Asking for stateroom number at the MDR.

[Banditswife]

I always thought it was about gratuities, but maybe not.  I do know that once they know your cabin #, then they know your name & address you by name. "mr & mrs__"  Or "Mr/Miss 1st name."  I believe it shows respect.

[Mary229]

2 hours ago, JeffElizabeth said:

Or better cabin number means better seat assignment in the MDR, a table with a view? Question: do people tip the maitre d there? 

If he is any good I sure do.  They are now called dining room managers😉

[Kc52]

We were advised that 1. the ship prefers to know who are in the dining room should there be an emergency debarkation and 2. if you have a table assignment and do not show up for 15-20 minutes after the time you usually dine, the table may be reassigned. This we heard on a Grand cruise several years ago. 

[3rdGenCunarder]

3 hours ago, Kc52 said:

We were advised that 1. the ship prefers to know who are in the dining room should there be an emergency debarkation and 2. if you have a table assignment and do not show up for 15-20 minutes after the time you usually dine, the table may be reassigned. This we heard on a Grand cruise several years ago. 

 

I hadn't thought about scenario 1, but yes, I have seen scenario 2. We were at a table for 6, and one night the two other couples did not show. So we were asked if we would mind if people on open seating joined us, and we ended up with pleasant dinner companions rather than being just us on a large table.