Specialty Dining onboard Mariner of the Seas

[pauly]

We would like to try the 3 pack specialty dining. Whats the best way to book these. I dont want to do it ahead of time since its not giving me any options. Should we talk to the guy at the entryway, or go to one of the restaurants. If we cant get around the times we want, we are willing to walk away, and then I think something "magically" will open up? 

 

Thoughts? Have been on Mariner or Royal in awhile.

 

Thanks

[Biker19]

31 minutes ago, pauly said:

If we cant get around the times we want, we are willing to walk away, and then I think something "magically" will open up? 

Folks have canceled dining packages when they couldn’t get the times they wanted once on board- go to any specialty venue to book. 

[lazydayz]

They sometimes have a table set up for this, but as soon as we board, we just go one of the restaurants and book all of our dinners for the cruise.  We have always been able to get a reservation within 30 minutes of the time we want.  

[woneill63]

We bought the three night dining package on the Mariner a few years ago.  Right after boarding I went to Chops and made all my reservations for the sailing.  I got the nights and times I wanted within 30 minutes.  I have since been on the Mariner a few times and all the specialty restaurants were very good, especially Chops.

The best was easily Chef's Table, I can't recommend this experience enough, well worth the eighty something dollars spent per person.  

[Surfguyxxx]

As they've stated, as soon as you get onboard, make your reservations at any speciality dining venue.  Note however that the Chef's Table is not included with the UDP. 

[pauly]

18 hours ago, woneill63 said:

We bought the three night dining package on the Mariner a few years ago.  Right after boarding I went to Chops and made all my reservations for the sailing.  I got the nights and times I wanted within 30 minutes.  I have since been on the Mariner a few times and all the specialty restaurants were very good, especially Chops.

The best was easily Chef's Table, I can't recommend this experience enough, well worth the eighty something dollars spent per person.  

Did you buy the 3 pack ahead of time, or on the ship? THANKS

[taglovestocruise]

We aways have a package, always pre purchase, and have never not been able to get the time or day we want.   Best price is usually in the cruise planner rather than onboard.  Through the cruise planner you pick night one and a time, rarely is a reservation actually booked, you are simply making a place holder.  As soon as you board go to any specialty to make all three of you reservations.  I would guess Jamies would have the shortest line, seems everyone and their brother insist on making reservations at Chops which sometimes has a line out the door the first few hours after boarding. Once your reservations are made you can switch restaurants, days  or times if you need to.