Let's talk Cabanas and balconies

[kiford]

We like the expanded options in Cabanas better but the environment in the MDRs better. So typically we go to Cabanas only when we have limited time (usually port days and we have an early excursion). Other times we go to the MDRs. I have a friend who has two young children, one of whom has to eat practically as soon as she gets up. So they order room service the night before with just a few items, he goes down to the gym just before the kids and his wife get up. By the time he gets back to the room, showers and changes, the kids have had something to eat (wife has had coffee) and then they go down to a proper breakfast which could be either buffet or sit-down, depending on their schedule.

 

[mhconley]

I wake we'll before DW and DS. I eat a leisurely breakfast solo at Cabana's on the rear deck. This is "me" time I have found I cherish on our cruises. It used to be enjoying coffee on the verandah but I had to give up coffee several years ago for health reasons.

I then collect breakfast items and coffee for DW and DS and head back to the stateroom where they normally eat in bed. I do get them to join me at least once for breakfast in the MDR, even if just on the last morning.

Martin

 

[Chemist]

I'm not sure I get the motivation to take food back to one's cabin. If you want to eat "in the cool air", why not just go to an outside table right there at Cabanas? I get the outdoors part... we eat most of our meals at Cabanas on the open deck, but why turn it into a chore?

It was definitely a bit of a chore.
We did it one morning when we had an early shore excursion and our family was slower getting going than I would have liked.
That way the kids were able to eat breakfast while I got our stuff together.
(And I was able to scarf breakfast while getting stuff together.)

Yes, we could have gotten room service, but its very carb heavy. I wanted everyone to get at least a little protein in them. And I like yogurt which is not on the room service menu.

 

[Rabb it]

Room service doesn't offer much that Cabanas has, and the drink portions are TINY from room service. Serious, an orange juice in the morning from room service gives you a tiny baby cup, you will get like 2 drinks from it

 

[Weedy]

Room service doesn't offer much that Cabanas has, and the drink portions are TINY from room service. Serious, an orange juice in the morning from room service gives you a tiny baby cup, you will get like 2 drinks from it

You can order as many as you want it's freeee (will...kinda)

 

[tutumomickey]

Just saw plastic disposable/reusable trays with a cutout to hold a cup at Big Lots. They were inexpensive and compact/light enough to pack. This seems like a good option for transporting food to the room since the trays are gone.

 

[belac]

We have saved the Room Service cover, max. of 2, in our room from service the evening before or something. DS is bound to get something second day as room service or the first night. We rinse and stow in one of the cabinets to use for breakfast the next morning. We have always asked the Room Steward if we could hold onto them and they always said yes. We do only keep them for that one overnight, and well as food goes, we of course always ordered more room service the next day.

We use them to cover breakfast from cabanas to bring back to room, if it is too crowded, have to eat and run, or just because. I have ordered take away from MDR for DH when he was still asleep and I went to breakfast with DS, they gave a cover to take back to room. Actually that is how we got the idea.

Holding onto a couple of covers from night before may be a better option to covering with another plate. Just remember to give them back and get another from RS next day, if you are so inclined. Also better so they are properly washed and you don't have stinky messy covers

 

[Rabb it]

You can order as many as you want it's freeee (will...kinda)

Yeah we didn't know they would be that small when we ordered them lol

 

[Erintx7]

Thanks for all the inputs and replies, can tell you all are seasoned veterans! I'm sure we will try a little of everything to see what works for our crowd!! But I'm inspired by Room Service Mickey Bar... that could be a nice way to end the day!!

We order breakfast room service almost every day, I leave a stack of $5s on the safe

Are the $5s for room service tips (assuming?). Thx!

 

[over50visits]

Are the $5s for room service tips (assuming?). Thx!

I'm sure they are, since there is no charge for many room service items, such as what you'd likely order for breakfast. And for those items (such as candies soft drinks) where there is a charge, you don't pay in cash, it goes on your shipboard account.

 

[Bonnie1222]

I'm not sure I get the motivation to take food back to one's cabin. If you want to eat "in the cool air", why not just go to an outside table right there at Cabanas? I get the outdoors part... we eat most of our meals at Cabanas on the open deck, but why turn it into a chore?

I like to walk deck 4 every morning for exercise, DH doesn't. So while I am out walking, he goes to Cabanas for breakfast. He then brings me a tray back to the room with an assortment of fresh and dried fruits and coffee to eat while I am getting ready.

We've never ordered room service. I say it every cruise I want to do it once... but never do. Maybe someday.

 

[Rob1872]

I'm sure they are, since there is no charge for many room service items, such as what you'd likely order for breakfast. And for those items (such as candies soft drinks) where there is a charge, you don't pay in cash, it goes on your shipboard account.

I'm curious what people normally tip room service. We never ordered room service on our first cruise, but my 12 year old wants to do it (because he's never done it) for our upcoming 7 night cruise.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm curious what people normally tip room service. We never ordered room service on our first cruise, but my 12 year old wants to do it (because he's never done it) for our upcoming 7 night cruise.

Typically a dollar or two per item, up to around $5 for full orders.

 

[over50visits]

I'm curious what people normally tip room service. We never ordered room service on our first cruise, but my 12 year old wants to do it (because he's never done it) for our upcoming 7 night cruise.

Can't speak for others (I've seen posts from time to time of a several dollars or so). We never tip less than $3, usually a bit more. I've seen as low as $1 mentioned here, but that doesn't seem right for the real trouble they go to in bringing your tray. These are nice folks, and they are standing by 24 hours a day for your order.

But, you don't need to worry about cash, you can add a tip to the receipt that comes with the room service.