Dining Dos & Don'ts That SMART Cruisers Swear By

Editorial Summary

Gary Benbridge provides a comprehensive guide to navigating cruise ship dining to avoid common mistakes and maximize value. He advises travelers to research all available venues, including those that are complimentary versus those requiring extra fees, before embarking. A key recommendation is to visit dining locations on embarkation day to inspect menus and discuss dietary requirements with the maître d'. Benbridge emphasizes the importance of booking specialty restaurants online as soon as windows open to secure preferred times. He also suggests reviewing dining schedules to avoid peak hours, which can lead to long waits and slower service. Regarding the buffet, he suggests focusing on made-to-order stations for freshness and utilizing the buffet during scenic sailing for better views. For the main dining room, he explains the differences between fixed and anytime dining options and notes that those with strict dietary needs may find more consistency in fixed dining settings. Finally, he touches on casual dining, specialty deals, and the nuances of room service, warning passengers to check the fine print regarding potential charges.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.