Nightmare tablemates?

[John&LaLa]

THAT is my daughter's weather satellite launch! :)

Can she get me a pass? 😁😁😁

 

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[Merion_Mom]

Can she get me a pass? 😁😁😁

 

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Unfortunately, she has to miss it. :(

 

Her father is getting married on Saturday. AGAIN.

[Annabanana1234]

We had two men as tablemates on one cruise that were lovely until one night one of them showed up very drunk. It was mostly funny until he started listing to the right and ended up with his head on my shoulder. Then he started eating off my plate. :eek: His friend at that point got him up and hustled him out of there, apologizing all the way.

 

 

 

This is the funniest thing I've read!!

 

 

Sovereign of the Seas 1998

Navigator of the Seas 2003

Carnival Magic 2012

Carnival Triumph 2013

Norwegian Jewel 2014

Norwegian Jade 2015

Carnival Freedom 2015

Coming up:

Liberty of the Seas April 2017

[nealstuber]

One of the things we really like about Carnival is that they have done really well for us on this front. They did especially well on our recent legend cruise with extended family of 16. We had three tables (6,6,4) served by the same team and it was nice to be able to mix it up each night. When we sail with our kids we've been paired with families with kids close in age, when we sail as a couple we been paired or tripped with other interesting couples, and when we cruised as a couple on our 20th anniversary we got a table for two.

 

The table for two was probably the only time we were disappointed. Since I travel so for work so much, DW are virtually inseparable on vacation. At dinner , we find it nicer to share experiences with others since DW and I already know what we did that day and have a pretty good idea of what we liked and disliked.

 

 

 

 

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Edited November 17, 2016 by nealstuber

[Ery]

We had the couple that looked alike and reminded the waited 10 times during each meal they were gluten free.

 

I get it, I'm allergic to avocados, but it was every night every time the poor guy walked up to our table.

 

Our last few Oasis trips we've been at tables for 6 or 8 and never had anyone sit with us ... then again I wore a blue wig with a cute cocktail dress and he had a top hat that lit up on so maybe we scared them away? We just like to have fun, never rude, work in tourism industry so always have an easy time chatting with the staff. We drink, but don't get drunk. We just tend to try and be fun

 

 

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[Debinnova]

On Oasis, during a 12 night transatlantic, we were seated at lunch with a group of three, two women and a man. They spoke only limited English - one lady didn't speak at all. She finished eating very quickly and proceeded to use a toothpick very aggressively for at least fifteen minutes - while we continued to eat. It was disgusting. No apology or anything. It was awkward and nauseating, to say the least.

 

We luckily didn't run into them again. Is this acceptable in some cultures? I had never seen it before.

 

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[Sungold]

On my very first cruise, I was at a table for 10. On each successive night, more and more people were no-shows. Finally on one night, I was sitting alone. Some kind people at a nearby table took pity on me, and invited me to join them. Since then, I always choose anytime dining.

 

 

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[GUT2407]

We had the couple that looked alike and reminded the waited 10 times during each meal they were gluten free.

 

I get it, I'm allergic to avocados, but it was every night every time the poor guy walked up to our table.

 

Our last few Oasis trips we've been at tables for 6 or 8 and never had anyone sit with us ... then again I wore a blue wig with a cute cocktail dress and he had a top hat that lit up on so maybe we scared them away? We just like to have fun, never rude, work in tourism industry so always have an easy time chatting with the staff. We drink, but don't get drunk. We just tend to try and be fun

 

 

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I'm sorry if they are coeliac I can't blame them for reminding the staff constantly. A bit like seafood or peanut allergies

 

Some of these issues can kill, others send you off to hospital.

[Ery]

I'm sorry if they are coeliac I can't blame them for reminding the staff constantly. A bit like seafood or peanut allergies

 

 

 

Some of these issues can kill, others send you off to hospital.

 

 

No he asked to verify for for the chef if they were allergic or didn't eat it as they kept saying "don't eat" they clarified no allergy we just don't like it.

 

Trust me as someone who carries an epi pen for even a tiny bit of avocado I understand allergies quite well, I've had a careless chef send me to the er in an ambulance.

 

Big diff between will kill me and "just don't like it"

 

 

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[SteveH2508]

Okay, you guys are starting to scare me a bit. I'm new as in really new and going on my very first cruise in March. Points of reference.

 

My husband is 12 years younger than me. Will I be judged?

 

My job is tax accountant. Will I be hounded for tax advice?

 

We only speak English. Will we be snubbed?

 

My husband is a Millwright and nobody knows what it is. It is a blue collar job that pays better than mine. Will people look down their noses?

 

We are in our late forties, late fifties. Will young people treat us like creeps?

 

We are not experienced cruisers (we like road trips). Will experienced cruisers think we are not worth talking to?

 

We always make friends wherever we go. We love to travel and being open is our "Minnesota Nice" way. So a few questions...

 

Is MTD worth it to you?

How easy is it to have your dining assignment changed?

Are there other options besides room service?

 

I feel like a babe in the woods or deer in the headlights here. I have been reading the boards all day and have a lot to learn.

 

You have an easy get-out from the occupation conversation. Say Tax Inspector instead - the subject will change VERY quickly!;)

[vacationlover_mn]

Agavegirl1- Hello from a fellow MN :). Seriously, don't worry about it :). You'll have a great time! My advice to you would be to try for a big table! We've always had the most fun at bigger tables, and you have a better chance of finding at least one table you click with :). You may get tax questions, and "what the heck does a millwright do" questions, but I doubt anyone would look down their nose at him :). We've never ran into snobs (in the dining room). If you are seated with experienced cruisers, you could ask them what their favorite excursions are on the islands :). People seem to like to talk about that. And, finally, I much prefer having a specific seating time, so that we can have the same table mates, waiter, etc. however, for our next cruise early seating was booked up and we're doing MTD.

 

 

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[welshrich]

On Oasis, during a 12 night transatlantic, we were seated at lunch with a group of three, two women and a man. They spoke only limited English - one lady didn't speak at all. She finished eating very quickly and proceeded to use a toothpick very aggressively for at least fifteen minutes - while we continued to eat. It was disgusting. No apology or anything. It was awkward and nauseating, to say the least.

 

We luckily didn't run into them again. Is this acceptable in some cultures? I had never seen it before.

 

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Hi there

 

I think we were on the same Oasis TA cruise - the one with the bad weather lol

 

We usually request a table for 2 because we don't always eat in the MDR so it's less disruption (we do let the wait staff know if we are not coming), but, on that sailing the tables for 2 were so close together we may as well have been on a large table, luckily we got on quite well with our 'tablemates'.

[Paulette3028]

Okay, you guys are starting to scare me a bit. I'm new as in really new and going on my very first cruise in March. Points of reference.

 

My husband is 12 years younger than me. Will I be judged?

 

My job is tax accountant. Will I be hounded for tax advice?

 

We only speak English. Will we be snubbed?

 

My husband is a Millwright and nobody knows what it is. It is a blue collar job that pays better than mine. Will people look down their noses?

 

We are in our late forties, late fifties. Will young people treat us like creeps?

 

We are not experienced cruisers (we like road trips). Will experienced cruisers think we are not worth talking to?

 

We always make friends wherever we go. We love to travel and being open is our "Minnesota Nice" way. So a few questions...

 

Is MTD worth it to you?

How easy is it to have your dining assignment changed?

Are there other options besides room service?

 

I feel like a babe in the woods or deer in the headlights here. I have been reading the boards all day and have a lot to learn.

 

 

I believe you are stressing out over something that doesn't deserve the stress. As you have read, most people (including myself and DH) have had wonderful table mates over the 20 cruises we have taken.

 

The RCCL dining dept tries very hard to match up age groups/passengers when they can; they seem to try to match up language situations (if they know -- which isn't always).

 

Stop worrying about being judged (on any issue), let your MN Nice way be your way.....and HAVE A GREAT TRIP.

[Ken Greco]

I believe you are stressing out over something that doesn't deserve the stress. As you have read, most people (including myself and DH) have had wonderful table mates over the 20 cruises we have taken.

 

The RCCL dining dept tries very hard to match up age groups/passengers when they can; they seem to try to match up language situations (if they know -- which isn't always).

 

Stop worrying about being judged (on any issue), let your MN Nice way be your way.....and HAVE A GREAT TRIP.

 

I agree enjoy your cruise; most of the time your tablemates will be fine. As NJ/NY type we get it that mid westerners can be a little quieter, and NJ/NY types can seem brash at times but go with the flow. Many of the CC posters have been on multiple cruises and the chances increase of not getting the perfect tablemates can happen. Stick to what you did that day and the conversation goes better

[island lady]

My wife cruises a lot and has this "gentleman" at her tablet quite a bit.

 

He comes to the table after drinking in the CL all night.

He talks about his beautiful wife!

Never stops talking about his Grandchildren!

Always thinks his jokes are funny, but they are not!

He is a very picky eater and NEVER tries any new food!

He thinks everyone wants to hear what he has to say!

 

 

 

But enough about............me!

 

Hah!! I beg to differ John....Kay IS beautiful!! And so are your

grandchildren (from what Kay tells us ;)). And I know you have

a great sense of humor...or you would not have attracted Kay,

who is one of the the most fun ladies we have ever shared

drinks with in the CL. :D

 

Say "Hi" to your wife from Pat and Bucky!

Edited November 17, 2016 by island lady

[island lady]

Not prying, just a shout out amongst friends. Maybe we should take a vote on who's rude around here. 😉

 

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LOL!! Cute one John. :D

[island lady]

We don't make up careers, but we aren't completely honest, either. DH is a pharmacist; I'm an RN. We learned very quickly during an agonizing open seating breakfast on our first cruise to never disclose our vocations again. When strangers learn of our professions we almost always get one of two responses: 1) solicitation of medical advice, even though we have no idea about their medical history, current medications, etc. or 2) an excruciatingly detailed account of every single bad experience they've ever had with the medical system.

 

Since that first cruise, when asked, DH responds that he works in retail (technically true since he works in the pharmacy of a major retail company). No one pries further into that job. I tell them I'm a mom - also true. People change the subject very quickly after my response. I think they're afraid I'm going to start pulling out pictures of our children or telling potty training stories or something. :)

 

My little sister cruises with us quite often. She is an ID doctor, (specialist on infectious

disease to the non medical world). She is on call at two hospitals, has her own clinic,

and works way too many hours, though she is very successful. For some reason she does

not mind talking about her profession. Not sure why, but that is just her. ;)

 

The DH and I like to tell people we are unemployed. :) Also having worked very hard

in our past careers and being successful....I was able to retire at 54. Still technically

not working...."unemployed". :D

Edited November 17, 2016 by island lady

[island lady]

We have only changed tables once on RCI and that was when we were sitting with a couple from Brazil who spoke very little English. Our headwaiter noticed that we were uncomfortable and scouted tables for us. He put us at a great table for 8 or 10 and we had a great time with them.

 

We had to change twice on Princess -- dining companions too negative.

 

We have met great folks on RCI cruises at dinner including the couple that we usually cruise with. We get a table for 4 when we cruise together -- otherwise we ask for an 8 or more top.

 

Bucky and I would love to share your table anytime Sherri! :)

 

Hope to cruise with you again soon!

[troykahack]

How about this if you are one to ask what one does for a living. If you ask and one answers, leave it that unless one opens up and seems to want to talk further about what they do.

 

If they say I work on IPads and you have an IPad. You say, I have an IPad too. If the other says, well if you need help with your IPad, by all means discuss your issues with your IPad. But, if they say no more or don't seem to volunteer any further info, leave their occupation alone and move on to something else.

 

Think about it next time

Edited November 17, 2016 by troykahack

[weregoingcruising]

Yes I hate lying too... One time I told someone that I was a Shepherd the questions keep coming.

I play a game now and try to skirt answering the question for as long as I can

Next time tell them your a professional blood donor.:eek:

[Ken Greco]

Next time tell them your a professional blood donor.:eek:

 

The come back would be "I am a vampire in my former life" LOL

[NMLady]

We all have experienced the issue of sitting with tablemates that are strangers and have the dining staff move us because not wanting to sit with those tablemates that we know right away we will not spend 7 nights with them. What are some funny stories about that; please keep it clean.

 

I don't know why you used the word ALL in saying "we all have experienced...".

On a dozen cruises with assigned tables with 4-6 other people we have never had to ask the staff to move us.

[dreadpirate3]

Our first cruise, DH and I were seated with a newlywed couple and each set of their parents. It went well.

 

Our second cruise, DH, DS and I were seated with a mother and her son, and then three people who never showed. The mother and son only showed up the first night, so it was a little awkward to be at this empty table.

 

Our third cruise, DH, DS and I were seated at a table for four and it was very nice.

 

Now, our fourth, DH and I have requested a table for two, and will change that if our friend is sailing with us, which is unsure right now.

 

I find the occupation questions to be either small talk or trying to suss out the type of working class person you are. Small talk, no problem, but if they are trying to find out so they can look down on you for whatever or to get professional help while you are on vacation, it is just fine to change the subject.

 

I'm in higher education and DH is a locksmith.

[wolfganghowell]

Agavegirl - don't worry, it will be fine. We're just sharing the horror stories. The important thing to remember is that it's your vacation and if you feel uncomfortable at our dinner table for ANY reason, feel free to ask the maitre'd to make a change. Have fun.

 

ok John - you got me. What exactly do I do? :D I promise to tell you if you're right! And then we can put Troy out of his misery. ;)

[slidergirl]

First cruise. The helpful CCers back then suggested I go for the "big" table since I was traveling solo. Since they gave good suggestions for cabins (back when TAs were able to post and I actually booked with one - remember Tom from I think PA), I went with the table. Got an 8-top with 6 others. Once they found I was traveling solo, it was the pity party - "you're so brave", "couldn't you find anyone to come with you" "why are you by yourself", "do you want to go on excursion with so you won't be alone"... etc. I hated it. I traveled solo because I damn well wanted to. It doesn't take any kind of bravery to go it alone. If I wanted to go on an excursion with 49 other strangers on a bus and be herded around like sheeple, I would have booked it.

After that, it was 2-tops and buffets for me. I actually like the buffets for dinner - I LOVE to make a big entree-size salad with the makings of my choice. The vegetarian offerings in the MDR tend to get rather boring, anyway.

Edited November 17, 2016 by slidergirl