Assigning table size

[maboots]

First time RCL and was not asked how many at table. Have 3X sailed on Disney Magic and were able to sit with our family only. How do we set this up?

[cb at sea]

If all of you are on one reservation, you'll be seated together...if you booked separately, you'll need to "link" your reservation numbers....call RCI or have your TA do it.

 

You should have been asked what size table you'd prefer....(we like large tables..tablemates are fun!) and they will do their best to comply.

 

If you're a family of, say, 4, then you may be seated with another family.....that's ok! You'll have fun, and your kids will have someone to converse with, too!

[beachchick]

How many are in your family? Are you in more than one cabin? As cb at sea wrote, you need to make sure your reservations are linked to make sure you are seated together. RCI doesn't ask for specific table preference (e.g., "table for five"), but you should have been asked what general size you prefer (e.g., small or large). You can also have your specific table request added to your reservations and I think there is an email (don't know it, sorry) you can send a request to about 2 weeks before your cruise to make your request too.

 

When you board, you can go check your dining assignment. If it's not what you want, see the Maitre D' (hours should be posted) to ask for a change. Sometimes they can accomodate changes, sometimes not.

 

If you want to be assured of having a table just for your family, you could consider switching to My Time Dining. You can make a standing reservation or simply show up for dinner any time during the dinner hours and be seated. There may be a wait if you want to dine at a popular time.

 

Some people enjoy dining at large tables with table mates who the cruise line has chosen for them. Others, such as our family, prefer to sit with just their family or traveling companions. We prefer to meet people in other venues, not at a 1-2 hour dinner in a formal setting with people we had no voice in choosing. Passengers at large tables can certainly have fun, but that doesn't mean that passengers at small tables do not. Table mate stories, both good and bad, abound. It's a completely personal decision. You should not feel pressured one way or the other, but do what is right for your family.

 

beachchick

[fsquared]

If you're on separate bookings, call RCI and have the "cross-reference" your booking numbers, or have your TA do it, it almost literally takes only a second. Also on the TA side of the booking engine, we can request table sizes, although whether RCI gives it to us or not is purely up to them. The options are 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 people tables.

[silentbob007]

Seating assignments are not known until you board. When you board, go to the dining room and check your table. If it is not of your liking, there will be a time frame to see the maitre'd and s/he will try to accomodate your requests.