TonyB99

It seems the art of civilized, non-confrontational, dinner conversation has suffered as a result of the polarization of the population. Our electronic devices simply present one view or another, and seem to encourage uncivil discourse. Great pity.

Fortunately I do not find that to be the case, but perhaps it is only on the more up-market lines where it is practiced. I suspect this will be my first and last NCL cruise based on the responses here.

Cruise ships are not "normal" restaurants, and most actively cater to those of us who prefer to dine with a group of like-minded more adventurous diners. So be it, my mistake booking NCL.

I do not want to have to try to find dining companions, I want the Maitre'd to do it, as do other cruise lines. Yes, there is a policy of not offering sharing tables when one checks into the dining room. (Or so I have been told by NCL).

But the policy is still in place, no sharing tables. They do not make that clear in any of their documentation ("eat any time, anywhere" also misleading given the trouble I had getting reservations weeks ago.), and I feel sorry that I have a 2 week cruise coming up in that environment.

Amazing to see so many really introverted cruisers. I consider myself more introverted than extroverted, but we always enjoy asking for a 6 or 8-top sharing table for dinner on a cruise. It is always interesting to meet a mixture of people, and only rarely have we met a total bore or self-possessed person. I am off on an NCL cruise in a few days (Prima) and hope most of those here are not on the ship!