Why just because it does not suit one or two people. Iona worked fine and we loved the range of dining oppertunities.. However back to set dining on Britiannia, then freedom on Iona, set on Ventura and back to freedom on Arvia. Variety is the spice of life.
Sorry I disagree although the age on our Iona cruise was less than on Aurora there were still a majority of 65+ cruisers many wanting to eat early very little difference between ships in that respect. we cruised at Easter.
Our experiance on Iona proves that BOF’s like us can make the system work for us. we hadn a great time and only used the MDR 3 times in 3 weeks. Go for it.
No hotels do not want you out in the morning they want you out of your room. I am sure they are all delighted to have you waait with them and spend money. The hotel we use will keep our luggage until we want to leave.
We are about to do the bookings for our Britannia cruises. this will be at the weekend. I have to say that in the past I never bothered to book before the cruise as they always seemed to come round touting for custom. However we do tend to do longer cruises.
So those in hotels could relax in the lounge and get a drink and use the loos. But people constantly say we get chucked out at 10 or 11. which is tripe.
I wish I had a pound for every time I have read this excuse. usually followed by well I am just going to turn up when I want. It is not hard just to park off siteb and wait then come at your allocated time.
They are giving people more choice instead of the one menu MDR as on other ships. Of course the Olive Grove is different to the Olive Grove on Iona. On Arvia it is all included.
There are places to eat if you do not want to go formal but not the MDR or some of the speciality restaurants. depending on time of year 80+% of men will wear a DJ.