Fixed or open MDR seating on the Island?

[dog]

4 hours ago, Alaskanb said:

On one ship we had requested early fixed dining at a table for 2 --it was approved on our planner. On boarding  when I went to check with the maitre d' we had been placed on a table for 10! As no other tables for 2 were available he suggested we arrive at the anytime dining room at 4:30 and wait in line for the room to open. The line was very long. We were always then able to have a table for two. 

Perhaps this is what you saw. 

Should never have to do that!  I would be speaking to someone above the maître d. 

[Ken the cruiser]

9 hours ago, dog said:

So there is no line up for traditional dining?

I just got back from dinner and talked with the maitre d. As I suspected, after the first day you go straight to your assigned table when the doors open at 5.
 

However, if you are not there by 5:20 or so when they subsequently close the doors, plan on eating somewhere else. Once they close the doors, they count how many tables are empty and call over to the Any Time dining room at 5:30 to let them know they are welcome to send some folks over if they still have folks waiting to be seated. 

Edited January 21, 2020 by Ken the cruiser