Early or Late Dining

[guntheros]

I am wondering... Should I request early or late dining? I have heard that if you do the early dining, you may feel rushed getting back on the cruise. However, if you do the late seating, you don't get to go to the shows:( Is this true? And if so, which do most of you request? By the way, do you usually get what you request?

Nicole

[SouthernCaribbean]

I am wondering... Should I request early or late dining? I have heard that if you do the early dining, you may feel rushed getting back on the cruise. However, if you do the late seating, you don't get to go to the shows:( Is this true? And if so, which do most of you request? By the way, do you usually get what you request?

Nicole

They have an early and late show, so you wouldnt miss anything. I always do late, because I dont want to cut into my port time. Its a personal choice, there are pros and cons about each.

[dsciambi]

On our last cruise, my wife and I had early seating, and we always felt rushed after doing an excursion. It would end up being a rush to get back to the ship, shower, get dressed, and making it to eat. We were free to go to either show however, which was nice.

[NeptunesGoddess]

We have done both and I did a comparison in my review of the Pride.

 

It depends on your lifestyle, but here is my take...with a little background of the type of people we are, so you know where I am coming from.

 

We are night owls and eat late at home. We like the lounges and karaoke more than the vegas style shows (but they usually do two of those type of shows a night). Because of this, I thought it was best to book the late seating. I did that for our first cruise. We ended up finding out that the late dinner seating really cut into karaoke, bands and piano bar. Most of the live entertainment (besides the big shows) are over at midnight...sometimes 1am. Dinner takes a good 2 hours, less if you want to skip dessert (heaven forbid!), so if you have 8:15 dinner, by the time you get to a lounge, you only have a little time to enjoy the entertainment.

 

This last cruise we decided to try early seating and I was so skeptical, I tried to talk hubby out of it. I felt it just didn't fit into our life style. He stuck to his guns on wanting to try the early seating and, boy, am I glad he did. We LOVED it! We aren't even early eaters, but we loved all the time we had after dinner. After formal nights, we could go and change and still have time to relax before heading to the lounges. It also made it great for being hungry for the midnight buffets. The only con we found in all those pros, was the second formal night we were in port and we couldn't rest after we got back on the ship before we had to get ready. That was the ONLY time we just mentioned a nap would be nice.

 

Overall, for us, the early seating was the way to go and I have booked it again for our next cruise. If you feel you are similar to us, I would say go for that early. If you aren't into the live music type lounges and want the Vegas shows and want naps in the afternoon of port days, then the late might be the way to go. Although, you can still do the Vegas type shows with either seating. I know I really went into detail on such a simple question, but I thought the more info, the better, if it is really something you are struggling with deciding. Whatever you decide....

 

HAPPY SAILING!

[Is it just a Legend?]

Thanks for posting that. I'm a night owl, too, and my daughter and I did the late seating on our last cruise. It seemed to work out because we usually didn't have lunch until 2 or so, but I did notice that there were no activities planned for us to do during the early seating. Additionally, there were a lot of activities planned during the time that we were having dinner and we hated to miss them. Based on your experience and on our experience on this last cruise, I think we'll try early seating next time despite my reservations.

[Jdleong]

If you enjoy watching the sun set..go late otherwise you won't see any sunsets from the diningrooms...I prefer to sip my wine on the balcony and watch the sunset into the sea...

 

Jan

[cruisinjerseygirl]

I know a lot of people prefer the late seating but we actually prefer the early..a lot of the time we didn't go to the main dining room because of just coming back from the ports and sitting at the pool or something like that. When we did go though, it was nice, although they offer 2 shows for most things we noticed that if you go to the early seating you can get to see the early show, go to the casino or something, then go to the really late show and you are not rushed in that department, there are so many things to do at night we try to experience everything so we thought that early seating was a help with that.

[Avril]

My Mom and I always go for late seating for a few reasons:

 

1. more time to enjoy the sun on the Lido Deck

 

2. more space to do it as the early seating people clear the deck around 4pm

 

3. don't have to choose between missing time in port or missing dinner

 

4. no need to rush to get ready for dinner when you return to the ship after being in port

 

We have always found that we have plenty of time to go to the lounges after dinner and enjoy the entertainment. The piano bar is my favourite and I usualy go to the disco after that!! Then it's up to the Lido Deck for pizza!! Where else do you get to eat pizza at 4am? :D

[NeptunesGoddess]

I thought the sunset thing would bother us too, but on our first cruise, which was during the summer, we had late seating and the sun was always setting while we were in the dining room at 8:15. On this cruise, with early seating during the winter, I thought we would also miss the sunset, but nope. We got to see it every evening from our balcony (love those aft balconies), just before going up to dinner. It was dark before we had to be at dinner by 6:15. Yes, dinner is at 5:45, but you have a half hour lee way to get there. We averaged arriving to dinner around 6pm...that also took care of not having to stand in line to get into the dining room. So, the sunset thing was a non issue, but it is something you need to watch if you do the late seating in summer, but I guess you could also stretch that half hour lee way then too.

 

Note: Before I get people telling me how rude it was for me to have our table in the dining room be disrupted by a late arrival...we didn't share a table with anyone..it was just us. So that is something you should also think about.

 

Another thing I forgot to mention. After the late seating let out, some of the lounges filled up...especially karaoke. We were so happy we had our table and already had gone through the book and had our slips in because some people couldn't get a table or find a book to look through.

[BND]

We did late seating on our first two cruises and have requested it again for our Pride cruise in Oct. I like not feeling rushed in the afternoon to either return to the ship or our cabin with enough time to shower and dress. We eat breakfast and lunch early and then around 4 have a burger or sandiwich, then go to our dinner seating. Our late seatings were always full and I think that's because it's easier to get back and go to the dining room later than to rush back in time for early seating.

[LegalCat]

We usually eat at the early seating. At home we usually have dinner around 6.... I'm not a breakfast person, so I usually skip breakfast and then have lunch around 12. We love do finish dinner earlier and then go and relax and have some drinks and go to karaoke and things like that...

[vermonter16]

DH and I have always done late seating but I find that by the time we are finished dinner I am tired and and full and not really in the mood to do a whole lot. We've always missed the start of the shows as well. This time we have decided to do early seating..I'm a little worried but we're going to give it a shot. I know that the only port we'll be rushed at is Cozumel and that is our first stop so we'll get that out of the way. I am worried about the sunsets too...and I'm hoping we might get to still see them but I'm just not sure. We are cruising in two weeks so we might just miss them. Maybe I'll get up for the sunrises then!

[indiaksue]

Our first cruise we did early seating and we missed the ship leaving the ports. Also we turn in fairly early and after dinner there was a couple of hours between the time we were finished and when the Kareoke started and the disco opened. (We don't really like the shows) By the time these events started we were tired and ready for bed. It just didn't work well.

 

This last cruise we had late seating and we got in a nap before dinner. Then after dinner around 10:00 we went right to the events we like and we were able to stay up much later. We will do late seating from now on.

[honeywell]

My last cruise on the Liberty we were two parents and two kids - ages 5 & 6. We opted for early seating to feed the kids early. As they found their way around Camp Carnival, they decided it would be more fun to eat with the kids' group each night rather than in the dining room with us.

 

My next cruise this March - also on the Liberty - I am travelling with same kids but taking sister and her grown daughter (instead of husband!). We have late seating requested, since I know the kids will continute their trend. This gives me time to clean up children and deliver them to the Camp group and go back for cocktails and getting dressed with just the grown up girls. We can take our time and enjoy cocktail hour prior to dinner - follow with shows and then I'll pick up kids.

[tazmanrmv]

I've always been a fan of the early dinner. I'm more of the "like the ship more than the ports" type of guy, so the biggest attraction for me is the ship. I really don't feel rushed getting back from port so i choose the early dinner and that allows me time to catch a show, do karaoke, comic show, grab a cigar and drink, etc.

 

If i chose the late dinner, i would be afraid that i wouldnt have time to catch everything after dinner.

 

Just my two cents :) :)

[Wennfred]

I am wondering... Should I request early or late dining? I have heard that if you do the early dining, you may feel rushed getting back on the cruise. However, if you do the late seating, you don't get to go to the shows:( Is this true? And if so, which do most of you request? By the way, do you usually get what you request?

Nicole

 

 

We used to always go earily just to get to the shows earily but we were always still full and also getting to the 5:45pm time slot was always a Rush Rush time for us especially coming back from a port excursion. We finally tried the 8:30pm time slot and that seem to work great !!! We were hungry during that time so we appreicated the food more and did more relaxing before dinner.

 

Fred

[cruzn4life]

Dh and I have tried both. They both have advantages and disadvantages. Of course, you can always eat somewhere else if you want to do something different for a night.

 

The biggest con of early seating for us was rushing to get to dinner. We like as much time in the sun & at port as possible, and a quick nap before dinner (it gives us more energy for the late-night activities...plus, lounging in the sun all day makes you tired.) :p

 

The problem with late seating (as mentioned by others) is that sometimes you miss some of the activities (karaoke) or they are just wrapping up when you get there. We found this was more of a problem on Carnival than it was on RCCL (which is funny because Carnival is the "fun ship"...). Don't get upset, I'm not bashing Carnival - we loved our Glory trip - just saying there was less to do after the late show.

 

You can see the shows with either seating, so really it depends on what your preferences are for activities and which you want to cut short. Or, like I said before, if the sun, ports, and late night activities are all more important than food, grab your dinner somewhere else and skip the dining room altogether!

[Sharkin97]

If the seating you request isnt working for you, ask the staff if you can move to the other seating time. It's not a guarantee, but they will try to make it happen.

[truecruiser]

you won't miss the shows. there are 2 each show night, one for early, one for late.

 

early seating will run into PG party and Captain's cocktail party. you have to leave Lido a lot earlier than you like (it's still nice and hot and sunny) in order to have enough time to shower and change (at least i always feel this way), but it is a better seating for cruisers w/ children (and that's why i request early).

 

later seating will have very, very few (if any) kids.

[Cotton]

 

I have heard that if you do the early dining, you may feel rushed getting back on the cruise. However, if you do the late seating, you don't get to go to the shows.:(

 

Nicole - I've never felt rushed getting back from a port...but then I cruise mostly for the cruise itself rather than the ports.

 

Certainly not true about the shows. They have it arranged and planned for the early diners to see the early show, and the late diners to see the late show. (I'm talking about the two big production shows.))

 

The other shows like magicians, comedians, etc. are always later shows, and seating is not normally a problem.

 

By the way, do you usually get what you request?

 

I always request early dining, and I've always been granted that. I've had to ask to change from 5:45 to 6:15 one time, but normally, I'm all set for the 6:15. (Will always be in the future, as I'm now a proud PLATINUM status guest.):D

[Bruin Steve]

I am wondering... Should I request early or late dining? I have heard that if you do the early dining, you may feel rushed getting back on the cruise. However, if you do the late seating, you don't get to go to the shows:( Is this true? And if so, which do most of you request? By the way, do you usually get what you request?

Nicole

 

Time for my "standard" answer:

 

Early versus Late Seating

 

Probably the most debated and most polar question on the board...

 

Some people prefer late, others early...and both groups seem to be convinced they are absolutely right...

 

There are arguments pro and con both seatings...though most may be rationalizations...Most folks could probably adapt well to either seating...but it really is a matter of personal preference...

 

Here's the basic rundown:

 

Late seating afficianados claim:

 

--Late seating has fewer kids (I guess they don't like kids)...

The argument counter to this is that they usually don't seat you at a table with kids unless you yourself have kids...and, depending on time of year and itinerary, most cruises don't have a lot of kids anyway...Also, on some European cruises with a large European contingent, the European families --with kids--are all at the late seating

 

--You don't have to rush through dinner to make way for the next seating...

Counter argument: This is total hogwash...They leave about a 2 to 2-1/4 hour window for EACH seating...plenty of time...and the wait staff wants you out of second seating so they can get their very short sleep time before breakfast...They move you along at BOTH seatings on a very similar schedule...

 

--You don't have to rush back from port to get ready for dinner...

There's sometimes some truth to this one, though far from the absolute some would have you think. Check your itinerary...If the ship sets sail at 5 pm in most ports, you've got to be back on board by maybe 4:30...There's plenty of time to get ready for dinner by 6 (remember "Formal nights" are typically on "at sea days")...unless. of course, you're married to that woman who "needs" 3 hours to dress for dinner...It only really becomes a problem for most of us when a ship is in port very late...and that's where it makes great sense to avail oneself of Specialty restaurants and alternative dining...One cruise, we were in LeHavre late and merely arranged with the Maitre d' to have ourselves accommodated at late seating in that one port--no problem...

 

--They like to have a lot of time pre-dinner to drink martinis and go up on deck and watch the ship shove off from the dock...

This is important, I guess, for some people...not important at all for others...it's a lifestyle choice at best...

 

The arguments for Early Seating:

 

--It leaves a longer window for more nighttime activities...You're done with Dinner by 8:30, you can go to a show, then Karaoke or dancing or the casino...there's a longer night to enjoy the amenities of the ship...

The late seating argument is that there's always a later show...or a pre-dinner show (But, somehow, doesn't that counter the more time to get ready, drink martinis and watch the sailaway argument?)...or that the shows aren't that good or who gives a dang about the Karaoke or the Piano Bar or whatever...Again, it's a lifestyle choice...

 

--You don't go to bed on a full stomach...

I guess it depends on when you go to bed...

 

--You aren't still full for the Midnight Buffet

Well, most ships don't do many Midnight Buffets anymore...and, who can eat again even if you ate back at 6 to 8:30? But, of course, it does leave room for a little late night pizza or other snack...

 

--You don't come back from port hungry and have to wait around several hours before you can eat...

Of course, the Late Seating crowd will tell you they come back and go to the buffet or sushi or wherever for a bite to tide them over while waiting for dinner...

 

Personally, we prefer Early seating because we're accustomed to eating a little earlier while home and don't need much time to get ready for dinner...We also enjoy all of the nighttime activities on the ship...We've often been lucky and have been seated at tables near windows where we can watch the ship shove off while enjoying appetizers and the company of tablemates...

 

But, the real answer is....Whatever works for you...

[smashley]

We chose late seating for the same reason everyone else did - we didn't want to be rushed getting back from port, and it will be nice to be able to take a little nap before dinner if we're exhausted. Plus you can still make the shows, and if you don't want to miss something just go to the buffets instead of the dining room... problem solved :)

[golf43]

We always go to the early dinner because I also like to go to the midnight buffet. This early timing gives my dinner a chance to digest before eating more food at midnight.

 

As far as missing the shows, you will not have any problems if you go to the later dinner. They usually have a few times available in the evenings so everybody will have a chance to see the shows.

 

Its really up to you. Which ever one you want to eat at. You can always try the later one and if that does not work out, then ask if you can switch to the earlier one.

 

Hope this helps.

[guntheros]

Wow!!! Thanks to all the great replies! I think you all are right, it really depends on what you're in to. I think I will probably choose the early seating for this time. We are looking forward to the shows (hope we aren't disappointed) and karoake and what not. So... It should be fun!

Nicole

[Cotton]

.....I think I will probably choose the early seating for this time. So... It should be fun!

 

Yep, it will be fun! I hope you get the dining assignment you request, and have a great cruise.:)