So let me describe where the food is:

Main pool area: 2 small areas that serve burgers and pasta. The two areas are mirror images of each other, so one serves burgers/hotdogs/fries, and the ther pastas/hot dishes.

Grand Buffet area: There are 4 food areas here, plus a dessert area. The 4 food areas, if you can imagine it, are around a central kitchen area. Great idea in terms of having the food come straight from the kitchen to the buffet area, but the problem is that the lines start running into each other so that now you've got 2 lines mingling in together. On one side, there's the Thai, the other is the Deli, and the other two more "central" stations include salad, turkey, prime rib, other hot dishes, etc. The dessert area is a little bit off from the "point" created by the two central stations.

South Beach area: there are two more smaller areas that serve burgers on one side and 24/7 pizza on the other.

So as I've said before, I felt like the ship was crowded. There's people EVERYWHERE you turn! Plus, I don't think that the layout was optimal to accomodate the number of people on board. The lines in the main area often come together -- the first day, we didn't know what was where, and so we just picked one. if you're super-hungry and feeling ill b/c of that, the lines will be a problem. People also learn early that the lines get long, so they line up before the areas are even open. Grab a table early, ask someone to save it for you or put down towels or a bag to save your table. We found ourselves either getting there early or eating late. There were often tables at the way back of the ship in the South beach area. We went to whatever line was shortest.

I'd say that the lines were... at least 40+ people in line at peak hours, and about 10-15 during off peak hours (i think it was around 2:30-3pm) in most lines. Some, obviously, were longer than others.

Bekele:

Don't be scared.  I'll agree the buffet lines can grow long (especially during peak times).  But, don't worry about it.  It is all about attitude.  I told my traveling party before we boarded the ship, that I hoped to stand in many lines.  That way things might slow down.  The week of vacation goes so quickly, it is nice to take a step back and enjoy the sun, the smell of the sea, and the others around.  I, too, saw several passengers extremely stressed about the lines.  But why?  How about relaxing and taking in everything. 

At dinner, we had a table for four and the service was speedy.  The larger tables take longer to get everyone served.  If you find yourself at a larger table, you can request to be moved (although then you might miss out on getting to know your fellow diners). Our servers got to know us and had great personalities.  We often saw them doing their other duties on the ship and enjoyed a laugh with them.  Our assistant waiter snuck up on me one time at the breakfast buffet with a carton of apple juice and purposely startled me.  We all laughed about it the rest of the cruise.  And, I got him back on the last day by scaring him in the same manner.  Again it is all about attitude.  If you enjoy other people (especially the staff) they will enjoy you.

The made-to-order breakfast station is a good recommendation.  You can get omelets or eggs made especially for you.  We were up on the lido deck at 7:30 and got the pick of our chairs.  At 8:00 there are virtually no lines at the breakfast buffets.  At 9:30 -10:00 expect to wait in line for ten minutes.  One day, the scrambled eggs were too runny for me, so I went to a different station and notified one of the staff.  No problem.

The lunch lines are long throughout the afternoon.  The New York Deli is a favorite with at least ten people in line all the time.  The grill for burgers and dogs moves passengers through quickly.  The larger buffet line has more options, but moves slower.

Like I said in my original post, if you are looking for something to complain about, you will probably find it.  We ran into a guy in the Chicago airport who said he had a horrible week of vacation in Jamaica.  When asked why, he said communication was terrible.  My friend asked him what he meant, and he just repeated that communication was bad.  Also, he said there was supposed to be five light bulbs in the elevator and there was only three.  What?  Are you kidding me?  Two missing light bulbs ruined his vacation?

I think this was our 7th or 8th cruise.  How blessed I am to lose count.  It was the best.  I found the staff to be great, and I enjoyed the ship.  Like I said before, it was the people we met that rocketed this trip to the top.  Life is short (and a week on the Triumph goes way too quickly).  Thanks to Cheryl, Lisa, Eric, Shanna, Matt, Maria, Mike, Kathy, and all the other wonderful people who made this cruise the best.

If you expect a great time, you will have it.  Leave all of your worries behind.  The week will go so quickly, be sure to take the time to give thanksgiving to all of the beautiful and wonderful things.  Have a great cruise.  Cheers,

Jeff 

I can't agree with Jeff more. Life is what you make of it! Waiting in line for a few minutes shouldn't hurt anyone. Unfortunately there was a women on our ship that won't be standing in any more lines and I'm betting her family wishes for just one more.

You're on vacation, take a deep breath and enjoy all the wonders life has to offer!

PS/ Thanks Jeff, it was also our pleasure in meeting you and yours. Keep in touch!

Hey Jenn, we were on the same Peat Taylor tours!

Thanks for easing my mind. With a ship that big, I was afraid the lines were going to be more than 100 people long every meal. 10, 30 , 40 is no problem. I usually start a conversation with someone in line . That seems to get your mind of the wait time.

Again, thank you for the info.

Hi, Cheryl. Yes, we were on the same tour with Peat in Jamaica! Glad you guys had a great time!

I agree, Jeffrey. It is all about attitude. I'm just posting about things that I felt were not what I have come to expect on cruises. And Bekele, there is another option for breakfast/lunch that no one has talked about yet -- they have open seating in the dining rooms. I imagine you'd have to forfeit your lounge chairs, but it's another way to not bother with long lines and just relax while you dine.

One more thing I was just thinking about that other guests mentioned they WISHED they knew before they went: Note that not all prices are listed in US Dollars while you're on the islands. Know the local currency and ask if you have questions. We heard of several sticker shock stories in the Caymen Islands because they thought everything was listed in USDs.

Hey Jenn,

Both good pointers.  We almost purchase some liquor in Caymans until the US dollar conversion was made.  As I remember, Cozumel and Jamaica had everything in US$, but most everything in Grand Cayman was in Cayman $.

Also, I don't think you would have to forfeit your lounge chair if you just went to the dining room for breakfast.  Try the eggs benedict. 

Cheers,

Jeff

hey jeff,

the honeymooners here.

I really enjoyed your review and agree, we had a blast

and as you said you get out of the trip what you put in.

Shanna still talks about all the great ppl we met,

as for the fun ship freddy thing..I think maybe we should keep that under our hats..LOL .

we are already planning our next cruise, and we hope that it will be as much a blast as this past one

Eric 

 We were also on this cruise and it was amazing. It was out first cruise and it was more then could have been expected. I didn't think the buffet lines were to bad.

 My daughter (3) loved camp carnival, I wish I could have brought them home with me. My other daughter (17) found a group of friends, and that was last we saw of hear except for excursions and formal dinner. My son (13) eventually made friends and really enjoyed the arcade.

The prise of drinks weren't bad at all. I am ready to plan our next one.
 

Welcome back Eric and Shanna,

Glad you had a great time too.  We especially enjoyed chatting at the Casino bar during Margarita hour.  My wife, Jeri, said to say hi. 

Cheers,

Jeff

Thank you all for the info on the Triumph.  Me and DH will be leaving Feb. 22, 2009.  I will be making plans for the next several months, and need all the help I can get.  This will be our first cruise and we plan on having an awesome time.

 Thanks again

Me and my husband were on this cruise too for our honey moon and my birthday.  We had such an amazing time. could not have asked for better.  We went parasailing and horseback rding through the mayan ruins in cozumel, island tour and sting ray city in grand cayman and dunn river falls and swim with the dolphins at Jamaica.

 I am devastated now though.  I lost/( or was stolen) my digital camera on the way home. I had taken over 500 pics.  I cried all night. It was our first cruise and who knows could be our last.  I do have pics of swimming with the dolphins in Jamaica ans the sting rays in Grand Cayman because we used a disposable water camera but everything else is gone. I guess I will just keep crying. If anyone has any pics they can send of  this trip please do.

Raspbrryslsh@yahoo.com

thanks so much

Carrie

There is a bunch of us going then as well! We can't wait! Out first with Carnival,we went this year on Caribbean Princess and loved it!We are going this time with the kids, I hope Camp Carnival will be great...Looking for a little alone time:)

Jeff

The Triumph does have miniature golf?  What is available on the TV, is it just ship stuff? Do you know if they have Mountain Dew on board?  If not it will not ruin our trip, just curious.  One last question: Is the dinning room (for breakfast and lunch) always open seating or just the days in port?

Thanks for all your info 

Diane