Shared table back as an option in Restaurant ?

[Azulann]

During pandemic,  shared tables were not available of course.  Have they now been brought back as an option?

I know we had in the past  been offered  "shared table seating" for lunch and dinner.

It was a good way to meet fellow passengers over a meal.

My upcoming June  cruise is sold out , so hoping this option is available . 

[OneSixtyToOne]

On our cruise next month no tables for two were available for advanced DV reservations but shared tables were. We booked a shared table for both the Chef's Table and Manfredi's. Not sure about the restaurant but on our last cruise in January there was plenty of seating so no need to share a table.

[miami mama]

Also keep checking back. I was not interested in a shared option so I kept checking into MyVikingJourney. Luckily I was able to snag tables for 2 at one point at an early hour (which we wanted). 

[photopro2]

Hi Azulann - we are just back from a trip on the Viking Sea, as it happens in exactly the same cabin as on the TA where we met you!

 

You'll be pleased to hear that shared dining is now available on request in all the restaurants.

 

We had the same experience that OneSixtyToOne had, in that we were initially booked onto shared tables in the specialist restaurants as these were the only ones available to book in advance. 

 

I had a long conversation on this subject with the ships overall restaurant manager as I could not understand why Viking were doing that. He had no idea that this was going on and could not think of any explanation why it should be happening. In fact, he was aghast at the thought of guests been booked onto shared tables, unless at their express request. He also freely admitted that the advance reservation system was a bit of a shambles, and that the pre-boarding reservation system often did not correlate with the system on the ship. 

1 hour ago, miami mama said:

I was not interested in a shared option

Like you we did not want to share in the specialist restaurants, as we consider these to be special occasions but may well consider doing so in the general restaurant for the same reason Azulann plans to do so.

 

As a tip for everyone in the future, the restaurant manager that I spoke to, suggested that passengers who have been "forcibly" placed on a shared table through the Viking pre-booking system ask a Viking agent to email the ship directly to make a reservation for two, and the staff on the ship will be happy to do so.

Edited February 27, 2023 by photopro2
missed word

[kcpvwill]

Photopro2
 

Who is the current restaurant manager on Sea?  

[OneSixtyToOne]

2 hours ago, photopro2 said:

He also freely admitted that the advance reservation system was a bit of a shambles, and that the pre-boarding reservation system often did not correlate with the system on the ship. 

On our last cruise we made early reservations for two at Manfredi’s and when we boarded, they had no record of it. There were plenty of tables available. I think that due to COVID someone programmed the system to eliminate most of the tables for two from the system without actually integrating anything with the ship. Also on our current cruise it took about a week for the system to say that we had used our reservation. It use to be immediate. I’ve been in software development for decades and my gut tells be they outsourced this to someone who doesn’t have a clue. When there is no system integration you can bet that it’s been done piecemeal by different companies or departments.

Edited February 27, 2023 by OneSixtyToOne

[Azulann]

2 hours ago, photopro2 said:

Hi Azulann - we are just back from a trip on the Viking Sea, as it happens in exactly the same cabin as on the TA where we met you!

 

You'll be pleased to hear that shared dining is now available on request in all the restaurants.

 

We had the same experience that OneSixtyToOne had, in that we were initially booked onto shared tables in the specialist restaurants as these were the only ones available to book in advance. 

 

I had a long conversation on this subject with the ships overall restaurant manager as I could not understand why Viking were doing that. He had no idea that this was going on and could not think of any explanation why it should be happening. In fact, he was aghast at the thought of guests been booked onto shared tables, unless at their express request. He also freely admitted that the advance reservation system was a bit of a shambles, and that the pre-boarding reservation system often did not correlate with the system on the ship. 

Like you we did not want to share in the specialist restaurants, as we consider these to be special occasions but may well consider doing so in the general restaurant for the same reason Azulann plans to do so.

 

As a tip for everyone in the future, the restaurant manager that I spoke to, suggested that passengers who have been "forcibly" placed on a shared table through the Viking pre-booking system ask a Viking agent to email the ship directly to make a reservation for two, and the staff on the ship will be happy to do so.

So happy to see your post! thanks for the  updated information.

I have been reminiscing  about my first Viking cruise ,  TA on Viking Sea. Thought of you and  your lovely wife and all the fun people we met on that sailing. I am organizing  my roll call" informal meet and greet", another thing that fell by the wayside with Cruise Critic during the pandemic. 

Looking  forward to our Scenic Scandinavia cruise  June 12-22, 2023.  Helps me get through our snowy winter here in the  North.

Cheers!

Patti 

 

 

[downsmead]

We were only able to book a shared table in advance. Once on board, it showed as a table for 4. However when we went to Manfredi’s, we were given a table for two. At the Chefs Table tonight we are allocated a table for 4 but since it is over half empty each night, I suspect we will get a table for 2. We were not that impressed with the meal we had there earlier in the cruise, so will see how this one is.

Edited February 27, 2023 by downsmead

[CSteere9159]

It is a bit frustrating to sign onto Myviking.com on the day that you can make your dining reservation only to find available reservations at 9pm or be limited to shared table.  I understand that the more you pay, there should be some benefit, but It would be nice if Viking could change their procedure to limit those at a higher stateroom category to one reservation per restaurant until all categories have had the chance to reserve at least one.  I am encouraged by the earlier comments that once on board we may be able to get a table for 2 at a reasonable time but it was a frustrating morning for us to say the least.

[Azulann]

2 hours ago, downsmead said:

We were only able to book a shared table in advance. Once on board, it showed as a table for 4. However when we went to Manfredi’s, we were given a table for two. At the Chefs Table tonight we are allocated a table for 4 but since it is over half empty each night, I suspect we will get a table for 2. We were not that impressed with the meal we had there earlier in the cruise, so will see how this one is.

What was the Chef table menu named that did not  impressed? I saw yesterday on FB, a picture of a Chef table meal that included lam chops and a sake soaked plums on a lemon cheese cake thing. It looked oh so good. Good luck on your  dinner tonight. I have always loved each menu I have had at Chef table but I do look at them before hand to see what  is the various sections for the evening. 

[photopro2]

4 hours ago, kcpvwill said:

Who is the current restaurant manager on Sea?  

He had a very long name but was universally known as Rossi

 

3 hours ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

When there is no system integration you can bet that it’s been done piecemeal by different companies or departments.

Makes sense. It seems that the "back office" system is completely different to the one used on the ships and the two don't interface reliably.

2 hours ago, Azulann said:

I am organizing  my roll call" informal meet and greet", another thing that fell by the wayside with Cruise Critic during the pandemic. 

We have very fond memories too Patti. I'm sure you'll be safe to have that sort of get together by the summer. It was great to see the crew's faces again now masks are no longer required. Have a wonderful time in Scandinavia.

2 hours ago, downsmead said:

However when we went to Manfredi’s, we were given a table for two.

That fits with our experience. We did not have too much difficulty in changing our reservations to tables for two at a slightly different time. However, even the ship's Restaurant Manager could not throw any light on why Viking are booking people onto shared tables initially.

1 hour ago, CSteere9159 said:

I am encouraged by the earlier comments that once on board we may be able to get a table for 2 at a reasonable time but it was a frustrating morning for us to say the least.

I very much agree with your comments. It does seem to work out okay once on-board, but I would consider contacting Viking with the request that they email the ship to make your reservations, we were advised by the Restaurant Manager that was the best work around.

Edited February 27, 2023 by photopro2
typo

[bookbabe]

16 hours ago, CSteere9159 said:

I understand that the more you pay, there should be some benefit, but It would be nice if Viking could change their procedure to limit those at a higher stateroom category to one reservation per restaurant until all categories have had the chance to reserve at least one.

I think it’s more than fair for higher categories to have more advance reservations than lower ones.  When you are paying three (or more) times the money, it’s to be expected that there are at least a few more perks.

 

[duquephart]

16 hours ago, Azulann said:

What was the Chef table menu named that did not  impressed? I saw yesterday on FB, a picture of a Chef table meal that included lam chops and a sake soaked plums on a lemon cheese cake thing. It looked oh so good. Good luck on your  dinner tonight. I have always loved each menu I have had at Chef table but I do look at them before hand to see what  is the various sections for the evening. 

 

Looking good and being good are two different things. I have yet to consume a "lam" chop aboard a Viking ship that was not incredibly devoid of flavor.

[Clay Clayton]

2 minutes ago, duquephart said:

 

Looking good and being good are two different things. I have yet to consume a "lam" chop aboard a Viking ship that was not incredibly devoid of flavor.

The lamb chops we’ve had at Chef’s Table on the Lotus Menus have always been delicious.  So much so that we ordered a second plate to share. 
 

And I always enjoy the grilled ones at breakfast. 

[duquephart]

2 minutes ago, Clay Clayton said:

The lamb chops we’ve had at Chef’s Table on the Lotus Menus have always been delicious.  So much so that we ordered a second plate to share. 
 

And I always enjoy the grilled ones at breakfast. 

 

Had them at breakfast enough times that I should have gotten a tasty one by now - but no! Maybe you are lucky (or I am unlucky) or have a different definition of delicious. I have yet to get a good rib eye at Manfredi's as well despite the glowing reports.

[downsmead]

20 hours ago, Azulann said:

What was the Chef table menu named that did not  impressed? I saw yesterday on FB, a picture of a Chef table meal that included lam chops and a sake soaked plums on a lemon cheese cake thing. It looked oh so good. Good luck on your  dinner tonight. I have always loved each menu I have had at Chef table but I do look at them before hand to see what  is the various sections for the evening. 

We had Xiang last night which was good. Got a table for 2 as expected with no problems. Not sure what our first one was called as I cannot call up past menus. It wasn’t the one with lamb chops, but my husband had them at breakfast the other day and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Edited February 28, 2023 by downsmead

[aungrl]

5 hours ago, duquephart said:

 

Looking good and being good are two different things. I have yet to consume a "lam" chop aboard a Viking ship that was not incredibly devoid of flavor.

So sorry to hear this!  The lamb chops are one of my husband's favorite things when we're on a Viking cruise, and he orders them at breakfast and has them at other times, too.  They've never been anything other than delicious.

[duquephart]

6 hours ago, aungrl said:

So sorry to hear this!  The lamb chops are one of my husband's favorite things when we're on a Viking cruise, and he orders them at breakfast and has them at other times, too.  They've never been anything other than delicious.

 

Or so he says.

[donaldsc]

On 2/27/2023 at 1:12 PM, CSteere9159 said:

It is a bit frustrating to sign onto Myviking.com on the day that you can make your dining reservation only to find available reservations at 9pm or be limited to shared table.  I understand that the more you pay, there should be some benefit, but It would be nice if Viking could change their procedure to limit those at a higher stateroom category to one reservation per restaurant until all categories have had the chance to reserve at least one.  I am encouraged by the earlier comments that once on board we may be able to get a table for 2 at a reasonable time but it was a frustrating morning for us to say the least.

 

Just relax.  On our last on thus far only Viking Ocean cruise we had problems with booking the restaurants early.  I called Viking directly and they made my 2 allowed bookings over the phone although not at the times that we really wanted. 

 

Once we got on board everything sorted itself out.  On the days that we had prebooked we got to the restaurant when we really wanted to eat and were seated with only a short wait.  It was also very easy to book additional seatings as they had a table set up outside of the buffet to make dinner reservations.  We ate at Manfridies once and also at 3 of the 4 chef's table restaurants.

 

DON

[KTRaveller]

On 2/27/2023 at 11:52 AM, Azulann said:

So happy to see your post! thanks for the  updated information.

I have been reminiscing  about my first Viking cruise ,  TA on Viking Sea. Thought of you and  your lovely wife and all the fun people we met on that sailing. I am organizing  my roll call" informal meet and greet", another thing that fell by the wayside with Cruise Critic during the pandemic. 

Looking  forward to our Scenic Scandinavia cruise  June 12-22, 2023.  Helps me get through our snowy winter here in the  North.

Cheers!

Patti 

 

 

Hi Patti -- we are just about 10 days from departure from home for our first TA, on Viking Sea, which was the same ship we enjoyed so very much in 2019 on the West Indies Explorer.  I'd be interested to know how cold it was outdoors during the ocean crossing -- could you enjoy being on the deck?  Walking the path or dining outdoors?  I'm assuming your crossing was the same one -- it seems like this is how the Sea gets back to Europe for the next season's itineraries there.  Thanks for your advice.

Kathleen

[Azulann]

5 hours ago, KTRaveller said:

Hi Patti -- we are just about 10 days from departure from home for our first TA, on Viking Sea, which was the same ship we enjoyed so very much in 2019 on the West Indies Explorer.  I'd be interested to know how cold it was outdoors during the ocean crossing -- could you enjoy being on the deck?  Walking the path or dining outdoors?  I'm assuming your crossing was the same one -- it seems like this is how the Sea gets back to Europe for the next season's itineraries there.  Thanks for your advice.

Kathleen

Kathleen, I loved our TA  back in 2018! Think Spring weather on the crossing.I walked the promenade deck everyday. We did eat  outside  by the infinity pool some days. It all depended on the wind.  I do not remember eating  breakfast on our balcony  on the crossing but did when we were in the Med. ports.I went back and looked at my pictures. I  wore light sweater or jacket in some of the pictures in Madeira, Spain ports.. In Barcelona, it did rain  so I bought a very nice umbrella. We only had one  day and night when the seas were rolling. I was fine I do not get seasick.

I loved having 6 sea days in a row, it was so relaxing, Viking had the pool roof half open some days too. Other days it was closed. Meet so many interesting friendly  people , lots of lectures , great food . It was my first Viking Ocean cruise and I fell in love with Viking ships,. been cruising  with them ever since. 

Enjoy your cruise and would love to read about your experience on this forum..

Cheers,

Patti. 

[KTRaveller]

On 3/3/2023 at 4:32 AM, Azulann said:

Kathleen, I loved our TA  back in 2018! Think Spring weather on the crossing.I walked the promenade deck everyday. We did eat  outside  by the infinity pool some days. It all depended on the wind.  I do not remember eating  breakfast on our balcony  on the crossing but did when we were in the Med. ports.I went back and looked at my pictures. I  wore light sweater or jacket in some of the pictures in Madeira, Spain ports.. In Barcelona, it did rain  so I bought a very nice umbrella. We only had one  day and night when the seas were rolling. I was fine I do not get seasick.

I loved having 6 sea days in a row, it was so relaxing, Viking had the pool roof half open some days too. Other days it was closed. Meet so many interesting friendly  people , lots of lectures , great food . It was my first Viking Ocean cruise and I fell in love with Viking ships,. been cruising  with them ever since. 

Enjoy your cruise and would love to read about your experience on this forum..

Cheers,

Patti. 

Thanks so much for this, Patti!  That was clever to look back at the pictures to see what you were wearing.  I hope we are as lucky with the weather.  I'm about to actually pack after gathering things and thinking about it for weeks, so this is great timing.  I hope you have another cruise to look forward to -- sounds like you have had quite a winter up in Minnesota.  I plan to write here about the cruise or at least post when it's over.  Our one cruise on Viking Ocean was San Juan to San Juan in 2019 and we've been trying to get back on board ever since.  We felt like Adam and Eve expelled from Eden at the end of that one.  We stayed on for 4 days in San Juan afterwards and watched the ship depart with a huge sigh!