Table Assignments?

[teacher2cruiser]

How do they make them? I don't think it's random, because on my last cruise with my mom we were at a table for four with another mother/daughter couple. This will be the first time my husband and I have traveled without other friends and I just wonder what our chances are of a table for two. We made no requests, just wondering.

[LizaMM]

I have always been seated with "like" pax.....

 

When I have sailed as a solo parent with my kids I have been seated with other solo parents and kids around the same age.

 

When I sailed Single I was seated with other singles.

 

And when I went with a BF we were seated with another couple.

 

In my experience Carnival does a great job with this.

 

I do not know the chances of being seted at a table for 2 though. That may be a little more random after the linked bookings and such are set.

[*Mach*]

Unless your booking is linked to someone else's the assignment is done by the Maitre d'. Couples are seated with couples. Singles are often seated with singles, etc.

If you want a table for just you and your husband meet with the Maitre d' on embarkation and make your request. You can look in the Capers for the time and location.

[BND]

We've always been seated with couples close to our age and with grown kids(not traveling with them) and on our same deck and either in cat 11 or balcony cabins (we only cruise cat 11). Our first cruise we had one couple in their early 30's, engaged, everyone else at the table was 45+ and grown kids so not sure how they ended up at our table but they were a great couple and we had a great week. We've met couples on two cruises that we keep in touch with and our last cruise one of those couples cruised with us.

[Pami1968]

I have always been very fortunate with my dining companions. I always sail as a single and there is usually a whole table of us. But last cruise, on the Valor... I was seated with a family of 5. Talk about having nothing to discuss. They were nice enough people, but they obviously had lots to talk about and I sat there with my bottle of wine. LOL I was pretty disbelieving of that situation. I ended up meeting some folks who had an empty seat at their table and I sat there the rest of the cruise. No tip for that maitre'd!

[Out of Iowa]

I've been wondering whether our table assignment was linked to our (cheap) inside quad cabin....on our first cruise, we were sitting at a table for 10-12 (some diners never did show up), right inside the entrance, near some sort of a galley area (noisy; staff rushing in, out, past us).

 

Yes, we were placed with two other families, each with children our children's ages...but I have always wondered...

 

Does my cruise fare have some correlation to where we are seated for dinner?

[Minoushka]

On our last Princess cruise in Jan

My 17 year old son and I were seated alone right at the entrance of the restaurant . I did not care for that table at all. Our waitress was very nice .Her hubby was Head waiter .She talked to him .The next day we got what I wanted .A table by the window with 3 other couples .LOVELY people .We became friends and even visited the islands together .We had a blast .One of the couples was English and we went to tea with them It was GREAT

I taught everyone to snorkel and they loved Coki beach in St Thomas

Our cruise was FABULOUS

Sometimes table mates do become friends

I wish you luck in finding great ones

[JES11583]

I love how Carnival does the assignments... I got married back in 2006 and went on Destiny for our Honeymoon and we were at a table with 3 other honeymoon couples all in their 20's like us.. thought that was neat... and then, back in 2007, we went on a last minute cruise (bc I was a couple months preggo and we wanted a getaway before the little one arrived)... and were were at a table with 3 other couples in their 20's (married/engaged/dating).. we all hung out together for most of the trip--it was pretty cool...

 

however, on our April sailing, there are 4 of us-2 couples.. so I am curious to see how theyre going to seat us.. by ourselves?? or with 2 other couples... hmmmm

[Michiganmom25]

It's our 1st cruise...4/23/09, 3nt, bahamas, out of port canaveral. Just my husband & I. (5 kids staying with Grandma!) yea! ....you think we have a good chance at sitting with other couples close to our age? I'm 41 and my husband is 42. I would be a little disappointed to be sitting with 20 yr olds and at the same time, don't really want to sit with Seniors. (no offense) But I'm sure they feel the same way! We are young at heart, but just don't really get some of the stuff that 20 yr olds talk about. Heck, we have a daughter that is 15 yrs old. Any tips on how to increase our chances of getting put with other couples near our age? Thank you!

[Michiganmom25]

I love how Carnival does the assignments... I got married back in 2006 and went on Destiny for our Honeymoon and we were at a table with 3 other honeymoon couples all in their 20's like us.. thought that was neat... and then, back in 2007, we went on a last minute cruise (bc I was a couple months preggo and we wanted a getaway before the little one arrived)... and were were at a table with 3 other couples in their 20's (married/engaged/dating).. we all hung out together for most of the trip--it was pretty cool...

 

however, on our April sailing, there are 4 of us-2 couples.. so I am curious to see how theyre going to seat us.. by ourselves?? or with 2 other couples... hmmmm

 

 

Hi, My DH and I have our 1st cruise booked for 4/23/09. 3 nts, Bahamas, out of Port Canaveral on the Sensation. Any tips on how to increase our chances of getting to sit with other couples near our age? I'm 41 & my H is 42. We do have 5 kids... 5,9,10,13,15. (My girls are my "book ends".) We are soooo excited to go anywhere with out our kids! Have never even been away over night with out them. Probably should have waited until Aug 11, 2010 for our 20th anniversary, but we just couldn't! Any advice at all would be appreciated. I'm new to all of this and not sure if this posting is actually getting sent directly to: Jess11583 or not. But would appreciate any advice from anyone about anything at all to do with cruising and especially the ship, "Sensation". We understand the ship just got out of "dry dock" for upgrades. We heard it was dated, like 80's style. Bummer! Didn't research the ship like we should have...like I said, we are brand new to cruising. Lesson learned. Thanks for any future advice.

[JES11583]

Michiganmom... Welcome to cruising!!! haha..,. trust me, you will be hooked once you sail on this one...and a 3night will fly by and youll want to go even longer next time! But make what you can of it.. ...youll love it.. and dont worry about the ship.. itll just give you something to look forward to when you decide to cruise again.. I have been on ALL sizes of Carnival.. so, to me, it doesnt matter--just have fun. This will be my 2 friends FIRST cruise, so the size doesnt matter to them.. itll be easier for them to navigate anyway for their first one.. and then the next one, they can go bigger!

 

As for dinner assignments, I have never had to "request" who we sat by.. Carnival has always done a great job of sitting us with people "our age" or with similarities, (i.e.. honeymooners all in our 20's)... If it makes you feel at ease, when you get on the ship, go to the dining room and ask someone about your seating assignment and they should be able to tell you something about it. They are pretty accomidating--if possible. I think you will end up fine tho. No worries :) and 5 KIDS!!!! holy cow.. I am 25 and have only one at the moment.. haha.. 5 girls??? an even bigger HOLY COW!! lol.. I give you kudos... and you need a VACATION!! Good for you momma! :)

[Michiganmom25]

Thank you Jes. Gotta get my youngest to preschool.... would luv 2 talk 2 ya later. hope you'll be on this evening. Thanks for the info!

[JES11583]

Thank you Jes. Gotta get my youngest to preschool.... would luv 2 talk 2 ya later. hope you'll be on this evening. Thanks for the info!

lol.. Im always on it seems.. I am on here at work... (I just look at it throughout the day).. so whenever you post, I will respond as soon as I can... have a great day!!

[Michiganmom25]

lol.. Im always on it seems.. I am on here at work... (I just look at it throughout the day).. so whenever you post, I will respond as soon as I can... have a great day!!

 

Jes11583, I can't believe it, it's time to take my daughter to preschool again! Your sooo funny, your getting paid to cruise these boars! You go girl! Maybe we can talk later about your experiences. My husband and I are really having a dilema (*spelling), over the snorkeling excursion we want to experience in Nassau. Maybe you can help???? I'll try to get on again later. (Maybe we can exchange e-mail addresses ???) Thanks.

* (My name is actually : Teresa) Your's is Jes right?

[JES11583]

Jes11583, I can't believe it, it's time to take my daughter to preschool again! Your sooo funny, your getting paid to cruise these boars! You go girl! Maybe we can talk later about your experiences. My husband and I are really having a dilema (*spelling), over the snorkeling excursion we want to experience in Nassau. Maybe you can help???? I'll try to get on again later. (Maybe we can exchange e-mail addresses ???) Thanks.

* (My name is actually : Teresa) Your's is Jes right?

Hi Teresa!!! I have a really good friend named Theresa!..haha.. actually, my name is Jackie, JES are my initials.. haha. I would love to chat!! I snorkeled in Nassau a few years back at the Blue Lagoon on an excursion, but the last time I went on the Fantasy, the Blue Lagoon wasnt an option on the excurion list... but anyhoo.. I loved going to Atlantis to the public beach area there.. just walking around the hotel and the grounds was awesome!!!!

 

We'll both be on a cruise at the same time.. altho mine leaves on april 20th... I am going to the western caribbean... let me know if ya wanna chat!!!

[Michiganmom25]

Hi Teresa!!! I have a really good friend named Theresa!..haha.. actually, my name is Jackie, JES are my initials.. haha. I would love to chat!! I snorkeled in Nassau a few years back at the Blue Lagoon on an excursion, but the last time I went on the Fantasy, the Blue Lagoon wasnt an option on the excurion list... but anyhoo.. I loved going to Atlantis to the public beach area there.. just walking around the hotel and the grounds was awesome!!!!

 

We'll both be on a cruise at the same time.. altho mine leaves on april 20th... I am going to the western caribbean... let me know if ya wanna chat!!!

 

Hey Jackie!!! (I know, the more common spelling is Theresa with an "h". I have had to deal with that all my life! What a pain. I just have to check out "Blue Lagoon" on the net. What else can you tell me abt the snorkeling there? How many times have you done it? My H, (Paul), and I did it for like 5 seconds at Disney World a few yrs back....u know the one where u can skim across the water at "Typhoon Lagoon" with the sharks. I had fun....(my 1st time in salt water..yuck!) But....my H, had a leaky mask and so that sucked for him. They really rush u through there too. So, that's all we "snorkeling virgins" know abt snorkeling. Anything at all u can tell us would be helpful. Now, on to Atlantis! .....We have checked out a few pics and info. online about the resort.... It's looks beautiful! Kind of pricey though huh? I have heard something about some people just reserving a room instead of actually paying to just go there to do stuff becuz it's less expensive that way. What did yu do in regard to that? (It's sounds like some of them may or maynot actually spend the night in the room they book. Not sure though.) We couldn't, as our ship leaves Nassau at 6am the next morning, so that would suck. I wish we had more time in Nassau. Also, wish we could have booked a longer cruise, but with our big family, (and having never gone away alone), we just felt kinda guilty abt leaving them with the grandparents. We really want to go away for a longer trip *BY OUR SELVES, in Aug 2010 for our 20th anniversary. Back on topic...what else did u do at Atlantis? Where are u going on your cruise next month? What cruise line? Sorry this is so long... See ya!

[Michiganmom25]

Jackie, I see that u said u were going to the western caribbean.... where exactly?

[JES11583]

Mich. Mom.. HI!!!!! NO NO NO dont pay for a room at Atlantis.. I have been to Nassau a few times and each time go somewhere different. But at Atlantis, we just went in ..walked around.. went into the casino.. theres kinda like an aquarium there.. pretty cool.. I have some pics I can show ya if ya wanna give me your email.... then we walked around the grounds..(got lost) its HUGE.. but its so cool. We finally made it to the beach area--public beach.. and did some snorkeling around there on our own.

 

Another time, I went to the Blue Lagoon , another time went on a the Yellow Bird Party Boat to one of Carnivals private island.. they had some water sport type things there, but I didnt really snorkel.. too busy playing beach volleyball and stuff... One other time, we did an excursion for snorkeling, but I dont remember which one. If you want to spend the money and go with others, then book and excursion--or maybe look online for good snorkeling beaches in the area.

 

If you like to drink, make sure you make it to Senior Frogs before you go! Its right there in Nassau, (down the street from where you get off the ship). Def. take advantage of shopping too if you can. I know with the short amount of time you can do it all.. do one or two things now (or fit what you can in)... and then plan to do more if/when you go back.

 

I am leaving out of Mobile and going to Cozumel and Calica. I am going with my hubby, my best friend and her boyfriend. My mom has her own cruise business, so I have had the privelege of going on many cruises :)

[murphalina]

I just hope DH and I don't get seated with one other couple. It is so much more fun to be at a big table of 8-10 people.

[JES11583]

I just hope DH and I don't get seated with one other couple. It is so much more fun to be at a big table of 8-10 people.

Yeah, having the option of having 3 other couples there is nice..just incase just being with one other couple is kinda boring.. good luck!

[BigDogCruiser]

I think they put all the cruise passanger's names in a barndy snifter and start drawing. That or they surf the internet and find your enemies or maybe it is a blind draw. Can't really say. I have been seated with some very inetersting people on my various cruises.

[Michiganmom25]

Mich. Mom.. HI!!!!! NO NO NO dont pay for a room at Atlantis.. I have been to Nassau a few times and each time go somewhere different. But at Atlantis, we just went in ..walked around.. went into the casino.. theres kinda like an aquarium there.. pretty cool.. I have some pics I can show ya if ya wanna give me your email.... then we walked around the grounds..(got lost) its HUGE.. but its so cool. We finally made it to the beach area--public beach.. and did some snorkeling around there on our own.

 

Another time, I went to the Blue Lagoon , another time went on a the Yellow Bird Party Boat to one of Carnivals private island.. they had some water sport type things there, but I didnt really snorkel.. too busy playing beach volleyball and stuff... One other time, we did an excursion for snorkeling, but I dont remember which one. If you want to spend the money and go with others, then book and excursion--or maybe look online for good snorkeling beaches in the area.

 

If you like to drink, make sure you make it to Senior Frogs before you go! Its right there in Nassau, (down the street from where you get off the ship). Def. take advantage of shopping too if you can. I know with the short amount of time you can do it all.. do one or two things now (or fit what you can in)... and then plan to do more if/when you go back.

 

I am leaving out of Mobile and going to Cozumel and Calica. I am going with my hubby, my best friend and her boyfriend. My mom has her own cruise business, so I have had the privelege of going on many cruises :)

 

Jackie, Thanks for all the info. I guess we sort of got off topic huh? I forgot this "thread"? was titled: "Seating Arrangements." I'm new to all this. Did I use the term "thread" properly? I would be happy to give you my e-mail, but I had an issue with a jerk out there earlier today.... Don't ask... would you mind giving me yours then I'll send you mine? Thanks. I would LOVE to see your pics! My husband just got home from work and I couldn't wait to tell him about the info you shared with me. Thanks for asking me to be on your friends list! Did you see that I accepted? ....Looking forward to getting your e -mail. I'll be checking out Blue Lagoon in the mean time. Thanks again. * Oh, we do like to drink a little... we were already checking out Senior Frogs, sounds like our kind of place. (Not huge drinkers by any means though) Just want to "Bust Loose" a little bit. We are trying to figure out how we r gonna get in everything that we want to do in such a short amount of time. We r only there from about 12 noon till 6 am the next morning. We want to do snorkeling, shopping, Atlantis, Senior Frogs, Beach time. I don't think it's all gonna happen though. Now I'm seriosly depressed! Kill me now!

[JES11583]

Hey MichiganMom!JEStakelin@hotmail.com just email me and I will send ya some pics ... Youre actually getting a decent amount of time in Nassau... We are getting from like 8a-5/6p on our stops... SAVE Senior Frogs for the evening then.. if you want to eat dinner on the ship, go back, grab a bite, then go back out to Senior Frogs in the evening.. do the other things during the day.. Blue Lagoon will require a boat ride to it, so keep that in mind. (on the way to Blue Lagoon, you can see Eddy Murphy's island/house from a distance.. well, it used to be his, not sure anymore)... but look into that first and see how much time that will take-if not, spend time locally doing some shopping and going to Atlantis