Cruise 101: Tips for Dining Onboard | Royal Caribbean Blog

Today's most discerning eaters know that a cruise vacation is one of the best ways to sample a range of cuisine at a level of quality that's often hard to do on your own. When you sail with Royal Caribbean, for instance, you can look forward to options that emphasize creativity and flexibility-think menus designed by famous chefs, expertly sourced ingredients, culturally authentic eats and innovative atmospheres that make each meal an experience. With more than 20 dining concepts that range from cafs and to-go stands to formal sit-down dinners, you will see nothing if not variety onboard: low-key Italian and authentic Japanese sushi, a Mexican taqueria, a traditional steakhouse and more. Royal Caribbean boasts the first food truck at sea, and the artistic dishes served at the formal Wonderland create an other-worldly experience just as the name suggests. Our intuitive service-created to meet all your needs, dietary restrictions and general food preferences-ensures you will enjoy your meals on any of our ships or itineraries. No matter what you want to try, you wo not be disappointed. Before you start your vacation, you would be smart to plan ahead: making reservations and purchasing dining packages before you sail gives you peace of mind and could net you great discounts. This guide will help you navigate your options and plan your onboard dining experience to best complement your vacation. The main dining room is the central place on board for savoring your meals. Featuring traditional dining options such as early or late seating times, do not let the term "traditional" fool you-this is one of the most laid-back approaches to dining on board because once you've selected your seating time, no reservations are necessary. By opting for traditional dining, you can choose between early or late seating times (times vary according to your cruise itinerary), and are assigned a dining table with your party. Bonus: Your waiter will be with you each night and learn your preferences. Plus, they will learn your favorite dessert and have it ready for you. If your style is more about experiencing as much as you can onboard and on land, there's My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining. My Time Dining gives you the ability to make reservations when you want. Reservations are encouraged for each evening, but you will be able to choose a different time each day, so you can seamlessly schedule dinner around the rest of your onshore and onboard plans. To ensure quick seating, make a reservation for each evening prior to the start of your vacation, particularly if you are planning to dine during the most popular window, which is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For those traveling with smaller kids, My Family Time Dining allows parents to get into the dining room right away and ensure that your kids are served first. Then they get whisked off for a night of fun activities by the ship's dedicated Adventure Ocean staff, while parents stay and enjoy a leisurely dinner and some alone time. This perk is offered during the early seating time in the main dining room, for families with children ages three to 11. If you opt for a specialty dining package (available on every ship), you will give yourself the chance to experience the most dynamic restaurants on board, ranging from formal dining experiences to more casual ones full of personality, to our special collaborations with celebrity chefs. Longing for the flavors of Italy? Savor authentic pasta and salumi at Jamie's Italian, the restaurant at sea that Royal Caribbean created with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. Oliver created the rustic, authentic menu-which is inspired by the Italian way of life-in collaboration with the cruise line's chefs. Design an evening around the fanciful molecular gastronomy at Wonderland, get your sushi fix at Izumi or head to our signature steakhouse, Chops Grille. Packages for three, four or five specialty restaurants are available, and if you book before you sail, you can enjoy your first night at your pre-selected spot, and have staff ready when you arrive to handle your other dinner reservations. Keep in mind that there are other eateries throughout the ship, some complimentary (like Sorrento's pizza) and some that you pay a la carte (like Johnny Rockets). Before you board, explore the rich dining experiences available across Royal Caribbean ships; and do not forget our beverage packages, which complement your meals with the perfect cocktail, glass of wine or beer. No matter where you are headed, or for how long, your culinary adventures will be a big part of an unforgettable cruise vacation.

1. 10 Tips for Creating a Tasty Dining Room

If your home has a dedicated dining room, it's often tempting to knock through to create an open-plan kitchen-diner. However, there is something to be said for eating in a separate space away from the chaos of cooking and washing up. Here are some ideas for creating an inviting dining room in which you can enjoy long, relaxing meals with friends and family.

2. What is the best and most durable varnish for a dining table top?

"Varnish" is a soft finish, these days usually only used where it will encounter very little wear, such as on picture frames. Lacquer is a common woodworking finish, and the catalyzed lacquer is normally harder. Catalyzed lacquer uses an acid catalyst, and chemically hardens, as opposed to would rying'. Urethane finishes are hard enough to be used on flooring, and will work just fine as a table finish. If you want an extremely thick, clear finish, (normally called a 'bartop' finish), then you would want to look into a polyester resin finish, which also uses a chemical hardener - this is the most expensive of the methods I've mentioned here. I prefer to use a spraygun for either the lacquer finishes, or the urethane finish. Have Fun

3. I damaged my dining room table....?

First thing we need to know is what type of top coat was used. Does the wood itselft looked damaged? If you only peeled off the top coat it can be repaired yourself depending on the type of top coat. If we can get an idea of what it is I can give you some suggestions on how to go about it.