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I hope you didn't let that snobby comment bother you. I watch all of your videos and I have seen you eat at the buffet many times. Some people just want to be nasty. We love your videos. Don't rethink or feel like you need to justify anything
We just got off the Harmony and our young kids and grandkids loved the Main Dining room. We ate dinner there every night. They thought we were taking them someplace fancy. We did eat buffet also, but that was just okay.
The great thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. The bad thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. Too many foods know my name.
Illana, you are such a lovely person, I love all your videos. Don't let that mean person and the insensitive words hurt you! Actually I prefer to eat in the MDR and I only go to the buffet for my xtra salads and fresh fruits 😂 and if I need to get off the ship early for an excursion. Am I a snoob too? 🤔
Wow, I missed whatever started this. You are clearly a lovely person as is your family. Your channel has always been one of my favorites. Sadly, social media allows people to hide behind anonymity and say things they could never say face to face. Keep up the great work!
I just finished a cruise on princess discovery to Alaska, all food was great but we like to try all as well. We never did buffet for dinner, but breakfast a couple of days and lunch once. Main dining and casual dining for dinner. I did not do the specialty, but will do some on our next one to hawaii in the spring. I agree variety.
Another thought. My wife is hypoglycemic she was on a sugar crash, we tried room service (45 minute wait), main dining outside our time and delay, snack store too expensive, ran to buffet as she was barely able to walk. Ran up grabbed some shrimp, sugars and proteins, it was literally like an emergency room if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic.
My husband was a diabetic. We always kept peppermint candy with us “just in case”. Both of us had it handy-either in pockets or purse. Glad you made it to the buffet in time.
Celebrity cruiser here. After 35+ cruises we eat all of our meals in the ocean view. I do not like sitting for 2 1/2 hours to have a meal. Another thing I love about cruising, so many options for everyone. I still get dressed up at night I just do not like to sit in the main dining room waiting forever for my food. We even eat in the buffet when we are in a suite lol. To each their own.
@@wandamotsko7263 love this! As someone once told me, the great thing about a cruise is that we can all be on the same ship, but have a unique vacation that is just right for us 🚢👏
Had one meal in dining room. As the ship left port during our dinner time we decided to get a table on the back deck and used the buffet. More relaxing!
I usually cruise solo. MDR takes a long time and can just be uncomfortable for me. I'm not into dressing 😒 up every night so casual for me is good. The buffet I can try small portions of many different dishes that I've never had instead of just one. I live doing things on my own schedule, just walk in and enjoy, plus a sea view every time. I love the advantage of what the buffet has to offer.
As a solo traveler (widower), I now seldom go to the dining room. No only does sitting by myself remind me that I no longer have my loved one but as a solo diner, I am invariably placed in a high traffic area where I have to constantly pull in my elbows to let people by, Also, as a solo traveler, I feel the wait staff gives me a low priority for service and the service is hurried. And it is much easier in the buffet area to engage in casual conversations with fellow diners.
Usually only 1 meal in the MDR. I love the buffet because of the variety. I also eat more salad because it is ready to eat. Watermelon at breakfast is a must when cruising.
We used to eat all meals in the buffet. We now eat breakfast and dinner in the dining room. In all honesty, I can’t control my portions in the buffet. I go in with good intentions but I see all the wonderful food and go overboard!
I cruise exclusively on HAL. The buffet is served to you, so I'm always confident in cleanliness. I love my breakfast hot, and I can get that in the buffet. Eggs cooked to order, fresh salad, made to order, and a stirfry station, among other things. I also like the Dive in, or New York pizza and deli. I can relax on the deck, eat a leisurely meal, and read a Kindle book.
I am a cruise ship snob and proud of it LOL...We love main dining room for breakfast and dinner. Part of our eating enjoyment is having it served to us. And we find we don't over indulge something that is easy to do at the buffet. Lunch is either had on shore, or for cruise days, the outdoor hamburgers.
You are definitely not a snob. Please continue to enjoy your cruise vacation as you see fit as the cruise offers many choices for all and we shouldn’t judge the choices of others 🙃
I love the MDR because of the fresh food and pampering and relaxation. My 3 granddaughters and son who live in Australia (I’m in USA) love the buffet. I am visiting them in March 2025 and we booked a 7 day cruise out of Sydney. One of the qualifications was to get cabins that were near the buffet because my dear granddaughters just love to visit and enjoy the buffet anytime of the day. So I, being the loving grandmother, booked two connecting cabins near the steps that lead one level up to the buffet. I love them so I was happy to make this concession and can’t wait to enjoy the time with family. Hoping to change my mind about buffets in March 2025.
We just got off 24 days on HAL. We had dinner in the MDR twice, speciality dinners twice, breakfast once in MDR and everything else in buffet. The MDR menu was just about identical to what was offered in the buffet. I enjoyed putting together my own plate ( with lots of vegetables) and not having to wait to be served. We ate in MDR on dress up nights. I also was uncomfortable at a table for two - being seated very close to another table for two. While some people were very pleasant to talk with; some were less communicative. We loved eating on the lido deck by the pool- especially when the roof was opened. It was like eating outside and we loved the big windows for site-seeing! I came home losing 2 lbs from making better choices, not having seconds. I enjoyed a dessert everyday too! Yeah- even as an older couple- we much prefer casual!
this was a great video. when we were on the Royal Princess, we ate at the buffet a few times. We ate their for port day breakfast because it was just easy and much faster than sit down..... we got in/ got what we wanted and were able to leave the ship on time for our excursion. We did eat dinner there 2 nights, but we found that we did like the sit down better. that's just us. I thought for lunch, the buffet was super convenient. I honestly feel , like you said, it's whatever your mood is..... if you kind of want light / healthy / quick.... the buffet is the way to go. ( or for some good mac and cheese !) the great thing is, you have a choice !
I’ve done about 13 cruises and has never missed the formal dinning. However, a month ago on an MSC cruise we got the 10 pm seating. We only did it 3 times and ended yo changing to the buffet. To our surprise they had the same items for dinner as the formal dining plus more. It was super relaxing plus we could go a lot earlier for dinner.
After 38 cruises I have not eaten in the buffet one time for dinner! We do eat there occasionally for breakfast or lunch, but mostly MDR or Specialty, or on deck (for lunch). But, sit-down dining and dressing up is a huge part of my reason for cruising, and we no longer go to the shows or even to ports much, so we don't ever want to 'eat and run', and dining is our activity of choice in the evenings. But I can see how it is the best choice for many.
next month will be my 18th cruise and I've only ate a couple of times at the buffet for dinner. The last cruise I wanted to watch the Football game in the sports bar so I grab dinner at the buffet. I just enjoy the food a lot more in the MDR.
Holland America puts linen table cloths in the Lido for dinner. There are some of the choices from the MDR. So nice to come back from a busy port day and not have to get dressed. We also like to dress for dinner and enjoy all the food options available. Thank you for all your fun informative videos.
We've done a lot of these, always take snacks back to our cabin. We LOVE sitting on Lido to eat and get AWESOME pictures. I agree about food portions. Honestly we like doing buffet because we don't always want main dining room, that's why we do "any time" for the times we Want to go. Otherwise we eat buffet, or choose specialty or the free venues. Heck we don't even eat anymore set at home. 4 adults in the house and no one knows what they want. Most times it's on your own. Yes we have our son and his partner living with us. We help each other out for things AND we actually all get along
We usually start our days with breakfast at the buffet on most cruises and lunch sometimes. Most dinners in the MDR, but with my upcoming cruise, I actually decided to try the buffet more for dinner. I’ll see if it’s like most people are saying, that buffet have basically the same choices as the MDR, just the presentation is different 😊
I love the buffet! We eat breakfast there daily, and it's so convenient when you re headed to a show. I especially enjoy the variety of fresh fruit and salad fixings
I don’t find you to be snobbish on your videos. I appreciate your perspective and I will definitely consider your opinions when I’m planning my family’s cruise trip. Thank you for putting your videos out! I appreciate you.
We usually just do the MDR for dinner only. Our last cruise was a 10-day cruise and we found that we got a little tired of eating at the main dining room. At least on Princess, the buffet food is so good with plenty of options. And we noticed some of the dinners you could get in the MDR were also at the buffet. We like to put a little bit of different things on our plate to try. We feel like we actually eat less this way. They’re more like little hor’dourves. But for our next cruise (14-day) we’ve decided that we’re going to experience breakfast and lunch at the MDR on separate occasions just to change things up. We will also be sure to frequent more of the included restaurants too. In some ways the buffet can be a little too convenient. One thing we definitely do not see ourselves ever doing is pay for specialty dining. That’s just our personal preference. Thank you for all of your great tips!
Love the buffet. So many choices. Portions very small in the main dining room compared to what you can get at the buffet. It’s also much quicker and the ocean views are a plus.
My wife and I rarely use the buffet for dinner (we enjoy the pampering that we get in the MDR and occasional specialty restaurant and appreciate the fact that it helps us to control portion sizes), but we do enjoy the convenience of the buffet/casual dining for breakfast and lunch, particularly on port days. (We just try to make sure our eyes match our appetite). That being said, I can think of a couple of other reasons why people may want to consider a buffet for dinner, besides speed and convenience. First, on some lines such as Holland America, the menu on the buffet will include many of the items that are being served in the MDR. Thus, you can get the best of both worlds. Second, the one complaint that is often made of MDR food is the quality and size of sides, such as veggies and starch. Sometimes it seems like they are afterthoughts to the protein. Personally, many times I would prefer a smaller protein and a larger serving of veg. By going to the buffet, you can easily fix your plate to the proportion you want.
We cruised NCL Joy to Bermuda this summer, and the buffet was SO GOOD! I loved that we could have the flexibility of everyone eating when they wanted, or we could pop by for fruit or other snacks before/after excursions, and everything was so delicious! *Washi Washi Everyday...Good for you, good for us...*
I've been on 1 cruise, RC. And our main dining experience was the BEST thing on the trip. We went at our specified time, and our dining neighbors were GREAT and the service was 5 star. I found the RC buffet to be average, okay for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner.
That was my view also recently with RC, less so with HAL which I did my first one on recently. I could walk through the buffet on RC and find nothing I wanted, usually ate there due to need rather than want (missed meal time in MDR). On HAL it became my, missed meal in MDR or snack between meal location as I could always find something I wanted, even if only my green apple and cheese (land based favourite snack).
I'm a nibbler, in the morning, I like to have some fruit and a little bit of everything, for lunch, I enjoy a nice salad, cheese, and crackers. My last cruise was on Viking and their buffet was awesome. We always took some sweets back to the room. As for cleanliness, wash your hands and use a napkin to handle the tongs. Viking was quite vigilant making sure people washed their hands as well.
I’ve not been on many cruises, but on three different lines, though one many years ago. I love the ability to look at the menus online before as it’s has helped me choose where to eat at a particular time. Be it a specialty or MDR or other location. I have a couple food restrictions, usually can manage on my own but can be easier in the MDR, especially when assigned time, but as a solo traveller, I got some of the best seats when willing to share a table, as well as meeting new people or being introduced to new foods or drinks. Discovered Darjeeling tea that way. It has been more common for me to walk around a buffet and be unimpressed with the food, or there be a line up to either get the food or difficulty finding a seat, that I have never had in a MDR. It’s not saying the foods not good, but I’m generally looking for something I wouldn’t do at home, and that is seldom found in the buffet, except for deserts.
My husband and I are seasoned cruisers (25+) cruises and about 10 years ago we stopped going to the buffets. We prefer to be served and relax when eating.
Great suggestions for dining at the buffet instead of the dining room. We have gone on several cruises and enjoy the buffet due to the variety and the ability to 'see' what you are going to select for your meal.
I go to the buffet for breakfast, Lunch, and sometimes when I get back from the shore’s excursion. It’s easier to have dinner at the buffet, get dressed up and go to the shows. I like to have my dinner at the MDR. ❤
My wife and I usually eat at the buffet over half our meals. I like to make combos of Indian , American, Italian and the salad bar. Keeps things interesting.
Looks like the Celebrity Beyond....excellent buffet. They also have 4 different themed main dining rooms that were fantastic. I agree with you that on some days, it is just too much effort to get all dressed up after a long day sightseeing to go to a dining room. We are about to embark on our 60th cruise and I've learned that I'll do me and be happy.
Forgot to mention...the Caesar salad in the buffet was far better than in the MDR. That was a surprise. The young woman made it while I waited and added just the right amount of dressing and anchovies that I requested.
Me and the wife enjoy your videos very much. They are great. When we cruise, we mix up the dining. A couple of days in the main dining room, a steak house night and then 1 or 2 in the buffet. We also try any other special places too. Sushi is great for lunch.
Last November I spent 8days eating CARNIVORE. I enjoyed relief from my food addictions by not eating any carbs. I am T 2 diabetic. For breakfast I had 9 slices of bacon and an omelette from the Buffett. I didn’t have to tell a waiter not to put carbs on my plate. I ate 3 courses of protein,(shrimp cocktail for dessert,) in the MDR for dinner. Lunch was easy at the Buffett with a plethora of naked protein choices. The Buffett was a lifesaver.
We actually really enjoy the buffet! We are more casual folks and although it’s nice to be served in the main dining room once in awhile, we found ourselves more often in the buffet. We also like O’Sheehans on the NCL cruise ships. On our last cruise to Alaska, our stateroom was just down the hall from O’Sheehans, so it was easy. The menu doesn’t change much, but the food is good, servers are friendly and it’s more casual. I loved having breakfast in there. I do kind of miss the days when you had a dinner time assigned for the main dining room where you would sit at an assigned table with other cruisers and usually had the same server. It gave an opportunity to meet others and the servers got to know your preferences and might surprise you with a little treat. Although the last time we cruised with this set up, we assigned a table with a man in his mid forties and his father, who was just a sweet, lovely man. The son turned out to be quite the bore, monopolising the conversations with his extensive ramblings of previous cruises! I would have loved to talk more with the father, but it was quite impossible. After a few nights we started eating elsewhere! I felt bad for the dad, though! Covid changed that arrangement!
My first (and so far only) cruise we ate in the MDR for dinner the first and second night but after that it was buffet every night. The second to last morning we went to MDR for breakfast and realized we’d been making a huge mistake. For us, being able to sit at the table and have food come to us while the coffee is kicking in was a great way to ease in to the day. Far better than the hustle and bustle of the buffet. Our plan now is MDR breakfast every morning on the next cruise and buffet for most lunches and dinners.
Great tips, as always, Ilana! One of my favorite things about cruising is, upon boarding, heading to the complimentary buffet restaurant before heading to the cabin, which might not be ready at that point. The main dining room can be addictive, especially if you enjoy the wait staff and your tablemates; however, if that is not the case, or if you simply want something quicker and low-key on occasion, the buffet is great! 😀 🚢
thx ilana, i never thought of you as a snob. i find your contents very helpful and informative. i have purchased sooo many things you have suggested that has proven to make my cruise much better such as the magnets, clothes hangers, planner, etc. but i was feeling some kind of way because my main eating place on the ship is the buffet. i really don't eat that much; steak and eggs are not a daily feast; and i really don't like wasting food. i view your comment as providing options other than. take care and continue providing us with your thoughts and reviews. thx again.
Love your videos! My husband and I are starting to cruise more often, and your content has been so helpful❣ We do have a restricted diet due to health issues, and have found the buffet a great option, so we can pick exactly what we want😉
The buffet is great for many reason but at night the main dinning room is better because you are gonna eat something different. Usually the ice cream is always there, fruits, cakes, etc. If I'm going tomthe buffet I will always goes with whats looks good for me. The main dinning is always a suprise. Yes for the kids is great, I bring them at 17-18 because we plan to eat at the main dinning room at 20. If they want a snack the main dinning room have a good kids menu. For the first reason I like to get prepared, take a drink before and have a nice dinner in the main dinning room because I don't do that when I'm working with the job, kids... Great video your channel is great! 😊
Our children love casual dining offerings, so we absolutely agree that taking them to the buffet before the kids club is the way to go. Then we head over to specialty dining or the MDR and enjoy a quieter, more intimate dinner with upscale options (we are PROUD FOOD SNOBS 😂). If the kids are still hungry after the kids club closes (which they almost always are) most cruise lines will have pizza available. Excellent tip Ilana!
I cruise out in Galveston, me and my wife love the buffet. We do specialty dining 3 nights out of the 7 nights, but we love it. We enjoyed the ocean views. Keep up the good work.Enjoy listening to you
Hi from Ireland llana, I am really enjoying your channel, hope to go on our first cruise this Christmas. Wouldn't have the first clue about how anything works, so grateful to you x
I did breakfast buffets on an Alaska Carnival cruise back in 2010 , and they had the best omelets I’ve ever had . I’d sit there by the huge window enjoying my breakfast while watching the Alaska scenery go by.
I always enjoy your videos, and seriously you are so relatable and anything but snobby! I have learnt much from you but last year on my first cruise I discovered the joys of the buffet due to my very fussy vegetarian tastes. I liked the company in the MDR as I cruise solo, but often the food was not what I wanted, so as you say there was very little to complain about in the buffet and I used it often. Loved the pizza and salads and fabulous views from the windows. I feel more seasoned this year but I expect my choices to be the same. I am counting down now to the next trip so getting excited!. - thanks again for all your information. x
My husband and I actually prefer eating at the buffet. Don’t have to schedule every meal, more relaxed. When we travel with our family then we always get together in the dining room for dinner to talk about our day. Getting ready for our 20 day cruise through the Mediterranean in late September on princess. So excited!
Love you and tell others about your great channel! The BUFFET vs the MDR: MDR - I like to be waited on. I like finding the best table waiter for us and stick with them. They can learn our preferences in drinks/wine, kind of specialty water, and foods. Makes life easier. Usually always at dinner time. BUFFET - We go very few times at dinner. Sometimes for lunch and breakfast. Good for coming in late after a tour. I like serving myself just the amount I will eat. I like having more control over the variety of foods I eat. I hate walking around and around to find a seat!!!
Love your videos and such good advice!!! I have been on over 20 cruises. I stopped eating in the MDR for one reason only. It is just too slow. I just don't spend that much time dealing with food so the buffet is way more appropriate for us. Plus we have met some awesome people in the buffet...not so much in a formal atmosphere dining room. Plus the food isn't better enough to lure us in.!
You’re a joy and thanks for another fun video llana and always love them so much and grateful for you 🌞🩵🛳️🩵🌞🌊🌺🌊🌊🌞🩵🛳️🛳️🛳️🌞🌊🌺🌺🌊🩵🛳️🩵🌊🌊🌞🩵🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🩵🌞🌊🌊🌺🌺🌊🩵🛳️
I love your Life Well Cruised channel Ilana. Thanks for all those great tips as to why we should eat in the buffet more often. We have always eaten in the main dining room for breakfast and dinner but that may change on our next cruise. My wife especially liked your idea of bringing charcuterie back to our cabin to enjoy with wine.
Husband and I enjoyed our 1st Cruise ever February. We decided of the buffet for Valentines and LOVED it! It was a delicious Italian theme AND seafood theme! It was so good, I had to tell the chefs how fitting it was for the day! No complaints. The other days, it was equally delicious. You choose the amount you want and if you like, you know what to get for seconds! 🎉❤
We have set dining for dinner in MDR. They are really good for taking care of my Gluten intolerance. I find the Buffet better for breakfast as it is quicker and I can grab fruit, eggs, bacon and a Hot Chocolate quickly. Sea day lunches usually in MDR, but occasionally deck munchies. The buffet is great if we get back late from a Port excursion.
I suggest looking at the buffet offerings before deciding again MDR. On the Sapphire Princess this July, we decided to go to the buffet for dinner. They were serving Indian food and there wasn't anything we liked. Ended up eating a burger by the pool. Learned a lesson from our experience. Check before missing your dinner reservation.
We went on our first cruise 12 yrs ago and ate in the main dining room. Haven’t been back since. Love eating on the Lido deck on HAL. So many options and very casual.
Illana🫶🏼🫶🏼I am glad you are not taking that comment so hard..keep up the good work. Yes days can be busy and coming in later and going to the buffet and not worry about dressing up or showering, its great. I like to eat early but sometimes that messes up going for my massage…so going to the buffet, I can eat quickly and be ready to relax with a nice massage🚢🙂
When my husband and I travel without our sons, we usually eat in the MDR. My sons LOVE the buffet for the casual atmosphere and great variety. My husband and I will check the MDR menu during the day. If we aren't interested in what's being served (that rarely happens!). If we aren't interested in what's being served in the MDR, we'll go to the buffet. As you mentioned, if it was a busy day and we just want to eat NOW, buffet is great for this. My husband and I love to dress and have dinner in the MDR. It's just our preference.
Interesting video Ilana. The buffet for lunch is our go to. Love the selection there. For dinner the Main Dining Room is where we always eat if not going to a specialty restaurant. We have not traveled with kids or grandkids. The buffet makes sense if you have kids especially if they have diverse favorite foods. Happy cruising Ilana
We ate at the buffet for breakfast and lunch. Unless we were on a tour. Dinner was always "dress-up and drinks" before dinner. All of the food was delicious. No matter where we ate. The buffet always had a large variety if selections.
We eat breakfast & dinners at the MDR mainly because it is so nice to be waited on! We are early risers and grab Americano coffees and a croissant or danish before breakfast. Lunches are at the buffet, poolside burgers/ pizza or at the International Cafe depending on our mood or energy level….sometimes going to the buffet just doesn’t seem worth the effort. We hang out a lot in the Piazza and just relax, enjoy the activities or music there. I agree when you have a balcony, sometimes it is so nice to take food back to your room and decompress from the crowds in the open air!
Love the buffet! Love the MDR also. Both have a spot in my cruise. Buffet is great for picking up a variety of items to enjoy in your room in your pjs! I try to mix up my dining methods in order to try everything the ship has to offer!
Hi Illana!!!! We are from Brazil and love to cruise! I think we are quite far from you,in matters of how many times we can go cruising, but whenever we can we prefer cruising than traveling by car or planes. We enjoy the buffet and also the main restaurant, depends on what we have done that day. I like your channel very much for your tips and the way you describe everything, thank you!
Buffet dining can work for everyone. Depends on our schedule, how much we had to eat earlier etc. We are SOOO excited to be sailing on the Sun Princess in January - very interested to see the "new" hands off buffet. Thank you so much for all your info...you are amazing and we so enjoy your info videos.
@@lynnerooney9698 We will also be on the Sun in January. We normally cruise on Holland America and this will be our first Princess. Really looking forward to checking them out, and now they have new packages that basically make it all-inclusive. Great new perk from Princess.
The buffet is amazing on Princess! It's great for my picky kiddo. The only caveat with the buffets is the potential for cross-contamination with allergies. But the crew were superb and let us know they would do their best to help us out. Now that my kid is old enough for the kids club, we are definitely going to take advantage of that buffet tip!
I so enjoy watching your videos. Cruising is something that I doubt I will ever do but it's great seeing you enjoy. I don't like crowds, lining up for anything or small bedrooms. The food always looks awesome. Thanks.
Thanks for having a video on the buffet, for those of us that really just want to do that the first time. Still have yet to go on our first cruise, but we'll probably stick to the buffet for first time, then maybe venture out to MDR or whatnot next time (if there is a next time!). There are so many other costs involved than just the cruise itself, so it's good to minimize as much as we can for first one, would be beneficial to avoid surprises.
We rarely eat in the buffet, you gave great reasons to eat there but we find the crowds,(kids), trying to find a table, and sanitation(not crew but passengers) are the main reasons we don’t eat at buffet. We eat at complementary venues, Park Cafe, Promenade Cafe, or MDR. Specialty restaurants for special events.
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I hope you didn't let that snobby comment bother you. I watch all of your videos and I have seen you eat at the buffet many times. Some people just want to be nasty. We love your videos. Don't rethink or feel like you need to justify anything
@@Belinda-BJ lol, no let this be the worst I’m called 😂
I totally agree she’s awesome and I love her channel thanks to her channel our first cruise was smooth, we had everything we needed. 😊❤
We just got off the Harmony and our young kids and grandkids loved the Main Dining room. We ate dinner there every night. They thought we were taking them someplace fancy. We did eat buffet also, but that was just okay.
She’s a very classy lady ;they just want to knock her down a few pegs!
This channel is the best 🎉 people will always have something to say!! Keep it up with the great content ❤
The great thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. The bad thing about buffets is, you can sample everything that calls your name. Too many foods know my name.
lol true story!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
If I don't control myself at a buffet, I'll hurt myself.
@@timgreen4137 😜
@@timgreen4137 😂😂😂
SIMPLE : WHOEVER SAID THOSE MEAN SPIRITED THINGS ABOUT YOU...THEY DONT LOVE THEMSELVES.
YOU ARE A SWEETHEART❤ AND BRILLIANT TOO🎉
Haha that’s ok. Let’s hope this is the worst thing I’m called 😂
@jamessalemi1477 I thought the same! Like, Ilana is so nice! Why would someone be so mean in the comments??
I agree, Illana is wonderful and so helpful in every way
Illana, you are such a lovely person, I love all your videos. Don't let that mean person and the insensitive words hurt you! Actually I prefer to eat in the MDR and I only go to the buffet for my xtra salads and fresh fruits 😂 and if I need to get off the ship early for an excursion. Am I a snoob too? 🤔
Wow, I missed whatever started this. You are clearly a lovely person as is your family. Your channel has always been one of my favorites. Sadly, social media allows people to hide behind anonymity and say things they could never say face to face. Keep up the great work!
I like to do a little of everything. MDR, Specialty Restaurant, Buffet, Poolside Grill etc. Variety, the spice of life. 😊
@@jrm2515 love that
I just finished a cruise on princess discovery to Alaska, all food was great but we like to try all as well. We never did buffet for dinner, but breakfast a couple of days and lunch once. Main dining and casual dining for dinner. I did not do the specialty, but will do some on our next one to hawaii in the spring. I agree variety.
Another thought. My wife is hypoglycemic she was on a sugar crash, we tried room service (45 minute wait), main dining outside our time and delay, snack store too expensive, ran to buffet as she was barely able to walk. Ran up grabbed some shrimp, sugars and proteins, it was literally like an emergency room if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic.
My husband was a diabetic. We always kept peppermint candy with us “just in case”. Both of us had it handy-either in pockets or purse. Glad you made it to the buffet in time.
Celebrity cruiser here. After 35+ cruises we eat all of our meals in the ocean view. I do not like sitting for 2 1/2 hours to have a meal. Another thing I love about cruising, so many options for everyone. I still get dressed up at night I just do not like to sit in the main dining room waiting forever for my food. We even eat in the buffet when we are in a suite lol. To each their own.
@@wandamotsko7263 love this! As someone once told me, the great thing about a cruise is that we can all be on the same ship, but have a unique vacation that is just right for us 🚢👏
Had one meal in dining room. As the ship left port during our dinner time we decided to get a table on the back deck and used the buffet. More relaxing!
I usually cruise solo. MDR takes a long time and can just be uncomfortable for me. I'm not into dressing 😒 up every night so casual for me is good. The buffet I can try small portions of many different dishes that I've never had instead of just one. I live doing things on my own schedule, just walk in and enjoy, plus a sea view every time. I love the advantage of what the buffet has to offer.
@@darlenemichalski2225 makes lots of sense
As a solo traveler (widower), I now seldom go to the dining room. No only does sitting by myself remind me that I no longer have my loved one but as a solo diner, I am invariably placed in a high traffic area where I have to constantly pull in my elbows to let people by, Also, as a solo traveler, I feel the wait staff gives me a low priority for service and the service is hurried. And it is much easier in the buffet area to engage in casual conversations with fellow diners.
I do the MDR at 5:00 pm and then hit the buffet later before it closes. Best of both worlds😊
I love the buffet. I love the fresh fruit and veggies and I can select my portions.
Me too!
Usually only 1 meal in the MDR. I love the buffet because of the variety. I also eat more salad because it is ready to eat. Watermelon at breakfast is a must when cruising.
We used to eat all meals in the buffet. We now eat breakfast and dinner in the dining room. In all honesty, I can’t control my portions in the buffet. I go in with good intentions but I see all the wonderful food and go overboard!
That’s why you wear your tightest clothes at the beginning of a cruise & save the larger ones to wear after going to the buffet a few days….😂
@@cruisergirl067 great point
Me, too. That's why I take a very small portion size to begin with and just go back for seconds if I really like the food (and still want more).
I haven’t cuisines for a few years. I watch all your videos to get up to date. Thank you so much I really enjoy all your tips.
I cruise exclusively on HAL. The buffet is served to you, so I'm always confident in cleanliness. I love my breakfast hot, and I can get that in the buffet. Eggs cooked to order, fresh salad, made to order, and a stirfry station, among other things. I also like the Dive in, or New York pizza and deli. I can relax on the deck, eat a leisurely meal, and read a Kindle book.
We generally always eat breakfast and lunch at the buffet and the views are so underrated.
@@tallflguy true!
I am a cruise ship snob and proud of it LOL...We love main dining room for breakfast and dinner. Part of our eating enjoyment is having it served to us. And we find we don't over indulge something that is easy to do at the buffet. Lunch is either had on shore, or for cruise days, the outdoor hamburgers.
My wife and I love the new princess ships buffets. We like a casual cruise and less formal clothes to pack!!!
It is nice!
I enjoy taking part in all the different food opportunities. The buffet, main dining, and specialty dining😊
We often sleep in and miss the MDR hours for breakfast. Love the Princess international café breakfast sandwich and cappuccino (before 11.00!)
You are definitely not a snob. Please continue to enjoy your cruise vacation as you see fit as the cruise offers many choices for all and we shouldn’t judge the choices of others 🙃
@@jenniferbruce2303 yes, love this attitude 👏
I love the MDR because of the fresh food and pampering and relaxation. My 3 granddaughters and son who live in Australia (I’m in USA) love the buffet. I am visiting them in March 2025 and we booked a 7 day cruise out of Sydney. One of the qualifications was to get cabins that were near the buffet because my dear granddaughters just love to visit and enjoy the buffet anytime of the day. So I, being the loving grandmother, booked two connecting cabins near the steps that lead one level up to the buffet. I love them so I was happy to make this concession and can’t wait to enjoy the time with family. Hoping to change my mind about buffets in March 2025.
You are a good grandma! Have fun with the grandkids and your son! Hopefully someday I'll get to Australia (specifically to Tasmania, though!)
sweet
We just got off 24 days on HAL.
We had dinner in the MDR twice, speciality dinners twice, breakfast once in MDR and everything else in buffet. The MDR menu was just about identical to what was offered in the buffet. I enjoyed putting together my own plate ( with lots of vegetables) and not having to wait to be served. We ate in MDR on dress up nights.
I also was uncomfortable at a table for two - being seated very close to another table for two. While some people were very pleasant to talk with; some were less communicative. We loved eating on the lido deck by the pool- especially when the roof was opened. It was like eating outside and we loved the big windows for site-seeing! I came home losing 2 lbs from making better choices, not having seconds. I enjoyed a dessert everyday too! Yeah- even as an older couple- we much prefer casual!
this was a great video. when we were on the Royal Princess, we ate at the buffet a few times. We ate their for port day breakfast because it was just easy and much faster than sit down..... we got in/ got what we wanted and were able to leave the ship on time for our excursion. We did eat dinner there 2 nights, but we found that we did like the sit down better. that's just us. I thought for lunch, the buffet was super convenient. I honestly feel , like you said, it's whatever your mood is..... if you kind of want light / healthy / quick.... the buffet is the way to go. ( or for some good mac and cheese !) the great thing is, you have a choice !
I’ve done about 13 cruises and has never missed the formal dinning. However, a month ago on an MSC cruise we got the 10 pm seating. We only did it 3 times and ended yo changing to the buffet. To our surprise they had the same items for dinner as the formal dining plus more. It was super relaxing plus we could go a lot earlier for dinner.
After 38 cruises I have not eaten in the buffet one time for dinner! We do eat there occasionally for breakfast or lunch, but mostly MDR or Specialty, or on deck (for lunch). But, sit-down dining and dressing up is a huge part of my reason for cruising, and we no longer go to the shows or even to ports much, so we don't ever want to 'eat and run', and dining is our activity of choice in the evenings. But I can see how it is the best choice for many.
I can completely understand this! Thanks for sharing
Same here
next month will be my 18th cruise and I've only ate a couple of times at the buffet for dinner. The last cruise I wanted to watch the Football game in the sports bar so I grab dinner at the buffet. I just enjoy the food a lot more in the MDR.
Holland America puts linen table cloths in the Lido for dinner. There are some of the choices from the MDR. So nice to come back from a busy port day and not have to get dressed. We also like to dress for dinner and enjoy all the food options available. Thank you for all your fun informative videos.
@@stephanielardner9150 they do a great job! Thanks for sharing this
We've done a lot of these, always take snacks back to our cabin. We LOVE sitting on Lido to eat and get AWESOME pictures.
I agree about food portions. Honestly we like doing buffet because we don't always want main dining room, that's why we do "any time" for the times we Want to go. Otherwise we eat buffet, or choose specialty or the free venues. Heck we don't even eat anymore set at home. 4 adults in the house and no one knows what they want. Most times it's on your own. Yes we have our son and his partner living with us. We help each other out for things AND we actually all get along
@@heideleskun1163 great points
We usually start our days with breakfast at the buffet on most cruises and lunch sometimes. Most dinners in the MDR, but with my upcoming cruise, I actually decided to try the buffet more for dinner. I’ll see if it’s like most people are saying, that buffet have basically the same choices as the MDR, just the presentation is different 😊
I love the buffet! We eat breakfast there daily, and it's so convenient when you re headed to a show. I especially enjoy the variety of fresh fruit and salad fixings
I don’t find you to be snobbish on your videos. I appreciate your perspective and I will definitely consider your opinions when I’m planning my family’s cruise trip. Thank you for putting your videos out! I appreciate you.
We usually just do the MDR for dinner only. Our last cruise was a 10-day cruise and we found that we got a little tired of eating at the main dining room. At least on Princess, the buffet food is so good with plenty of options. And we noticed some of the dinners you could get in the MDR were also at the buffet. We like to put a little bit of different things on our plate to try. We feel like we actually eat less this way. They’re more like little hor’dourves. But for our next cruise (14-day) we’ve decided that we’re going to experience breakfast and lunch at the MDR on separate occasions just to change things up. We will also be sure to frequent more of the included restaurants too. In some ways the buffet can be a little too convenient. One thing we definitely do not see ourselves ever doing is pay for specialty dining. That’s just our personal preference. Thank you for all of your great tips!
Love the buffet. So many choices. Portions very small in the main dining room compared to what you can get at the buffet. It’s also much quicker and the ocean views are a plus.
My wife and I rarely use the buffet for dinner (we enjoy the pampering that we get in the MDR and occasional specialty restaurant and appreciate the fact that it helps us to control portion sizes), but we do enjoy the convenience of the buffet/casual dining for breakfast and lunch, particularly on port days. (We just try to make sure our eyes match our appetite).
That being said, I can think of a couple of other reasons why people may want to consider a buffet for dinner, besides speed and convenience.
First, on some lines such as Holland America, the menu on the buffet will include many of the items that are being served in the MDR. Thus, you can get the best of both worlds.
Second, the one complaint that is often made of MDR food is the quality and size of sides, such as veggies and starch. Sometimes it seems like they are afterthoughts to the protein. Personally, many times I would prefer a smaller protein and a larger serving of veg. By going to the buffet, you can easily fix your plate to the proportion you want.
@@timothycollins3829 you’re right, thanks for bringing up those points
We cruised NCL Joy to Bermuda this summer, and the buffet was SO GOOD! I loved that we could have the flexibility of everyone eating when they wanted, or we could pop by for fruit or other snacks before/after excursions, and everything was so delicious! *Washi Washi Everyday...Good for you, good for us...*
I've been on 1 cruise, RC. And our main dining experience was the BEST thing on the trip. We went at our specified time, and our dining neighbors were GREAT and the service was 5 star. I found the RC buffet to be average, okay for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree. RC buffet is just ok (at best). The main dining was excellent, in both quality of the food, as well as the service.
That was my view also recently with RC, less so with HAL which I did my first one on recently. I could walk through the buffet on RC and find nothing I wanted, usually ate there due to need rather than want (missed meal time in MDR). On HAL it became my, missed meal in MDR or snack between meal location as I could always find something I wanted, even if only my green apple and cheese (land based favourite snack).
I'm a nibbler, in the morning, I like to have some fruit and a little bit of everything, for lunch, I enjoy a nice salad, cheese, and crackers. My last cruise was on Viking and their buffet was awesome. We always took some sweets back to the room. As for cleanliness, wash your hands and use a napkin to handle the tongs. Viking was quite vigilant making sure people washed their hands as well.
I’ve not been on many cruises, but on three different lines, though one many years ago. I love the ability to look at the menus online before as it’s has helped me choose where to eat at a particular time. Be it a specialty or MDR or other location.
I have a couple food restrictions, usually can manage on my own but can be easier in the MDR, especially when assigned time, but as a solo traveller, I got some of the best seats when willing to share a table, as well as meeting new people or being introduced to new foods or drinks. Discovered Darjeeling tea that way.
It has been more common for me to walk around a buffet and be unimpressed with the food, or there be a line up to either get the food or difficulty finding a seat, that I have never had in a MDR. It’s not saying the foods not good, but I’m generally looking for something I wouldn’t do at home, and that is seldom found in the buffet, except for deserts.
My husband and I are seasoned cruisers (25+) cruises and about 10 years ago we stopped going to the buffets. We prefer to be served and relax when eating.
I love the MDR but I go to the buffet for the salad bar (NOT self serve on HAL), the omelette station, the carving station and Asian food
I love the buffet, especially the deserts.
Great suggestions for dining at the buffet instead of the dining room. We have gone on several cruises and enjoy the buffet due to the variety and the ability to 'see' what you are going to select for your meal.
I go to the buffet for breakfast, Lunch, and sometimes when I get back from the shore’s excursion. It’s easier to have dinner at the buffet, get dressed up and go to the shows. I like to have my dinner at the MDR. ❤
Yes, I like to go to the buffet specially when we have a port day.😊thank you for all the suggestions and advice you give us on cruising.
My wife and I usually eat at the buffet over half our meals. I like to make combos of Indian , American, Italian and the salad bar. Keeps things interesting.
Looks like the Celebrity Beyond....excellent buffet. They also have 4 different themed main dining rooms that were fantastic. I agree with you that on some days, it is just too much effort to get all dressed up after a long day sightseeing to go to a dining room. We are about to embark on our 60th cruise and I've learned that I'll do me and be happy.
Forgot to mention...the Caesar salad in the buffet was far better than in the MDR. That was a surprise. The young woman made it while I waited and added just the right amount of dressing and anchovies that I requested.
You are so awesome and positive! I love how you turned a negative comment from a viewer into an opportunity!
Me and the wife enjoy your videos very much. They are great. When we cruise, we mix up the dining. A couple of days in the main dining room, a steak house night and then 1 or 2 in the buffet. We also try any other special places too. Sushi is great for lunch.
I do love seeing the ocean when I eat! 😊
Last November I spent 8days eating CARNIVORE. I enjoyed relief from my food addictions by not eating any carbs. I am T 2 diabetic. For breakfast I had 9 slices of bacon and an omelette from the Buffett. I didn’t have to tell a waiter not to put carbs on my plate. I ate 3 courses of protein,(shrimp cocktail for dessert,) in the MDR for dinner. Lunch was easy at the Buffett with a plethora of naked protein choices. The Buffett was a lifesaver.
Breakfast & lunch at the buffet. Dinner in main dining hall.
I love eating in the buffet anytime of the day !
We actually really enjoy the buffet! We are more casual folks and although it’s nice to be served in the main dining room once in awhile, we found ourselves more often in the buffet. We also like O’Sheehans on the NCL cruise ships. On our last cruise to Alaska, our stateroom was just down the hall from O’Sheehans, so it was easy. The menu doesn’t change much, but the food is good, servers are friendly and it’s more casual. I loved having breakfast in there. I do kind of miss the days when you had a dinner time assigned for the main dining room where you would sit at an assigned table with other cruisers and usually had the same server. It gave an opportunity to meet others and the servers got to know your preferences and might surprise you with a little treat. Although the last time we cruised with this set up, we assigned a table with a man in his mid forties and his father, who was just a sweet, lovely man. The son turned out to be quite the bore, monopolising the conversations with his extensive ramblings of previous cruises! I would have loved to talk more with the father, but it was quite impossible. After a few nights we started eating elsewhere! I felt bad for the dad, though! Covid changed that arrangement!
These are such great reasons to eat at the buffet. I hadn’t thought of many of them before. We like eating in all the different venues.
My first (and so far only) cruise we ate in the MDR for dinner the first and second night but after that it was buffet every night. The second to last morning we went to MDR for breakfast and realized we’d been making a huge mistake. For us, being able to sit at the table and have food come to us while the coffee is kicking in was a great way to ease in to the day. Far better than the hustle and bustle of the buffet. Our plan now is MDR breakfast every morning on the next cruise and buffet for most lunches and dinners.
Great tips, as always, Ilana! One of my favorite things about cruising is, upon boarding, heading to the complimentary buffet restaurant before
heading to the cabin, which might not be ready at that point. The main dining room can be addictive, especially if you enjoy the wait staff and
your tablemates; however, if that is not the case, or if you simply want something quicker and low-key on occasion, the buffet is great! 😀 🚢
thx ilana, i never thought of you as a snob. i find your contents very helpful and informative. i have purchased sooo many things you have suggested that has proven to make my cruise much better such as the magnets, clothes hangers, planner, etc. but i was feeling some kind of way because my main eating place on the ship is the buffet. i really don't eat that much; steak and eggs are not a daily feast; and i really don't like wasting food. i view your comment as providing options other than. take care and continue providing us with your thoughts and reviews. thx again.
Love your videos! My husband and I are starting to cruise more often, and your content has been so helpful❣ We do have a restricted diet due to health issues, and have found the buffet a great option, so we can pick exactly what we want😉
The buffet is great for many reason but at night the main dinning room is better because you are gonna eat something different. Usually the ice cream is always there, fruits, cakes, etc. If I'm going tomthe buffet I will always goes with whats looks good for me. The main dinning is always a suprise.
Yes for the kids is great, I bring them at 17-18 because we plan to eat at the main dinning room at 20. If they want a snack the main dinning room have a good kids menu.
For the first reason I like to get prepared, take a drink before and have a nice dinner in the main dinning room because I don't do that when I'm working with the job, kids...
Great video your channel is great! 😊
Thanks for your input. I enjoyed watching. ❤
Our children love casual dining offerings, so we absolutely agree that taking them to the buffet before the kids club is the way to go. Then we head over to specialty dining or the MDR and enjoy a quieter, more intimate dinner with upscale options (we are PROUD FOOD SNOBS 😂). If the kids are still hungry after the kids club closes (which they almost always are) most cruise lines will have pizza available. Excellent tip Ilana!
I cruise out in Galveston, me and my wife love the buffet. We do specialty dining 3 nights out of the 7 nights, but we love it. We enjoyed the ocean views. Keep up the good work.Enjoy listening to you
Hi from Ireland llana, I am really enjoying your channel, hope to go on our first cruise this Christmas. Wouldn't have the first clue about how anything works, so grateful to you x
I love the buffet. For all the reasons you mentioned.
I did breakfast buffets on an Alaska Carnival cruise back in 2010 , and they had the best omelets I’ve ever had . I’d sit there by the huge window enjoying my breakfast while watching the Alaska scenery go by.
I always enjoy your videos, and seriously you are so relatable and anything but snobby! I have learnt much from you but last year on my first cruise I discovered the joys of the buffet due to my very fussy vegetarian tastes. I liked the company in the MDR as I cruise solo, but often the food was not what I wanted, so as you say there was very little to complain about in the buffet and I used it often. Loved the pizza and salads and fabulous views from the windows. I feel more seasoned this year but I expect my choices to be the same. I am counting down now to the next trip so getting excited!. - thanks again for all your information. x
I agree with last comment. I also love your videos! They are all so well thought out and informative! Thank you!
My husband and I actually prefer eating at the buffet. Don’t have to schedule every meal, more relaxed. When we travel with our family then we always get together in the dining room for dinner to talk about our day. Getting ready for our 20 day cruise through the Mediterranean in late September on princess. So excited!
Love you and tell others about your great channel! The BUFFET vs the MDR:
MDR - I like to be waited on. I like finding the best table waiter for us and stick with them. They can learn our preferences in drinks/wine, kind of specialty water, and foods. Makes life easier. Usually always at dinner time.
BUFFET - We go very few times at dinner. Sometimes for lunch and breakfast. Good for coming in late after a tour. I like serving myself just the amount I will eat. I like having more control over the variety of foods I eat. I hate walking around and around to find a seat!!!
@@sharonhinsley5335 awe thanks for your kind words & for your thoughts too!
I just love MDR. On disembark day the buffet is crazy. MDR is a wonderful way to exit the ship.
You are wonderful. I appreciate everything you do.
Love your videos and such good advice!!! I have been on over 20 cruises. I stopped eating in the MDR for one reason only. It is just too slow. I just don't spend that much time dealing with food so the buffet is way more appropriate for us. Plus we have met some awesome people in the buffet...not so much in a formal atmosphere dining room. Plus the food isn't better enough to lure us in.!
You’re a joy and thanks for another fun video llana and always love them so much and grateful for you 🌞🩵🛳️🩵🌞🌊🌺🌊🌊🌞🩵🛳️🛳️🛳️🌞🌊🌺🌺🌊🩵🛳️🩵🌊🌊🌞🩵🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🩵🌞🌊🌊🌺🌺🌊🩵🛳️
You’re so sweet! Glad you’re here Lauren
@@LifeWellCruised awww thanks me too ur great friend and family of mine 😀😀🩵🩵
I love your Life Well Cruised channel Ilana. Thanks for all those great tips as to why we should eat in the buffet more often. We have always eaten in the main dining room for breakfast and dinner but that may change on our next cruise. My wife especially liked your idea of bringing charcuterie back to our cabin to enjoy with wine.
@@johnfrederick2369 lol, the buffet definitely has some nice snacks
Husband and I enjoyed our 1st Cruise ever February. We decided of the buffet for Valentines and LOVED it! It was a delicious Italian theme AND seafood theme! It was so good, I had to tell the chefs how fitting it was for the day! No complaints.
The other days, it was equally delicious. You choose the amount you want and if you like, you know what to get for seconds! 🎉❤
I love your cruise videos! They are full of so much info and are so helpful. Thank you!
We have set dining for dinner in MDR. They are really good for taking care of my Gluten intolerance. I find the Buffet better for breakfast as it is quicker and I can grab fruit, eggs, bacon and a Hot Chocolate quickly. Sea day lunches usually in MDR, but occasionally deck munchies.
The buffet is great if we get back late from a Port excursion.
Sounds great!
I suggest looking at the buffet offerings before deciding again MDR. On the Sapphire Princess this July, we decided to go to the buffet for dinner. They were serving Indian food and there wasn't anything we liked. Ended up eating a burger by the pool. Learned a lesson from our experience. Check before missing your dinner reservation.
It’s great! We went to 2 formal nights…1 speciality and hubs preferred buffet. Next cruise…will take advantage of breakfast on our balcony!
We went on our first cruise 12 yrs ago and ate in the main dining room. Haven’t been back since. Love eating on the Lido deck on HAL. So many options and very casual.
Thank you for celebrating the buffet for my first day and if I want every day
Illana🫶🏼🫶🏼I am glad you are not taking that comment so hard..keep up the good work. Yes days can be busy and coming in later and going to the buffet and not worry about dressing up or showering, its great. I like to eat early but sometimes that messes up going for my massage…so going to the buffet, I can eat quickly and be ready to relax with a nice massage🚢🙂
I liked the buffet and the dining room! Thanks so much for your helpful videos!
When my husband and I travel without our sons, we usually eat in the MDR. My sons LOVE the buffet for the casual atmosphere and great variety. My husband and I will check the MDR menu during the day. If we aren't interested in what's being served (that rarely happens!). If we aren't interested in what's being served in the MDR, we'll go to the buffet. As you mentioned, if it was a busy day and we just want to eat NOW, buffet is great for this. My husband and I love to dress and have dinner in the MDR. It's just our preference.
Great idea to check the mdr menus
Interesting video Ilana. The buffet for lunch is our go to. Love the selection there. For dinner the Main Dining Room is where we always eat if not going to a specialty restaurant. We have not traveled with kids or grandkids. The buffet makes sense if you have kids especially if they have diverse favorite foods.
Happy cruising Ilana
We love the variety for sure. If it’s crowded we may go to main dinning for breakfast instead.
I eat at the buffet 95% of the time because it saves time and I like the variety.
I agree, eating in the dining room takes too long. I'd rather be doing other things😊
We ate at the buffet for breakfast and lunch. Unless we were on a tour. Dinner was always "dress-up and drinks" before dinner. All of the food was delicious. No matter where we ate. The buffet always had a large variety if selections.
We eat breakfast & dinners at the MDR mainly because it is so nice to be waited on! We are early risers and grab Americano coffees and a croissant or danish before breakfast. Lunches are at the buffet, poolside burgers/ pizza or at the International Cafe depending on our mood or energy level….sometimes going to the buffet just doesn’t seem worth the effort. We hang out a lot in the Piazza and just relax, enjoy the activities or music there. I agree when you have a balcony, sometimes it is so nice to take food back to your room and decompress from the crowds in the open air!
Thanks for sharing! You mentioned the Piazza, love the IC 👏
I enjoy the variety of dining options too☺️
Love the buffet! Love the MDR also. Both have a spot in my cruise. Buffet is great for picking up a variety of items to enjoy in your room in your pjs! I try to mix up my dining methods in order to try everything the ship has to offer!
Hi Illana!!!!
We are from Brazil and love to cruise! I think we are quite far from you,in matters of how many times we can go cruising, but whenever we can we prefer cruising than traveling by car or planes.
We enjoy the buffet and also the main restaurant, depends on what we have done that day.
I like your channel very much for your tips and the way you describe everything, thank you!
@@reginahelenademoraesperezf3235 thanks so much for watching! :)
Buffet dining can work for everyone. Depends on our schedule, how much we had to eat earlier etc. We are SOOO excited to be sailing on the Sun Princess in January - very interested to see the "new" hands off buffet. Thank you so much for all your info...you are amazing and we so enjoy your info videos.
Sounds great! Have an amazing time on Sun ☀️
@@lynnerooney9698 We will also be on the Sun in January. We normally cruise on Holland America and this will be our first Princess. Really looking forward to checking them out, and now they have new packages that basically make it all-inclusive. Great new perk from Princess.
I agree with every thing you have said with the exception that trying to find a seat at the buffet as a single person is sometime very hard.
Yes! We enjoy the buffet as well as the mdr and specialty restaurants. We hit 'em all!
@@rebeccarawlings1757 yes 🙌
The buffet is amazing on Princess! It's great for my picky kiddo.
The only caveat with the buffets is the potential for cross-contamination with allergies. But the crew were superb and let us know they would do their best to help us out.
Now that my kid is old enough for the kids club, we are definitely going to take advantage of that buffet tip!
@@CrusifoxMedia true super important to chat with the crew about allergies. Thanks for sharing this
I so enjoy watching your videos. Cruising is something that I doubt I will ever do but it's great seeing you enjoy. I don't like crowds, lining up for anything or small bedrooms. The food always looks awesome.
Thanks.
Thanks for having a video on the buffet, for those of us that really just want to do that the first time. Still have yet to go on our first cruise, but we'll probably stick to the buffet for first time, then maybe venture out to MDR or whatnot next time (if there is a next time!). There are so many other costs involved than just the cruise itself, so it's good to minimize as much as we can for first one, would be beneficial to avoid surprises.
Yes. I agree with less waste ( at least for us) I take smaller portions. If I want more I go back or try something else.
We rarely eat in the buffet, you gave great reasons to eat there but we find the crowds,(kids), trying to find a table, and sanitation(not crew but passengers) are the main reasons we don’t eat at buffet. We eat at complementary venues, Park Cafe, Promenade Cafe, or MDR. Specialty restaurants for special events.