Open Dining Reservations

[CoconutOne]

Sorry for the (I'm sure) repetitive question, but I can't seem to find the answer searching the forum. How do you make an open dining reservation before boarding the ship?

 

Thank you!

[Cruising-along]

Unlike some other cruise lines, HAL doesn't have that option unfortunately.  You can make a reservation (sometimes for up to 3 consecutive days) once you board.  You can make reservations for the specialty restaurants before boarding though.  🙂  

[Krazy Kruizers]

Once on the ship, go to the podium -- usually located at the entrance to the Lido -- to make your reservations.

 

Most ships only allow you to make reservations for certain times -- usually from 5:15 - 6:15 and 7:30 - 9.

[suec12]

So if you can't make a reservation, does just showing up go smoothly, for example at 7pm, a couple willing to share? specifically on Zuiderdam - I mention the ship because on the line we sail most often, Celebrity, different ships in that line have wide varibility as to how well they handle the select dining. Thanks!

[CruiserBruce]

It depends on the demand at that moment. You can't make reservations during the peak times. But, historically, people have not reported problems...maybe a short wait.

[I like vacation]

2 hours ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

Once on the ship, go to the podium -- usually located at the entrance to the Lido -- to make your reservations.

I usually make them at the MDR podium.

[grest]

This option was a nightmare on our Thanksgiving cruise...too many people, and very difficult to meet a specific request.   Works okay on less crowded cruises.

 

[CruisingAndDiving]

On our December Nieuw Amsterdam cruise, we often showed up around 6:30 and rarely had more than a 2 minute wait.  We always said we were willing to share, which I'm sure made a difference.   If you wanted a table just for 2, then perhaps a bit more of a wait some nights.

[Tom O.]

If you plan on doing any specialty dining, the first night is a good choice. You can make a reservation for specialty dining in advance of your cruise. I find the open dining a bit confusing on the first night, and there is usually a longer wait on the first night than on other nights. Then once you are on board, you can make reservations for the next couple of nights without being rushed.

[CoconutOne]

Thanks for all the responses and information, everyone!

[Betty in Cozumel]

We always requested a table for two and got the same section and wait staff.  After a day or so we fell in love with our waiter on the Westerdam and was able to make a 7:45pm reservation for the same table for two for the rest of the week.  A few days before it ended, we made the same reservation for the second week of our cruise.