Which dinner seating?

[travelovingnurse]

Hello again. We are first time cruisers sailing on the Liberty of the Seas 12/22/07 sailing. What are the pros and cons of the dinner seatings? I thought maybe later would be better since we would not have to rush back from days at port to eat dinner, but then I read that if you do the late seating then you can't go to the shows. Is this true?

 

How do I find out what shows are available on our ship and the times? How do I make reservations for these or is that even possible?

 

Also, where can you get a late afternoon snack if you do the late dinner seating. My husband and teenage son will want a good snack if they eat late. :D

 

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

[crusinmama06]

That's not true about the shows. Some shows will be before dinner. You won't miss any shows.

 

And you can either order snacks from room service. They can get something at the Windjammer. And on Liberty, they can grab pizza at sorrentos, deli sandwiches and cookies at Cafe promenade, ice cream at Ben Jerrys or soft serve ice cream (no charge) at sprinkles at the H20 zone.

 

There are so many different food option they couldn't possible go hungry.

[cruiserbryce]

since there is a show set that will fit onto the schedule of both dinner seatings its really a personal preference...we like the early dining time...the only drawback so far has been that on the days you are in port late you miss dinner in the dining room...not a huge deal but it depends on how important eating in the dining room is and if you want to make the most of your port time

[BillOh]

We prefer the later seating. We usually ended up at the Windjammer to get a pre-dinner snack around 5, then we started going by at 3 for a pre-pre dinner snack. Its never hard to find something to eat.

[Sue L]

there are shows for both dinner seatings, for the late seating some will be before around 7 or 7:30 and some will be after dinner. Don't worry you won't miss anything.

 

There is always somewhere to get a late afternoon snack. We love the late seating, for the reasons you state and we are usually tired when we get back from port so we have time to take a little nap before we get ready for dinner.

[Oville]

We always do late. There is usually plenty to do while waiting for dinner and we've seen excursions get back just before or after first seating.

[Sabin Girl]

We always do the late seating. That way you do not have to rush back from ports or lazy days by the pool or beautiful ocean sunsets. The shows are based around the dinners so you will not miss out on them. Some nights they are after dinner and some nights they are before. If you do miss it, they are run on the television so you can watch at your convenience. Remember, you will not be able to do everything so don't stress yourself out trying. Do not worry about catching something to eat. There is always something available and room service is 24/7 so take advantage of that also. Alot of times we would order a little snack from room service and enjoy it on the balcony while we were getting dressed for dinner. Enjoy your cruise vacation!

[Gonzo70]

I have always done late seating. I like having some down time before dinner. I have never missed a show as a result, but occasionally may have to eat my dessert quick to get to a show on time.

[Oville]

Hi, you don't need tickets for any shows other than the ice skating one. It will be in the daily "Compass" on how to get ice tickets. The "Compass" is pamphlet placed in your room each night letting you know all the activities for the next day.

[dougiefour]

I've done both and prefer the first seating. The second seating doesn't finish until around 10:30 PM and I can't sleep at night with my stomach still wedged. Not a problem if you normally eat that late. Also, the midnight chocolate buffet isn't that appealing when you just had dessert an hour ago.

 

Good luck with your choice!

DRP

[reallyitsmema]

We do main seating since our DS likes to go participate in the teen activities at night. Many things started in the teen center around 8 so he was able to eat with us most nights and then change and head off for the night.

[DonnaK]

We choose the early seating because the late one ends too late. Besides not feeling comfortable going to sleep with so much food in our bellies, we are often too tired to attend the post-dinner shows.

 

We are off the ship as soon as it docks, and are always back on board with plenty of time to get ready for dinner. And by 6pm, we are usually hungry. (We found that the one time we had late seating, we'd go up to the Windjammer for a pre-dinner snack at approx the time of the first seating in the dining room.)

 

As everyone else mentioned, the shows are scheduled around the dinner seatings, so you shouldn't miss anything regardless of which seating you have. You should be aware, though, that on some nights, the show is BEFORE the last dinner seating, so you will still need to be ready by 7 or 7:30pm.

[travelovingnurse]

Wow! You all are amazing! Thank you!

 

Midnight chocolate buffet? Oh my goodness! Are you serious? Who needs dinner anyway? :D

[relo854]

My first cruise - with RCCL in June 2008. Can someone please explain what the dinner seating is? early seating? late seating? etc? Thanks in advance.

[Myke729]

We prefer late seating at 8:30. We do not like to come in from the sun so early for early seating. We usually grab a bite to eat around 5 at the Windjammer or Sorrento's.

[TWELVEOHONE]

When I first started crusiing I took late seating but now taking early.

I don't eat at 8:00pm at home so why do it on a cruise.

 

In general, early seatting gets the kids and seniors as they are the ones that cannot stay up late

They use to say that early sitting was rushed as waiters had to prepare for late siiting. But I found this not to be true have never been rushed

 

As far as shows are concerned early sitting see show after dinner, around 8:30pm while late see show before dinner around 7:15pm

[rharvey999]

Twelve...I have to admit I burst out laughing when you mentioned that the main seating is normally for seniors and kids...those that can't stay up late.

 

Then I realized I have finally become one of the folks of which you speak. Getting past midnight is a struggle. Heck, at home, getting past 10 is a challenge.

 

I guess you can imagine which seating we prefer...:rolleyes:

[cruiseguy1016]

Early seating will be 6:00 or 6:30, late seating will be 8:00 or 8:30. Plan to eat at the same time you would normally eat at home. It's easier on your biological clock that way. We have never missed early dinner because of a shore excursion, we're always back on time. I too like to relax after dinner and give the food time to settle. We usually go to the show and then hit a bar or two before calling it a night.

[Bruin Steve]

My standard "FAQ" 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...

[travelovingnurse]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help! I really appreciate it!

[cb at sea]

Pick the time that's closest to when you eat at home--your tummy will thank you!

If you are planning to go to the shows, and pick late seating, you still have to be ready early, since the show starts when the 1st dinner seating starts! Basically, everyone is getting ready at about the same time.

[dna1990]

It has been a few years since I replied to one of these, so I must insist you try the early or main seating. They give away balloons, free cruises, sometimes a car or rolex watch. All the meals are still hot when they are being served, and you always get first choice at the meat cuts, etc. Most assistant waiters will leave late seating and go iron all your clothes for you, and many other tips.

 

 

 

 

<now, that should leave plenty of late seating openings clear for our next cruise. Late seating...where the real dinner begins....shhhh>

[ColoradoMom!!]

Good try dna1990.

 

Funny thing is that I WANT early seating on our Dec. 16th cruise, and the waitlist for Early seating was closed back in May! I can't beg, plead or pay my way onto a waitlist, so I guess I will beg, plead and who knows what else with them when we board. Anyone have any luck changing once on board?

[katiel53]

My standard "FAQ" answer:

 

 

Late seating afficianados claim:

 

--Late seating has fewer kids (I guess they don't like kids)... Wow, I disagree with you. I LOVE kids, but if I can have a more quiet dinner without them as our kids are grown, that works for me. With my grands onboard, I would do early so they can go to the AO evening activities. I think your generalization is NOT TRUE.

 

 

 

--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...

 

Where do you decide that I like to have a pre dinner martini etc? Who made you the judge of all???????? IF I wanted drinks before dinner I would have them whether early or late seating. YOU are FAR too judgemental.

 

dinner show (But, somehow, doesn't that counter the more time to get ready, drink martinis and watch the sailaway argument?)...Back to what I just said.

 

 

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

I guess it depends on when you go to bed... That's true, we have late seating, go to shows, the casino and whatever we want to do.

 

...

 

--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... Where do you get all your info? We don't go to the buffet etc before dinner.

 

 

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

That's the only thing you have said that I totally agree with. Geez, obviously you don't like people who choose late seating. What difference does it make to you?

 

I am not usually this upset, but you have made a lot of comments that aren't true.

[sleeples23]

My standard "FAQ" 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...

 

I have pondered the pros and cons of each, and it really does come down to personal preference, but I thought your summary was pretty objective... with a drop of humor too. You gave the original poster a bunch of things to consider, which is just what they were looking for.

 

Thanks for sharing.