Dining Policy

[sailorgirl]

This is our first time with Celebrity. We often choose Radisson or Princess because of their open seating policy. We are a couple who insist upon dining alone. We enjoy ourselves! So, we are taking a chance with Celebrity (Century 10 day Southern Caribbean Nov. 7th) and seeing how this works out. If we can't get our table for two, we will have to cancel our future South America booking on "Millie" in March. Of course the T/A has cleared indicated our desire for a table for two So, what are our chances of being taken care of as we requested? Is a visit to the Maitre'D and an upfront tip what is required of us? Thanks for any input.

[lel5344]

However, we're going to be on that cruise. And we requested a late seating table for 6. So if you choose a table for 2, you will be guaranteed to have no chance at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: having us for table companions!

 

However, I hope you have good luck with your request. We are all entitled to our personal preferences. But if you should end up at a larger table, go ahead and have fun anyway...lol.

 

One thing to consider: there is still open seating for breakfast and lunch, so I'm pretty sure tables for 2 will likely be available for those meals.

[sailorgirl]

You're funny! I'm sure we're missing an opportunity here. We got stuck in the main seating time frame which is annoying but since we like to go to the shows afterwards and lose a little money at the Casino, and then get up early to go to the gym, it's probably better to do the early dining. We'll see. I'd like something inbetween - like around 7ish. Again, that's why we like Princess and Radisson. Normally, we do breakfast and lunch casually at the buffet rather than the dining room. So much food and so little time!

[canderson]

This is our first time with Celebrity. We often choose Radisson or Princess because of their open seating policy. We are a couple who insist upon dining alone. We enjoy ourselves! So, we are taking a chance with Celebrity (Century 10 day Southern Caribbean Nov. 7th) and seeing how this works out. If we can't get our table for two, we will have to cancel our future South America booking on "Millie" in March. Of course the T/A has cleared indicated our desire for a table for two So, what are our chances of being taken care of as we requested? Is a visit to the Maitre'D and an upfront tip what is required of us? Thanks for any input.

Much will depend upon when you booked -- since there are so few tables for 2 on these ships, earlier is definitely better. Your TA should be able to tell you right away if they've already been able to accomdate your request. Be SURE you let them know ASAP about your dining preference for your Millie cruise.

 

Be aware that not all of the tables for 2 on the Millie are in great locations. All the more reason to make that request immediately along with your booking.

 

While it will depend upon how full your cruise(s) is(are), it may be possible for the Maitre d' to arrange for two of you to occupy an otherwise empty but somewhat larger table. A few bucks for that privilege may indeed be appropriate. You would want to attend to this immediately upon boarding.

[mmp13]

Celebrity has always honored our request for a table for 2 but I must add that we do book extremely early.

[kitty9]

Please don't take this meanly, but even if you have your table for two, that doesn't mean you can walk into the dining room at 7 and have them serve your dinner. Although you didn't say this in your post, I have (incorrectly?) gotten the impression that you might want to come to your table late and that might be one of the reasons you want to dine at a table for 2. Make sure your TA puts your request in the record, sends an email to Celebrity, and then you back it up with a visit to the maitre'd as soon as you board.

[adegner]

My DH and I always book a table for two and it really is not that difficult. One of the reasons we like Celebrity so much is that they have so many tables for two available. Of course, you should go to the Maitre D as soon as you get on the ship (OK, go dump the carry-ons in your room first). He is usually located in the Rendezvous Lounge that afternoon taking special requests. He sits with his computer and will show you where you table number that has been assigned will be located. At this time, if you would like to make a change, he will see if there is anything still open. But, there are a few "priorities" that may place other passengers ahead of you:

 

1) Are you in a suite?

2) Are you in a Concierge Class cabin?

3) Are you a frequent cruiser on Celebrity (not yet:) )

4) How early did you book?

 

I have never tipped the Maitre D on that first day when requesting a seating change, I always wait till the end - but that might get his attention.

 

Good Luck.

[sailorgirl]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, we booked early and we're in a suite so we should have a good shot at a table for two. But we certainly don't expect to arrive late at the table. Just prefer to dine alone at dinner time unless we have a friend on board!

[chessbriar]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, we booked early and we're in a suite so we should have a good shot at a table for two. But we certainly don't expect to arrive late at the table. Just prefer to dine alone at dinner time unless we have a friend on board!

 

A couple other options, and yes you could dine at 7:00. Order room service for dinner and have you Butler serve you for dinner.

 

Or, they have alternative dinning. They take the buffet area and set up formal dinning with waiters and linens. It's a smaller menu. but a table for two would be easy to acquire. The cost is $2/pp per night you eat there to cover tip for your server.

 

With regard to the Millennium, they also have a specialty restaurant that you could attend.

 

Now these are worst case situations if they are unable to fill your request. I think you should be fine.

[Dick in Falls Church]

When we were on the Century, a couple at our table the first night had requested a table for two. They got it the next day--and assured us that it was no reflection on the rest of us. We joined them for drinks a couple evening--

 

Hard to imagine, just the two of us with no newspaper, television, or computer----scary. Kind of like "for better or worse, but not for lunch"

[sailorgirl]

Although we don't always sit there talking a mile a minute, we do have lots of things to discuss - our day, our meal, our kids, the other passengers, etc! But when you're with a group of other folks, you really have no one on one conversation with your traveling companion and you are forced to make small talk with the other guests in order to be polite and friendly. It seems a bit of a strain to try to enjoy the meal while forcing conversation with strangers. I never thought of us as unsociable. We love dinner parties with our family and friends. Doesn't anyone else feel this way? I'm sure that if this went to a poll, our preference would lose big time.

[sailorgirl]

Although we don't always sit there talking a mile a minute, we do have lots of things to discuss - our day, our meal, our kids, the other passengers, etc! But when you're with a group of other folks, you really have no one on one conversation with your traveling companion and you are forced to make small talk with the other guests in order to be polite and friendly. It seems a bit of a strain to try to enjoy the meal while forcing conversation with strangers. I never thought of us as unsociable. We love dinner parties with our family and friends. Doesn't anyone else feel this way? I'm sure that if this went to a poll, our preference would lose big time.

[Blazerboy]

SailorGirl-

 

It always amazes me when people don't want to enjoy a cruise EXACTLY the way I do (in this case, for me it's sitting at a large table with lots of new acquaintances with assigned dining) until I remember that I'm greatful that others want different things, so that the things I like are available to me! :D

 

So, thanks for requesting the small tables! I promise I won't compete.:)

 

I'm sure it will work out for you.

 

Happy sailing,

 

Andrew

[ahoymatey3]

This is why they have different size tables.

 

I always want a large table and have always been lucky to have decent to fantastic tablemates. I would not hesitate to move, however if required.

[sailorgirl]

Different strokes for different folks, huh? Some people are happy with an inside cabin because they spend only bedtime in it. We love to spend time in the cabin and on the verandah. Some people prefer a port intensive itinerary and we love the days at sea. The good news here is that my husband and I both agree on those issues!