings. But I can see how it is the best choice for many.
I can completely understand this! Thanks for sharing
Same here
next month will be my 18th cruise and I've only ate a couple of times at the buffet for dinner. The last cruise I wanted to watch the Football game in the sports bar so I grab dinner at the buffet. I just enjoy the food a lot more in the MDR.
I’ve done about 13 cruises and has never missed the formal dinning. However, a month ago on an MSC cruise we got the 10 pm seating. We only did it 3 times and ended yo changing to the buffet. To our surprise they had the same items for dinner as the formal dining plus more. It was super relaxing plus we could go a lot earlier for dinner.
Breakfast & lunch at the buffet. Dinner in main dining hall.
My husband and I are seasoned cruisers (25+) cruises and about 10 years ago we stopped going to the buffets. We prefer to be served and relax when eating.
Usually only 1 meal in the MDR. I love the buffet because of the variety. I also eat more salad because it is ready to eat. Watermelon at breakfast is a must when cruising.
We generally always eat breakfast and lunch at the buffet and the views are so underrated.
@@tallflguy true!
I am a cruise ship snob and proud of it LOL...We love main dining room for breakfast and dinner. Part of our eating enjoyment is having it served to us. And we find we don't over indulge something that is easy to do at the buffet. Lunch is either had on shore, or for cruise days, the outdoor hamburgers.
I cruise exclusively on HAL. The buffet is served to you, so I'm always confident in cleanliness. I love my breakfast hot, and I can get that in the buffet. Eggs cooked to order, fresh salad, made to order, and a stirfry station, among other things. I also like the Dive in, or New York pizza and deli. I can relax on the deck, eat a leisurely meal, and read a Kindle book.
I love the MDR because of the fresh food and pampering and relaxation. My 3 granddaughters and son who live in Australia (I’m in USA) love the buffet. I am visiting them in March 2025 and we booked a 7 day cruise out of Sydney. One of the qualifications was to get cabins that were near the buffet because my dear granddaughters just love to visit and enjoy the buffet anytime of the day. So I, being the loving grandmother, booked two connecting cabins near the steps that lead one level up to the buffet. I love them so I was happy to make this concession and can’t wait to enjoy the time with family. Hoping to change my mind about buffets in March 2025.
You are a good grandma! Have fun with the grandkids and your son! Hopefully someday I'll get to Australia (specifically to Tasmania, though!)
sweet
We've done a lot of these, always take snacks back to our cabin. We LOVE sitting on Lido to eat and get AWESOME pictures.
I agree about food portions. Honestly we like doing buffet because we don't always want main dining room, that's why we do "any time" for the times we Want to go. Otherwise we eat buffet, or choose specialty or the free venues. Heck we don't even eat anymore set at home. 4 adults in the house and no one knows what they want. Most times it's on your own. Yes we have our son and his partner living with us. We help each other out for things AND we actually all get along
@@heideleskun1163 great points
this was a great video. when we were on the Royal Princess, we ate at the buffet a few times. We ate their for port day breakfast because it was just easy and much faster than sit down..... we got in/ got what we wanted and were able to leave the ship on time for our excursion. We did eat dinner there 2 nights, but we found that we did like the sit down better. that's just us. I thought for lunch, the buffet was super convenient. I honestly feel , like you said, it's whatever your mood is..... if you kind of want light / healthy / quick.... the buffet is the way to go. ( or for some good mac and cheese !) the great thing is, you have a choice !
We often sleep in and miss the MDR hours for breakfast. Love the Princess international café breakfast sandwich and cappuccino (before 11.00!)
We just got off 24 days on HAL.
We had dinner in the MDR twice, speciality dinners twice, breakfast once in MDR and everything else in buffet. The MDR menu was just about identical to what was offered in the buffet. I enjoyed putting together my own plate ( with lots of vegetables) and not having to wait to be served. We ate in MDR on dress up nights.
I also was uncomfortable at a table for two - being seated very close to another table for two. While some people were very pleasant to talk with; some were less communicative. We loved eating on the lido deck by the pool- especially when the roof was opened. It was like eating outside and we loved the big windows for site-seeing! I came home losing 2 lbs from making better choices, not having seconds. I enjoyed a dessert everyday too! Yeah- even as an older couple- we much prefer casual!
We usually start our days with breakfast at the buffet on most cruises and lunch sometimes. Most dinners in the MDR, but with my upcoming cruise, I actually decided to try the buffet more for dinner. I’ll see if it’s like most people are saying, that buffet have basically the same choices as the MDR, just the presentation is different 😊
My wife and I love the new princess ships buffets. We like a casual cruise and less formal clothes to pack!!!
It is nice!
I avoid buffets but not because I am a snob, I am just avoiding getting sick. If you watch how many people don't wash their hands and then go handle the ladles or even pick up food and put it back, that makes it a little less appetizing. But I totally understand why some people love buffets.
right you are...we bring our own disposable flatware n tongs, we have bottled water n flavorings in our own stanleys! never ever been sick
How right u are. I just got off of Visions Saturday. It started by blowing my nose. By the time I drove the 40 minutes I was sneezing and achy. Decided to take a Covid test and low and behold it was positive. I started off eating in the MDR for breakfast and service was so slow so I started eating at the buffet. The hostess was there with hand sanitizer and people were just brushing past her. If possible eat in the MDR and save yourself the grief I’m going thru now.😢😢😢😢
I wash my hands before going through the buffet. Then I bring hand sanitizer to use just before I eat, because I know most people didn’t wash their hands before using the serving tongs and utensils.
This is also why I’ve enjoyed the buffet where they do more of the serving. It also decreases chances of illness. I’ve been involved as staff at large camps where illnesses common in large groups have gone through, even in an inside cabin I’d prefer getting them on a cruise ship than a camp with temporary toilets, but that’s where my sanitary habits when on cruise ships base themselves. If my practices can keep me safe at camp, they can keep me safe on a ship.
People preparing and serving your food can be unsanitary also . Either way it’s a gamble
My first (and so far only) cruise we ate in the MDR for dinner the first and second night but after that it was buffet every night. The second to last morning we went to MDR for breakfast and realized we’d been making a huge mistake. For us, being able to sit at the table and have food come to us while the coffee is kicking in was a great way to ease in to the day. Far better than the hustle and bustle of the buffet. Our plan now is MDR breakfast every morning on the next cruise and buffet for most lunches and dinners.
My wife and I rarely use the buffet for dinner (we enjoy the pampering that we get in the MDR and occasional specialty restaurant and appreciate the fact that it helps us to control portion sizes), but we do enjoy the convenience of the buffet/casual dining for breakfast and lunch, particularly on port days. (We just try to make sure our eyes match our appetite).
That being said, I can think of a couple of other reasons why people may want to consider a buffet for dinner, besides speed and convenience.
First, on some lines such as Holland America, the menu on the buffet will include many of the items that are being served in the MDR. Thus, you can get the best of both worlds.
Second, the one complaint that is often made of MDR food is the quality and size of sides, such as veggies and starch. Sometimes it seems like they are afterthoughts to the protein. Personally, many times I would prefer a smaller protein and a larger serving of veg. By going to the buffet, you can easily fix your plate to the proportion you want.
@@timothycollins3829 you’re right, thanks for bringing up those points
I eat at the buffet 95% of the time because it saves time and I like the variety.
I agree, eating in the dining room takes too long. I'd rather be doing other things😊
I always read the MDR dinner menu at lunchtime and then decide if it is something I will skip.
I enjoy taking part in all the different food opportunities. The buffet, main dining, and specialty dining😊
We eat breakfast & dinners at the MDR mainly because it is so nice to be waited on! We are early risers and grab Americano coffees and a croissant or danish before breakfast. Lunches are at the buffet, poolside burgers/ pizza or at the International Cafe depending on our mood or energy level….sometimes going to the buffet just doesn’t seem worth the effort. We hang out a lot in the Piazza and just relax, enjoy the activities or music there. I agree when you have a balcony, sometimes it is so nice to take food back to your room and decompress from the crowds in the open air!
Thanks for sharing! You mentioned the Piazza, love the IC 👏
I'm a nibbler, in the morning, I like to have some fruit and a little bit of everything, for lunch, I enjoy a nice salad, cheese, and crackers. My last cruise was on Viking and their buffet was awesome. We always took some sweets back to the room. As for cleanliness, wash your hands and use a napkin to handle the tongs. Viking was quite vigilant making sure people washed their hands as well.
I've been on 1 cruise, RC. And our main dining experience was the BEST thing on the trip. We went at our specified time, and our dining neighbors were GREAT and the service was 5 star. I found the RC buffet to be average, okay for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree. RC buffet is just ok (at best). The main dining was excellent, in both quality of the food, as well as the service.
That was my view also recently with RC, less so with HAL which I did my first one on recently. I could walk through the buffet on RC and find nothing I wanted, usually ate there due to need rather than want (missed meal time in MDR). On HAL it became my, missed meal in MDR or snack between meal location as I could always find something I wanted, even if only my green apple and cheese (land based favourite snack).
I’ve not been on many cruises, but on three different lines, though one many years ago. I love the ability to look at the menus online before as it’s has helped me choose where to eat at a particular time. Be it a specialty or MDR or other location.
I have a couple food restrictions, usually can manage on my own but can be easier in the MDR, especially when assigned time, but as a solo traveller, I got some of the best seats when willing to share a table, as well as meeting new people or being introduced to new foods or drinks. Discovered Darjeeling tea that way.
It has been more common for me to walk around a buffet and be unimpressed with the food, or there be a line up to either get the food or difficulty finding a seat, that I have never had in a MDR. It’s not saying the foods not good, but I’m generally looking for something I wouldn’t do at home, and that is seldom found in the buffet, except for deserts.
One of the things that wasn’t mentioned is getting a table in the buffet. Upon entering, someone in your party needs to “ save” a table. Otherwise, you could be wandering around with a plate of food in your hands trying to find a place to dine. With us, I’ll save a table while hubby gets his food. Then I will get mine. We enjoy the buffet, but we have dinner either in MDR or a specialty restaurant. For breakfast, we usually have room service.
Holland America puts linen table cloths in the Lido for dinner. There are some of the choices from the MDR. So nice to come back from a busy port day and not have to get dressed. We also like to dress for dinner and enjoy all the food options available. Thank you for all your fun informative videos.
@@stephanielardner9150 they do a great job! Thanks for sharing this
We actually really enjoy the buffet! We are more casual folks and although it’s nice to be served in the main dining room once in awhile, we found ourselves more often in the buffet. We also like O’Sheehans on the NCL cruise ships. On our last cruise to Alaska, our stateroom was just down the hall from O’Sheehans, so it was easy. The menu doesn’t change much, but the food is good, servers are friendly and it’s more casual. I loved having breakfast in there. I do kind of miss the days when you had a dinner time assigned for the main dining room where you would sit at an assigned table with other cruisers and usually had the same server. It gave an opportunity to meet others and the servers got to know your preferences and might surprise you with a little treat. Although the last time we cruised with this set up, we assigned a table with a man in his mid forties and his father, who was just a sweet, lovely man. The son turned out to be quite the bore, monopolising the conversations with his extensive ramblings of previous cruises! I would have loved to talk more with the father, but it was quite impossible. After a few nights we started eating elsewhere! I felt bad for the dad, though! Covid changed that arrangement!
We rarely eat in the buffet, you gave great reasons to eat there but we find the crowds,(kids), trying to find a table, and sanitation(not crew but passengers) are the main reasons we don’t eat at buffet. We eat at complementary venues, Park Cafe, Promenade Cafe, or MDR. Specialty restaurants for special events.
I go to the buffet for breakfast, Lunch, and sometimes when I get back from the shore’s excursion. It’s easier to have dinner at the buffet, get dressed up and go to the shows. I like to have my dinner at the MDR. ❤
Looks like the Celebrity Beyond....excellent buffet. They also have 4 different themed main dining rooms that were fantastic. I agree with you that on some days, it is just too much effort to get all dressed up after a long day sightseeing to go to a dining room. We are about to embark on our 60th cruise and I've learned that I'll do me and be happy.
Forgot to mention...the Caesar salad in the buffet was far better than in the MDR. That was a surprise. The young woman made it while I waited and added just the right amount of dressing and anchovies that I requested.
We usually just do the MDR for dinner only. Our last cruise was a 10-day cruise and we found that we got a little tired of eating at the main dining room. At least on Princess, the buffet food is so good with plenty of options. And we noticed some of the dinners you could get in the MDR were also at the buffet. We like to put a little bit of different things on our plate to try. We feel like we actually eat less this way. They’re more like little hor’dourves. But for our next cruise (14-day) we’ve decided that we’re going to experience breakfast and lunch at the MDR on separate occasions just to change things up. We will also be sure to frequent more of the included restaurants too. In some ways the buffet can be a little too convenient. One thing we definitely do not see ourselves ever doing is pay for specialty dining. That’s just our personal preference. Thank you for all of your great tips!
I do love seeing the ocean when I eat! 😊
I don’t find you to be snobbish on your videos. I appreciate your perspective and I will definitely consider your opinions when I’m planning my family’s cruise trip. Thank you for putting your videos out! I appreciate you.
We cruised NCL Joy to Bermuda this summer, and the buffet was SO GOOD! I loved that we could have the flexibility of everyone eating when they wanted, or we could pop by for fruit or other snacks before/after excursions, and everything was so delicious! *Washi Washi Everyday...Good for you, good for us...*
It's quick (and of course I really LIKE the scrambled eggs you crucified in your Opposite video, LOLOLOL)
I like long cruises so the dining room gets monotonous night after night. I like to mix it up with a nice charcuterie plate from the buffet and sit at the back of the ship and watch the sunset.
My wife has food sensitivities so the buffet is perfect to let her pick and choose exactly what’s on her plate. But we love the main dining room for breakfast. Much quieter first thing in the morning.
I’ve only been on three cruises. I thought the buffet was better than the main dining room. Quality, variety, amazing staff. If I ever cruise again I’ll be completely skipping the main dining room.
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing this
Oh not sure your ship but main dining on princess discovery was fantastic
To me the difference between the Buffet and the restaurants/MDR is "Eating" vs "Dining." Sometimes you just want some food, sometimes a food experience. So we like the variety of options. Often, if we don't see a dessert that we like in the MDR, we stop by the buffet and see what they have and take it back to our cabin. One turn off to us is that often in the buffet, there are passengers that are planted for hours in the window seating, reading, visiting, eating and staying a long time in those most desirable seats.
I suggest looking at the buffet offerings before deciding again MDR. On the Sapphire Princess this July, we decided to go to the buffet for dinner. They were serving Indian food and there wasn't anything we liked. Ended up eating a burger by the pool. Learned a lesson from our experience. Check before missing your dinner reservation.
Hi:) My husband and I have heard you mention the cruise buffets quite a few times through your amazing videos (we love your videos 😊).
The cruise buffet for us is fantastic for breakfast and lunch (we don't generally care for the main dining room because we don't wish to dine with others that we don't know, and for dinner we like to get all fancy and enjoy something a little special on our cruise that is a bit more romantic, so we tend to make reservations at specialty restaurants).
We hope you continue to make videos and not be discouraged by people that just aren't the nicest (maybe they were having an unfortunate "moment"). Your videos are super informative, and it is like listening to a regular friend speak of their experiences on a cruise, which makes it feel more trustworthy and not gimmicky like so many others.
Best wishes and happy sailing 😊⚓🚢 ☀️
We ate at the buffet for breakfast and lunch. Unless we were on a tour. Dinner was always "dress-up and drinks" before dinner. All of the food was delicious. No matter where we ate. The buffet always had a large variety if selections.
I love eating in the buffet anytime of the day !
I'm taking my grandchildren (and their mother) cruising for the first time later this year. I suspect we will be eating in the buffet quite often.
We have set dining for dinner in MDR. They are really good for taking care of my Gluten intolerance. I find the Buffet better for breakfast as it is quicker and I can grab fruit, eggs, bacon and a Hot Chocolate quickly. Sea day lunches usually in MDR, but occasionally deck munchies.
The buffet is great if we get back late from a Port excursion.
Sounds great!
I just came back from the Carnival Firenze...The food inclusive with the package was delicious....the guys burgers, the tacos and burritos and other foods. There were a few I did not like. So glad I went to non-inclusive dining the Bonsai Sushi...it was not expensive and very delicious...it did not have taxes, but it does have service fee...I did not ordered a lot...the service fee was little more than $4 but not $5. Everyone was polite and nice. Guest services are phenomenal...Excellent.
We have 2 children under 10 and the buffet works best for us. We took them to 2 specialty restaurants and it took FOREVER to get the food. We much preferred to get our own food and eat right away. You can’t beat the variety either!
Hi we love formal dinning at night . However we love buffet breakfast and lunches . Or just to stop by for a filler when walking by lol . I'm left station that is my favorite breakfast.
If you are ok with the chaos of the buffet, then go there. When it comes to a long day of sailing and excursions, the main dining room is a nice and calm way to just eat and relax.
This is true 👏
I just love MDR. On disembark day the buffet is crazy. MDR is a wonderful way to exit the ship.
Yes, I like to go to the buffet specially when we have a port day.😊thank you for all the suggestions and advice you give us on cruising.
Love your videos and such good advice!!! I have been on over 20 cruises. I stopped eating in the MDR for one reason only. It is just too slow. I just don't spend that much time dealing with food so the buffet is way more appropriate for us. Plus we have met some awesome people in the buffet...not so much in a formal atmosphere dining room. Plus the food isn't better enough to lure us in.!
I liked the buffet and the dining room! Thanks so much for your helpful videos!
I like buffet style on land, as well. Because I eat smaller portions, but like variety. Plus, I’m predominately a plant based eater, so it’s simpler for me to get a plate of veggies, some dal, and bread.
We do enjoy the buffets for lunch and later night snacks, but our personal fav is main dining room .
I love your videos! Thank you so much! I cannot believe that mean spirited people accused you of being a cruise food snob. It’s possible that this person or persons feels intimidated by eating in the main dining room.
Love you and tell others about your great channel! The BUFFET vs the MDR:
MDR - I like to be waited on. I like finding the best table waiter for us and stick with them. They can learn our preferences in drinks/wine, kind of specialty water, and foods. Makes life easier. Usually always at dinner time.
BUFFET - We go very few times at dinner. Sometimes for lunch and breakfast. Good for coming in late after a tour. I like serving myself just the amount I will eat. I like having more control over the variety of foods I eat. I hate walking around and around to find a seat!!!
@@sharonhinsley5335 awe thanks for your kind words & for your thoughts too!
We are late night people and we often bring food back to the room to snack on later. The night before disembarkation I grab some fruit and cookies for a quick snack in the morning.
We tend to stay away from the buffet. We enjoy having a nice dinner or breakfast. We are on vacation & want to enjoy it. We may swing by the buffet for a quick snack if the International Cafe on Princess is too busy. The buffet is the only place I can get iced tea whenever I want. Big complaint by me that iced tea isn’t available everywhere on the ship. I don’t drink coffee, alcohol or soda, so it’s a huge inconvenience. Keep putting this on my surveys but don’t see any changes. Still have hope. 🤞🏻🙏🏻
That’s a great point
What I usually do is after main dining room I just go to buffet for more variety of desserts and fruits , also pick up something else back to my cabin 😊
@@MrKn1214 great idea & tip!
One of the amazing things about cruises is the fact that you can choose when or where to eat. There are food options available everywhere.
Love the buffet. So many choices. Portions very small in the main dining room compared to what you can get at the buffet. It’s also much quicker and the ocean views are a plus.
I mix it up with every other breakfast in the buffet. Lunch snack is always lunch. If eith a group, I always eat in MD to catch up on the day.
Great idea
We love the variety for sure. If it’s crowded we may go to main dinning for breakfast instead.
When my husband and I travel without our sons, we usually eat in the MDR. My sons LOVE the buffet for the casual atmosphere and great variety. My husband and I will check the MDR menu during the day. If we aren't interested in what's being served (that rarely happens!). If we aren't interested in what's being served in the MDR, we'll go to the buffet. As you mentioned, if it was a busy day and we just want to eat NOW, buffet is great for this. My husband and I love to dress and have dinner in the MDR. It's just our preference.
Great idea to check the mdr menus
I love the buffet, especially the deserts.
Love the buffet! Love the MDR also. Both have a spot in my cruise. Buffet is great for picking up a variety of items to enjoy in your room in your pjs! I try to mix up my dining methods in order to try everything the ship has to offer!
The buffet is amazing on Princess! It's great for my picky kiddo.
The only caveat with the buffets is the potential for cross-contamination with allergies. But the crew were superb and let us know they would do their best to help us out.
Now that my kid is old enough for the kids club, we are definitely going to take advantage of that buffet tip!
@@CrusifoxMedia true super important to chat with the crew about allergies. Thanks for sharing this
My wife and I usually eat at the buffet over half our meals. I like to make combos of Indian , American, Italian and the salad bar. Keeps things interesting.
I generally eat breakfast at the buffet every day. Other meals depend on the Itinerary for me. For example, just took a Norwegian Cruise to Italy & Greece and so we ate lunch and sometimes dinner off the ship on purpose to try new cuisines.
I loved all the options at the buffet. Especially if you have food limitations/restrictions. On our first cruise, we did eat dinner in the MDR but i found it really loud and meals dragged on. On our second cruise we upgraded our room class that had it's own DR. Much smaller and better service. All in all, loved the buffet option.
Hi from Ireland llana, I am really enjoying your channel, hope to go on our first cruise this Christmas. Wouldn't have the first clue about how anything works, so grateful to you x
My wife & I prefer the main dining room in the evening, most of the time. We like a more forml atmosphere. We sometimes ask to sit with strangers to meet other people. Occasionally we will eat at the lido, if we have time restraints, or for just a change.
We just got back from our first family cruise. We had some amazing meals. The buffet was very nice, but if I had to rank all the eating establishments, the buffet would be at the bottom. We loved the main dining room best! We loved the service, ambiance, and of course, the food.
I did breakfast buffets on an Alaska Carnival cruise back in 2010 , and they had the best omelets I’ve ever had . I’d sit there by the huge window enjoying my breakfast while watching the Alaska scenery go by.
First of all, we enjoy watching your channel on a daily basis. Please don''t let the people who search for negativity in life affect your channel. Secondly, we don't go on cruises to eat. There are too many other things we want to do, and our schedule is normally tight. Thus, we normally eat in the buffet. We are not willing to give up other activities to make the time to eat in the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants except on special occasions. We are very happy with eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the buffets.
@@alpomey225 thanks for sharing:)
After 40+ years of cruising, my husband prefers the buffet for every meal - although he does like the specialty restaurants. I do like the buffets but I also like dinner in the MDR.
Never cruised yet, but honestly this made me feel more comfortable for our future cruise. Usually when delicious food is put in front of me I will eat it all. But, I’m often not all that hungry or shouldn’t have it (eap desserts!) I love indulging sometimes, that’s fine, but much better off just not having it all on the plate for the most part. At a buffet I feel like I’m actually less likely to eat all the things, to stop when I’m full, and choose more wisely in the first place. I know that sounds like opposite land, but it’s my best bet for me. We’ll see! I could be very very wrong ;)
I love the buffet for breakfast, lunch and late night food! But for dinner I will almost always choose the main dining room (and occasionally specialty dining when it's in our budget) simply for the experience and the gourmet food options. I can't speak on all the cruise lines as I've only ever been on celebrity, and a couple royal caribbean, but either way I don't think I've ever been disappointed in the food🤤😍
I'm dying to go on a Celebrity cruise, and all I think about is the food!
@@juliehall2893 I adore celebrity cruises! It's hard for me to even consider any other cruise line because I know how much fun I'll have. And the food is definitely a big part of the experience!😍
I so enjoy your videos. Please don’t let these negative Nelly comments bother you. I have severe food allergies and only eat in the dining room. Buffets can’t guarantee ingredients and cross-contamination. MDR is very responsive to allergy requirements.
On our last cruise, we never went to the main dining room. We were on HAL with lots of port days and spa passes. Not being foodies, we just wanted a simple meal. We also took advantage of the free room service several times.
I routinely walk up to and peruse the ship buffet right b4 dinner. Sometimes they might have something unique there that i love, such as mussles (yum).
On Oceania we love the buffet! Choices are great and we prefer to sit outside which is an option when dining at the buffet. Also, their specialty restaurants are fabulous as well.
Buffet dining can work for everyone. Depends on our schedule, how much we had to eat earlier etc. We are SOOO excited to be sailing on the Sun Princess in January - very interested to see the "new" hands off buffet. Thank you so much for all your info...you are amazing and we so enjoy your info videos.
Sounds great! Have an amazing time on Sun ☀️
@@lynnerooney9698 We will also be on the Sun in January. We normally cruise on Holland America and this will be our first Princess. Really looking forward to checking them out, and now they have new packages that basically make it all-inclusive. Great new perk from Princess.
I love the main dining room! We will try the buffet at lunch if the lines for the other stuff is too long.
Mostly Breakfast is in the MDR on sea days, grab and go or buffet for ports with tour days. Lunch everywhere on the ship, maybe even 2x a day, little here, little there. Stopped trying MDR because you want to get on to your next activity. MDR almost every dinner. Exceptions include long port days, when there's a show I don't want to miss or like in Alaska, when sitting at the back of the buffet outside was such a great view. When the kids were little, we did the buffet at 5pm and date night after like you shared. I imagine that's why the MDR is no longer the only place to eat like in the 90's.