Club Dining

[JDB78]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but used the search function and got a bit lost. 1st time P&O cruiser here, we're sailing on Ventura in July and just wondering how post Covid or Living with Covid at least works on board with dining arrangements? I have seen people talk about a P&O app but pressume that is for freedom dining? There's going to be 4 of us (2 children) and I know some people might not want to be sat with kids so would prefer to sit on our own. Our past experience on RC was to leave it for the 1st couple of nights then the staff could see where there was going to be spaces. Last cruise we went on on 2018 by mid cruise the mdr was only about half full while the buffet options seemed to get busier + busier. I guess add Covid into the mix + would be even more likely to be sat on our own?

[wowzz]

43 minutes ago, JDB78 said:

Sorry if this has been asked before, but used the search function and got a bit lost. 1st time P&O cruiser here, we're sailing on Ventura in July and just wondering how post Covid or Living with Covid at least works on board with dining arrangements? I have seen people talk about a P&O app but pressume that is for freedom dining? There's going to be 4 of us (2 children) and I know some people might not want to be sat with kids so would prefer to sit on our own. Our past experience on RC was to leave it for the 1st couple of nights then the staff could see where there was going to be spaces. Last cruise we went on on 2018 by mid cruise the mdr was only about half full while the buffet options seemed to get busier + busier. I guess add Covid into the mix + would be even more likely to be sat on our own?

I assume you have Traditional Dining, at a fixed time (normally 6:30 or 8:30). 

No need to do anything - just turn up at the TD dining room at the time you gave been given. There will be a card in your cabin telling you which dining room to use.

I would assume that you will be given a table for four, so no sharing with strangers.

If you want to eat in the buffet some nights,  no problem. No need to tell anyone,  assuming you are not sharing a table. 

[JDB78]

Thanks for that, I thought that would be the case. I know 2018 wasn't that long ago but obviously very different times these days.

On our last cruise on RC IOS we had seen quite a few people putting table requests in with the maitre d? during the day so we did the same. We were told they would put the request in for a table of 4. We arrived for dinner early, but we're met with blank faces when we told them what we had asked. We were bascially told nothing they could do and we could like it or lump it and to come back in a couple of days. Wasn't ideal but not exactly their fault either. I'm guessing with Covid, there's going to be even more pressure on the staff to keep parties separate. Imagine asking for a separate table to be told no, only find out later in the cruise that one of the other party has Covid, thennyou find out you have it - not a great news story. I'm sure it will work itself out when we get onboard.

[wowzz]

Just now, JDB78 said:

Thanks for that, I thought that would be the case. I know 2018 wasn't that long ago but obviously very different times these days.

On our last cruise on RC IOS we had seen quite a few people putting table requests in with the maitre d? during the day so we did the same. We were told they would put the request in for a table of 4. We arrived for dinner early, but we're met with blank faces when we told them what we had asked. We were bascially told nothing they could do and we could like it or lump it and to come back in a couple of days. Wasn't ideal but not exactly their fault either. I'm guessing with Covid, there's going to be even more pressure on the staff to keep parties separate. Imagine asking for a separate table to be told no, only find out later in the cruise that one of the other party has Covid, thennyou find out you have it - not a great news story. I'm sure it will work itself out when we get onboard.

I'm sure you will be fine,  especially as the cruise  will not be full.

Have a great time,  and let us know what happened.   

[Cruisemeister2002]

It will depend on whether you requested a table of four prior to sailing. I'm pretty sure you can access the P&O website, login and alter this. Just for info, if by chance you wish to meet up with friends or past cruisers you have met you can request a code. Which you both give and can then be tabled with them. We did on a past cruise bump into some friends we had socialised with on a previous cruise. This was from recollection the second night of the cruise and they asked if we would like to dine with them. We said "yes" and we spoke to the Maitre D and he moved us to the same table. I did out of courtesy visit the table we were previously on and explained to them the situation and told them it wasn't any problem with them it was just that we had met some old friends.

[Vampiress88]

We are the same. Table of 4 with kids. Hoping no one will want to sit with us. 
I got a late saver booking so no clue what dinning we have and it’s going to be a bit crap if it’s the 8.30 one with young kids but hey ho. I’ve seen most use the app so I’m hoping I can just use that regardless of if they give us a time as I’m some have said that’s worked for them. I’m on Britannia from Monday. 

[Son of Anarchy]

5 minutes ago, Vampiress88 said:

We are the same. Table of 4 with kids. Hoping no one will want to sit with us. 
I got a late saver booking so no clue what dinning we have and it’s going to be a bit crap if it’s the 8.30 one with young kids but hey ho. I’ve seen most use the app so I’m hoping I can just use that regardless of if they give us a time as I’m some have said that’s worked for them. I’m on Britannia from Monday. 

If you're allocated dining doesn't suit, pop along to the MDR and ask them to change it.  Although the T & Cs state that your dining allocation can't be changed - if Maitre D can change it.  We've change our allocated dining twice.  One occasion it did take two days (a Christmas cruise on Oriana), but last November on Ventura they did it there and then.  Hope you have a great time.

[Cruisemeister2002]

2 minutes ago, Vampiress88 said:

We are the same. Table of 4 with kids. Hoping no one will want to sit with us. 
I got a late saver booking so no clue what dinning we have and it’s going to be a bit crap if it’s the 8.30 one with young kids but hey ho. I’ve seen most use the app so I’m hoping I can just use that regardless of if they give us

4 minutes ago, Vampiress88 said:

We are the same. Table of 4 with kids. Hoping no one will want to sit with us. 
I got a late saver booking so no clue what dinning we have and it’s going to be a bit crap if it’s the 8.30 one with young kids but hey ho. I’ve seen most use the app so I’m hoping I can just use that regardless of if they give us a time as I’m some have said that’s worked for them. I’m on Britannia from Monday. 

I honestly wouldn't worry.  Timewise I am a bit confused as the Saver fares are not normally Club Dining. With  the Select fares you get a choice of Dining, Club or Freedom and priority on both. With Saver fares the table and time can be booked via the App onboard at a time you wish

 

3 minutes ago, Vampiress88 said:

We are the same. Table of 4 with kids. Hoping no one will want to sit with us. 
I got a late saver booking so no clue what dinning we have and it’s going to be a bit crap if it’s the 8.30 one with young kids but hey ho. I’ve seen most use the app so I’m hoping I can just use that regardless of if they give us a time as I’m some have said that’s worked for them. I’m on Britannia from Monday. 

It will depend on whether you requested a table of four prior to sailing. I'm pretty sure you can access the P&O website, login and alter this. Just for info, if by chance you wish to meet up with friends or past cruisers you have met you can request a code. Which you both give and can then be tabled with them. We did on a past cruise bump into some friends we had socialised with on a previous cruise. This was from recollection the second night of the cruise and they asked if we would like to dine with them. We said "yes" and we spoke to the Maitre D and he moved us to the same table. I did out of courtesy visit the table we were previously on and explained to them the situation and told them it wasn't any problem with them it was just that we had met some old friends.

 

16 minutes ago, Vampiress88 said:

We are the same. Table of 4 with kids. Hoping no one will want to sit with us. 
I got a late saver booking so no clue what dinning we have and it’s going to be a bit crap if it’s the 8.30 one with young kids but hey ho. I’ve seen most use the app so I’m hoping I can just use that regardless of if they give us a time as I’m some have said that’s worked for them. I’m on Britannia from Monday. 

I honestly wouldn't worry. Did you request Club Dining ? As I would have thought that in your case Freedom would have been better. I'm not an expert on this as the last time we cruised was 2018 and due to Covid disrupting booked cruises we now don't sail again until next year, but I believe that you use an App for Freedom Dining and you request a time and providing there is availability you will be notified. Alternatively at the first available table somewhere close to the time you requested you will be called. Any problems just see the Head Waiter or call in at Reception and point out you need a table at say 6-6.30 p.m. they are very easily approached and will understand.

[wowzz]

7 minutes ago, Cruisemeister2002 said:

but I believe that you use an App for Freedom Dining and you request a time and providing there is availability you will be notified

That's not how it worked on Arcadia. You could not book a time - you used the app to join a virtual queue, and you were then alerted when you reached the head of the queue.

[Vampiress88]

43 minutes ago, Cruisemeister2002 said:

 

It will depend on whether you requested a table of four prior to sailing. I'm pretty sure you can access the P&O website, login and alter this. Just for info, if by chance you wish to meet up with friends or past cruisers you have met you can request a code. Which you both give and can then be tabled with them. We did on a past cruise bump into some friends we had socialised with on a previous cruise. This was from recollection the second night of the cruise and they asked if we would like to dine with them. We said "yes" and we spoke to the Maitre D and he moved us to the same table. I did out of courtesy visit the table we were previously on and explained to them the situation and told them it wasn't any problem with them it was just that we had met some old friends.

 

I honestly wouldn't worry. Did you request Club Dining ? As I would have thought that in your case Freedom would have been better. I'm not an expert on this as the last time we cruised was 2018 and due to Covid disrupting booked cruises we now don't sail again until next year, but I believe that you use an App for Freedom Dining and you request a time and providing there is availability you will be notified. Alternatively at the first available table somewhere close to the time you requested you will be called. Any problems just see the Head Waiter or call in at Reception and point out you need a table at say 6-6.30 p.m. they are very easily approached and will understand.

haven’t put in any requests for dinning. 
I think cos I only booked three weeks ago it was just luck of the draw. 
 

if all else fails I could always get the kids to misbehave then I’m sure they will move us 😂 

[purplesea]

Our cruise at the end of the month was booked as a late saver and we weren't given on option on dining times,  only information was that we will be advised on board!

 

[Cruisemeister2002]

On 4/16/2022 at 12:32 PM, Vampiress88 said:

haven’t put in any requests for dinning. 
I think cos I only booked three weeks ago it was just luck of the draw. 
 

if all else fails I could always get the kids to misbehave then I’m sure they will move us 😂 

Believe me, there are just as many adults that misbehave as kids. In fact probably more.

[Vampiress88]

1 hour ago, Cruisemeister2002 said:

Believe me, there are just as many adults that misbehave as kids. In fact probably more.

oh I don’t doubt that. As as much as my kids annoy me I know they are actually really well behaved for children. I’ve met far more many rude and annoying adults. 

[Jennizor]

Vampiress, I don’t post as regularly as others but I do read what is being said. I love your posts and I’m sure your girls are a delight. Have a great cruise. 

[JDB78]

We booked our cruise probably over  12 months ago - called a month or so ago to see if we could swap over to select from early saver so we could have freedom dining but we were quoted about £1300. Not sure if it was as we'd originally got free child places and now that's finished.

 

Will log in online and see if there's anything I can select regarding table size. If not will just try and sort out once we're there. Think this is our 4th attempt to get onboard with P&O having mainly sailed with RC in the past. Not heard overly great things about Ventura but considering this will be our 1st proper holiday in 4 years, we're just looking forward to getting away. Also booked on Arvia for next year 🛳🛳 

[wowzz]

2 hours ago, JDB78 said:

Will log in online and see if there's anything I can select regarding table size.

Imho there is no way that you can select table size.  

[Britboys]

13 hours ago, wowzz said:

Imho there is no way that you can select table size.  

In the past, if you booked Select Fare, you could request a table size but it isn't guaranteed. The details on my booking confirmation for later this year has 

 

"Table Size          8 - requested, not confirmed"

 

on it.

 

 

 

[Fionboard]

Have always requested table size and sitting time and worked out ok most times in over 40 cruises. You can usually change it too.

[wowzz]

4 hours ago, Britboys said:

In the past, if you booked Select Fare, you could request a table size but it isn't guaranteed. The details on my booking confirmation for later this year has 

 

"Table Size          8 - requested, not confirmed"

 

on it.

 

 

 

I think I was commenting on ATD - I don't think you can select a table size in advance for that.

[gsmt47471015]

21 hours ago, JDB78 said:

We booked our cruise probably over  12 months ago - called a month or so ago to see if we could swap over to select from early saver so we could have freedom dining but we were quoted about £1300. Not sure if it was as we'd originally got free child places and now that's finished.

 

Will log in online and see if there's anything I can select regarding table size. If not will just try and sort out once we're there. Think this is our 4th attempt to get onboard with P&O having mainly sailed with RC in the past. Not heard overly great things about Ventura but considering this will be our 1st proper holiday in 4 years, we're just looking forward to getting away. Also booked on Arvia for next year 🛳🛳 

Just nicely had five weeks on Ventura and tbh it was quite enjoyable (apart from the enormous amount of sea days),staff were wonderful and the food and service were as good as we remembered , that said there were only just over nine hundred guests on board

[terrierjohn]

5 hours ago, wowzz said:

I think I was commenting on ATD - I don't think you can select a table size in advance for that.

Have they now restarted doing club dining?

[wowzz]

1 minute ago, terrierjohn said:

Have they now restarted doing club dining?

They were certainly doing it on Arcadia. 6:30 and 8:30.

[terrierjohn]

7 minutes ago, wowzz said:

They were certainly doing it on Arcadia. 6:30 and 8:30.

Ah but that was a pensioners cruise, so may be different to the family cruise ships.😊

[JDB78]

4 hours ago, gsmt47471015 said:

Just nicely had five weeks on Ventura and tbh it was quite enjoyable (apart from the enormous amount of sea days),staff were wonderful and the food and service were as good as we remembered , that said there were only just over nine hundred guests on board

 

That's good to hear, to be honest a lot of the criticisms I've seen of Ventura have been regarding the guests rather than the ship itself. Butlins at sea is a phrase I've seen a few times in reviews -  Guess sometimes its a case of peoples expectations not matching reality.

 

We got a really good deal in terms of price - probably half what we would have paid for the equivalent cruise on RC. Must admit we do like the facilities on the RC ships so a little worried the kids (6 & 16) mught get a bit bored but with 7 port days, hopefully we'll find enough to do to keep busy. Just glad to be getting away after all this time.

[P&O SUE]

I’ve just come back from Britannia and I’m sure there was no club dining, only 2 of the 3 dining rooms were open. 
I’m sure the one that was closed (Oriental) is the one usually used for Club dining. 
When you use the ‘app’ thingy to join the virtual queue it says ‘do you want to share’ and you can select yes or no.

The first night we got a table before we even left our cabin. The second night being formal we had an hour wait. We didn’t join the queue til later though.

In the daily Horizon it said tables at 6 or 6.15 could be pre booked.