Early dining problem

[luke]

We were given an early seating for dinner and would like to change it to a late seating, what would i do and what are my chances? asked for late seating 2 months ago for our trip 12-12-04 and receved our Docs last week.
Thanks Luke

[Krazy Kruizers]

From what you are saying. it sounds as though you booked your cruise only 2 months ago. If that is the case, you MAY be waitlisted for a later time.

People who have booked their cruise months ago will get first choice in dining times.

All you can do is check your daily program when you get to your cabin and see when the maitre'd will be avilable (time and place) and then go to see him about getting your dining time changed.

[cruzincurt]

On the Veendam last week, you could have sold your early seating. People were in line trying to get a change to the early seating. We were able to switch our late seating to a table for two at the late seating as we had requested.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I think it all depends on the age of the passengers and the itinerary as to which of the dining times fills up quickly.

[sail7seas]

I would be soooo unhappy with an early seating. We like the 8:00.

[elmorejj]

That is one reason to book as early as possible. We always request a table for two, round the balcony area, 8pm (or 8.15 in the past) and have yet to be disapointed......jean :cool:

[sail7seas]

So far....

we have always had our dining request honored.

[JeffCoud]

Seems like on HAL it's never a problem to get into late seating. You should be fine once you check up on it on board. We have never had a problem getting switched on either HAL or Celebrity.

Jeff

[kryos]

On the Veendam last week, you could have sold your early seating. People were in line trying to get a change to the early seating. We were able to switch our late seating to a table for two at the late seating as we had requested.
On my Princess cruise this January, I was greatly relieved to see that my request for early dinner seating is now confirmed. I was only waitlisted before. I did late seating on the Zuiderdam last August/September and I say never again. We didn't sit down to dinner until 8:30. By the time dinner was over ... and if you wanted to see the show ... you're talking close to midnight. Hell, there's no extra time to head up to the Lido for a late cup of coffee and a cigarette, or stopping in at one of the bars for some good conversation. I'm just not that much of a night person to be able to keep going into the wee hours.

I can well understand that many passengers would prefer early seating. At least you can enjoy dinner and a show, and still have some time to unwind before your eyelids begin to droop and you have to head to the land of pillow chocolates and sweet dreams. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

I think it all depends on the age of the passengers and the itinerary as to which of the dining times fills up quickly.

LOL ... I'm "only" 48 and imagine the embarrassment of having a 70+ year old jab me in the ribs with his elbow because I was snoring at the late show!

LOL ... no, I'm far better off with the early seating. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[iluvcruzin]

Call your TA. They should be able to fix it for you. I put in a request and was confirmed for late. When the documents came - they had switched it on me to early. My TA straightened it out in a manner of minutes.

[gizmo]

Luke,

You have an excellent chance of getting it changed. On Hal, early is usually a lot more difficult to get. Call your TA to put in the request. When you board, if the card still says early, go see the maitre'd, as KK suggested.

[jazzsea]

There is no one in the HAL office today because of Thanksgiving. On Friday or Monday you should call ship services and book the Pinnacle Grill for the first night of your cruise. $10 per person (first night only). After you make that reservation, ask the representative what your chances are of being confirmed in the Main Seating. You might be very surprised by the answer. Many passengers do not take advantage of Ship Services. Please let us know the outcome. (The phone number for Ship Services is on the gift order form with your documents.)

[lknick]

If you are unsuccessful in changing your dining reservation before boarding, the maitre d' is available on the day of embarkation to help you. Many times, changes can be made.

[iluvcruzin]

Many passengers do not take advantage of Ship Services. Please let us know the outcome. (The phone number for Ship Services is on the gift order form with your documents.)You are so right Jazzsea. You can also get ahold of them by calling the main HAL number and ask for this department. They are so helpful. One of them sent me a dining room layout so that I could pick my table in advance. They did this for me via e-mail. I selected the table range (put a few in) and gave it to my TA who submitted the request. Violia! My request was granted and it worked out fabulously. I highly recommend contacting them for your questions and needs.

[Peter D]

There are always diners who will opt to go to the alternative dining. On our recent Maasdam cruise, some people would show up as 'stand-by' diners. There were always places available for the individuals in those circumstances with whom we met. The benefit to this type of arrangement is that you are always meeting new people , and as a result the dinner time conversation never gets stale.

[xeena]

we booked the Westerdam 12--12--04 in May and asked for late seating. We did not know then that HAL now has 4 seatings...when i made the final payment in Sept, i noticed that we were confirmed for the 8:30 seating....too late. 8 is perfect. i am waitlisted for the 8pm ! will call ship services tomorrow and see if they can expedite things, our TA is not helpful at all ! thanks for that suggestion

[jazzsea]

Not every TA is an expert at selling Holland America Line. That's why this board is so valuable to cruisers. My agency specializes in Holland America and Wind Star Cruises. I can offer advice on these products but would not know the "ins and outs" of NCL or Costa.

Many agents that work for large, wholesale agencies do not have the time to deal with "changes". Lots of passengers will book their cruises with whomever will give them the best price. After the cost is established, they can come to this board for advice. That's a win-win situation.