Waitlisted for Traditional Dining

[bdjam]

IF you can't get into Traditional Fixed Dining (and I bet you can) don't feel as though you've "lost out" and will have a lousy dining room experience.

 

Make the best of it.

I don’t think that good advice at all. If Princess is going to offer “Personal Choice” then making the best of something that is not one’s choice doesn’t seem proper to me. If I were stuck in Anytime Dining when I didn’t want it, you could be sure that I would ready a letter to Passenger Relations upon my return.

Is the amenity for all members of Captain's Circle or only for those in higher tiers?

It was mentioned in a Captain’s Circle publication – so I would assume that it would be applied across all tiers. This was a Panama Canal/Balcony Sale publication – it might be that it applies only to the special that were offered in that publication…

[spongerob]

It was mentioned in a Captain’s Circle publication – so I would assume that it would be applied across all tiers. This was a Panama Canal/Balcony Sale publication – it might be that it applies only to the special that were offered in that publication…

 

I'd tend to believe that. With most ships having room for only one half or one third of the total passengers in traditional dining, that would be an extremely difficult guarantee.

[Lacy]

I just checked today. We have moved from #125 on the waitlist to #32. As we are a large group I hope that we can have a set dining time rather than having to negotiate with the Maitre 'D. If we don't make it then I will take the advice of those on this tread to make it right! :)

[CruiseFever]

I don’t think that good advice at all. If Princess is going to offer “Personal Choice” then making the best of something that is not one’s choice doesn’t seem proper to me. I....

 

I think you missed the point. I DO indeed think that anyone who would like to dine in Traditional Fixed Dining should be able to. If they can't make their way in there somehow and its a big deal to them sure, write a letter, holler from the highest mountain top, whatever. But don't let it ruin your cruise for cryin out loud. Its not that big of a deal.

[bdjam]

I think you missed the point. I DO indeed think that anyone who would like to dine in Traditional Fixed Dining should be able to. If they can't make their way in there somehow and its a big deal to them sure, write a letter, holler from the highest mountain top, whatever. But don't let it ruin your cruise for cryin out loud. Its not that big of a deal.

For you. For others it is that big of a deal. I personally derive a lot of satisfaction out of the interaction I have with my tablemates and my wait staff when I’m on a cruise…I don’t get that in Anytime Dining and while being subjected to Anytime Dining might not ruin my cruise, it certainly will take a good deal of the pleasure out of it. The overall quality of the meal is better the Traditional Dining rooms. Obviously we all cruise for different reasons – one reason I do is because I enjoy traditional evenings in the traditional dining room. The evening meal is an important part of my cruise experience. Others may find the evening meal a necessity to get through so they can get to the casino or MUTS. I do not.

 

Given your post, it would be interesting to know how you would handle me if I was one of your clients and was unhappy about being waitlisted for Traditional Dining.

[CruiseFever]

For you. For others it is that big of a deal. I personally derive a lot of satisfaction out of the interaction I have with my tablemates and my wait staff when I’m on a cruise…I don’t get that in Anytime Dining and while being subjected to Anytime Dining might not ruin my cruise, it certainly will take a good deal of the pleasure out of it. The overall quality of the meal is better the Traditional Dining rooms. Obviously we all cruise for different reasons – one reason I do is because I enjoy traditional evenings in the traditional dining room. The evening meal is an important part of my cruise experience. Others may find the evening meal a necessity to get through so they can get to the casino or MUTS. I do not.

 

Given your post, it would be interesting to know how you would handle me if I was one of your clients and was unhappy about being waitlisted for Traditional Dining.

 

You're getting silly now but I'll play along

 

Just curious: What IF you were on a Princess cruise and for some reason you were forced to be in Anytime Dining. Pretend there were no other options. What would you do?

[racephoto]

For you. For others it is that big of a deal. I personally derive a lot of satisfaction out of the interaction I have with my tablemates and my wait staff when I’m on a cruise…I don’t get that in Anytime Dining and while being subjected to Anytime Dining might not ruin my cruise, it certainly will take a good deal of the pleasure out of it. The overall quality of the meal is better the Traditional Dining rooms. Obviously we all cruise for different reasons – one reason I do is because I enjoy traditional evenings in the traditional dining room. The evening meal is an important part of my cruise experience. Others may find the evening meal a necessity to get through so they can get to the casino or MUTS. I do not.

 

I agree with you about the dining experience INCLUDING same wait staff/tablemates, etc. is an important part of my cruise. My Princess cruise was before this Personal Choice dining came into play, but I experienced "Freestyle Dining" on Norwegian. I didn't like it, and would much prefer cruises with Traditional dining. If I booked a cruise on Princess and couldn't get Traditional, I would not be happy either. To each their own.

[racephoto]

You're getting silly now but I'll play along

 

Just curious: What IF you were on a Princess cruise and for some reason you were forced to be in Anytime Dining. Pretend there were no other options. What would you do?

 

I think it's a bit much to call someone "silly" for having different cruise priorities than you. If they closed the casino would I be justified in calling the other upset passengers silly because I don't gamble? Obviously if I was stuck with PC dining I'd deal with it, but that does NOT mean I have to be happy about it.

[CruiseFever]

Given your post, it would be interesting to know how you would handle me if I was one of your clients and was unhappy about being waitlisted for Traditional Dining.

 

Great question, thanks so much for asking.

 

Well first of all if it was actually YOU, the problem would probably not exist as you seem to have figured out that you need to book far enough in advance to keep that from happening. From what you write I take it you're not in Anytime Dining all that much.

 

If it were anyone else in the same situation as the OP we'd have done everything possible before the cruise to get them the dining they wanted. If not possible, again, they'd be going to see the Maitre d' asap upon embarkation to get that fixed. Actually, on this particular ship which I've sailed several times odds are I'd have emailed somebody on board who'd have already fixed this.

 

But say the very worst case scenario came about: They were stuck in Antime Dining, absolutely hated it, nobody seemed to care and the food was lousy.

 

My client would not have to write any letter at all because I would have already done so and it wouldn't have been some foul nasty letter either. More realistic is that they'd have emailed or called me from the ship and the situation, whatever it was, would have been corrected while they were aboard.

 

I don't want any cruise to be "bad" and my letter would have brought up several of the points YOU make, especially the one about "one reason I do is because I enjoy traditional evenings in the traditional dining room"

 

That's a major complaint and a totally valid one that deserves respect and attention.

 

The thing is, unexpected bad things happen and a great attitude will get most people past them. This is not one of those things. This is something that can be handled way in advance and prepared for before boarding.

 

[negc]

I agree with bdjam and definitely prefer traditional dining, but if it happened to me I would try not to let it spoil my entire cruise. I would, however, certainly let my opinion be known on my comment card, in correspondence to the Princess home office, and on these boards. I think that calling their dining program "personal choice" but designing it so that it is anything but, is the height of hypocrisy, and to publicly claim that anytime dining is wildly popular when week after week, many who request "traditional dining" are put on a lengthy waitlist, is disingenuous to say the least. If Princess would just exhibit some flexibility and allocate its dining rooms according to each week's demands, they might gain some credibility with me.

[CruiseFever]

I think it's a bit much to call someone "silly" for having different cruise priorities than you. If they closed the casino would I be justified in calling the other upset passengers silly because I don't gamble? Obviously if I was stuck with PC dining I'd deal with it, but that does NOT mean I have to be happy about it.

 

I wouldn't expect you to be happy about it.

 

This statement:

 

"If Princess is going to offer “Personal Choice” then making the best of something that is not one’s choice doesn’t seem proper to me. "

 

...I obviously agree with. To infer that I think he should just blindly go in and enjoy Anytime Dining no matter how much he hates the concept is incorrect (or silly).

[bdjam]

...I obviously agree with. To infer that I think he should just blindly go in and enjoy Anytime Dining no matter how much he hates the concept is incorrect (or silly).

When this is posted in regard to getting stuck in Anytime Dining:

Make the best of it.

what should I think you’re inferring?

I agree with bdjam and definitely prefer traditional dining, but if it happened to me I would try not to let it spoil my entire cruise. I would, however, certainly let my opinion be known on my comment card, in correspondence to the Princess home office, and on these boards. I think that calling their dining program "personal choice" but designing it so that it is anything but, is the height of hypocrisy, and to publicly claim that anytime dining is wildly popular when week after week, many who request "traditional dining" are put on a lengthy waitlist, is disingenuous to say the least. If Princess would just exhibit some flexibility and allocate its dining rooms according to each week's demands, they might gain some credibility with me.

Thank you – and to answer ‘Fever’s question, that’s what I would do. I would also do what I’ve suggested others in this situation do many times – see the Matre’d and get it resolved. Of course if Princess would show some flexibility, the passenger wouldn’t have to be inconvenienced upon boarding.

[CruiseFever]

When this is posted in regard to getting stuck in Anytime Dining: what should I think you’re inferring?

 

No inferring at all, just what it says...make the best of it.

 

What's the other choice? Let it ruin my cruise? That's not going to happen.

 

I'm sorry if I am failing to communicate this successfully. There's really nothing more to it than that. I'm flatterd that it could be construed for me to have some deep, secret thoughts on this topic or even an alterior motive but I think you and I both know I don't think that far down the road.

 

This is kinda fun though, don't you think?

[DesrtDrmr]

Every time I have booked a cruise, I have booked far enough ahead to have my dining choice confirmed BEFORE final payment was due. If I truly felt that if I could not have my dining choice confirmed, it would totally ruin my cruise.....and if I had booked BEFORE final payment, I would cancel my cruise. There is absolutely NOTHING that says you have to take a cruise when you do not have your dining choice confirmed before final payment. If you book AFTER final payment is due, you can have your TA check to see if the cruise line can confirm your dining choice, and if not, I would suggest that you not book that particular cruise. There may be a different cruise line that could meet your dining choice at that time, or you might wish to change dates for your cruise. No sense on going on a cruise that you have determined would make you unhappy before you even set foot onboard.

[bdjam]

No inferring at all, just what it says...make the best of it.

 

What's the other choice? Let it ruin my cruise? That's not going to happen.

 

I'm sorry if I am failing to communicate this successfully. There's really nothing more to it than that. I'm flatterd that it could be construed for me to have some deep, secret thoughts on this topic or even an alterior motive but I think you and I both know I don't think that far down the road.

 

This is kinda fun though, don't you think?

Actually I don’t know that its fun at all…I’m getting a little dizzy. First if I don’t like it I should make the best of it, then I'm silly, then there is no inference that I should enjoy Anytime Dining if I don’t like it, then I should make the best of it again. I feel like I’m on the Tea Cups at Disneyland and I never did like that ride.

I don’t think you have an “alterior” or ulterior motive for that matter. Your viewpoint is based in the fact that you enjoy Anytime Dining and there are some of us who don’t. Just like with the half-formal evenings, Princess is trying to be everything to everyone and yet falls short – repeatedly, and it seems most often with its return passengers. Perhaps that’s why they are telling their return customers they’ll guarantee their dining time on some sailings. As I’ve said before, being stuck with Anytime Dining probably wouldn’t ruin my cruise, but it certainly would take away from the experience. Both my TA and Princess should know, understand, respect and address my preferences…especially if they want to continue to receive my business.

[Dreamer333]

I may be way off here, but how I interpreted the comment was...

 

If a passenger wants traditional dining, but is unable to get it due to it being filled, then that passenger should simply make the best of anytime dining.

 

Short and sweet.

[senatorgirth]

My family and I recently booked a January sailing on the Grand out of Galveston. I wanted traditional dining (early seating) but neither early nor late was available. I've never sailed Princess and thus have a question about the PC dining "option."

 

I've read in this board repeatedly that we can make a standing reservation for the entire cruise, which is virtually the same as traditional dining. Here's my question: are such reservations honored promptly? That is, when I arrive at 7:15 for my 7:15 dinner reservation, will I be sat immediately? Or does 7:15 really mean "Oh,you're here. Now we'll try to find you a table," and thus it turn into 7:30 (or later)? I ask because my wife and I do not go to restaurants at peak times that do not accept reservations. We refuse to play the "here's-your-beeper-we'll-call-you-when-your-table's-ready" game.

 

I am an experienced cruiser and have always done traditional, fixed-seating dining (never had an option not to, really). But I must admit that I'm very skeptical about the "Personal Choice" option because, frankly, it seems likely to be akin to waiting in line at the local TGIFridays on a Saturday night. If that's the case, I'm not at all going to be happy. Someone please tell me they promptly honor reservations...please!

[coiran]

You can always make a standing reservation, at the same table if you want, in the personal choice dining room. In fact, on a recent cruise, they had so many people on the waiting list for traditional that they placed a section of one of the PC dining rooms to traditional for them - I assume they may have had an equal number for both early and late.

Personally, we prefer PC, we get to meet many new people this way and if we happen to have a table of people you would rather not have dinner with again - you are covered, unless these people follow you around.

Ron

[Cruisin' Chick]

"You can always make a standing reservation, at the same table if you want, in the personal choice dining room. In fact, on a recent cruise, they had so many people on the waiting list for traditional that they placed a section of one of the PC dining rooms to traditional for them - I assume they may have had an equal number for both early and late."

 

That is what many of us were saying Princess should do when there's a large number of passengers on the waiting list. Must be that the cruiseline is getting plenty of complaints. I had been thinking that Princess was trying to force people to do PC and limiting the number of traditional diners was their way.

[LARGIN]

Wondering if any CCers know that Princess has standing reservation for 2 - 6 with the best waiters in the anytime dining area for friends of the maitre' d, head waiters, and officers that prefer to eat after 8 in the evening..

[bdjam]

Wondering if any CCers know that Princess has standing reservation for 2 - 6 with the best waiters in the anytime dining area for friends of the maitre' d, head waiters, and officers that prefer to eat after 8 in the evening..

Sooo…how do you get to be friends with the Matre’d? ;)

[Opinions]

The overall quality of the meal is better the Traditional Dining rooms. QUOTE]

 

How often have you experienced Anytime Dining?...And when you did why did you feel the quality of the meal was better in the Traditional Dining rooms?...I can understand perhaps the service or the ambience might be different but am surprised that the meal wasn't up to Priness standards.

[spongerob]

What's the other choice? Let it ruin my cruise? That's not going to happen.

 

Nor should it. Your perspective changes, though, when you consider longer versus shorter cruises. I think it might be easy to tolerate something unexpected for a week, and come up with some sort of workaround a couple of nights, but on a longer cruise not being able to enjoy your dining choice might become a deal-breaker.

 

I find myself agreeing to some extent with both you and BDJAM. One shouldn't have to book 14 months in advance solely for dining choice, nor should one look at any one item as something that will ruin a cruise. Sometimes being forced to change from set patterns shows us new opportunities to enjoy ourselves that we might otherwise not have considered. Or it might just bite. You never know until you try.

[negc]

You can always make a standing reservation, at the same table if you want, in the personal choice dining room. In fact, on a recent cruise, they had so many people on the waiting list for traditional that they placed a section of one of the PC dining rooms to traditional for them - I assume they may have had an equal number for both early and late.

Ron

 

Sounds like on your recent cruise, Princess showed some of that flexibility that we have been asking of them. As far as making a standing reservation at the same table in the "anytime" dining room, our friends attempted to do just that and were rebuffed by the Maitre'd because they wanted to dine at 8pm. In fact one Princess sales representative has been quoted as saying that anyone who thinks that they can make a standing reservation in an "Anytime" dining room between 7:30 and 8:30 pm, is "dreaming" - it just isn't going to happen.

 

Perhaps all of the complaints are finally filtering up to the Princess executive office and changes are coming. We can only hope.:rolleyes:

[bdjam]

How often have you experienced Anytime Dining?...And when you did why did you feel the quality of the meal was better in the Traditional Dining rooms?...I can understand perhaps the service or the ambience might be different but am surprised that the meal wasn't up to Priness standards.

I tried it once and didn’t like it. As far as quality, the negative reports about dining room service and quality (not just the quality of the food) posted here seem to stem from the Anytime Dining option.