Dinner times during port days..

[SETexaslady]

My group is set for 7:15 dinner time on Island Princess. How do the scheduled dinners work on port days?  Will I need to rush back to make our "time" or is it open dining during port days? (Upcoming Alaskan cruise)  Thanks!

[skynight]

When you sail during the later evening hours traditional dining normally changes to open seating.

[fishywood]

On my Island Princess northbound Alaska cruise last May all three port days were open seating for all from 5:00 to 9:00.

Though on the 2019 northbound you leave Ketchikan mid afternoon so likely will be traditional done that day.

 

If you are on a southbound voyage there is only one of the three nights with a late port departure. On Golden Princess last year they still had traditional that night (times were 5:15 and 7:30).

[SETexaslady]

I'm sailing Northbound... Voyage of the Glaciers. Port departures at 3 ports are 8:30, 9:00, and 10:00.   So I should expect open seating during those ports?  Is the dress still nice (dressy sort of) or more casual (like jeans)?    I'm wondering if i'm packing too many nice outfits. 🤔 

[memoak]

Jeans in good condition are allowed on "casual" nights on any cruise with Princess

[fishywood]

9 minutes ago, SETexaslady said:

I'm sailing Northbound... Voyage of the Glaciers. Port departures at 3 ports are 8:30, 9:00, and 10:00.   So I should expect open seating during those ports?  Is the dress still nice (dressy sort of) or more casual (like jeans)?    I'm wondering if i'm packing too many nice outfits. 🤔 

 

OK  you have the same times as I did last year. For some reason I thought one of the ports had switched back to an early departure, that last years noon-10 PM call at Icy Strait was going to be a one year and done. That's good you still have it as Icy Strait is a good port to take lunch or dinner ashore; less crowded and rushed (though not less pricey) than Juneau or Skagway.

 

Anyway I would make book that all three port days will have open seating dinner for all. As for attire on casual nights it is more relaxed that on other itineraries but not necessarily "more casual". There won't be any linen slacks or Tommy Bahama shirts at dinner, especially if you go early in the season. But plenty of people still in their flannels and fleeces they wore ashore that day. Neat jeans are perfectly fine.

[SETexaslady]

3 minutes ago, fishywood said:

 

OK  you have the same times as I did last year. For some reason I thought one of the ports had switched back to an early departure, that last years noon-10 PM call at Icy Strait was going to be a one year and done. That's good you still have it as Icy Strait is a good port to take lunch or dinner ashore; less crowded and rushed (though not less pricey) than Juneau or Skagway.

 

Anyway I would make book that all three port days will have open seating dinner for all. As for attire on casual nights it is more relaxed that on other itineraries but not necessarily "more casual". There won't be any linen slacks or Tommy Bahama shirts at dinner, especially if you go early in the season. But plenty of people still in their flannels and fleeces they wore ashore that day. Neat jeans are perfectly fine.

Yes! 🙂  Icy Strait is noon-10pm.   I'm really looking forward to this port.  So glad to know that I don't have to rush back to the ship. I feel like we'll at least do lunch in that port (or all of them). But now I can plan to be out longer at each port. So many things to do! Overwhelming!  Thanks!

[SETexaslady]

23 minutes ago, memoak said:

Jeans in good condition are allowed on "casual" nights on any cruise with Princess

My husband will be pleased to hear this. 🙂  I'm looking forward to the two formal nights, though. I've read those will be "sea" days. That gives us time to spiffy ourselves up. 😄

[memoak]

I have never seen a formal night on a late sailing port day - no way to make that work

[PekingeseLady]

1 hour ago, fishywood said:

 

OK  you have the same times as I did last year. For some reason I thought one of the ports had switched back to an early departure, that last years noon-10 PM call at Icy Strait was going to be a one year and done. That's good you still have it as Icy Strait is a good port to take lunch or dinner ashore; less crowded and rushed (though not less pricey) than Juneau or Skagway.

 

Anyway I would make book that all three port days will have open seating dinner for all. As for attire on casual nights it is more relaxed that on other itineraries but not necessarily "more casual". There won't be any linen slacks or Tommy Bahama shirts at dinner, especially if you go early in the season. But plenty of people still in their flannels and fleeces they wore ashore that day. Neat jeans are perfectly fine.

Oh my DH will definitely be wearing his Tommy Bahama shirt to dinner, LOL  First ship to Alaska, very early in season.  This is his favorite shirt. hahaha

[SETexaslady]

6 minutes ago, memoak said:

I have never seen a formal night on a late sailing port day - no way to make that work

I'm sure the formal nights will be on Sea days. Not port days.

[SETexaslady]

1 hour ago, fishywood said:

 

OK  you have the same times as I did last year.

If it's still fresh in your mind..   What should we expect to wear the first night ... whatever we wear to board the ship or other casual type?   Also,  what about the last night through College Fjord?  We're cruising 6Pm- 8:30pm.  Does the ship work the dinner times to where we won't miss the sights or do I cancel our last night dining and just eat some place else (or room service)?  I don't care if I have to eat a sandwich or drink a mocktail... I don't want to miss the view. ❤️ (sorry for all the dining questions..  I'm just getting a feel of what clothes to pack) 🤪

[myjillian]

13 hours ago, fishywood said:

 

OK  you have the same times as I did last year. For some reason I thought one of the ports had switched back to an early departure, that last years noon-10 PM call at Icy Strait was going to be a one year and done. That's good you still have it as Icy Strait is a good port to take lunch or dinner ashore; less crowded and rushed (though not less pricey) than Juneau or Skagway.

 

Anyway I would make book that all three port days will have open seating dinner for all. As for attire on casual nights it is more relaxed that on other itineraries but not necessarily "more casual". There won't be any linen slacks or Tommy Bahama shirts at dinner, especially if you go early in the season. But plenty of people still in their flannels and fleeces they wore ashore that day. Neat jeans are perfectly fine.

Do people wear linen slacks and TB shirts on Alaskan cruises at all???

[ExploringTheGlobe]

18 hours ago, SETexaslady said:

My group is set for 7:15 dinner time on Island Princess. How do the scheduled dinners work on port days?  Will I need to rush back to make our "time" or is it open dining during port days? (Upcoming Alaskan cruise)  Thanks!

This same question was asked a couple of weeks ago and this was my response:  In the last year I've had 3 cruises with late port times.  Each cruise handled TD differently.  One had us arrive at our scheduled time but we were seated at different tables.  One switched to anytime dining but we still went to our regular dining room.  The last one stayed with traditional dining- same time, same table. 

[MissP22]

On 4/16/2019 at 5:36 PM, SETexaslady said:

If it's still fresh in your mind..   What should we expect to wear the first night ... whatever we wear to board the ship or other casual type?   Also,  what about the last night through College Fjord?  We're cruising 6Pm- 8:30pm.  Does the ship work the dinner times to where we won't miss the sights or do I cancel our last night dining and just eat some place else (or room service)?  I don't care if I have to eat a sandwich or drink a mocktail... I don't want to miss the view. ❤️ (sorry for all the dining questions..  I'm just getting a feel of what clothes to pack) 🤪

You can wear anything to dinner in the DR on the first & last nights, including shorts if you prefer. Many people just wear the clothes they've traveled in. 

There's no need to fret about a clothing change.

[SETexaslady]

2 hours ago, MissP22 said:

You can wear anything to dinner in the DR on the first & last nights, including shorts if you prefer. Many people just wear the clothes they've traveled in. 

There's no need to fret about a clothing change.

Thank you.  I'm so grateful for these forums! This will be a little more relaxed of a cruise than I thought. Sounds like we'll almost only be "dressing up" on the two formal nights.

[fishywood]

On 4/16/2019 at 5:36 PM, SETexaslady said:

If it's still fresh in your mind..   What should we expect to wear the first night ... whatever we wear to board the ship or other casual type?   Also,  what about the last night through College Fjord?  We're cruising 6Pm- 8:30pm.  Does the ship work the dinner times to where we won't miss the sights or do I cancel our last night dining and just eat some place else (or room service)?  I don't care if I have to eat a sandwich or drink a mocktail... I don't want to miss the view. ❤️ (sorry for all the dining questions..  I'm just getting a feel of what clothes to pack) 🤪

I was waiting to respond until I could dig out the Patter for the evening in College Fjord. Unfortunately it did not give a detailed timeline as it did for Glacier Bay. Only arrive 6:00, depart 8:30. There definitely was regular dinner seatings, not anytime for all as there will be on late port days. To the best of my recollection I had had enough of the cold by 7:30 (I had been out on deck well before 6:00, and there was plenty to see beforehand) when my late seating opened, so I just headed down to the dining room "as is". Which pretty much everyone does on the last night of the northbound cruise considering (1) glacier viewing is taking place at that hour; (2) you have to have all your bags out in the hall quite early if either on a disembark tour or having them sent directly to ANC airport or the Egan Center; and (3) almost everyone will have a cold weather activity booked for the following morning, whether Princess excursion or private tour. Thus no one batted an eye as I dined in the MDR wearing fleece cargo pants and t-shirt with flannel shirt draped over (I did remove my hoodie before sitting down). Which is typical for non-formal nights. Though embarking at Vancouver the weather was quite mild for May so most everyone was just in their comfortable travelling clothes the first night.

 

And re the previous response: while it is true Princess generally overlooks the "no shorts at dinner" edict the first and last day of the cruise, barring an unseasonably warm day between mid July and mid August no one will be embarking or disembarking an Alaska cruise in shorts. It is correct to say that the atmosphere in the MDR on Alaska cruises is a bit less less rigid with the niceties--enjoying the experience is a far higher priority, reflected in the general dress--but not from my experience "more casual" than say a Caribbean cruise where you will find plenty of people hoping to get away with cutoffs and tank tops even in the evening.

 

[MissP22]

2 minutes ago, fishywood said:

It is correct to say that the atmosphere in the MDR on Alaska cruises is a bit less less rigid with the niceties--enjoying the experience is a far higher priority, reflected in the general dress--but not from my experience "more casual" than say a Caribbean cruise where you will find plenty of people hoping to get away with cutoffs and tank tops even in the evening.

Women in general can "get away with" much more casual clothing then the men on any evening. 

Even in the Caribbean the women can wear shorts while the men will be turned away on most ships, except on the first & last nights. 

[SETexaslady]

3 hours ago, fishywood said:

I was waiting to respond until I could dig out the Patter for the evening in College Fjord. Unfortunately it did not give a detailed timeline as it did for Glacier Bay. Only arrive 6:00, depart 8:30. There definitely was regular dinner seatings, not anytime for all as there will be on late port days. To the best of my recollection I had had enough of the cold by 7:30 (I had been out on deck well before 6:00, and there was plenty to see beforehand) when my late seating opened, so I just headed down to the dining room "as is". Which pretty much everyone does on the last night of the northbound cruise considering (1) glacier viewing is taking place at that hour; (2) you have to have all your bags out in the hall quite early if either on a disembark tour or having them sent directly to ANC airport or the Egan Center; and (3) almost everyone will have a cold weather activity booked for the following morning, whether Princess excursion or private tour. Thus no one batted an eye as I dined in the MDR wearing fleece cargo pants and t-shirt with flannel shirt draped over (I did remove my hoodie before sitting down). Which is typical for non-formal nights. Though embarking at Vancouver the weather was quite mild for May so most everyone was just in their comfortable travelling clothes the first night.

 

And re the previous response: while it is true Princess generally overlooks the "no shorts at dinner" edict the first and last day of the cruise, barring an unseasonably warm day between mid July and mid August no one will be embarking or disembarking an Alaska cruise in shorts. It is correct to say that the atmosphere in the MDR on Alaska cruises is a bit less less rigid with the niceties--enjoying the experience is a far higher priority, reflected in the general dress--but not from my experience "more casual" than say a Caribbean cruise where you will find plenty of people hoping to get away with cutoffs and tank tops even in the evening.

 

That's okay. I never expect an immediate reply because there's more to life than the cruise forums. 🙂   I appreciate you taking the time to pull out the patter and respond.  I can tell you now that I won't be bringing a pair of shorts (& probably not a swimsuit for that matter). It will be cargo pants, jeans & then a few dresses for formal nights. (and nicer tops for regular nights if we're not out late in the ports). If it's less than 65 degrees and breezy.. I'm cold! 😛
I guess Glacier Bay and the Fjord will be when I want to really bundle up. Is it usually misty or light rain through those areas or you just never know until it's time? I've got a waterproof type warm coat & waterproof Timberland boots that I plan on bringing for those times..  and my sister insists I take her waterproof pants, lol, so I will probably bring those too. I don't want to be wet, cold and miserable. And I want to be able to stand outside and view it all until I can't handle it anymore. ❤️ 
Ugh... we have to have all our bags out in the hall early the last evening? Does that include our carry on as well.. or just "checked" luggage?  Wondering how the showering will go the last night if we're having to get things out early... shampoo, toothpaste, etc.   I really did take a cruise 15 years ago, but I can't recall the last night and how our luggage was handled. I only had a 2 hour drive anyway since the cruise was out of Galveston.

Did you ever write a trip review or post your patter(s) or pictures anywhere?  I would love to read it. 
Thanks so much for taking time to reply.  I know a lot of people have questions about Alaska cruising..  it's quite different than the warmer climates & there seems to be so much nature to see!  I'm so excited!!  I'm still trying to figure out excursions. Eek!

 

[fishywood]

7 hours ago, SETexaslady said:

Ugh... we have to have all our bags out in the hall early the last evening? Does that include our carry on as well.. or just "checked" luggage?  Wondering how the showering will go the last night if we're having to get things out early... shampoo, toothpaste, etc.   I really did take a cruise 15 years ago, but I can't recall the last night and how our luggage was handled. I only had a 2 hour drive anyway since the cruise was out of Galveston.

Well maybe the reason I don't do live-froms and rarely have tried to do a comprehensive review thread is that my overlong responses tend to keep opening additional cans of worms 

 

OK now re: the luggage. Princess normally states on the disembark info sheet that you should leave most of your "checked" luggage (any bags you won't carry off yourself) in the hall before going to dinner but may wait until retiring to put out the final one(s). But when disembarking in Whittier an individual note was left in my cabin politely but firmly asking that all non-hand-carry bags be in the hall by 7:30 PM. From asking others this wasn't just because I was booked on the Portage Glacier Cruise disembark tour but was for anyone whose bags were being forwarded directly to Anchorage. Perhaps the trucks with those bags have to leave within a short time of the ship's 12:30 AM scheduled arrival in Whittier (on my cruise Island was alongside before midnight).

 

Princess does furnish a cloth shopping bag (similar to a 'reusable grocery bag') in the cabin for you to keep. Which on my last few cruises has held my tootbrush, PJs, and leftover water and sodas as I walked off. Other than my laptop case containing my electronics, medicines and documents I always check everything else even when just travelling with wheeled carry-ons. I leave the express walk-off to those who enjoy the thrill of booking an illogically early flight home or private tour pick up. 

[SETexaslady]

Thanks, fishywood.

[PekingeseLady]

On 4/16/2019 at 11:53 AM, SETexaslady said:

My group is set for 7:15 dinner time on Island Princess. How do the scheduled dinners work on port days?  Will I need to rush back to make our "time" or is it open dining during port days? (Upcoming Alaskan cruise)  Thanks!

We sailed on the Ruby, 12 days to Alaska, The dining times remained the same for Port and Sea days.  TD was 5pm and 7:15.  Even when our departing times were 8:30 pm. 

 

I was thinking all dining rooms would be anytime at the late departing ports, but this was not the case. 

 

Luckily we had switched to anytime dining so we could dine in the middle dining areas.  Our cabin was all the way forward, so we found it easier.

[capriccio]

On 4/17/2019 at 4:53 AM, myjillian said:

Do people wear linen slacks and TB shirts on Alaskan cruises at all???

Take a look at Budget Queen's (a very frequent Alaska cruiser) recent thread on passenger attire: