Eating after embarking on Saturday...

[GoofysGal33850]

I have read that Topsiders is open as well as PC and the CM's direct you to one but you may want to go to the other one for less crowds.

For the life of me, i can't remember which one I should head to for avoiding crowds.

Share a little wisdom?

I just read the whole food pics thread and can't fit into anything now. How do I survive the cruise? (whine!)

 

[GreenGirl8]

I suggest going to Parrot Cay...that is what we did and loved sitting down and relaxing while having our carry on bags with us. We were served our drinks. The atmosphere in Topsiders is louder and to me a bit more stressful. I do know some like to eat out in the open air, but the wind bothered me when I tried to eat up there.

 

[scrapperjill]

I agree...Topsiders seemed WAY more crowded, louder and all around more crazy. We did PC last year...and it was SOOOO much more relaxing....best of all there was really hardly anyone else in there.

I know for our first cruise I'd planned on doing PC...but once we got on board my plans must not have came with us...because I couldnt' think of a thing after boarding the ship. I think I was just to overwhelmed and excited to finally be there that I just couldn't think straight anyhow...a CM on board directed us to Topsiders for lunch It wasn't until we'd gotten there that I remembered I wanted to go to PC.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Just to turn it around.

We had boarding card NO2, and got on the ship early. CM's were directing everyone to PC however Dh and myself went straight up to deck 9. We made Spa reservations then went to Topsiders. We were the only ones there. I can never make up my mind when it comes to buffet. But I was able to walk up and down the buffet lines.

We sat outside and were by ourselves the whole meal.

I would say (depending how easrly you board) if CMs are directing you to go to one, go to the other one!

 

[GoofysGal33850]

Thanks, folks! We'll be very early since we are local and will be leaving home around 8 AM so we should be there before 10 to get a low number.

We'll go get our ressies for brunch and tea, then head to wherever they are NOT directing us!

Thanks again!

 

[ESN]

Weather may play a role too - looks like this Sat may be a bit rainy??

 

[mollygirl13]

After embarkation on Sat Nov 18th, our family was following the crowds of people to Parrot Cay to get something to eat. Since this was our very 1st cruise and we really didn't know what to do or where to go, we just followed the crowds. A cast member along the way told us that Topsiders was also serving luch. We decided to go there for lunch. What a great choice since there was virtually no one there! It was empty and the weather was superb so we ate outside. We liked the food very much, too!

 

[GrammieMame]

Are the "fast food" places open during embarkation? Could we be by the pool and just pick something up from Goofey's Galley or the other place (can't think of the name)?

 

[quangr]

We had one of the later embarkation numbers. After embarking ang doing a quick stop to adjust reservations we went to PC and were told by the CM"s that they were full and we had to go elsewhere. We ended up getting in anyway- our group had split to go do the ressies with the understanding we'd meet back there, and both halves of our group explained to the CM at the door we were meeting others already inside (we just assumed the others had gotten a table already). The CM let each half of our group in and when we all met up, wandering inside, another AM in there offered to get us a table.

So don't be entirely surprised if you find that PC is full if you're a later boarder looking to eat!

 

[kcashner]

We prefer PC--nice to sit down and be served the drinks, etc. Either place can be crowded, it just depends on where people are going at that time. When a table at PC empties, they re-set it for more guests....so it is turning over all the time.

Head to whichever you prefer, and don't let the CM directions deter you.

 

[disney1990]

I remember seeing the shrimp on the buffet. Can you get shrimp at PC too?

 

[Verandah Man]

I remember seeing the shrimp on the buffet. Can you get shrimp at PC too?

Yes, you sure can, and try the cold Orange-Mango soup. It's like eating an orange creme pop. I can taste it right now!!!

 

[tjeagle]

Okay...the more I read, the less I remember..the more confused I get!!
(wow, that is like a life motto!!)

Sorry, to my question...

Is PC sit down lunch that first meal or buffet? I know Top siders is buffet, but I thought I read somewhere that PC was a buffet for that one meal as well?????

 

[GreenGirl8]

I guess it depends on what you think great weather is as well. We also were on the November 18th magic with early boarding #2 and thought it was very cold outside and a bit windy. We were seated and served drinks right away at Parrot Cay and there was no one around us for a while. It was a great way to start the cruise. I think everyone has their own style though...that is what is so great about the cruise!

 

[aprilgail2]

PC for sure, topsideres is just to crazy for me. I don't like circling with a tray of food, drinks and any carry on bag I have plus my daughter searching for a table. I like to be seated and dserved a drink and be able to put my bags down prior to getting a tray of food like they do at PC!

 

[elainabelle]

For the poster who asked about the counter service places. Yes they were open. We were in group 2 boarding, went straight to the pool. Got chicken strips and fries for the kids and then DH and I took turns going to Topsiders and each brought out a tray by the pool. It was not busy at all, but as the day progressed it definitely became more crowded.

 

[Verandah Man]

Okay...the more I read, the less I remember..the more confused I get!!
(wow, that is like a life motto!!)

Sorry, to my question...

Is PC sit down lunch that first meal or buffet? I know Top siders is buffet, but I thought I read somewhere that PC was a buffet for that one meal as well?????

PC is a buffet on Embarkation Day, but after you enter PC you are escorted to a table, can sit down, sit your carry on bags down, then a server will ask you what you would like to drink with your meal, then you can go to the buffet and get your food. Usually by the time we get back to the table, our drinks are there waiting for us, this is why we like going to PC instead of Topsiders.