Table for 2, who gets priority

[bryanjaync]

My partner and I are booked in an SS suite on the Westerdam for 12/05. We have already requested an 8:00 table for 2. So how do they assign those...first come (we are probably good since we book so far ahead), or do the Penthouse and S suites get priority regardless of when they book. Our TA says we are confirmed, but just want some reassurance. (And yes, we have do the larger tables on 2 previous cruises, but this time we wanted the table for 2). Thanks

[gizmo]

This is only my opinion on this but I believe it is in this order.


The "Just For Us" package guarantees a table for two.
PS and S have priority in their preference.
All other cabins, time of booking.
When your TA said you are confirmed it is for the dining time only. Hal does not confirm tables. You will find out when you board. Your request is noted in your file and the maitre'd does receive it.

You will find your table number in your cabin when you board. (On some ships a couple of people reported receiving table number at check in.) Go to the dining room and check your table. There is usually a chart outside the dining room showing all the tables, how many at a table and the table number. If it is not for two, you can see the maitre'd.

One caveat to all of the above, (except the Just For Us Package) is a large group. Sometimes Hal gives priority seating to the group and allows the TA handling the group to choose the tables and times. This is a fact. I cruised with a very large group and that is how it was handled. Hal considered this a perk and had this in the contract with the TA.

[tommy]

We booked direct with Holland used a PCC and they told us what table we were getting the actual #.Maybe we were just lucky but I think it helped. TOM

[gizmo]

Tommy,

Unless something has changed recently, the PCC cannot guarantee your table. The seating assignment is left up to the maitre'd. A good percentage of the time your request in honored but it is the responsibility is the maitre'd's not the PCC.

[tommy]

I did not say the PCC guarenteed our table assignment.They put a request in for a particular table and we got it.I just think it helped that we went thru Holland,a little more influence. TOM

[JDee]

than almost any other cruise line. Have booked non-suite cabins, late bookings, early bookings, etc., and almost always managed to get a table for 2. There have been a few times with tables for 4, but never had to sit at larger tables.

On other ships mega liners (3,000 pax range), 2's and 4's are somewhat scarce, with most tables 8's and 10's. That's one more reason I cruise mostly with HAL.

As previous poster has stated, you can always see the M'd for a change if a 2-top is available. Overall, believe odds are in your favor for a 2-top....

Happy cruising.....

[scopewest]

We did the Just for Us package on the Oosterdam last month and much to our dismay when we boarded we found they had put us at a table for four with another couple (as we were told by maitre 'd). Luckily we were able to get it switched to a table for two. But the maitre 'd didn't seem to care that we were on the package, and so we're thinking so why do you even bother to guarantee this??? Just a heads up for anyone who thinks oh, it's guaranteed, we don't need to check. Always check your table if it's important to you.

[Aussie Gal]

On the Prinsendam in October, when we saw our table assignment in our cabin on boarding, we went straight down to the Maitre'D. We had been given the worst table in the whole of the two Dining Rooms, the table as you first enter the first dining, just near the Ocean Lounge and it is very noisy and everyone goes past that table. By the way we were in an SS which is 2nd best cabin, so I don't know how they choose the tables for the passengers.

Anyhow, he was able to give us a table for two in the bigger and better Dining Room even though the ship was full. We were the first passengers to go and see him, so if you board early like we did, (we boarded at 11.30am), you have a good chance of changing tables if you are not happy.

Jennie

[the2ofus]

If you ask for a table for two and the seating chart shows it is a table for four, don't panic. Just politely inquire if it is indeed a table for two.

We have twice been given a table for four with only two place settings. We liked the extra space at the table. In the Pinnacle Grill we had a table large enough for six, but set for two. That was a little too roomy!

[Arubalisa]

On the Zaandam we received our dining assignment at check-in.

[Krazy Kruizers]

HAL is slowly changing some things.

When we boarded the Statendam in Oct and the Westerdam in Jan we were given a folder at the check-in desk in the terminal. It contained information as well as our room keys and small cards indicating our table time and number.

[Sea Island Lady]

We asked for the 8:00 seating for 4 when we booked. There was a wait list, however our TA said that since we had Mariner members with us, we would be given priority over others. I don't know if this is true or not. If we don't get it, we will have 8:30 seating, which is also fine.;)