Casual Dining in Topsiders

[ecmommy]

Has anyone ever used the casual dining option in Topsiders as your primary source of dinner? We sailed last year on the Wonder and had late seating, but didn't really care for it. We're just early eaters...5:00 is our usual dinner time! I just don't like how I feel when I eat a big meal that late. We have late seating again for our 7 day and I would like to get a contingency plan in case, like our last cruise (which was full), we are unable to switch to early seating.

Here are my Topsider dinner questions:

I believe that I have read that you are able to order off a menu? Is it the same as what is being served in the dining room that night?

Is the outdoor seating available during the dinner time? I'm thinking that it would be wonderful to eat dinner outside on a clear night. We did this last time...ordered room service and took it up on the top deck. A still night...full moon...it was the most romantic dinner of our cruise!

How are gratuities handled for the staff? Last year we did not eat at our table except for the first night. We went to breakfast the last morning and gave our servers their gratuities and they seemed very surprised to be getting them. One even said, "but you weren't even here the whole time" and was so grateful. We just felt that it wasn't their fault that we got a seating we didn't like and wanted them to have the full gratuity coming to them. We plan to do the same on this cruise, even if we don't eat a single meal at the table assigned to us. That said, how are the staff in Topsiders taken care of? We certainly don't mind tipping...but have no idea what would be appropriate in that setting, or if it is even necessary. Any suggestions?

During formal night will we feel really out of place just walking around the ship if we aren't gussied up? I know we can dress casually for Topsiders, but our "casual" would be khakis and polos...not jeans & t-shirts. Would we stick out like sore thumbs anyway?

One other related question:

Any past Western cruisers have any recommendations on a great place for authentic regional cuisine in Cozumel? Mexican food is our favorite and we are planning to eat dinner off the ship that night.

Thanks for reading and for your help!

 

[Michelle]

It's certainly a nice alternative but I would not eat there EVERY night...nor do I think it is even offered every night.

The menu is limited, basically there is a meat, chicken, seafood and vegetarian entree offered. You pick your own salad/appetizer and dessert from the buffet. Servers will come for your drink orders as well. It is NOT the same as what is being served in the dining room that night.

The atmosphere is more like a "bistro" -- soft lighting, and indoor seating only.

Casual dress is most definitely appropriate here. You're fine walking around in casual clothes on formal night as well, if you're not in one of the main dining rooms.

There is no way to give a gratuity to a server unless you order drinks and want to add a gratuity there. Gratuities are not expected at this dinner option.

Hope that helps a little!