My wife and I have sailed on all four ships, numerous times and after the tour of the various stations by the C.M. you are free to help yourselves. However; there are certain items (pasta, grilled items, and a few others, that you advise your C.M. and they in turn have it prepared and they serve it to you. The only exception to this is when there is a virus outbreak; then they take a more proactive stance in serving you the items you tell them or you can simply tell them to select items for you to try.