Solo Dining

[Everydaymatters]

What happens at the buffet if you're a solo traveler? Do they seat you with others or is it open seating? I'll be traveling on Celebrity lines as a first timer. I don't know if all lines are the same as far as seating arrangements.

[Spikesgirl]

Usually at the buffet, you seat yourself or at least that's how they do it with Princess and Carnival. That way you can sit alone if you prefer or ask to join someone. We are always ready to make room at our table for someone!

 

Charlie

[claud925]

I've cruised solo on Celebrity several times. In the buffet (casual) dining room, you seat yourself - just look for an empty table.

 

In the main dining room (this is for breakfast and lunch only, mind you)where there is a wait staff, they seat you as you enter, filling up tables as people come in. In other words, should you enter alone and the next table to fill up has one or two seats still open, they send you there. Or, if the next available is empty, you will go there and be joined by whoever comes in right behind you until your table becomes full.

 

It's nice, actually, to sit this way - you get to meet new people all the time, and in my experiences, cruisers are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet!

 

Dinner in the main dining room is traditional; by that I mean assigned seating - the same table and tablemates throughout your cruise.

 

I hope I've answered your questions.:)

[kryos]

What happens at the buffet if you're a solo traveler? Do they seat you with others or is it open seating? I'll be traveling on Celebrity lines as a first timer. I don't know if all lines are the same as far as seating arrangements.

You select your own seat, and this could be a great opportunity for meeting and mingling. I always eat my breakfast at the buffet, and except when I am rushed for time ... such as having to get off the ship for an early excursion ... I will always look for a table that is already occupied ... "mind if I sit here?" This is easy to do because especially at breakfast, the buffet can get really crowded and finding a table by yourself can be difficult. I've met many neat people this way ... people I got to dine with again on subsequent days in the buffet.

 

As for dinner, most cruise lines offer a traditional seating in the dining room. Opt for a larger table if you want to have the opportunity to dine with a larger group. You'll eat with these same people every night, and as a result you'll get friendly enough with them that you may even decide to dine one evening together as a group in one of the ship's specialty restaurants or maybe do an excursion together. On my recent Amsterdam cruise (30 days) our dining room table group ate together in the Pinnacle Grill four times. We also participated in certain activities together, and really got friendly with each other over the course of the cruise.

 

The opportunity to easily meet people is pretty much the reason I cruise ... and I find that those opportunities can sometimes be endless, especially on the longer cruises.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[Single Cruiser]

:) I've found that often sitting next to another table with a couple that we end up chatting. A lot of comments always seem to be "oh you're cruising alone, how brave" . Being on your own if you are, like I am, very socialable is great as every night you can chat with a new couple/group and always have something to say.

[Roz]

Good advice, Single Cruiser. Another thing I'll do in the Lido is if I'm at a table by myself and see another person(s) looking for a seat, I'll say "you're welcome to join me". They also do and we end up having a pleasant conversation.

 

Roz

[kryos]

Good advice, Single Cruiser. Another thing I'll do in the Lido is if I'm at a table by myself and see another person(s) looking for a seat, I'll say "you're welcome to join me". They also do and we end up having a pleasant conversation.

If I'm in the Lido looking for a place to sit down, I also never hesitate to ask a couple who have empty seats at their table if they would mind if I join them. This is a great way to meet new people, and I generally always take advantage of this. Same with the outside deck. I am a smoker, and will always ask someone if they would "mind" if I shared their ashtray. That way I get to sit with other people and enjoy some great conversations.

 

The only exception to this in my case is late at night. I always like to spend 15 minutes or so up on the Lido deck before I retire for the night ... just to enjoy a cup of java and a before bedtime cigarette. I prefer this in solitude ... as there is just something magical about a deserted deck ... listening to the sounds of the ocean ... smelling the salt air ... perhaps quietly reflecting on the day ... that sort of thing. But, heck, I've even met people and enjoyed their company during this time of the night as well. The casino staff often comes up there in the wees hours of the morning too ... on their breaks ... for a smoke.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita