Buffet Balancing Act!

Silver Service

A few days ago I booked a cruise for a lady. This was going to be her second cruise and both times with P&O. When I got to the question of dining preferences, I was shocked when she told me that she had only used the buffet dining on the previous occasion as she had been told by her agent (NOT cruise.co.uk!!) that she would have to pay extra to have the silver service dining and as that was (most incorrectly) quoted at £25 per person per night supplement, she didn’t dare use any other restaurant as she didn’t want to be landed with a large on board bill. Needless to say , this lady is now looking forward to the cruise I have just booked for her and to sampling the fine cuisine which is included in her cruise fare.

To a first time cruiser, the choice of dining and dining times can seem a little daunting. What other holiday do you book and have to reserve your restaurant table at the same time?

I went on a Fred Olsen cruise three years ago with my Aunt and as we were booked as two single ladies, we were put on a table with five other single travellers. Our first evening at dinner we sat politely, in silence as we British are so good at, staring at our highly-polished cutlery or fiddling with our napkins. When our waiter came to take our order, my Aunt and I spoke up and ordered a salad followed by a soup and a main course. The lady next to me then asked me in a whisper where the prices were. After I explained to her that she could have what she wanted, she broke into a big smile and ordered a hearty meal. She was even more delighted when I explained to her that even the room service menu was complimentary. This certainly broke the ice at our table and we all became good friends. What again was concerning was that this was her second cruise with Fred Olsen and she did let on to me that she had been very hungry throughout her previous voyage as she thought only two courses were included in the cost.

To seasoned cruisers, the above may seem laughable, but how many people are not benefitting by not being given the correct information?  Not everyone can just google information. Many do not know how or are too embarrassed to ask and brochures are often quite hard to follow.

If you want clarification on what is included in a cruise fare please call me on 0800 408 6192 why miss out?

Now let me ask you a question…Why do buffet diners load their plates so high??? Do they not realise they can go to the buffet 20 times if they so desire. Do they really need to balance that cherry tomato on top as they wind their way back to their table?  P.S I do like buffets too, especially on cruises!

Buffet Balancing Act