I Vowed Never to Eat at a Specialty Restaurant on a Cruise but now I have Changed my Mind

I decided long ago that if it is not free it is not for me. But really, what is “free” on a cruise ship? Shall we say “complimentary.” Semantics aside, we figured eating at a specialty restaurant and facing an up-charge is not worth the splurge…Or is it?

After perusing all the eateries on Legend of the Seas, I reasoned that one restaurant is worth the extra fee. That is Pier 7.

It’s not fancy. In fact, it looks to be one of the most casual of all the venues on board. Also, it is located in the “Surfside Neighborhood” near all the kids’ activities. Even though my husband and I might feel out of place there as the only childless couple, I don’t care.

You see, Hubby is a kid at heart. And his favorite area of the buffet is the kids section. Chicken fingers and hot dogs? Bring it on.

So, he will be happy with the burger selections while I am really looking forward to gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan entrees!

It’s hard to find a restaurant that makes us both happy. That’s why we spend a lot of time at the buffet on most cruises.

But this place seems to have everything our palates desire, and more. Also, did I mention, it is casual. The last place we want to be on a ship, is at a stuffy five course restaurant that forces us to stay seated for hours.

I looked at a sample menu, because we are embarking on Legend of the Seas in about a month. I am hoping the lime shrimp tostadas will be available when we sail. And my husband is looking forward to the Lobster Artisan Pizza.

Counter Service Venues are still our Favorites

Bring on the soft serve ice cream stand by the pool, which turns into a popcorn venue at night. Our choices may be low brow to some, but it is what I love about cruising. Everyone likes something different. And you’re not stuck with extravagant dinners where you don’t have much choice in the menu.

That is what we experienced on our first cruise 25 years ago. We were forced to eat at a certain time and dine with strangers we had nothing in common with.

Don’t get me wrong. You meet a lot of interesting people that way, but what if you just want to eat by yourselves? That wasn’t possible back then. And the whole dining dilemma turned us off of cruising for many years.

Before “any time dining” became a thing, not only were you forced to eat with people you didn’t know (or even like in some cases) you were a captive audience for the servers.

Not necessarily a good thing when you don’t drink. The family across from us got much better treatment because they were downing the hard stuff while we were sipping ice teas.

Nothing wrong with that at all…Until the last day and the servers (which were none too happy with us) had a look of relief on their faces when we said goodbye.

I know they were hoping for some big drinkers which translates into large tips. I get it. It’s one thing to get to know the crew and see them every night for dinner…But a whole nother when they don’t particularly like you and it is obvious.

I kept asking where my soda was. But surprise, the lady next to me got her Manhattan right on time.

If “any time dining” ever goes away, you can bet so will our cruising days. But that is not likely to happen because most passengers can’t even remember when they were forced to eat at large tables “family style.”