Anytime Dining

[Luv my furbaby]

Is it a mad rush first day for anytime dining?

On other lines, I can make a reservation for the 1st day ahead of time, but know that can't be done on Princess. So, how to I avoid the very long lines if I can't make a reservation?

I base my reservation times on what I have planned for the day - long tour say, etc.

1st cruise on Princess in many many years.

[IECalCruiser]

Is it a mad rush first day for anytime dining?

 

On other lines, I can make a reservation for the 1st day ahead of time, but know that can't be done on Princess. So, how to I avoid the very long lines if I can't make a reservation?

 

I base my reservation times on what I have planned for the day - long tour say, etc.

 

1st cruise on Princess in many many years.

Eat within 15 minutes after the DR opens when there is only one ATD dining room open or after 7:30 when a second dining room opens for ATD.

 

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Edited October 5, 2016 by IECalCruiser

[pablo222]

Is it a mad rush first day for anytime dining?

On other lines, I can make a reservation for the 1st day ahead of time, but know that can't be done on Princess. So, how to I avoid the very long lines if I can't make a reservation?

 

Eat about 9:00pm. No problem.

 

Also, traditional dining is usually rather chaotic on the first night

as well, as everyone entering has to be escorted/directed to their

tables.

[skynight]

Is it a mad rush first day for anytime dining?

On other lines, I can make a reservation for the 1st day ahead of time, but know that can't be done on Princess. So, how to I avoid the very long lines if I can't make a reservation?

I base my reservation times on what I have planned for the day - long tour say, etc.

1st cruise on Princess in many many years.

U.S. based cruise? My experience is that on the first night there are usually crowds and lines in the 5:30/6:00pm time frame. If you dine after 7:30 no real issues getting a table. You may be able to make a reservation for the first night if you cal the DINE line when you board. They may or may not be accepting reservations for the first evening. Be aware that if they do accept reservations they are for specific times, for example 5:30, 5:45, 7:30, 7:45. After the first night passengers seem to get into a pattern.

We normally avoid the DR on the first night, opting for one of the other dining options. If you are on the Royal or Regal they have have a very large and nice buffet area, you can also dine at Alfredo's. On all ships in the U.S. market besides the buffet you can choose the International Cafe, Grill or just grab a few slices of pizza. Another option is to make reservations for one of the specialty restaurants by calling the DINE line.

[JimmyVWine]

Another option is to make reservations for one of the specialty restaurants by calling the DINE line.

This is what we do. Not so much because we are trying to avoid chaos, but because the "Sailaway" menu rarely inspires us.

[Tripmaven]

This is what we do. Not so much because we are trying to avoid chaos, but because the "Sailaway" menu rarely inspires us.

 

We totally agree with this approach. Everyone is in different stages of fatigue on the day of embarkation. After boarding, unpacking, attending the fire drill, and various other tasks, we simply have a drink in one of the bars and either go to the buffet or get a tasty hamburger. By the next night, things may have sorted out a bit.

[sherryf]

We have never made reservations for Anytime dining, and have never had problems with long lines. Sometimes there is a short line, and occasionally we have gotten a pager, but we have never waited more than about 15 minutes. We do tend to eat early, but not right when the doors open. We usually arrive between 5:30 - 6:00 so that we are seated and eating by about 6 - 6:30 and can be done in time to make the early show or other activities around 8 PM.

[floridalover5623]

We totally agree with this approach. Everyone is in different stages of fatigue on the day of embarkation. After boarding, unpacking, attending the fire drill, and various other tasks, we simply have a drink in one of the bars and either go to the buffet or get a tasty hamburger. By the next night, things may have sorted out a bit.

 

Tasty hamburger on Princess? It'll never happen. They overcook them till there like a hockey puck....for your safety of course.

[shredie]

Tasty hamburger on Princess? It'll never happen. They overcook them till there like a hockey puck....for your safety of course.

 

We agree on that.

[jpcello]

I've currently got a confirmed late seating in the MDR. Is it possible to switch to ATD once I'm on board? Not sure I want to eat dinner every night at 8:15.

[JimmyVWine]

I've currently got a confirmed late seating in the MDR. Is it possible to switch to ATD once I'm on board? Not sure I want to eat dinner every night at 8:15.

Not a problem. I have never heard of anyone's request to switch from Traditional Dining over to Anytime Dining being refused. It is only the reverse that can be tricky.

[reedprincess]

I've currently got a confirmed late seating in the MDR. Is it possible to switch to ATD once I'm on board? Not sure I want to eat dinner every night at 8:15.

 

Probably. Depends on how many are in ATD already, etc. You'll need to see the maitre'd upon boarding about changing dining choice. The location will be in the Patter. It may or may not happen for the first night but if not, by the second night is usually no problem.

Alternatively, if your cruise is still a little ways off - call Princess or whomever you booked your trip through and change in advance..

Edited October 5, 2016 by reedprincess

[shredie]

I've currently got a confirmed late seating in the MDR. Is it possible to switch to ATD once I'm on board? Not sure I want to eat dinner every night at 8:15.

 

The official rule as spelled out on the web site is that you can switch within 24 hours.

[GRAYTech]

I've currently got a confirmed late seating in the MDR. Is it possible to switch to ATD once I'm on board? Not sure I want to eat dinner every night at 8:15.

 

Yes you can switch after you are on board as others have said but you can also use the web site cruise personalizer to change your dinning preference before you go. As others have cautioned, changing to ATD isn't an issue but you may not be able to switch from ATD to TD, especially the early seating which tends to fill up quickly.

[goldenrod]

We love anytime dining on all ships we sail and have never had to wait more than 10 minutes even without a reservation!

 

 

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[Tripmaven]

Probably. Depends on how many are in ATD already, etc. You'll need to see the maitre'd upon boarding about changing dining choice. The location will be in the Patter. It may or may not happen for the first night but if not, by the second night is usually no problem.

Alternatively, if your cruise is still a little ways off - call Princess or whomever you booked your trip through and change in advance..

 

If you are any time or traditional and have a question about your preference, see the Mater de on board. Check the patter, or ask the Purser desk. You will probably wait for awhile, but your question should be answered.

[floridalover5623]

We love anytime dining on all ships we sail and have never had to wait more than 10 minutes even without a reservation!

 

 

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If you eat early or very late there's usually no wait.

The major wait time is only during peak dining times 6:30- 7:30.

[goldenrod]

Your correct we eat at 8:00 to 8:30 plus once they know you it's never a problem and with Princess we're Elite and normally book suites on all ships.

 

 

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[Treven]

I always do Anytime Dining on Princess. Being diabetic I'll eat early; I'll be in line when the doors open, then I'll hit the buffet for a snack later in the evening.

Edited October 6, 2016 by Treven

[Moondogy]

I always do Anytime Dining on Princess. Being diabetic I'll eat early; I'll be in line when the doors open, then I'll hit the buffet for a snack later in the evening.

We do the exact same thing, we're both diabetic...and living in Florida we have learn to eat early to avoid the snowbirds.....:D