What are the chances of getting a table for 2 in open seating?

[2Labs2Many]

Without debating the benefits of mingling with new people, my husband and I prefer most of the time to dine alone. If we aren't picky about what time we dine (we have open seating), how hard will it be to make a reservation for a table for 2? (Specifically, if it matters, we're cruising on the Zaandam)

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Have not done open seating on HAL but from others' postd ,I recall there have not been problems with getting a table for two especially if you go early and of course you can reserve one. We usually have early seating and looking down, have seen several tables for two available.

[trophy_23]

We had open seating on the Eurodam and some night we dined with a large table and got to meet some nice people. Some nights we just were not feeling like visiting with people and did a walk up table for 2, it was quite busy and a few nights there was a small wait and othet nights we went right in. In other words, if you dont mind a little wait you should be fine, or make a reservation earlier in the day.

[Sprocket]

When we board we go to the Dining Room and check out the tables for 2. We prefer one along the window and write down those numbers. When we get into the cabin we just call down and make a reservation for the time and table we want.

For me it is really no big deal to do this in the morning and we generally make our reservation for the same time and the same table. I have some food allergies and prefer not to have to break in a new dining steward each night.

After our last experience with fixed I will be quite happy to have AYWD.

 

[tarps14]

First night, just make it clear exactly what you want. We asked for a table for two the first night last week on the Oosterdam and they took us to one of those tables that is basically a table for six with a couple at one end and a couple at the other. The problem with these is they are acutally a two top next to a four top with about 3 in. separating them. In my opinion, NOT a true table for two. And, one night, you might get unlucky enough to have them actually sit a group of four there and now you really are a table for six. So we made it clear we wanted a true table for two. They actually gave us a four person booth and each night set it for two. We had the same table each night at 7:45p and they actually reserved it for us for the entire 11 night cruise. We, of course, told them in advance when we would be dining at Pinnacle or Canaletto. Worked very well for us.

[2Labs2Many]

When we board we go to the Dining Room and check out the tables for 2. We prefer one along the window and write down those numbers. When we get into the cabin we just call down and make a reservation for the time and table we want.

 

For me it is really no big deal to do this in the morning and we generally make our reservation for the same time and the same table. I have some food allergies and prefer not to have to break in a new dining steward each night.

 

After our last experience with fixed I will be quite happy to have AYWD.

 

 

 

 

That's a good idea. We'll have to scope out the tables - I didn't realize there were numbers on them.

 

We're not terribly picky about our dining time, so we should be in a good position then.

 

Glad to see that DH and I aren't the only couple who enjoys dining alone. I've met some interesting people on cruises, but I've been uncomfortable with tablemates about an equal number of times. DH and I never lack for conversation between the two of us, so we don't mind it that way.

[T739]

It's not a problem. You can get a table for 2. Just ask.

[jtl513]

...how hard will it be to make a reservation for a table for 2? (Specifically, if it matters, we're cruising on the Zaandam)

On the Noordam in Dec we discovered that they will only take reservations for half of the 2-tops, because they are so popular. If you call and there are no more available for reservations that day, just show up before 6:00p and your chances of getting a 2-top are excellent. (Of course the earlier the better). One night we were seated at a 4-top, and the extra place settings were picked up.

 

Here is a table diagram for the R-class ships lower level. You'll have to zoom in to read the numbers.

http://www.wa70.com/hal/dining/lowerlevelRClass.jpg

 

After our last experience with fixed I will be quite happy to have AYWD.

Everyone has AYWD, as that term encompasses all of the possible forms of dining. I think you mean you will be happy to have Open seating.

[holacanada]

The chances are excellent ! I am cruisin solo and I allways ask (by reservation from 08:00 morning ). Everytime they accomodate me.

For lunch you have to arrive early (11:45) and wait in line a few.

 

Have a very good day !

 

Holacanada on Niew Amsterdam in 236 days, 14 hours, 59 minutes and 45 seconds

[jtl513]

... your chances of getting a 2-top are excellent.

The chances are excellent !

Actually the "chance" of getting a 2-top is 100%, if you are willing to wait for one. I'll revise my statement to say the chances of just walking in and being seated immediately at a 2-top are excellent if you go early.

 

One night when we arrived around 6:00 we were escorted up the grand staircase to a table for 2 upstairs that was not being used by the assigned couple that night.

[Mtn2Sea]

The last time we had open seating, we had no problem getting a table for two; however, we always like to eat early and would get to the dining room at or before 6. When we started asking for a particular table number, if it was available, which usually it was, we began experiencing better table service because the guys knew we had specifically asked for their table.

[Salzburg]

Actually the "chance" of getting a 2-top is 100%, if you are willing to wait for one. I'll revise my statement to say the chances of just walking in and being seated immediately at a 2-top are excellent if you go early.

 

One night when we arrived around 6:00 we were escorted up the grand staircase to a table for 2 upstairs that was not being used by the assigned couple that night.

 

We had the same experience on the Noordam. One thing to be aware of -- we also were seated upstairs once. It was not a great idea for us that night, because we felt 'rushed' through our meal, and it was quite noisy up there. Next time, we will check on the timing of the first seating before we agree to go upstairs. Many were leaving while we were just on our entree; we were virtually alone for dessert and coffee and staff were preparing for second seating. Salzburg

[foodsvcmgr]

Although we prefer fixed dining, have also observed a wide variety of tables open after 8 - 8:30 PM in the lower dining room if you prefer to

eat later.

 

The longest potential waiting time occurs in the "prime time" of 6 - 8.

[duck tune]

We have had no problems getting a table for two in the open seating dining option. The first night we just showed up at the time we wanted to eat (without reservations and at 6 p.m.) and we were given a two top. The next morning DH called at 8 a.m. and made a reservation for a two top and we had a very nice table where we could see the wake. The wine steward and dining stewards both suggested that we ask for the table by number the next day and we did and ended up with the same table and stewards whenever we dined. We happen to like early dining but we had to be a bit flexible with the time because it appeared that they were trying to fill some areas first to have a logical flow. So, I think we had to arrive at 5:30 instead of 6 but it worked for us.

[crusinbanjo]

WE prefer open seating as it gives us more flexability. We rarely make reservations, the only time it was a problem was on the first night of the cruise. Seemed that all the passengers wanted to eat at the same time??? So, if you would like a table for 2, should be no problem, if you want to meet new people and sit at a table of 8, or 6, or 10, we never had a problem. I think you will like open seating.