Dining for the Solo Traveler

[go4ak]

I am traveling on the Crown Princess as a first time and solo cruiser. Can you tell me please how the seating works in the main dining room, in the buffet and maybe for formal night for a solo

 

Would they automatically seat me with a family or just at larger capacity table with couples or other solo travelers? Or would it be more like a table for two and then left alone or with one other person?

 

Thank you in advance.

[jnc411]

Hi , have never traveled solo before , but have been seated at a large table with solo travelers at our table in anytime dining , it was fine, everyone just visited together. Hope you have a great cruise. If you want that type of situation then just request a large table.

Cori

[dancing lady]

They will ask you if you want to share a table. More than likely, they will seat you at a table where there are already people sitting. I just did a cruise solo and enjoyed meeting lots of folks each night at dinner.

[riclop]

I would go to the buffet.

[RNGALNG]

Are planning on dong traditional dining or anytime?

 

We always do the anytime and have met up with quite a few solo travelers at our tables. (We always say we will share a table.)

 

On one cruise, they did seat two single gentlemen at the same table three nights in a row, as one of them told us after our meal. (He wasn't too happy with that.)

 

If we have dined with folks more than once or twice, and see that we are being escorted to them again, we will sometimes ask for a different table.

 

For buffet, you will enter the food area, after getting goofed with hand stuff, pick out the food you want, and then you go look for a seat. You can sit by yourself or ask to sit with anyone you see sitting at a table.

 

For meals (all) in the main dining rooms, if you go anytime, it will be your choice on eating alone or being seated with others.

 

I would assume they would seat you with others at a table for more than one if you went traditional.

 

I have read here, that if you do not seem to have a good time with the table mates, you can ask to have your table changed. But maybe there is a solo passenger out there who will reply to that.

 

Enjoy your cruise! The crew will do everything to make your vacation what you want it to be!

[Mickeyc5]

With anytime dining they will ask you if you would like to share a table and you can specify your parameters. I always say, yes, I'll share with English speaking adults

[DrivesLikeMario]

I've done four solo cruises so far with 3 different cruise lines. IME, if you have traditional dining, you'll be put at a table for 6 or 8. There might be one seat empty the whole cruise. There may, or may not, be other solo travelers at your table.

 

If you really want to go to the dining room, IMO it's best to do traditional set-time dining. Otherwise with Anytime Dining, you have to explain and answer the same questions over and over every night when you sit with others.

 

For Anytime Dining, you'll most likely be seated at a large table for 8. There's a small chance you'll fill an empty spot at a smaller table.

 

I've done Anytime Dining as a solo cruiser and frankly, I get really tired of going thru all the usual questions every night, having to explain myself and why my husband isn't with me, defend his company for not letting him have more time off, defend his tastes if he doesn't like the itinerary and doesn't want to go with me, etc. People have a hard time understanding and seem to judge right away. Some wives get jealous if their husbands talk too much to me (this caused a big fight between 1 couple) and it just gets really uncomfortable and really old after 4 or more nights of the same thing.

 

I've learned that I'm happiest going to the buffet every night or ordering room service. I know that sounds really anti-social :p, but I do end up meeting other people at events like trivia, in the gym, at the Cruise Critic roll calls and on tours.

 

So, think about your personality and that will help you make a decision. Good luck and have a fantastic time! It's awesome having the whole cabin and bathroom all to yourself, being able to do what you want to do whenever you want to do it! :D

[DrivesLikeMario]

With anytime dining they will ask you if you would like to share a table and you can specify your parameters. I always say, yes, I'll share with English speaking adults

 

And how can they tell if passengers are English speaking persons? :confused: All you do is hand them your card and answer "yes" or "no" to their question as to whether you'll share a table. The maitre d' may not remember who seemed to have a accent and who didn't when he seated them 10 mins. ago and even so, that doesn't tell him if you have command of the English language.

[Coral]

I have done both Anytime and Traditional dining and really don't have a preference when I am sailing solo - I choose based on itinerary. Only one night many years ago - I did have a problem and it had to do with going to an empty table and being by myself and a very strange Head Waiter. I avoid the buffet like the plague as I am not overly fond of the food up there (or the layout).

[Daddysbaby]

I have cruised for many years by myself over the Christmas Holidays. I choose anytime dining. When I go to the dining room, I ask to be seated at a Large Table. I have met many wonderful and interesting people this way. Sometimes, I have made friends during the cruise and we have dined together on occasion. Some nights I don't feel like getting dressed for dinner so I will just grab a "snack" at the International Cafe or I will have a glass (or three!) of wine at Vines and enjoy some of the appies and some chitchat with the lovely staff that work there and they are always so friendly!! My suggestion is to go with an open mind and an open heart and have fun!! Bon Voyage!!:)

[Pam in CA]

I've cruised as a solo for years, usually with friends (in their own cabins) as well truly single. Even when I cruise with friends, I do my own thing during the day and meet for a drink and dinner. When cruising as a solo, the most awkward thing for me is going to a lounge for a drink as the bar staff assume I'm waiting for someone and ignore me. Not a problem 'cause I'm pretty patient. I've had really good experiences doing late Traditional as a solo cruiser. I ask for a large table and there are usually other singles at the table. It's nice to get to know them and we often wind up going to shows together. While you'll meet more people with Anytime, I dislike going through the "Where are you from?", "Have you cruised before?", etc. ice breakers over and over again every night.

[GottaLuvCruising]

I have cruised solo twice, one 14-day Panama Canal and one 8-day Caribbean. Both times I opted for flexible dining, asking to be seated with others. Each evening I met and chatted with new people. Only one time was I seated with just one young couple who seemed uncomfortable dining with one older woman and I excused myself before dessert.

 

However, if I sail solo again, I will choose main dining at a large table. I think it would be better for the cruise line to select my dinner companions in advance, hopefully some other singles and folks closer to my age (definitely English-speaking). This would relieve the anxiety I experienced each evening wondering if I'd have companions who would welcome me.

 

FYI - I do enjoy sailing solo and hope you do, too!

[Colo Cruiser]

HC is open seating and the DR will seat you any way you wish, with people or without.

[spyro1952]

I've done four solo cruises so far with 3 different cruise lines. IME, if you have traditional dining, you'll be put at a table for 6 or 8. There might be one seat empty the whole cruise. There may, or may not, be other solo travelers at your table.

 

If you really want to go to the dining room, IMO it's best to do traditional set-time dining. Otherwise with Anytime Dining, you have to explain and answer the same questions over and over every night when you sit with others.

 

For Anytime Dining, you'll most likely be seated at a large table for 8. There's a small chance you'll fill an empty spot at a smaller table.

 

I've done Anytime Dining as a solo cruiser and frankly, I get really tired of going thru all the usual questions every night, having to explain myself and why my husband isn't with me, defend his company for not letting him have more time off, defend his tastes if he doesn't like the itinerary and doesn't want to go with me, etc. People have a hard time understanding and seem to judge right away. Some wives get jealous if their husbands talk too much to me (this caused a big fight between 1 couple) and it just gets really uncomfortable and really old after 4 or more nights of the same thing.

 

I've learned that I'm happiest going to the buffet every night or ordering room service. I know that sounds really anti-social :p, but I do end up meeting other people at events like trivia, in the gym, at the Cruise Critic roll calls and on tours.

 

So, think about your personality and that will help you make a decision. Good luck and have a fantastic time! It's awesome having the whole cabin and bathroom all to yourself, being able to do what you want to do whenever you want to do it! :D

 

I agree with DrivesLikeMario. I travel solo all the time and prefer traditional dining. On my cruise in Jan. on the Grand there were 3 other couples and me but we had a wonderful time at our table. ATD like Mario said, you are constantly explaining yourself. Have a great cruise.

[GottaLuvCruising]

I've done Anytime Dining as a solo cruiser and frankly, I get really tired of going thru all the usual questions every night, having to explain myself and why my husband isn't with me, defend his company for not letting him have more time off, defend his tastes if he doesn't like the itinerary and doesn't want to go with me, etc. People have a hard time understanding and seem to judge right away. Some wives get jealous if their husbands talk too much to me (this caused a big fight between 1 couple) and it just gets really uncomfortable and really old after 4 or more nights of the same thing.

 

I've never had that kind of challenge when joining others in Anytime Dining. People are generally curious about me traveling without my husband, but enlightened when I explain how different the cruise dynamic is traveling solo (very relaxing and a little bit selfish, but I love it!)

 

My personal choice would not be to do the buffet, but there's something for everyone!

[molly2kit]

I have cruise solo about 5 times. I have had the best times joining other tables and meeting new people. It's funny but I would say in all my cruises have only had 2 uncomfortable dinners (because of companions) and both of them I was not solo.

 

I just changed the next cruise from set dining to anytime dining because I love to go to the elite lounge for a drink before dinner and 5:30 dining just seemed too early to leave.

 

 

 

 

:)

[Ldyandrea]

I've sailed solo quite a few times, and tend to prefer the Anytime Dining option, so that I can be flexible based on what's happening that day/evening. Generally, I prefer to eat a bit earlier, otherwise I miss out on some of the evening activities (like karaoke, or a movie) that I want to do. Other times, I may just be people'd out from the day, and will order room service, hang out on my balcony (if I have one that cruise), and relax for the evening.

 

When I do go to the dining room, I would rather be seated either by myself, or at a larger table of people.....that way, I will likely have a couple of groups seated there, and I feel less like I'm intruding on one family's dinner.

 

As for the buffet, I generally tend to avoid it in peak times, since as a solo person it's difficult to find a place to sit. At least if you're in a group, you can have someone go secure a table and switch off getting your food. Also, I generally don't enjoy the food there as much, nor how crowded it gets. I rather enjoy going to the dining room for breakfast or lunch instead. :)

 

The specialty restaurants are quite easy to get into as a solo, either make a reservation, or if you are going at an off-peak time, just walk right up and see if they have a table. At those restaurants (Sabbatini's and the Crown Grill), generally I've noticed they seat you on your own like they would at a regular restaurant.

 

Have fun! :D

[Lynda90]

I have cruised for many years by myself over the Christmas Holidays. I choose anytime dining. When I go to the dining room, I ask to be seated at a Large Table. I have met many wonderful and interesting people this way. Sometimes, I have made friends during the cruise and we have dined together on occasion. Some nights I don't feel like getting dressed for dinner so I will just grab a "snack" at the International Cafe or I will have a glass (or three!) of wine at Vines and enjoy some of the appies and some chitchat with the lovely staff that work there and they are always so friendly!! My suggestion is to go with an open mind and an open heart and have fun!! Bon Voyage!!:)

This is my exact experience. I just ask for a large table and have had never had a staff member ask me where my husband is. I do sometimes get questions from other diners but, nothing that I don't mind answering. I've met some wonderful people this way and even a few life-long friends.

 

The problem I've experienced with traditional dining is many times people just don't show up and I've been left with a table of one couple and me. I enjoy anytime so much better. At least I know I'll have a pretty full table each night. Also, I can go whatever time I wish. So, go and have a wonderful time. Keep an open mind to alternate options! :p

[stoneharborlady]

I have not cruised solo, but would not be against it should the need arise. Do you think a few tables dedicated to solo travelers would be appreciated, or not?

[Colo Cruiser]

Any table could be dedicated/setup for a solo passenger as soon as they enter the DR.

I don't think they need to hold tables for that reason.

[bdjam]

I often cruise solo and I think the thing to remember about dining arrangements is to decide what you want. They will be able to accommodate you.

 

I agree with those who say they don't like having to introduce themselves over and over again every time they are at a different table in Anytime Dining. I also hate the questions about "why would anyone choose to vacation by themselves?" Thanks, I didn't feel out of place until you questioned me.

 

So my process is to get a traditional dining seat and scope out the table the first night or two. If it's not to my liking, I will either asked to be switched to another table or I will check out Anytime for a table for one (sometimes I prefer to be by myself).

 

But again, it's important to remember that they want you to be happy - so let them know what you're looking for.

[COMBOY]

I am traveling on the Crown Princess as a first time and solo cruiser. Can you tell me please how the seating works in the main dining room, in the buffet and maybe for formal night for a solo

 

Would they automatically seat me with a family or just at larger capacity table with couples or other solo travelers? Or would it be more like a table for two and then left alone or with one other person?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

You request the type of dining you want based upon available at the time of booking. For solo diners it has always been recommended that you book second seating traditional assigned table for 6-8. That later time get less family and an older crowd that tend to eat early and go to bed. You can be seated with other singles, couples and families. However, in a rare situation you aren't compatible with your table mates you can always request for a table change. By having a fixed table and dining time you really get to know your table mates and wait staff. You get more time prior to dinner to get really and for pre-dinner cocktails especially after a busy port day.

 

Now, you can select Anytime dining. You will be seated with other guest if you wish to share. However, you will have to go thru the same questions every night as to where are you from, why are traveling alone, etc. This can get boring night after night, but you can meet some very interesting people too! It you are shy or not a big conversationalist - I would not book this option. However, if you like flexibility in your dining times and like to meeting new and different people every night or don't want to be stuck with the same people every night - book ATD. If you meet people during the cruise you can always arrange to dine with them by showing up together at the dining room.

 

No two cruises are unlike - I've had great table mates and not so great table mates. You take the good with the bad sometimes. If you are any bit worried you can always see the Maitr'd in the dining room on embarkation day and confirm specific table assignments. I do think they try to put solos with other solos and/or couples and you can confirm that with him/her at that time.

 

As far as the lido cafe - it's a walk up buffet line. You grab a plate, get your food and find an available table.

 

As far as formal night - it is a "suggested" evening ware for dinner and that evening's events. There isn't anything specifically for solo cruisers. If you don't want to dress up on formal night you can eat in the lido cafe which is always casual.

[RickEk]

I am traveling on the Crown Princess as a first time and solo cruiser. Can you tell me please how the seating works in the main dining room, in the buffet and maybe for formal night for a solo

 

Would they automatically seat me with a family or just at larger capacity table with couples or other solo travelers? Or would it be more like a table for two and then left alone or with one other person?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

On my last 7 day cruise, I traveled alone. On formal nights, I ate in the specialty restaurants where they seated me at a table for one. No problem there. I had anytime dining, so I sat with a large table a couple of times (I was the only single at each) and once at a table by myself (not sure why since I said that I'd sit with others) which turned out to be nice and quiet. The other nights I went to the buffet. In all, I did not mind Anytime dining at all. Yes, you have to answer a few questions over and over, but that was cool...

 

Looking forward to traveling solo again to Alaska in about a month... 11 days this time!

[Treven]

I'm a solo cruiser and I choose Anytime. I always ask for a table for two and it's never been a problem. While I'm not totally introverted, dinner is "me time". I like to quietly enjoy my dinner, reflect on my day or consider what I'm going to do the following day. I also take my iPad with me to occupy my time between meals.

 

I think the main thing is to do what you would be most comfortable doing, or what situation you'd feel most comfortable in.

[go4ak]

Thank you everyone for such wonderful information. I did sign up for the anytime dining because of the flexibility it allows. And, I'm looking forward to meeting all kinds of new people. I figure by the end of the week I'll have my story down pat about how my husband won't step foot on a cruise ship. Thank you!