Complete Newbie to Cruising with Dining Question

[Mcert01]

Hi, I am a complete newbie to cruising and need some help. Can someone explain what dining is included? It appears Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (minus Adult Only). What about snacks during the day, counter service, etc.? Are there limits? Does it work like the Dining Plan at WDW?

Thanks!

 

[Peggytc]

Meals are included but there is also food 24 hours a day - if you find yourself in the mood for a snack, grab some pizza, chicken fingers, a salad, etc - all included! Including room service (though it's customary to tip at room service).
Not included- alcoholic beverages, speciality beverages like milk shakes, a meal at Palo, and boxed candy/popcorn at theatres. Other than that, all in, and all delicious! Bonne appetit!

 

[KBinCO]

• Main Dining
• Casual Dining
• Quick-Service Dining
• 24-hour room service
• Complimentary soda, tea and coffee on deck and in the dining rooms
• All-you-care-to-eat ice cream
• Late-night snacks in the Adult District
• Kids club dining

What is included is unlimited. You can eat 5 entrees 5 times a day from the inlcuded places if you want- or more.

Popcorn and snacks for shows, certain prepacked snacks and candy from room service are for a charge, as well as the upcharge restaurants and certain drinks from cafes.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

No limits really, just some items not included. Adult restaurants are an up charge. Alcohol and some specialty drinks, eg smoothies and specialty coffees are extra. Snacks are available, included in your cruise fare, from the pool deck quick service or room service. Free soda is available from the beverage stations on the pool deck. There are a few items on the room service menu that are extra, like candy and sodas because they are individually packaged. Popcorn, canned sodas, and candy are available for a fee outside the theaters.

 

[Gilland18]

There are counter service restaurants on the pool deck that are open most of the day with food options as PP indicated. You can visit them as often as you want. Room service is available most of the cruise. There is soft serve ice cream on the pool deck available most of the time the counter service options are open. You have to work at it to go hungry.

 

[Mcert01]

Wow! Thanks for the quick replies and the information! A person could gain some serious weight on a cruise!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Wow! Thanks for the quick replies and the information! A person could gain some serious weight on a cruise!

I'm on the treadmill now trying to work off some of my cruise weight from 2 weeks ago.

 

[WestFamily]

Wow! Thanks for the quick replies and the information! A person could gain some serious weight on a cruise!

This is absolutely true! Things that were too big are no longer that way after last weeks cruise. Just remember room service will require tips. That helped me decide to always go grab food on deck, I like to think it helped keep some of the weight off.

 

[DISNEYFAN3260]

I think I've seen threads about DCL cruising weight gain before...LOL. Another newbie cruise tip - pack clothes with elastic waistbands! Enjoy your trip.

 

[KBinCO]

Yeah, I ate from the lighter fare, skipped desserts, had veg burgers for lunch, and went to the gym 2 hours every afternoon... and still gained 5 lbs.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Yeah, I ate from the lighter fare, skipped desserts, had veg burgers for lunch, and went to the gym 2 hours every afternoon... and still gained 5 lbs.

Wow! 2 hours in the gym each day on vacation? That's dedication!

I ate dessert with each dinner, but skipped it at lunch, ate whatever entree sounded the best, ate a cone or two of soft serve ice cream each day, never set foot in the gym, but did take the stairs almost all the time. I was ecstatic that I only gained 4 pounds.

 

[KBinCO]

Wow! 2 hours in the gym each day on vacation? That's dedication!

I ate dessert with each dinner, but skipped it at lunch, ate whatever entree sounded the best, ate a cone or two of soft serve ice cream each day, never set foot in the gym, but did take the stairs almost all the time. I was ecstatic that I only gained 4 pounds.

I had to be in a wedding the week after we got back. Still, being able to go to a gym for 2 hours was quite a luxury.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I had to be in a wedding the week after we got back. Still, being able to go to a gym for 2 hours was quite a luxury.

So true! I'm thrilled when my schedule permits me a full hour at the gym during everyday life. There was just so much to do on the ship that spending time in the gym wasn't going to happen. So I settled on taking the stairs everywhere.

 

[Peggytc]

Wow! Thanks for the quick replies and the information! A person could gain some serious weight on a cruise!

Honestly, when I cruised for the first time my friends who do I all the time warned me that typically people may gain 8-10 lbs! Lol I know some people won't, those that work out every day and watch what they eat, etc, but for the majority it's very easy to gain!

 

[MagicMe]

I like to skip the elevators and take the stairs - helps to keep the punds off!