Table Size

[CanadianMAG]

I am re-thinking my table size, and would like to hear the pros and cons.
Fiance isnt them most social person in the world and is quiet, and I am the social, funny one (or so I think! heheh)

This is my rationale.... table for 26-36yrs old,8 people (which has been booked already). (Im 27, hes 32) He wants a 50-60 year old table!!!:eek:

2 people, TA said they are hard to get plus I think I might want to take a little break from him (even though its our honeymoon)

4 People, probably just one other couple at our table, might not be comfortable and what happens if we dont like them?

6 People, 2 other couples (assuming) so odds are we will like someone ??

8 People, good change we will get along with someone, is this going to be too big??

10people??? WAYY tooo big for us!!

What have you selected in the past and did it work out.

[jhannah]

We have always had a table for 8. This gives us a good shot at connecting with someone interesting. We've been very fortunate in that we've always enjoyed all our tablemates. Some more than others, sure ... but we've not had any we just didn't like. Having just one other couple makes it too chancy of getting "stuck" with someone who just doesn't click. I'd suggest a table for 8.

[dakrewser]

We prefer a table for 2 and usually have no trouble getting one. Four & 6 are a real crap-shoot, though - no telling about the other couple at a 4 and the 6 could mean 4 members of a family & you. So 8 or larger would be my second choice - better chance at finding someone "sympatico". As to ages, there are nice folks - and idiots - of every age!

[doone]

If you don't want a table for two, I would suggest the table for 8, you have a better chance of meeting someone you would enjoy with this table size vs. anything smaller.

[Orcrone]

I have to agree with the other posters. Definitely avoid a table of four. If you don't hit it off with the other couple, then meal time is no fun. With a table of six or eight you have two of three other couple, so a good chance of finding another couple you get along with. However, Dakrewser has a good point about sitting with a family of four. Also, if at a table for six if one couple decides to eat at the Lido or the Pinnacle, then you're in the same situation as if you were at a table for four.

Ten does seem big and I've never been at one. However, there could be an advantage. Tables of six and eight are all rectangular. If you're sitting at the end of a table, especially table for eight, you're not going to have much conversation with the couple at the other end. However, larger tables are often round which facilitates conversation much more easily.

Wth that said I'd still stick with a table for six and eight.

I would consider a table for two, but DW would then be stuck with an idiot.;) :eek:

[minner80]

I am new to HAL, previously sailed Carnival, NCL, and Princess. We requested a table for 8. You have confused me a little though, do they usually seat you at a table with couples around your same age, or do you request that? Thanks!

[Orcrone]

I am new to HAL, previously sailed Carnival, NCL, and Princess. We requested a table for 8. You have confused me a little though, do they usually seat you at a table with couples around your same age, or do you request that? Thanks!I've never been asked that question and hope they don't start asking me. I did enjoy being the youngest person at our table for six last year.:D

[Vicar]

Orcrone

It would be a little embarresing if your own wife asked to have her table changed the second night, or just decided to eat at lido everynight, just to avoid you. *LOL*


I would agree on the table for eight. You have a better chance of meeting someone you will get along with.

[Orcrone]

Orcrone

It would be a little embarresing if your own wife asked to have her table changed the second night, or just decided to eat at lido everynight, just to avoid you. *LOL*The only way I get to eat with my wife is to slip the maitre'd a little something so that he moves me :D to the same table as my wife.

[Vicar]

Orcrone

Don't feel bad, with our work schedules, fiance and I rarely eat dinner together.

On our last cruise, just to feel at home, one of us ate at early seating, the other ate at late seating. And the one who ate at early seating just leaned against the kitchen counter and watched and asked how their day went.

*LOL*

[Orcrone]

Orcrone

Don't feel bad, with our work schedules, fiance and I rarely eat dinner together.

On our last cruise, just to feel at home, one of us ate at early seating, the other ate at late seating. And the one who ate at early seating just leaned against the kitchen counter and watched and asked how their day went.

*LOL*That's too funny!!!

Actually I don't care when or where we eat, so long as I don't have to decide what's for dinner.

[Vicar]

Whats to decide?

You're on a cruise, you have one of everything *LOL*

[backes]

We have always requested, and have always received, a table for two. During our daily life, we just are not able to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed, adult type of a dinner setting often enough. Our intimate dinners have become one of the best parts of our cruises. There are more than enough opportunities to meet other people and to socialize during the rest of the cruise; in fact, we often participate in different activities during the day, and then we share our experiences with each other at dinner. If you do decide on a larger table, I agree with the others who were suggesting a table for eight...you're bound to meet somebody with whom you 'click' with a larger group. Whatever you choose, I'm sure that you'll have a wonderful time! By the way, if you do happen to be seated with somebody that you simply can't stand, the restaurant staff is usually very good at discreetly relocating you so that you are able to enjoy your dinners with pleasant company.

[RuthC]

Even when I was half of a couple we liked a table for eight. We were always fortunate to have lovely companions, but even if one or two was less than lively there was never a lull in the conversation.

There are round tables; I like them better than the rectangular shape---easier to have one table-wide conversation. I don't like the oval tables---all the disadvantages of the rectangular shape, but none of the advantages of the round!

If are seated at a large rectangular table you might want to switch seats every night or so. This way everybody gets a chance to sit with everybody else. And dare I suggest that spouses not sit together? Much better for Mix and Mingle that way!

[carol louise]

Canadian Mag,
I agree with the others: unless one is looking for an intimate dinner with one's spouse, a larger (8) table is best. In a group that size there are sure to be at least a couple more talkative members, who will carry the group over the early getting-to-know-you meal or two until the shyer members feel more comfortable.
A couple other thoughts:
1) One experienced cruiser I know told me he and his wife purposely show up as early as possible the second night to get there before everyone else and take DIFFERENT seats from where they sat the night before, to mix things up.
2) Don't be dismayed if your tablemates are older folks. Your fiance has the right idea -- they're likely to have many entertaining stories from past cruises to tell.

Have a great cruise.
Carol Louise

[JDee]

Another option: Each take separate cruises and choose your own table size any way your little ole hearts desire...http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[KSCnCA]

On our three cruises my husband and I have been seated at tables for 10, 12, and 10 again. We rotated seats each night on each cruise. I wasn't crazy about the large tables, but when you are traveling in a group, sit with the group,and it was fun. It is difficult to hear across a round table for 10. The rectangles were not much better, but I am looking forward to a smaller table - hope to get a table for 8 next cruise.

[DonMaryCar]

There probably is no bad table on a cruise ship but we prefer a table for 2. Have never had a problem on HAL getting one. On other cruise lines we have been at tables for 8 (rectanglular) and one for 4. Hated our table for 4 and we were to dumb to rotate places at our table for 8 until the last night and then actually enjoyed that couple we hadn't really gotten to talk to during the cruise. I know most people want a leisurely dinner but you definitely can get your food faster at a table for 2 as waiter doesn't have to wait for everyone to make their decision or if you have someone who perpetually arrives late.

On our last HAL cruise we were fortunate enough to be invited to dine with the first officier and his wife at a table for ten and it seemed too large to me as it was difficult for me to hear everything that was being said. ( I am kind of nosey) You were involved in every conversation but could not fully participate with those across from you.

Have a great honeymoon and I bet whatever your choice is you will love it.

Mary:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

We always request a table for 8. On the Maasdam we got a table for 10 which I thought would be too many, but it was a big round one and was fantastic. We switched seats each night and we all agreed it was the best we ever had. Ages ranged from 30 to 85:)

Sometimes they end up giving us 6 which is still good. We love meeting people at dinner ... our favorite part of cruising. But if you ask for 4 and you're not nuts about the other couple it's a little dicey.

Vicar, email me at HeatherInFla@aol.com please? I have a question for you:o . Thanks.

[cruisinjudy]

We were at a table for ten on Statendam once with an age spread similar to Heather's and it was our best table group ever! Switching around is the best to get to know everyone. We always request a large table, but have never had a table for ten again.

[Gardendog]

I never thought of this. My experience is so limited with cruising. The first cruise we went on was with the whole family on Royal Caribbean. I had requested a table for our family (of 5), but when we went to dinner that first night, we had table companions. They were speaking Russian the whole time, but understood English of course, so it was very weird. Needless to say, we switched tables the next evening, and it was just our family, like at home. That worked really well. The only other cruise was with Radisson, and that was open seating. We went with people or without, just the two of us.

Now we are 3. Noone asked us about how many at the table, at least I don't remember. Perhaps a table for just the 3 of us (a fourtop), or do they put you together with another family of 3, (hopefully with a very respectable teenage son ---HAHA), or what?

[JLT]

We (2 single ladies) always request a large table but only once have we been seated at one. That was a table for 10 and was our best dining experience. Everyone was very congenial and friendly. On several cruises we were at tables for 4, once with a couple on their anniversary - they had requested a table for 2, and it was not a comfortable situation. Our requests to be changed were denied. So, can we put in a special request before the cruise and how can we do that? Our next cruise is a long one and 30 days with just one couple is kind of scary. Thanks for any tips.

[CanadianMAG]

WOW thanks for all your feedback, I am glad I made the decision I did... It will remain for table of 8.. might I am thinking to go with an older crowd 32-42 maybe, I really don't hanve much in common with people my own age...
I guess we will see... I'll have to sleep on it for a few nights!

[dakrewser]

Greta Larsson & JLT -

You need to really pressure your TA to work on this as soon as possible after you book, then keep after them. As soon as you board, check your table assignment - go to the DR and look at it. If it's not right, find the maitre d' RIGHT AWAY and request the ship. Don't yell, don't scream, but be very firm.

[Vicar]

On our last cruise there were 10 couples all travelling together so they just put us all at 2 tabls for 10 right next to eachother. which was nice because we were together with all our friends , but we never really got to meet and mingle with other pax the way you do when you are tablemates all week.

Its funny , when you ar in a crowd that big, you are your own gang so you don't meet and mingle like you do when you are solo or just a couple.

We did get to meet a lot of really nice people on the ship, here and there, but it wasn't the same as when i hav been in a smaller group or as a couple.

That is why I like the larger tables, because you have more people to interact with, and the more people at the table , the better chance you have of meeting people you get along well with.

[carol louise]

Greta,

To answer your question about a party of three, on HAL and on pre-"freestyle" NCL my party of three was assigned a table for four, without a fourth passenger, so it was just us. But I agree with Dave that it's a good idea to ask your travel agent to put your specific request on the record when you book or shortly afterward and check as soon as possible after boarding to see that you've been assigned as you wish.
Carol Louise