1st time cruiser and would like suggestions on dinner seating options.?

Question

My husband and I will be celebrating our anniversary and would prefer more intimate dining. Is this an option or will I have to settle with being seated with 2-10 other adults? If the latter is true, would a larger table be more intimate than a smaller one since smaller groups might expect a lot more interaction b/w strangers than a larger one? Or is it about the same?

Answer 1

We cruise a lot; have been on more than 15 and we always ask for a table for two.  I know for sure that Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity have tables for two and have had them on those lines.  All you need to do is ask/request a table for two when you reserve.  If you have already reserved you can still put in a request.  

When you board ship they will have your table assignment on your cruise card. Go immediately to the dining room to see if the table suits you and if not ask the MatreD for a table change.  I have done that a couple times.  On one cruise they had a table for two available only for the second seating so we changed to that.  

Many times they will ask if you want to be at a large able or small one.  Small may be 4 to 6 people.  I suggest the small table as the second alternative as when you are at a large table you generally cannot communicate with every one at the table anyway.  Its too much commotion in the room to hear.

Even with tables for 4 or 6 some people never show up, like on our last cruise, and you end up with just two or four people which can still be intimate.

Answer 2

dinner with other cruisers is a blast but for a more intimate dinner pay the extra and go to the supper club...

Answer 3

After reading the other responses, it sounds like you could get a table for two for the duration of your cruise, but you may want to consider a larger table as they usually try to put you with other anniversary couples or newlyweds. This is fun as it may give you another couple or two to share shore excursions with; or at least others to share your day's activities with.

On the day of your anniversary you may want to opt for dinner at one of the specialty restaurants.

have a wonderful time!

Answer 4

I had the same question when we went a few years ago.  We were able to get a table for two on our anniversary night but sat at a large table the rest of the trip.  We met some great people and had a wonderful time.  They also made our anniversary dinner very nice.  The next one we went on we went with another couple and just had a table for four which was OK but would have been nice to be with some other people too.  We cut up and had fun with some of the other tables around with the people we had met.

Answer 5

well if you want to be by yourselves, then ur better off going to the resaturent where you have to pay...it is very expensive....if you site with other people, you dont know if there will be adults and children....

Answer 6

I think most ships have dining areas with restaurants that you'll have to pay extra for each meal...make reservations and all that.  This way you'll have a table for two each evening if you wish.  As for 2-10 adults...I've only been at tables that have 8-10 and it's nice to meet other folks from around the world.  As for times...I'd suggest the late seating because if it's early, then you have to leave the island you're visiting early to get ready for an early dinner.  Just my two cents.  Wish you my best!

Answer 7

If you would prefer a table for two speak with the maitre 'd the day you board your ship.  My husband and I went on a Carnivsl cruise for our honeymoon.  As soon as we boarded we went to see the maitre 'd to request a table for two.  The first night of the cruise we were seated with 2 other people.  The second night we were given a table for two.  We have also sailed with Royal Caribbean.  We were told they had no tables for two.  We saw several though and no one was ever seated at them.  We had a table for 8.  We didn't care for it because the other couples were older so they talked amongst themselves excluding us from their conversations.  Even our waiter thought it was odd so he tried to get our table assignment changed but had no luck.

Answer 8

no you can sit by yourselfs, it is really flexible, you can either eat at the same time every night at the same table, or you can go to dinner at a different time at a different table, you can go to the buffet, the possibilities are endless

Answer 9

I would request a table with 4 other couples.  You can usually strike up good conversation with at least one of the couples.  If you get a table with only one other couple, you may not hit it off and dinner time would be a drag.

I have had this happen one time and had to request another table quickly - before the end of the meal.  What a bummer that couple was!

The large tables have always worked out great.

Part of travelling is interaction with other people.  My wife and I really enjoy that and a large dinner table works out great.  

Another point is that most of the 2 person tables are in the not very desirable spots in the dining room and the large tables are in the most desirable areas.

One of the other answers here stated that you should make a request for a small table because it is your anniversary and therefore, you will get special treatment.  You will find on a cruise ship, that there are many, many anniversaries being celebrated.  If the Maitre d' does know, you will get a cake served with singing waiters.  It is a very nice experience.

I prefer the 6:00 seating.  For me, the 8:30 seating is too late and finishing up a dinner at 10 pm is not pleasant.

Answer 10

What you want to do is talk to the cruise line or travel agent or whoever you booked throuigh immediately.  With enough notice they migth be able to reserve for you one of the few 2 seat tables in the dining room.  make mention that you are celebratign an anniversary and they will be more inclined to help.  Also, they might go out of theri way and get you free cake and champagne.....

At the worst take what they give you, but on the first day of the crusie talk to the Maitre D (spelling? sorry) and tell them of your situation.  They would be glad to help and get you one of those two seater tables if you couldnt reserve it before hand.  I have often gone to the Maitre D and he has always set us up with what we wanted....

At worst (again) sit at a big table that way other people can talk around you and not make your silence a big deal....you never know if you sit with another couple  only if they will be one of those annoying couples that never shuts up.  Atleast if you have one of those at a big table they could not shut up to everyone else.  People will see you want to simply be with your husband and take the hint....or you might make some great new friends.....