Table of 2 in Manifreds and the Chef’s Table

I am so disappointed. I just tried to make 4 reservations for an upcoming cruise and tables for 2 are no longer available. Is this something I should be able to secure once I am onboard?

Of course! You have three options: 1. Check availability on your cabin TV (my preference) 2. Stop by reservation station at the World Cafe 3. Stop by Manfredi and ask Maitre'd about availability. I don't remember but I believe they have tables for four that they could separate. We didn't have any problems to get reservations while on board.

One thing to remember that if your plans change, please don't forget to cancel your reservation. You might make someone happy. You could cancel by phone. Ah, the fourth option - to call :)

I am so disappointed. I just tried to make 4 reservations for an upcoming cruise and tables for 2 are no longer available. Is this something I should be able to secure once I am onboard?

Yes, fix it when you board. In the meantime, don't fret over it. Reservations open for us Saturday night and I'm not even going to bother making any advanced reservations. I'll deal with it when we get there, when I have an even better handle on what I want to do and what nights I want to eat there (plus, I want to see the menus for the Chef's Table before I book).

I am so disappointed. I just tried to make 4 reservations for an upcoming cruise and tables for 2 are no longer available. Is this something I should be able to secure once I am onboard?

We had the same issue. We are now ten days out and I decided to call Viking and merge the dinner reservations with another couple we are sailing with. They merged our two two-table reservations into a single four-top.

We had the same issue. We are now ten days out and I decided to call Viking and merge the dinner reservations with another couple we are sailing with. They merged our two two-table reservations into a single four-top.

If this is a new policy that Viking will be pushing, I will be sorely disappointed. There are times when I want dinner to be social, and there are times when my wife and I would like to be alone. I don't want Viking making that decision for me.

If this is a new policy that Viking will be pushing, I will be sorely disappointed. There are times when I want dinner to be social, and there are times when my wife and I would like to be alone. I don't want Viking making that decision for me.

I think you misread Gatrozzz post. No new policy form Viking.

They are sailing with friends and , in calling Viking ,they were able to merge their two table reservations to eat together.

I am sure, as Vnb and Peregrina stated, don't worry and once you are on board you will find availibity to book Manfredi or Chef Table with your preference of a table for two or not. Those two are speaking from experience, and I find their advise very helpful!

I think you misread Gatrozzz post. No new policy form Viking.

They are sailing with friends and , in calling Viking ,they were able to merge their two table reservations to eat together.

I am sure, as Vnb and Peregrina stated, don't worry and once you are on board you will find availibity to book Manfredi or Chef Table with your preference of a table for two or not. Those two are speaking from experience, and I find their advise very helpful!

Oops. Yes, I did misinterpret. I was applying a thought that I carried over from a different thread. On "Extra Seatings in Specialty Restaurants," comment #18, by stretchcruz, discussed being asked to find two "friends" to create a table for four, after being declined a table for two in Manfredi's. I misread this as a confirmation of that event.

We were in Manfredis 3 nights on our Midnight Sun cruise. We had reservations for 2 for each evening.

On all 3 nights we were seated in a booth/table for 6, but we were the only ones at our table.

There seemed to be ample space for any combination of diners, and this was at 7pm each night.

We were in Manfredis 3 nights on our Midnight Sun cruise. We had reservations for 2 for each evening.

 

On all 3 nights we were seated in a booth/table for 6, but we were the only ones at our table.

There seemed to be ample space for any combination of diners, and this was at 7pm each night.

Yes, but what I am coming to realize is that each cruise has its own vibe and while we can report what we experienced, it isn't necessarily what will be experienced on all cruises. There is a range of possibilities; so the more we report the range our individual experiences, the more helpful it may be.

So, having started this thread i’m curious when the busy dining times are on Viking. Obviously it will change from one cruise to another but there is probably a pattern of the most desired times.

Thanks,

Katie

So, having started this thread i’m curious when the busy dining times are on Viking. Obviously it will change from one cruise to another but there is probably a pattern of the most desired times.

 

Thanks,

 

Katie

Observations: The older we get, the earlier we want to eat (I'm too polite to mention early-bird specials and other such not quite PC references to the Viking demographic:evilsmile:).

For sure, every cruise does have its own rhythm. We have sailed twice now, once in June and once in December, and meal-time was very different each time. Maybe because in June the dining room was sunlight and in December it was already dark outside by the time dining opened.

At 6pm when the doors open, there is always a line waiting to be seated in the MDR (See first paragraph). After that, it seems to trickle in all evening.

If you wish to sit by the window get there early. If the sun has set, it doesn't matter where you sit because all you will see in the windows is your reflection.

Do keep in mind that the evening production show starts at 9:15pm and is the only performance of the evening.

If you are a twosome, the head waiter will offer you the choice of a 2-top or sharing. Or, you can ask to share a table if one is available.

Observations: The older we get, the earlier we want to eat (I'm too polite to mention early-bird specials and other such not quite PC references to the Viking demographic:evilsmile:).

 

For sure, every cruise does have its own rhythm. We have sailed twice now, once in June and once in December, and meal-time was very different each time. Maybe because in June the dining room was sunlight and in December it was already dark outside by the time dining opened.

 

At 6pm when the doors open, there is always a line waiting to be seated in the MDR (See first paragraph). After that, it seems to trickle in all evening.

 

If you wish to sit by the window get there early. If the sun has set, it doesn't matter where you sit because all you will see in the windows is your reflection.

 

Do keep in mind that the evening production show starts at 9:15pm and is the only performance of the evening.

 

If you are a twosome, the head waiter will offer you the choice of a 2-top or sharing. Or, you can ask to share a table if one is available.

Thanks, we are 8:00 to 9:00 diners so the sun will no doubt not be an issue. The shows for sure we will miss, too bad.

You’ve been very helpful since we booked our cruise way back when, so I thank you very much.

Also we’re pretty much Bostonians, living on CC now.

Katie

Thanks, we are 8:00 to 9:00 diners so the sun will no doubt not be an issue. The shows for sure we will miss, too bad.

 

You’ve been very helpful since we booked our cruise way back when, so I thank you very much.

 

Also we’re pretty much Bostonians, living on CC now.

 

Katie

If the dinner is 8:00-9:00 you should be able to make the shows at 9:15

We just got off the Star last week and were able to walk to the door at Manfredi’s and get seated a couple times. 12 night cruise, and heard that the last 2 nights were fully booked for that and Chef’s Table so book early when you board.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks, we are 8:00 to 9:00 diners so the sun will no doubt not be an issue. The shows for sure we will miss, too bad.

 

 

 

You’ve been very helpful since we booked our cruise way back when, so I thank you very much.

 

 

 

Also we’re pretty much Bostonians, living on CC now.

 

 

 

Katie

This former Bostonian is finding all this info extremely helpful as well. So thanks to all!

We just booked Midnight Sun for June 30 and will be part of the later-dining demographic. I had a chuckle when we received our email confirmation. The photo they used showed folks with about 30 years more cruising experience than we have. (How’s that for PC? ;-)). But we can’t be more excited for the Viking experience!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We just got off of the Viking Sun yesterday, what we found was the ability to book Manfredi's on the television on the day we arrived was not available. It said to call a number, but no one answered the phone as the booking person was at the restaurant taking reservations for the cruise. We got in line at about 3:00 and the line moved slowly as he described to each person the difference in the menus at the Chef's Table and took bookings for both Chef's Table and Manfredi's. When we got to our turn ALL of the bookings for the entire cruise were taken for Manfredi's, but there were reservations were available for the Chef's Table. We had one reservation for each made prior so we weren't too disappointed. I checked a few days later and there still were none available for Manfredi's. My suggestion would be to book the reservation for restaurants prior to the cruise if possible. We enjoyed both and the others venues were good also. We especially enjoyed "The Restaurant" It was almost as good as Manfredi's.

We just got off of the Viking Sun yesterday, what we found was the ability to book Manfredi's on the television on the day we arrived was not available. It said to call a number, but no one answered the phone as the booking person was at the restaurant taking reservations for the cruise. We got in line at about 3:00 and the line moved slowly as he described to each person the difference in the menus at the Chef's Table and took bookings for both Chef's Table and Manfredi's. When we got to our turn ALL of the bookings for the entire cruise were taken for Manfredi's, but there were reservations were available for the Chef's Table. We had one reservation for each made prior so we weren't too disappointed. I checked a few days later and there still were none available for Manfredi's. My suggestion would be to book the reservation for restaurants prior to the cruise if possible. We enjoyed both and the others venues were good also. We especially enjoyed "The Restaurant" It was almost as good as Manfredi's.

This could wind up being very disappointing for those of us in Category V cabins, as we can't make any reservations until we're on the ship. We'll be sure to put that high on our to do list when we board.

This could wind up being very disappointing for those of us in Category V cabins, as we can't make any reservations until we're on the ship. We'll be sure to put that high on our to do list when we board.

We were in the V1 category on the Sun from Venice to Athens. I tried to book a reservation for the special restaurants on Day 1 after check-in. Manfredi’s was already fully booked for the entire sailing. The Chef’s Table was still available. I was told to check every day to see if there’s any cancellations. I checked almost everyday and finally was able to make a reservation for Manfredi’s at 9pm on last day of the sailing. I was glad that we could try the specialist restaurant and did find Manfredi’s to be a cut above the Restaurant. But, frankly, we don’t feel the ability to make reservations for the specialty restaurants prior to embarkation justify the upgrade to DV category.

We found we enjoyed dinning at the Restaurant a lot. The Chilean sea bass and scallops we had in the first night was probably our favorite. We also liked the sashimi, crab legs and sushi at the Cafe.

We booked V1 for our next sailing and will play by the ear. We hope to dine at the Manfredi’s at least once. If not, I don’t feel we would feel terribly disappointed.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

doglover3, based on our cruise, I would get in line ( at manifredi’s) for those reservations even before I went to my cabin for the first time. We were on board at 1:30 or so. They open the cabins at 2:00. (my 2cents worth.)

Thanks sleepybobo and stcroixguy. I'm sure DH and I will enjoy our food wherever we eat, but I would appreciate the opportunity to try each of the specialty restaurants at least once, so I will probably follow stcroixguy's advice and get in line first thing.

Oh my goodness, this is a bit concerning. We are in a PV1 and are not able to make our 4 reservations online 50 days prior to sailing. We’ll be more than annoyed if we can’t get our promised 4 reservations.

Oh my goodness, this is a bit concerning. We are in a PV1 and are not able to make our 4 reservations online 50 days prior to sailing. We’ll be more than annoyed if we can’t get our promised 4 reservations.

Katie, is it a typo or do you have the wrong information? For PV cabins it is:

• 2 guaranteed priority reservations at each specialty restaurant: 70 days prior
  

Katie, is it a typo or do you have the wrong information? For PV cabins it is:

 

• 2 guaranteed priority reservations at each specialty restaurant: 70 days prior
  

No, it’s not a typo. My husband herniated 2 cervical discs at the end of July and after a few months of hellish pain (that has waned in the last month) he only got the good news Thursday that surgery at this time is not advised. So off I went to make my reservations and it was a no go. Are you saying that I could only make reservations 70 days before the cruise and not one day later, if so ugh.

My plan is to call tomorrow. Right now I’m underwhelmed with Viking. Of course my priority is us but it is beginning to sound like those who can’t booked in advance maybe screwed also.

Having said all that, I am keeping your earlier advise in mind and hope if we can’t book by phone we will be able to book once onboard.

Katie

No, it’s not a typo. My husband herniated 2 cervical discs at the end of July and after a few months of hellish pain (that has waned in the last month) he only got the good news Thursday that surgery at this time is not advised. So off I went to make my reservations and it was a no go. Are you saying that I could only make reservations 70 days before the cruise and not one day later, if so ugh.

 

My plan is to call tomorrow. Right now I’m underwhelmed with Viking. Of course my priority is us but it is beginning to sound like those who can’t booked in advance maybe screwed also.

 

Having said all that, I am keeping your earlier advise in mind and hope if we can’t book by phone we will be able to book once onboard.

 

 

Katie

PV cabins can indeed start booking specialty dining 70 days out. However, I just checked our MVJ for our cruise starting Jan 7, 2018 and am being told that with 71 days to go (must be operating in US PDT), the booking window for specialty dining will open in 3 days.!!!!! So I just checked our invoice and it says that the specialty dining reservations opens 29 Oct 17 (today for me in US EDT). Which definitely does not agree with what MVJ is saying. Clearly, something isn't right with MVJ. When you call Viking make sure to tell them that - this particular functionality in MVJ is not working correctly. And btw, once the booking window opens, it stays open until your cruise date.

Am writing a note to TellUs right now on this.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

No, it’s not a typo. My husband herniated 2 cervical discs at the end of July and after a few months of hellish pain (that has waned in the last month) he only got the good news Thursday that surgery at this time is not advised. So off I went to make my reservations and it was a no go. Are you saying that I could only make reservations 70 days before the cruise and not one day later, if so ugh.

 

My plan is to call tomorrow. Right now I’m underwhelmed with Viking. Of course my priority is us but it is beginning to sound like those who can’t booked in advance maybe screwed also.

 

Having said all that, I am keeping your earlier advise in mind and hope if we can’t book by phone we will be able to book once onboard.

 

 

Katie

No, you can make your reservations anytime you wish starting at 70 days before sailing for your cabin category, however, if you delay, all of the reservations that are available for advanced booking may be gone by the time you do book. Viking does not book the entire dining room in advance.

Instead of calling, may I suggest that you e-mail the kind folks at TellUs@vikingcruises.com, explain your situation and ask them if they can help you. Give them your name and booking number and if you give them a phone number as well, they will call you.

In the meantime, I hope that your husband continues to improve and that you both enjoy your cruise.