Cruise Question

[TheOldOakTree223]

Do you have to sit with the same people at dinner every night? Went on one down the Nile 26 years ago and had to sit with the same people and had run out of conversation by day 3. I enjoyed the cruise but found the fixed table arrangements a bit stressful! Just wondered if they do things differently with cruises these days.

If you don’t want that, look for one with flexible dining. They often have a choice of buffets, restaurant style meals or snacks.

Much less formal. We’ve done both and certainly found the second one a better option after we had DS.

@QueenofLouisiana

If you don’t want that, look for one with flexible dining. They often have a choice of buffets, restaurant style meals or snacks.

Much less formal. We’ve done both and certainly found the second one a better option after we had DS.

Sounds much better!

Nope we've always had a table to ourselves. I couldn't bear that!

@orinocopoko

Nope we've always had a table to ourselves. I couldn't bear that!

I might look at booking a cruise knowing this!

Depends. Usually yes.

There is the option of doing the buffet meals for which you don't sit with anyone.

You sometimes get lucky and get your own table. You can book to have your own table but this often gets booked up months in advance!

It depends on the cruise line and the individual ship, so do your research before booking. The cruisecritic website is good for these sort of questions.

We've sailed Royal Caribbean and Norwegian for a few years now and always ask for a table for 2. We generally only do one/two nights in the main restaurant whilst the kids are in kids club and opt for other nights with our kids in the buffet style restaurants (probably changed now). The only time I've ever sat with other passengers at a table was the last day disembarking for breakfast and that was pre kids.

I’ve been on 11 cruises and only ate with my family. I’ve always requested not to have a shared table.

Thank you all for your information

We did flexible dining and you can go with the buffet or you can go to the dining room where you will be allocated a table, either with others or on your own, your choice. We chose this as I don't really do "dress up" and was concerned about formal dining. The food was the highlight of my cruise, and was really amazed at what they provided, except the custard. Mine is better!

Nope I’ve been with Royal Caribbean and P and O several times and only ever sat with my family.

I've Requested a table for two in the main dining room - on princes and royal Caribbean for the fixed time dining option. For freedom dining on p and o you might just have a longer wait each evening or you can share with different people each night.

DH would not share. If you are not happy speak to the Maitre D and they will try and accommodate. Then there is always buffet or speciality restaurants or room service. MDR is always good imho

I am very happy to socialise but just found it to much on my cruise years ago being with the same people at every single meal. Sitting with different people every night would be fine for us I think.

Since Covid sitting with strangers is discouraged, although you can ask to share if you want. The default is your party only.

Outwith Covid arrangements it's increasinly less common to have a set time and there is usually at least one dining room where you just turn up (or queue virtually) when you want to. As PP say, you will probably get a table quicker if you are prepared to share, specially at popular times.

I don't know what's happened since Covid, but Cunard is the main line that always (nearly always?) allocates you the same table for the whole cruise, with the same companions. You can request a table for 2 at time of booking.

If you are not happy with what you are allocated, the Maitre d' will always do his/her best to accommodate you, even if they can't do so immediately. They are trying ensure that every guest has an enjoyable dining experience and take a pride in doing so, so welcome you bringing your requests.