Second Seating in Britannia Can Cause Conflict with After-Dinner Venue

[dtwtraveler]

I spoke with disgruntled Britannia second-seating diners (8:00 - 10:00). The Royal Court shows are at 8:45 and 10:45. On ten of the twelve nights, if they saw the show in the Royal Court Theatre at 10:45 they couldn't arrive in the ballroom until after 11:45. They miss most of the ballroom dancing which is 10-12:15 AM. The Royal Court shows were scheduled for 7 and 8:45 on only two evenings, and the assistant to the cruise director told me that the different schedule for two nights is sufficient. The Queen's Room also has ballroom dancing 7:45 - 8:30 and no one eating in the Britannia can attend it.

 

And, there are the dance instructors' exhibition nights and the special theme nights (Ascot Ball, Pirate's Ball, etc.,) which draw a crowd. Quite often any latecomers are unable to find a seat. This especially affects the unescorted ladies who want to be able to dance with the "Gentlemen Hosts". If they're in the back of the room, they are not asked to dance.

 

Thankfully, we had the first-seating and weren't affected by this. But you should take this into account if you're interested in this venue. I was told that they weren't able to switch to the first seating, because all of the seats were assigned.

[mufi]

This is always the problem with two sittings dining. Single sitting Caronia on QE2 is so much more diner friendly.

 

David.

[minxtabb]

we were on 2nd seating for our crossing and thoroughly enjoyed it. we had a relaxing meal, weren't hurried out of the dining room, and then went on to our chosen activitiy for the evening. mostly, we did not choose the shows as we found them to be not so great, but we did enjoy ballroom dancing. as we were 4 ladies travelling together, I must report that we had no difficulty finding a gentleman dance host, even if we arrived late into the ballroom, after the first couple of days, they know who you are and look out for you!

 

Roz