Alternative Dining????
 

I understand that Celebrity offers a choice to make reservations at a restaurant onboard for an additional charge, around $20.00 - I think. I'm going on the Century. I believe it is called Michael's on this ship. Has anyone done this, and could offer advice if it was worth it to them? How much better was the food and service than in the Grand Dining Room?

The Century does not offer alternative dining. Only the new Millenium-class ships(Millenium, Infinity, Summit)have this for an addl. cost of $25pp. Michael's Club is the cigar bar.<BR><BR>The only alternative to the main dining room is the buffet and you need to make reservations for that. Hope this helps.

Donny's mom,<BR><BR>Thanks for the info. At least now, I know that we will need to make reservations for the buffet if we don't want to do the main dining room one night. I was confused b/c I read something about Celebrity and alternate dining. I really appreciate you letting me know.<BR><BR>

A LITTLE CONFUSED..BY DONNY'S MOM'S REPLY...AS FAR AS I KNOW RESERVATIONS ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR THE BUFFET BUT ARE FOR THE NORMANDIE RESTAURANT (ALT. DINING) ON THE SUMMIT. DID I READ THE MESSAGE INCORRECTLY?

It's a nomenclature thing. The big boats (Infinity et al) have "specialty restaurants" named after famous ocean liners (Normandie, SS United States, etc.) These are "fine dining" restaurants with elaborate service and many courses, expensive wines, all that. They require reservations and payment of a $25 per person surcharge to eat there. We thought it was well worth it, but others may have found it a bit much. These restaurants book up right away, so if you're considering it, don't dally when you get on board.<BR><BR>"Alternative dining" is something different. This is offered in the buffet area at dinner time. Reservations are needed, but there's no charge to eat there (booze excepted, of course.) The service is mixed - salads and sweets at the buffet, entrees brought by the waitstaff. The menu is limited (maybe four entree choices) but the food is fine, and it is much, much more intimate and quieter than the main dining room, because the buffet areas are huge and the number of diners small.