Topsider's and boarding question

[llfowl]

On the day that you board, what time do they stop the buffet at Topsider's? Is it best to go around 1:00pm to the buffet? Is the buffet setup as soon as you board?

Thanks!

 

[Verandah Man]

Last month, on our cruise, we boarded around noon, went up to Topsiders and the line was already opened for the buffet. Don't pass by the cold Orange Mango Soup, it was unbelievable. I felt like putting mine in a glass and drinking it that way!!! It was sooooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooood!!!

 

[MarkRG]

I believe the buffet stops when all ship services are suspended at 3:30 in anticipation of the safety drill at 4. But I could be wrong, as I have never stopped at it that late.

You will be directed to the buffet right when you board. It is happening in two places, in Topsiders on Deck 9 and in Parrot Cay on Deck 3, the deck you board on. They serve the same selection in both places. Don't worry you won't miss out

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

They did not give you a choice last month of Parrot Cay or Topsiders. When we boarded at 12:15 they directed us to go up to Topsiders and would not let us near the entrance to Parrot Cay. I believe Andy is correct that Topsiders is open until 3:30, but I think Parrot Cay might close before that time.

 

[MarkRG]

And how late in line did you board? When they first start boarding they usually direct the initial crowd to Parrot Cay until it reaches capacity then up to Topsiders. And even then if you want to go up to Topsiders when being directed to Parrot Cay, that's ok too, they don't force you in one direction or another.

It would make sense they would close Parrot Cay earlier and direct whoever boards after a certain time up to Topsiders exclusively as they would have to prepare Parrot Cay for dinner, something not needed at Topsiders the first night.

 

[figment52]

Originally posted by Verandah Man
Last month, on our cruise, we boarded around noon, went up to Topsiders and the line was already opened for the buffet. Don't pass by the cold Orange Mango Soup, it was unbelievable. I felt like putting mine in a glass and drinking it that way!!! It was sooooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooood!!!

Andy -

I never thought of drinking it - it would make an awesome smoothie!! Between the shrimp and the soup they don't need anything else on the buffet.

TO answer the question, I agree it is shut down before the safety drill so I wouldn't think of going after 3 so I would have time to eat. I go earlier though in case Andy and Rae and families have snuck on the ship and consumed all the shrimp and Orange Mango soup

 

[Verandah Man]

No one gave us any directions Mark, we just headed for the aft elevators, got off at deck 7, saw our rooms weren't ready, then headed up the stairs to deck 9 and Topsiders. We were some of the first to arrive at Topsiders, by the time we were done eating, the place was packed.

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by figment52
Andy -

I never thought of drinking it - it would make an awesome smoothie!! Between the shrimp and the soup they don't need anything else on the buffet.

TO answer the question, I agree it is shut down before the safety drill so I wouldn't think of going after 3 so I would have time to eat. I go earlier though in case Andy and Rae and families have snuck on the ship and consumed all the shrimp and Orange Mango soup

I know, it seems to take too long to eat it with a spoon, I could easily drink a couple of "glasses" of that soup, maybe that's why they have you eat in out of a bowl!!!???!!! LOL!!!

 

[MarkRG]

Hi Andy! Maybe I need to write it differently, they have a few crew on the opposite side if the lobby from the gangplank who either direct you to the left to Parrot Cay, or if it's full, they will direct you towards the elevators. They also have a few by PC if it's full to divert people to the elevtors there. If you immediately headed Aft upon boarding you were already going in the direction they wanted you to go, and if Parrot Cay wasn't full they really wouldn't give any directions at all. We usually get on the Midship or Forward lifts if Midship is crowded and head directly to the deck 9 one(either ship) and it's always as you describe, empty at first, crowded by the time we leave(probably filled PC already)

 

[figment52]

Originally posted by Verandah Man
I know, it seems to take too long to eat it with a spoon, I could easily drink a couple of "glasses" of that soup, maybe that's why they have you eat in out of a bowl!!!???!!! LOL!!!

Good point about the glass -
vs bowl... that spooning it is rather slow.

Did you get the recipe? My cabin mate did and was going to make me a copy. It serves about 300. I'm going to try again next week....I'd be happy to share it upon my return.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hey figment52.

My cabin mate did and was going to make me a copy. It serves about 300.

It depends WHO your guests are. With Andy and Rae as company, the recipe would probably serve about 2...

 

[Verandah Man]

Originally posted by Buckaroo's Dad
Hey figment52.



It depends WHO your guests are. With Andy and Rae as company, the recipe would probably serve about 2...

Touche' BD!!!