Cruise Talk: Late Seating

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Topic: Late Seating

Laurence
Just Boarded
Member # 1155

posted 03-15-2000 08:08 PM

Any opinions regarding the pros and cons of late or early seating for dining? Also any tips on how to secure the late or early seating (depending on preference) when seating is to be determined at the time of sailing. I hate the thought of waiting in another long line to secure a certain seating preference. Any thoughts...

Thanks.

Posts: 2 | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

MagnmPI
First Class Passenger
Member # 299

posted 03-15-2000 08:47 PM

Great topic! I have done both and I still don't know which is better. Since my wife takes 2 and a half hours getting ready for a formal night I think second seating works out for us. I like the idea of eating dinner at 6pm, but that would mean leaving the pool area at about 3:30 or 4pm. I like being in the pool area at those times because the crowds thin out, it's quiet, and you still have a couple hours of sun left.

What I don't like about late seating is that some of your shows are PRE-dinner. It just seems natural to eat first then see a show.

Usually in the Caribbean first seating fills up first. In the Mediterranean it's the opposite. The only way I know to secure first seating is to not book last minute and let your travel agent know. Other than that meet with the Maitre de, but you're right there will be a line. Since you know you're gonna meet with him try getting on the ship as soon as embarkation begins.

Posts: 545 | From: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

LindaBeatrice
First Class Passenger
Member # 1068

posted 03-15-2000 08:55 PM

I always like 2nd seating because I like to stay out by the pool and then go back to the cabin to rest before getting ready for dinner.

Posts: 25 | From: Worcester, Ma. USA | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

JoeO
First Class Passenger
Member # 224

posted 03-15-2000 09:41 PM

We've always used 2nd seating.
The "pros" are:
1. More relaxation time especially when returning from land tours, shopping or swimming.
2. NEVER need to go to midnight buffets.

The "con" for us is that there seems to be less time to dance in the evenings which we are very fond of. Our next cruise we are still doing 2nd seating but we'll steal some pre-dinner relaxation time and dance both before and after dinner.

Posts: 93 | From: St Aaugustine, Fl., U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 98 | IP: Logged

cncservo
First Class Passenger
Member # 532

posted 03-15-2000 11:18 PM

Laurence:
I usually look at the time the ship requires passengers to reboard the ship at the ports of call. Also the time spent at each port. When one spends several hours on tours, shopping, sight seeing or whatever, 4 to 5pm is a good time to reboard the ship. This gives time to make the early seating then hit the midnight feed or eat pizza all night. What a vacation!

Posts: 170 | Registered: May 99 | IP: Logged

Ascendancy
First Class Passenger
Member # 840

posted 03-16-2000 09:00 AM

The 1st seating is better for dancing. Since dancing is our number 1 activity every night.
Also, I have this acid reflux problem and I cannot eat 3 hours before going to bed. I don't have a choice.
When we were doing the 2nd seating, many years ago, I enjoyed the pool deck around 5 pm. It really cleared out at that time since half of the people who had to get ready for 1st seating. You had the hot tub and the pool to yourself. And the band was still playing!

Posts: 354 | From: Aurora, CO | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 03-16-2000 11:42 AM

I have always asked for second seating. This gives you time for an early evening shower, to wash off all the sun screen you covered yourself with all day to avoid a burn.

[This message has been edited by Mercy (edited 03-16-2000).]

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

mitch
First Class Passenger
Member # 708

posted 03-16-2000 05:03 PM

I have to agree with Mercy and YES we have seperate cabins to the kids this time.

Posts: 87 | From: australia | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 03-16-2000 09:46 PM

I prefer 2nd seating. Like MagnumPI's wife I also take about 2 hrs to dress for formal nights. Second seating provides time to relax and also gives us time for a drink before dinner. The one draw back is if the show is before dinner. I agree with Magnum on this also, shows should be after dinner. I just returned from 10 days on the Volendam and on 3 nights the show was before dinner. I missed them all.
I did first seating once. I felt I was always rushing to make dinner and had no nap time.

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 03-16-2000 11:02 PM

Always 2nd seating - calling quits to a sea or shore day betweeen 3 and 4 o'clock for early dinner seems such a waste - but then I'm a night person - NEVER, if I can possibly avoid it, do I have breakfast before 10. There are those who say I'm wasting half the day -maybe so - but it's MY vaction.....that electric alarm rules for the balance of the year! On pre-dinner show nights we usually don't make it, preferring to enjoy our pre dinner cocktail/dance hour.
To each his own - IT IS YOUR VACATION!

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

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