I literally ate three lunches on embarkation day -- I had a quick plate from Cabanas, then realized I was hungry again later and got shawarma from one of the pool deck counters, then was hungry again after the drill and the sail-away party and got pizza from another. As long as the location is open, you can go back as many times as you want. The only time you're expected to sit down at eat at a particular time and place is dinner, and a.) you don't
have to go to the MDR (though I'd highly recommend it!) and b.) you can order as much or as little as you want for your dinner. Want an item from every course (appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert)? Three entrees and nothing else? They'll give you whatever you order. They do check your KTTW when you enter the MDR, but it's so they know where you're supposed to be seated (and I think they might take attendance to monitor supply/demand? Not sure).
One word of caution, though -- not
every source of food is free and unlimited! Extra charges apply to alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, smoothies, popcorn purchased at the theaters, and any packaged foods -- think candy bars, canned sodas, etc. The lounges and theaters only serve popcorn, alcohol, and packaged foods, so there's no way to, say, get a Coke in Fathoms unless you either carry it down from the drink station or pay something like $2 for a can of it in the lounge. Most of the room service food is "free" (read:
included), but there are some packaged items on the menu that do come with an upcharge (again - candy, etc.). Easiest rule of thumb if you're ever in doubt is that if they ask for your KTTW anywhere other than the entrance to the MDR, they're going to charge your room for whatever you just ordered.
Ancillary question - how about grab-n-go from Cabanas in the morning, or for that matter the MDRs? If we wanted to bring a yogurt, cereal, or piece of fruit along with us when we get off the boat for an excursion or midnight snack, would that be alright? What about coffee or tea?
Mark
Customs typically will not allow you to take any food off the ship unless it's in sealed, government-approved packaging.