Changing dining time onboard?

[andnosyd]

Can someone tell me if I can attempt do this in the Neptune Lounge or do I have to go to the Maitre' D, and where is he/she located on the first day? The early dining time that we want is full and not currently available. Thanks.

[CruiserBruce]

Most people go to the Maitre D. Neptune may be able to help you, but I think I would go to the Maitre D. Has worked for us the few times we have had an issue.

[3rdGenCunarder]

I think you probably should go to the maître d'. The concierges can't change the reservation, all they can do is submit the request for you. I'd prefer to talk directly to the guy in charge. I think because you're in a Neptune suite, you've got a good chance of getting what you want.

[DaveOKC]

Can someone tell me if I can attempt do this in the Neptune Lounge or do I have to go to the Maitre' D, and where is he/she located on the first day? The early dining time that we want is full and not currently available. Thanks.

 

Since you are in a Neptune suite, you should be able to get whatever dining time you want. Have your TA call Holland and request it, telling them that you are in a Neptune suite - its a separate department than the normal reservations, but it can easily be done.

 

DaveOKC

[Krazy Kruizers]

The concierges are quite busy on the first day. They will take down your name and cabin number and when they get a chance, they will contact the dining room manager and try to get your request.

You are better off seeing the dining room on your own.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Since you are in a Neptune suite, you should be able to get whatever dining time you want. Have your TA call Holland and request it, telling them that you are in a Neptune suite - its a separate department than the normal reservations, but it can easily be done.

 

DaveOKC

 

 

Not always. On embarkation day one time, there was a couple complaining to the concierges that they were assigned Open Seating when they are requested fixed early dining. They had booked the cruise about 9 months in advance and were told then that early fixed dining was already filled up. The concierges tried to get it changed -- no luck.

[POA1]

We learned early on that it's more efficient and effective to go right to the MDR or the Pinnacle Grill instead of relying on the concierge. There's a lot going on during the first few hours after boarding and we found that face to face interaction is better than having the concierge call on the phone.

[cruz chic]

I thought choice of dining time was a perk of the neptune suite. If so its pretty shady if they don't honor it. That said, I think if you take a cheapie upsell that option should be off the table.

[DaveOKC]

I thought choice of dining time was a perk of the neptune suite. If so its pretty shady if they don't honor it. That said, I think if you take a cheapie upsell that option should be off the table.

 

I have been told by my PCC (and others) that almost all the time we can get Early dining if we book a Neptune (even with an upsell). I do know that it requires the PCC (or TA) to make a special call to get it done - perhaps all the TAs do not know this.

 

DaveOKC

[cruz chic]

I have been told by my PCC (and others) that almost all the time we can get Early dining if we book a Neptune (even with an upsell). I do know that it requires the PCC (or TA) to make a special call to get it done - perhaps all the TAs do not know this.

 

DaveOKC

 

Could be. I know the TA's I've had have been useless and they were supposed to be specialists. That surprises me about the upsells.

[PathfinderEss]

I thought choice of dining time was a perk of the neptune suite. If so its pretty shady if they don't honor it. That said, I think if you take a cheapie upsell that option should be off the table.

 

That is more for the specialty restaurants then the MDR, though I'm sure they can arrange that too!

[DaveOKC]

Could be. I know the TA's I've had have been useless and they were supposed to be specialists. That surprises me about the upsells.

 

Once I booked an SY and could not get early dining. Two weeks before sailing my TA (at the time) called me with an upsell to a Neptune suite. I took it and immediately they cleared me for the Early dining. They said it was because I was now in a Neptune.

 

DaveOKC

[andnosyd]

Ok, thanks for the replies! I'll head over to the Maitre D then and talk with him/her. Can I find them in the MDR or where are they on embarkation day?

[CruiserBruce]

Ok, thanks for the replies! I'll head over to the Maitre D then and talk with him/her. Can I find them in the MDR or where are they on embarkation day?

 

It will be announced where to meet the Maitre D. in the schedule in your cabin when you get on board. Frequently its in the MDR, but it could be elsewhere.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Once I booked an SY and could not get early dining. Two weeks before sailing my TA (at the time) called me with an upsell to a Neptune suite. I took it and immediately they cleared me for the Early dining. They said it was because I was now in a Neptune.

 

DaveOKC

 

I'm not surprised. Of the three HAL cruises we've taken in recent years, the one with the shortest booking lead time (4-5 months) was in a Neptune suite guarantee. We got early fixed, no problem.

 

The first year HAL went to Bermuda we booked within a month of the booking opening, in an OV. We got waitlisted, and got changed to open on board after we spoke to the maître d'.

 

When we did a Canada cruise, booked about a year out, we booked an OV and were waitlisted for early fixed. We couldn't change it on the ship. So my experience says first come, first served isn't how it works.

[DaveOKC]

I'm not surprised. Of the three HAL cruises we've taken in recent years, the one with the shortest booking lead time (4-5 months) was in a Neptune suite guarantee. We got early fixed, no problem.

 

The first year HAL went to Bermuda we booked within a month of the booking opening, in an OV. We got waitlisted, and got changed to open on board after we spoke to the maître d'.

 

When we did a Canada cruise, booked about a year out, we booked an OV and were waitlisted for early fixed. We couldn't change it on the ship. So my experience says first come, first served isn't how it works.

 

I have been told that they "hold back" some spots for Neptune suite passengers, so what you posted makes sense to me.

[Krazy Kruizers]

That is more for the specialty restaurants then the MDR, though I'm sure they can arrange that too!

 

A couple of times after looking at the main dining room dinner menu, which we were not impressed with, we asked the concierges if they could get us a Pinnacle reservation -- Nope -- all filled up. We even went to the Pinnacle manager -- Nope -- all filled up.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I have been told that they "hold back" some spots for Neptune suite passengers, so what you posted makes sense to me.

 

 

I don't know who told you this, but they do not "Hold Back" tables anywhere on the ships just for Neptune Suite passengers.

[3rdGenCunarder]

A couple of times after looking at the main dining room dinner menu, which we were not impressed with, we asked the concierges if they could get us a Pinnacle reservation -- Nope -- all filled up. We even went to the Pinnacle manager -- Nope -- all filled up.

 

That doesn't surprise me. Full means full. Even the best concierge couldn't create a table where there isn't one.

Edited September 24, 2014 by 3rdGenCunarder

[DaveOKC]

I don't know who told you this, but they do not "Hold Back" tables anywhere on the ships just for Neptune Suite passengers.

 

I was talking about BEFORE you sail, not on the ship.

 

Was told by my PCC.

 

DaveOKC

[Typhoon1]

NL concierges will do their best for you. They do work wonders, but are not always able to accommodate everyone.