Pros & Cons of Different Dining Times

[familycruzr]

Personally, I like the late seating because it gives me more time to relax by the pool in the evening. It's very quiet and relaxing after many passengers leave to start getting ready for the early dinner.

 

While that is my personal preference, since I started cruising with my kids, who are now teenagers, the early seating is best for our family. When they were little, the late seating was just too late. Now, the teen activities usually start around 8 and their new friends with late seating must come late.

 

We tried anytime dining on our last cruise because our friends did not want to have a scheduled dining time. Our whole family prefers the assigned dining time. We like that we have a set time and place to meet for dinner. We don't have to plan it, it's already done. This works well for our cruising style. Before it's time to get ready for dinner, I am usually somewhere on deck reading a book, DH is usually out and about talking to new friends, and the kids are hanging out with their new cruise friends. Everyone knows what time they need to head in to get ready for dinner.

[jpg1747]

If solos weren't treated like unwanted stepchildren, I would do anytime dining so I could go when I wanted. But I like to eat with others at a large table and late dining most closely matches the time that I eat at home, so that's what I choose.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Last November we tried YTD for the first time. I did not see our waitstaff taking care of any tables outside of the YTD area. Our service was always exemplary. After the first night, we requested the same waitstaff every night & had a great time with them. We never experienced any lapses in service, nor did we have to wait any evening - usually going between 6:30 and 7:00.

 

All that praise for YTD, but next cruise we're dining late as we're with a group, and want to socialize with them. We've usually dined late, as everyone above says, because we don't like to feel rushed when returning from port. Just try not to overeat so you can stay awake and enjoy the fun ;)! If I had children, however, I would definitely choose early dining.

 

Have a great cruise, whichever you pick!

 

you took from that post what I did but wasn't sure if that's what the poster meant.

 

YTD waiters dealt specifically with YTD pax and not traditional pax.

 

The last 3 times we have done YTD the traditional pax were not even on the same level as us.

 

Bill

[Djptcp]

DH and I prefer the later seating mainly because there are fewer kids. We also like to relax a bit after spending the day ashore. We have noticed lines with the anytime dining, so we won't try that (on Sensation).

[glrounds]

If solos weren't treated like unwanted stepchildren, I would do anytime dining so I could go when I wanted. But I like to eat with others at a large table and late dining most closely matches the time that I eat at home, so that's what I choose.

 

I like that . . . LOL

 

I would have to agree. When I cruise SOLO I prefer to dine with others (usually seated with other singles). I've met some really nice people at these tables, in one case, cruising a couple of times with one of them.

 

My last SPLENDOR cruise, my friend and I wanted to try YTD and found absolutely nothing wrong with it. We did have to wait one time, but they gave us a buzzer and we just went and had a drink 'til it buzzed. No problemos for us. Service was excellent. Would definitely do it again.

[ccartman2]

you took from that post what I did but wasn't sure if that's what the poster meant.

 

YTD waiters dealt specifically with YTD pax and not traditional pax.

 

The last 3 times we have done YTD the traditional pax were not even on the same level as us.

 

Bill

 

Pretty sure that is how YTD was on the legend. YTD was upstairs and the traditional Diners downstairs. We have also been able to get the same waitstaff every night when doing this.

 

On our 1st three cruises we were late diners, but now with Kids we do YTD. We still pretty much ate between 6-630, but weren't tied to a set time to be to dinner, which was nice. It also helped keep the kids from bothering others. Our preferrence with out kids is late, because then you can enjoy your day completely and then eat (this worked really well on our 1st two Feb cruises, because it was dark by the time we got ready for dinner.

[chicy724]

We chose anytime dining. We were first time cruisers so we do not have anything to compare to, but we loved it that way. We didn't have to worry about what we were doing, or stop what we were doing in order to make it to dinner.

We much prefer to eat dinner at our leisure. I guess we just don't want to be bound by a set schedule every day. We ate on the lido once, we ate pizza once, and the rest we ate in the MDR on our own time.

 

So, my suggestion is anytime dining unless you prefer a set schedule, and seeing the same people every time. :)

[CruiseOrLoose]

Which do you prefer and why?

 

Early seating? Late seating? Or anytime dining?

 

We're both first time cruisers and completely clueless when it comes to this.

 

I prefer any time dining because at home most people don't have specific times when they eat, so why feel like you're obligated while on vacation to eating at "certain" specified times?!?!? I wanna do what I wanna do, when I wanna do it! :p

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

We like 630sh ...

[Fighterone]

We prefer anytime because of the flexibility of going when we want. That and we cruise with a younger child so, that is good we can be alone at a table without having her bother others if she gets in a "mood."

 

If you find waiters you like on anytime you can request to have them every night, we did that last cruise.

 

Hope you have a great cruise!

Good tip about the waiters being yours every night. I like that since you can go ahead and tip the same waiters.

[crusinpsychRN]

I travel solo. They try to put solos together. I've found early doesn't have many solos so I do late. And I get to have my sushi before dinner.

[ATL2LAS]

I like them all:D. Each preference has good things about it. When travelling with friends or family, majority rules. When I cruise solo, I love anytime. I get hungry, I go eat:D. I spend alot of time in the casino and there is nothing like having to stop to get ready for dinner(if you are on a streak) Sometimes its a good thing:D Just try to follow your normal patterns at home. This will also help you maintain your weight by not shocking your system with strange eating hours.

[Mskala]

I was on Miracle in June. We had a group of 6 with 3 generations. We did the early seating because of older folks. I liked the fact that we walked right to our table with no wait. The later seating there were people lined up all the way from front of ship to the main lobby. Hundreds of people in line. I couldn't deal with that. No way.

 

I have always found it unneccessary to line up for dinner. It's not like they give your table away if you're late. I never understood why people stand there in that line...

 

We always do the late seating in case we're at a port that we really like so we don't have to rush to get back. However, we are considering anytime dining on our next cruise because there are times when we're back on board early.

[CapsR1]

With a child who always can't wait to go to Camp Carnival, we have always chosen the early seating so we could eat together and then take him to camp.

 

We may try YTD in the future based on the experiences of others on this site.

[DocF]

We select early dining as it most closely resembles our normal schedule at home. I am diabetic and eating meals at regular times is quite important to the best control. We usually eat at 6:30. With early dining, by the time you are seated, look over the menu, make your selections and are served it is close to 6:30. Perfect.

 

The only thing I must remember is 3 extra units of insulin for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 ice creams).

 

Doc

[amyntpa]

I prefer late seating. More time to relax during the day, and if you're in port until late afternoon you don't have to rush. I enjoy having the same table and waiter every night. Most people become close to their waiters by the end of the cruise. It's more traditional and it's one thing I enjoy about cruising. Also, you never have to wait to be seated. You just walk straight to your table.

[smist]

Which do you prefer and why?

 

Early seating? Late seating? Or anytime dining?

 

We're both first time cruisers and completely clueless when it comes to this.

My DH & I are curious about this, too! Going on the Fascination (out of JAX), on 10/20 (my 44th B-day). Currently, we've selected "late dining" (apx 8:15 ?), but would love some "input" on this! Choose this time (8:15), even though we usually eat dinner between 6 & 7, because we thought it would give us more time in port, and also because there will be less children in the dining rooms at that time. DON'T GET ME WRONG, PLEASE, we absolutely LOVE KIDS (have 2 26 yr old daughters, a 20 yr old daughter, and a 17 yr old son - as well as a 6 yr old grandson), but this will be our 1st cruise and our 1st vacation in more than 2 years (due to the fact that I had to have MAJOR surgery in July of 2010 & spent 2 & 1/2 months in intensive care - post surgery). We're trying to figure out the "PROS & CONS" of early vs. late vs. anytime dining. Will the "late dining" affect our chances of being able to see the shows/comedians, etc? Also, we would LOVE to be able to have a table for 2 at dinner (as I said - 1st vacation in more than 2 yrs & VERY lucky to have another chance to spend some time alone together), what do all of you recommend??? THANKS!!!

[amyntpa]

My DH & I are curious about this, too! Going on the Fascination (out of JAX), on 10/20 (my 44th B-day). Currently, we've selected "late dining" (apx 8:15 ?), but would love some "input" on this! Choose this time (8:15), even though we usually eat dinner between 6 & 7, because we thought it would give us more time in port, and also because there will be less children in the dining rooms at that time. DON'T GET ME WRONG, PLEASE, we absolutely LOVE KIDS (have 2 26 yr old daughters, a 20 yr old daughter, and a 17 yr old son - as well as a 6 yr old grandson), but this will be our 1st cruise and our 1st vacation in more than 2 years (due to the fact that I had to have MAJOR surgery in July of 2010 & spent 2 & 1/2 months in intensive care - post surgery). We're trying to figure out the "PROS & CONS" of early vs. late vs. anytime dining. Will the "late dining" affect our chances of being able to see the shows/comedians, etc? Also, we would LOVE to be able to have a table for 2 at dinner (as I said - 1st vacation in more than 2 yrs & VERY lucky to have another chance to spend some time alone together), what do all of you recommend??? THANKS!!!

 

 

 

It's totally up to personal preference. We do late dining and love it. I enjoy having the same table and waiter each night, and I like being able to go straight to our table. Sometimes with your time dining people end up waiting a bit. We have more time to enjoy the day and don't have to rush back from an afternoon in port or by the pool. You will never miss out on shows or activities. There are always two shows, whether it's comedy or in the theater, to accomodate both seatings.

 

 

****If you want a two person or "two top" table, I got some great advice from "IrishLizz" on funville and it has worked perfectly on our last 3 cruises. Don't wait until dinner to make your request. Immediately upon boarding the ship, go to the dining room and ask for the Maitre D. Kindly tell him or her that you would like a nice 2 person table- asking for a table by a window never hurts.

 

If you wait until dinner, it is much more difficult for them to rearrange your seating. (and the two tops may be all taken) Each time we did this, we discovered that had we not spoken to the maitre d, we would've had a table with 4-6 others. Putting a request in with a PVP is simply not enough. You have to speak with the maitre d. We love making friends on our cruises, but we prefer to have dinner alone. (we usually end up talking to the tables around us anyway though)

 

 

And keep in mind that if you do a set time, you should try to get to the table right at that time or very close.

 

And if you want to check out the comedy acts, they fill up extremely fast so try to get there at least 20 minutes early.

[smist]

It's totally up to personal preference. We do late dining and love it. I enjoy having the same table and waiter each night, and I like being able to go straight to our table. Sometimes with your time dining people end up waiting a bit. We have more time to enjoy the day and don't have to rush back from an afternoon in port or by the pool. You will never miss out on shows or activities. There are always two shows, whether it's comedy or in the theater, to accomodate both seatings.

 

 

****If you want a two person or "two top" table, I got some great advice from "IrishLizz" on funville and it has worked perfectly on our last 3 cruises. Don't wait until dinner to make your request. Immediately upon boarding the ship, go to the dining room and ask for the Maitre D. Kindly tell him or her that you would like a nice 2 person table- asking for a table by a window never hurts.

 

If you wait until dinner, it is much more difficult for them to rearrange your seating. (and the two tops may be all taken) Each time we did this, we discovered that had we not spoken to the maitre d, we would've had a table with 4-6 others. Putting a request in with a PVP is simply not enough. You have to speak with the maitre d. We love making friends on our cruises, but we prefer to have dinner alone. (we usually end up talking to the tables around us anyway though)

 

 

And keep in mind that if you do a set time, you should try to get to the table right at that time or very close.

 

And if you want to check out the comedy acts, they fill up extremely fast so try to get there at least 20 minutes early.

WOW! THANKS SO MUCH, amympta!!! Your's is probably the top on the list of the best message board advice that we've EVER gotten (and we've been to multiple locations, although this will be our 1st cruise)!!! We will put this advice to good use!!!

[BoardwalkBabe]

We prefer traditional dining and the late seating. We don't do the shows so this gives us plenty of time to enjoy our day, relax and get ready for dinner. We also prefer the later seating because there are usually fewer children in the dining room. The one time we had early seating we felt like we were rushed to get there each day so late it is for us. Haven't given any thought to trying the other option.

[amyntpa]

aw thanks smist... glad I could help :)

[kentuckyluckyguy]

I've had both...and I prefer the late seating. I like not having to rush back from port early and having time to get ready for dinner...plus, if you're prone to sleep after dinner then eat lightly...they do still have midnight buffets, don't they?

 

Do they still to the midnight chocolate buffet or am I severely outdated?

[cmorie]

First time cruiser so I apologize for the potentially silly question...

 

We have the early time. But if we don't want to eat in the MDR do we let someone know first? Or can we just skip out and go to the lido or wherever?

 

There might be a night where we want sushi and just eat at the buffet later. Do they wait for everyone to start serving?

 

Thanks!

[ilovetexas]

First time cruiser so I apologize for the potentially silly question...

 

We have the early time. But if we don't want to eat in the MDR do we let someone know first? Or can we just skip out and go to the lido or wherever?

 

There might be a night where we want sushi and just eat at the buffet later. Do they wait for everyone to start serving?

 

Thanks!

 

Never a silly question from a first time cruiser! You don't have to let anyone know if you do something different for dinner. You cannot, however, switch dinner times in the MDR if you have an assigned one.

 

I have always done assigned dinner times, usually early. My son (13 yr old on his 4th cruise) and I are going next week and I signed us up for YTD thinking it would be more flexible for him. He actually wants the assigned early time so he can meet the people at the table (usually he travels with the family so we have our own table). So proud of him!

 

Actually all the dining times were wait listed by the time I booked so it's really just going to be random which one we get.

[laumicmah]

We did late dining, just DH and I, on our 1st CCL cruise. We didn't like it. We found that we'd want to go to bed right after. We would just poop out because we'd have a drink or 2 before dinner and only 1 with dinner (that's all the bar waiters seem to come by- just once during the entire dinner) and then eat all that food and just get so groggy. And it also interfered with seeing the shows when we wanted to. We did YTD on 3 cruises...1 with just the 2 of us and 2 with a larger party. It works really well for just couples...larger parties will have a wait sometimes. It can also sometimes be problematic agreeing on a time to go when with a large party(we went with friends who are late eaters and we are early...so it was difficult). Also didn't like having different servers each night, though you can ask for the same servers but most likely will have to wait for them. Also the service can be off since they can't control when folks come. The best times to go tend to be by 6 or after 8, so you may as well do traditional seating. Though the big benefit is that you don't have to rush back from port and you don't have to go when you aren't hungry yet. We did early seating on our very first cruise on Disney. We like that best of the traditional seatings...we just like to eat early so we can go play until about 10-11 and then go to bed.