Lunch while in port

dlm2005 · #1 (**permalink**) March 8th, 2006, 08:04 AM

One of the big selling points of a cruise is that breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included. We have a port intensive cruise Leaving San Juan after dinner followed by full days (or at least until 5:00 or 5:30) in port for 5 other islands. On port days, how many people take advantage of lunch on the ship as opposed to sampling local food on the island?

Mike M · #2 (**permalink**) March 8th, 2006, 08:23 AM

It really depends on what we are doing. If we are just doing a beach day we may just wrap up a sandwich from room service and take it with us. My wife also throws a few apples or other fruits in her bag to munch on. If we are sightseeing we will definitely stop by a local cafe and have lunch. Most of the time you don't have enough time on the island or port to run back to the ship just to have lunch. Sampling the local food is one of the highlights of travel. I just advise you to stay away from the local water and ice, including drinks that include it.

If you are just shopping, near the pier, then go back to the ship and grab a bite and then go back out and do some more shopping.

Take care,
Mike

dina · #3 (**permalink**) March 8th, 2006, 08:31 AM

I ate breakfast on board every day. I was usually busy at port to eat lunch except the days when we were at sea. I missed dinner completely when in Aruba since we were there late but ate dinner on board the rest of the trip. It all depends on what you like to do. Lots of people never get off the ship so you'll have company if you choose to eat on board.

LisaK · #4 (**permalink**) March 8th, 2006, 10:07 AM

its totally up to you. We usually have a hearty breakfast on the ship, go off on our excursions, if we get hungry we will find a little cafe or restaurant to have a quick bite to eat. If we are near the ship, we will drop off any beach gear or souveniors that we got in the morning, have a nice lunch on board and then head out into town to explore.

gerif · #5 (**permalink**) March 8th, 2006, 12:11 PM

If we are just doing a beach day we may just wrap up a sandwich from room service and take it with us. My wife also throws a few apples or other fruits in her bag to munch on.

Bear in mind that this is illegal in many, many ports - your daily newsletter will probably alert you to not take food off the ship. In some places, it is confiscated if discovered - in others, you could find yourself with a hefty fine. Fruit and meat/cheese products are especially verboten in a lot of places. Best to stick with prepackaged snacks - granola bars, cereal boxes from the buffet, and the like.

Will · #6 (**permalink**) March 14th, 2006, 10:21 PM

We generally eat breakfast on board(get fruit to take with),and lunch during the excursion,and dinner back on the ship.We enjoy the pampering(menu).

gerif · #7 (**permalink**) March 15th, 2006, 12:49 PM

"We generally eat breakfast on board(get fruit to take with),"

Fruit is one of the worst things to take off the ship - usually strictly forbidden by the various islands (just try to get into Hawaii with a piece of fruit). There is a very valid reason for this - bringing unwanted pests into an environment. Be a considerate visitor.

colorcrazie · #8 (**permalink**) May 13th, 2006, 01:46 PM

I carry protein bars and have one with me in all ports. I have a BIG breakfast first, though and usually am back on board before I get too hungry.
Marty

dina · #9 (**permalink**) May 15th, 2006, 08:39 AM

I grabbed a small snack for breakfast on the ship and we ate lunch at every port. We like to try local food. It was a great way to get just a taste of the islands as well.

Kamloops Cruiser · #10 (**permalink**) February 12th, 2007, 11:53 AM

We scheduled our shore tours for the AM. So that we would be back on board
for lunch. Whay pay for a meal ashore if you already paid for one on board.
Myself and DW are morning people so we don't do much in the afternoon.

Rfujitani · #11 (**permalink**) February 13th, 2007, 02:09 PM

I had been wondering the same thing, so it's good I stumbled into this thread.

I think I would want to sample all the local flavors as well. I do have a question, tho...

I've seen some people here referring to room service; is this included in the cruise fees, or is it something you have to pay extra for?

Fern · #12 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2007, 08:54 PM

Hi Ryan,

Room Service is included in your cruise fee, but you should tip the person who brings it a couple of dollars.

Rfujitani · #13 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2007, 03:22 AM

And thank you yet again, Fern.

I've been reading up on tipping, so I'll make sure to have plenty of tip money ready when we go.

dlm2005 · #14 (**permalink**) February 26th, 2007, 02:42 PM

Wow. What a suprise to see this thread come back. As it turned out, we did a mix of both. Not being used to a big breakfast everyday, we often weren't hungry until we returned to the ship in the afternoon where we'd grab something light at the Windjammer or the Seaview Cafe (we were on the Serenade). We did enjoy some tasty burgers at the America's Cup "yacht club" in St. Marrten and some great local food in St. Lucia. In Barbados, the Silver Moon Catamaran provided a grean Bajan lunch and a few cold drinks. I'm amazed that after the whole cruise I only gained 3 pounds!

Rfujitani · #15 (**permalink**) February 27th, 2007, 04:42 PM

This is great. It's nice to see someone follow up on a question thread after having gone on the cruise and put the advice/information to use.

Now, I'll know to make sure I eat a hearty breakfast to tide me over (for the most part) till late lunch. Thanks for posting again in here, dlm2005.

dlm2005 · #16 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2007, 04:32 PM

No problems. I just wish I was going again!

collectingcoke · #17 (**permalink**) March 1st, 2007, 04:53 PM

we like to sample local cuisine in ports.