The table from Hell!

[sanibelsandals]

I believe your tablemates really do impact the fun you have on your cruise. Our last cruise, March on the Oosterdam, we felt like we were at a table of mismatched toys. Ages 21 to late 80's. There was very, very little in common with the group. Age not the factor - we are 50.

No one had the courtesy of saying they were thinking or planning to eat at

the pinnacle, lido, room - you never knew who to expect... one pair of travelers actually ate to excess, eating 3 or 4 entrees at each meal - and they claimed to be frequent cruisers - 1st time on HAL.

Let me say, HAL is testing a new way of dining - you can arrive at your table anytime between 5:45 & 6:15, orders are basically taken when you sit down & not everyone is eating same courses at same time. This we didn't like. Although HAL suggests everyone at the table agree the first night on a time to meet & eat, this never happened.

We've always asked to sit at large tables - we enjoy meeting people. We've had some really great cruises- a couple of them because of our table mates, who have become good friends through the years- our table on the Zaandam Southern Caribbean cruise a few years back ranged from honeymooners to 80's & we just jelled like we knew each other forever. That was the best 11 days of cruising we've had. We searched each other out most of the trip & did excursions, bingo, casino - you name it - besides enjoying each and every - many nights we were last table to leave dining room - we just wanted it to continue!

Anyway - we've been lucky - until the last 2 cruises - they've all been great experiences & the folks we've shared meals with have been Fine folks.

HAL is trying to get away from their reputation of 'old folks' and it's bringing down the traditional way of cruising. Too many of the Carnival or other

party ship people are giving HAL a try & ruining the finer things --- don't get me started on FORMAL NITES.

 

Bon Appetit!

[mechcc]

Table mates are a big part of the cruise enjoyment to us. It doesn't matter if we really gel to become lifelong friends or not but being able to have an enjoyable meal and looking forward to daily discussions with the same folks is critical to a good time. The seeing the same folks throughout the cruise at different venues and having that special connection and spending a few extra minutes together is so priceless. If we were at a table where we felt less then comfortable with our tablemates, we would ask for a change, even if it meant changing eating times. Table partners could take a great cruise to an okay cruise or an okay cruise to a great cruise for us. Thank goodness, we have always had the best expierences.

[NorthernNeighbour]

If I am asked any sort of embarassing question (or a question I do not care to answer) at a table on a cruise, I always respond "I'm very curious why you would ask me a question like that?" Usually, the other person then will change the subject.

[tomc]

My father had emphysemia and, when he was out of the house, had a little "walker," as they are called, of oxygen. Looked something like a carrying case for a large pair of binoculars. Along with it was a plastic tube with went to his nose; you've all seen that sort of thing on the hospital shows.

 

Anyway, he was in a restaurant and a little boy was staring at him from another table. To his mother's horror, the boy came over and said, "What's THAT?" My father, always one for a kindly joke, said, "I'm from Mars and I can't breathe your air, so I bring mine along with me." The kid said, "Oh, ok," and went back to his table, satisfied. I don't know what happened when, later on, he tried to tell other people he met a man from Mars!

[Scrumpy]

We're just back from the 5/27 Oosterdam cruise and had an interesting experience at dinner one night. We had a table for 6, but the first night, the third couple didn't show up. Apparently, we all showed up for formal night, but a wrench was thrown in the works. By the time we arrived, we had the couple from the night before with the addition of an elderly man who had shown up too late to be seated for early dinner. He'd either been told, or simply misheard advice to come back at 8pm to dine. He got there when doors opened and went straight to the table he'd been assigned for early seating - and refused to leave. That was HIS table for early seating, so he decided it was HIS for late as well. In the meantime, the third couple showed up and had to be seated elsewhere and the second couple were at the table wondering what on earth had happened; they'd gotten a warning at the door about the unexpected new tablemate, but none of us knew the whole story.

 

We showed up, sat down, and this new person accused us of not wanting to pass him the bread, etc. Very strange. I couldn't tell if he had a very dry sense of humor or if he was extremely grouchy; he was hard of hearing or perhaps simply reluctant to speak with any of us. After several attempts to engage him in conversation, the other couple and ourselves finally just chatted as we'd done the night before. It wasn't "from hell", but it was pretty uncomfortable. The third couple never did end up at our table and we have no idea who they were, but we were so friendly with our other tablemates that we ended up spending time with them in Victoria and having a blast. I still wonder about that third couple, though.

[tbirdjoni]

If I am asked any sort of embarassing question (or a question I do not care to answer) at a table on a cruise, I always respond "I'm very curious why you would ask me a question like that?" Usually, the other person then will change the subject.

Your answer is similar to how I have always answered personal or embarrassing questions. And, I learned it from reading Ann Landers. "Why do you ask?" Shuts them up each and every time.

[NorthernNeighbour]

Your answer is similar to how I have always answered personal or embarrassing questions. And, I learned it from reading Ann Landers. "Why do you ask?" Shuts them up each and every time.

 

Yes, particularly if you look somewhat startled and taken aback when you say "Why do you ask?".

[babyher]

As I have said in an earlier post ,with one exception, DW and myself have always traveled with a large group of friends so our tablemates have always been "us"

 

So if our tablemates turn out to be "from Hell" its our own fault cause we brought them with us *LOL* :) :)

 

But, I have been getting a kick out of these stories, because I never realized how bad it could get at some tables with some people.

 

Of course I know you meet snobs, slobs, complainers, wierdos, bigots, loudmouths etc...etc ..etc... everywhere, everyday in life. But then you factor in that you have to sit at a table and eat dinner with these people for 7,10.14....however many nights ....EEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!! :)

 

DW and I do love meeting new people, Me definately. I can strike up a conversation with an empty chair. *LOL*

 

In fact DW can't believe I wasn't abducted as a child because I just start talking to strangers *LOL*

 

As I said, I can usually find something to make conversation with just about anyone. But if I ended up sitting with one of the aforementioned "from hell" types, I would definately have to changes tables.

[Host Walt]

Yes, particularly if you look somewhat startled and taken aback when you say "Why do you ask?".

The real problem is when they respond with, "because I'm interested" or "because I'm concerned" or some other logical sounding response.

 

I was once asked something like, "why are you so bald, and you look so young. Cancer or something?" (My dad, all 4 of my uncles on both sides and both grandfathers were billiard balls so does the word 'heredity' apply?) I answered with a "Why do you want to know?" and what I got was, "because I'm concerned." If it's contagious I should have been told."

 

I'll let you guess how I answered. Hint - the inquisitor left quickly and was angry with me.

[jhannah]

If it's contagious???? Good grief! I'll swear some people must have been raised by wolves! :rolleyes:

[arlenez]

We have only been on five cruises; our experiences with dining?

 

We have reservations on the Maasdam March 15 for a 10-day Caribbean cruise to celebrate our 40th anniversary and have again requested a table for 8. We prefer the table for 8 as it is a round table. The tables for six mean that one couple (if it is three couples) doesn't get to sit together.

 

Hi:

 

We are thinking of booking the same cruise on the Maasdam on March 15th. We love the itinerary and will book in the next month or so.

 

Regards,

Arlene

[tomc]

Someone asked me about my condition and, after they left, I said to a friend, "There are meds for what I have; there aren't any pills for stupidity."

[BasenjiMom]

These stories are very entertaining!

My husband is a quiet man of few words type, so surprised me by telling our TA he wanted to be at a table for 8. He doesn't smile a lot, but he is very intelligent and one of the kindest people I know. But, people read him wrong and think he's mad LOL

I do hope our tablemates can see past his serious facade. I guess if we're sitting by ourselves by the 3rd night, we'll know they didn't LOL

Me? I can get along with anyone.

[babyher]

Basenjimom,

 

 

I am sure that your DH will be fine.

 

Ya know as I have stated here earlier, I am the original chatter box*LOL* Small talk and meeting new people comes very easily to me. Most of my gang of friends are the same way, so every once in a while when a "Quiet type" comes around it can be an awkward situation.

 

Just because someone is quiet and may not join right in and start a gab fest are not neccasarily snobs, or aloof , or uninterested in their dining companions. They may be like your husband, very nice people , just as you said "a man of few words" or they just may be painfully shy by nature. (I am Sicilian , so I have no idea what that means *LOL* , but I hear some people are like that :))

 

Not everyone is a table hopping social butterfly *LOL*. But nice people are nice people regardless of how outgoing they are. I am sure you will both have agreat time. Hopefully after the first night or two he will feel more comfortable with your tablemates and open up a little.

 

Hope you and DH have a great cruise :)

[GatorV]

my first cruise on HAL, Noordam 98...we were seated at a table for 4 with two elderly ladies (?) well over 80...(we were in our 40's) but no problem we thougt it would be fun because right after we were seated we found out they were going around the world for the 3rd time on HAL...BUT then the arguing and picking at each other began, they were awful to each other. We decided to give it one more night not wanting to hurt feelings.

 

At the end of the second evening's dinner we requested another table, because it was our cruise too! and ouir 25th anniv celebration.

 

we were seated at a wonderful large table with the communications officer and several travel agents including the one who had booked us!!! Always worth switching.:D

[margretha]

I love this thread! I have been laughing out loud at some of the stories. On all our 14 or so cruises we've had mostly great experiences. Some of the people we've met we've stayed in contact with over the years and we still send pix of trips back and forth with some. But others - well, I continue to be amazed at the attitude of some diners; I wonder if their awful outlooks just bubble up at dinner because they feel they have an audience or whether they just like to boss the servers around. I have sat with husband in stunned silence as a tablemate tore into a waiter for some tiny tardiness or some lettuce leaf that seemed brown, etc. I've found apologizing on our behalf to the targeted waitstaff person makes us feel better but also garners better service for us. An earlier post reminded me of what happens when you stumble into a long-running issue and try to help. I tried to help what initially appeared to be a tearfully distraught wife by focusing on her during the meal and trying to cheer her up and listening to her problems. We were rewarded by her showing up in tears later that night at our door. And the next night she showed up with her young daughter, asking if they could sleep on our sofa since our room "was so much bigger than theirs" (we had saved up and gotten a suite). My husband, pulling me into the bathroom to "conference" explained that one of us had to put an end to this since the tears were not seemingly due to any real marriage issue but a way of getting her own way about almost everything. So I explained that no, they couldn't "sleep over" with us. She became furious at me/us, her daughter cried, "Mommy why do they hate us? Why can't we stay? Why do they have a balcony and we don't?" You could slice the tension at the table with knife the next night since her silent husband continued to be silent and ate silently and she spent the night glaring at me and my husband (daughter off with some kid group every night). The rest of the table was great and we all had a fine time. And eventually she stopped coming and her husband turned out to be a great conversationalist with our kind of sense of humor.

I have one other story and then I'll sit down and be quiet.

The most uncomfortable meal I've ever had was supposed to be one of the best. Through some quirk of the universe we were invited to eat at the Captain's Table. I went crazy trying to ensure that I was dressed well, groomed well, etc. (husband always looks fantastic anyhow). The other couples were on their 8th - 12th (!!!) world cruise and our little 12 day piece was some time killer while 3 of the other 4 couples were picking up another ship for a longer cruise. One of the men started during cocktails by loudly asking the captain how he managed to keep "those" (looking at the waitpersons) people from fighting with the other ethnic groups on the ship (only he used more colorful language). He focused on religion, on politics - nothing the captain could say would budge any of the topics and the other men joined in so that was my husband's side of the table. The women talked personal shoppers for the major ports, the difficulty of getting the right floral arrangements on board, details of current and planned plastic surgery and though they graciously would turn to me now and then and try to include me it was clear they were a little non-plussed at us being included at the table. It was almost like a being on candid camera or something. The captain was wonderful! The food was amazing! The wines were out of this world! But I would have given anything for anyone's ability to laugh at anything. I did learn one interesting thing: if you are an almost continual cruiser the cruise line packs up your stuff after drycleaning it and stores it and when you rejoin the ship there is all your stuff laid out and waiting for you in your room. Sigh.

I'll take the "lobbing rolls at other tables" table anytime. margretha

[JLC@SD]

I agree 100% with that assessment and would have no trouble reminding Mr. "boyfriend" of that after such a "performance"!

The rest of the table should have taken a vote........and voted "boyfriend".........off the island.......;)

[Alexborngal]

Mark--

 

I always organize my own tables for dinner

(Oh, the poor Maitre'ds who have had to put up with me moving people around and requesting my favorite table!)

 

...because Yes, having a great group of interesting characters at dinner absolutely makes the cruise for me.

 

I agree with you that interesting table mates make or break the cruise. How do you organize your own table? Do you travel with many friends?

 

We sailed on the Amsterdam last December and we had the table from hell because of one man. He monopolized the conversation every single night in a very loud voice and only addressed my husband and me. All he talked about was how great he was treated by all his customers when he was an insurance claims agent. We heard details about years of dinners, gifts, etc. Whenever the other 6 people and us would try to talk he changed the conversation back to him. None of us knew what to do and we sat through 14 dinners (we went to the Pinnacle one night). Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to correct such a situation? We're taking a 10 Mexican Riviera and a 15 day Hawaii within the next year. Thanks.

[Alexborngal]

We made the mistake, as a couple, of requesting a table for 4 and were seated with a couple with whom we had nothing in common. Worse, it seems they had nothing in common with each other. They barely said a word to each other, let alone initiate a conversation with us.

 

After 2 nights we asked the mater'd to move us to another table at another time. He wasn't friendly, cooperative or even empathetic. He sent a note to the cabin saying our request was denied.

 

So much for customer service.

 

That's awful! I would not have accepted the denial and gone above his head. What nerve? We had an awful waiter and another couple who felt the same way and us requested a change. The maitre de was wonderful. Not only did he move us but he added a leaf to the table so all four of us could sit together at a table for 8 which became a table for 10 and he sent us a bottle of wine.

[Quendryth]

These are reasons we are a "table for 2, Please." We really enjoy each other's company more than 6, 8 or 10 others! No offense, please! It is difficult to get a table for 2! We have fun at lunch, breakfast, but like each others company at dinner! So Flame away if you will!

 

:D

[shonuf]

Have been mostly fortunate with my dinner table assignments and companions.

 

All except the night that a woman two tables over had a massive stroke and died on the spot in the dining room. Sort of spoils one's appetite to see the medical emergency crew rush in and a short time later carry a shrouded stretcher out past your table. Makes one question the purity of the ingredients in the caramel apple tart.

 

Bill

 

Bill, this reminded me of one of our most unusual dining experiences. We had gone to a chain restaurant (named for a vegetable) and when we pulled in the parking lot we noticed several police cars but figured it was their dinner time too. When the waitress seated us at the rear of the restaurant, we noticed an elderly gentleman in a suit at the next table accompanied by what we later found out was his granddaughter. I told my husband that the man didn't look too good, he was as grey as his suit. I noticed a policeman stopping by the table to talk to the young woman.

 

Long story short, the gentleman had passed away shortly before we got there and they were awaiting the ambulance to take him away. The server said he was a regular there and had had heart attacks there before. The EMTs placed him on a stretcher and took him out without any big todo. We've always felt he died where he was happy.

 

Fast forward to our next visit to same restaurant; we were with friends who had a daughter about 8 or 9. It was a dark and stormy night, we were seated at the same table and were telling them the story. We had just gotten to the part about the man being dead, there was a flash of lightning and the lights went out in the restaurant. Perfect timing.

[Maryandi]

The many stories on this thread just reinforce our vow to always request a table for 2. We can put up with or move away from obnoxious people much easier in other parts of the ship. After 19 cruises, I want to eat in peace. MaryAnn

[gg3]

Brings to mind a cruise we went on. 8 family members: a 70 yr. old mom, her lady friend, her 3 kids and their spouses. Two of us couples who were invited were friends of one of her kids, so 10 of us in all. We were on a week cruise to the Carribbean and on the 2nd night, while at dinner, the "family" had a huge altercation over some insignificant happening. Siblings and mom all raising their voices, really angry, one sister was so mad, she non stop kept tapping table with her spoon, mom got up and left, sis got up and left, pulling hubby with her (poor guy). We 4 "friends" were dumbfounded. And now 8 years later, this family is still totally split and doesn't speak. Sad, but true. Cruises don't always bring families together, but this family was already dysfunctional.

[tomc]

Alexborngal post #93

Whenever the other 6 people and us would try to talk he changed the conversation back to him. None of us knew what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to correct such a situation?

Yeah; keep cutting him off at the pass and conspire with the others at your table to do the same thing. Every time he goes OT, someone jumps in with the original topic, or a new one that relates to all of you. You do it every time. Every time. When he gets tired of this little game, he will shut up.

 

After a while, it gets to be a fun game with everyone and, when he gives up, dinner returns to normal.

[victory2020]

This is why we Always request tables for two.