Opinion on Dining Room Assignments

[richcrow]

DW and I are sailing on Zuiderdam on Oct.1, 2005. I would like to know other cruiser's opinions concerning preference on either being assigned to a table for two or to a table with other diners. I'm wondering if it just might be a good way to meet fellow cruisers in lieu of dining alone.

[jhannah]

We like to sit at a large table to meet other people. We are lucky in our careers to not have to be apart very much. We enjoy each other, but like the experience of getting to know other people. The larger the table, the more likely you are to find someone with whom you'll "click." We've always been very fortunate to have great tablemates.

OTOH, you will likely hear from some who prefer a table for two. Many couples' lives don't allow them that much time to spend together, so for them a cruise is the best way to get away from everybody else and reconnect with one another.

Bottom line, go with what will best meet your expectations of the cruise.

[dakrewser]

We prefer a table for 2. There's plenty of opportunities to meet other folks - on excursions, before dinner in the Crow's Nest, in the Vista Lounge or the Casino after dinner, during open seating lunch in the dining room, etc. The big difference between the things I've listed and dinner at a table with others is that we're only obligated to spend a few moments with people who we don't find congenial. At the dinner table for 7, 10, 14 nights or more it can quickly become a chore and a drudgery.

Now I'm not saying we always, or even often, meet folks who aren't congenial - that's the exception. But, why take a chance?

Also, due to our work schedules, it's rare for DW and I to be able to spend the time for a leisurely meal together so the cruise affords us an opportunity we don't get that frequently at home.

In the end, it's a very personal choice and should be shaped by your feelings, needs and desires. As Jim said, "go with what will best meet your expectations of the cruise."

[LynnObie]

.....Bottom line, go with what will best meet your expectations of the cruise.

Well stated in both previous posts.... ---As for us, DW & I strongly prefer a table for 2. -Just go with what you folks feel you would work best for you. ==Most of all.... enjoy!!--http://messages.cruisecritic.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Nebraska Admiral]

I have always requested and received a large table. I feel this is an excelent way to meet new friends and share experiences. I always have had great tablemates. If you do decide to try a large table and get tablemates that you just cant get along with, talk to the matre de and get another table assignment. Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Dick

[Pudgesmom]

Have you joined the Roll Call for your sailing? After meeting HeatherinFlorida on these boards, we took a chance on her and her DH being nice in person. They were great! And so were their friends from Maryland. We had gotten to know each other a little bit before sailing, and we were able to get our reservations linked to dine together.

My husband and I really enjoyed getting to know them, they turned out great in person, and and they really liked us, too. :D :D

We also ate one night in the Pinnacle at a table for two, and one night room service in our suite, so really only 5 nights together.

Beth

[Krazy Kruizers]

Everyone has their own preferences. It really depends on if you like to meet people or not.

We meet enough people around the ship, that we prefer to eat at a table for 2.

[richcrow]

Thanks to everyone for their inputs. All of our previous cruises have been with friends, but we decided to do this cruise alone for our 40th wedding anniversary. I do think that we will try a large table.

Beth, I do believe that I did join the roll call for our sailing, but I will double check. Thanks for the suggestion.

Richard:)

[Ine]

We always ask to be on a large table as we see it as a good opportunity to meet people.

Never had we any disappointment, every time it felt we had the best table-mates on board.
Some of them are still our friends, although we live an ocean apart.
(Thanks to e-mail it is so easy to keep in touch).

[lipoppop]

If you have difficulty meeting people a large table is an easy way to break the ice. But as people have said you might have table mates that you can't abide. But there is always an opportunity to change tables, the Lido, the Pinnacle, bar-b-que on the Lido deck. Suggest you do what you are comfortable with. Hey, it's your cruise, your vacation.

[ron46936]

The only benefit to having an assigned table is to make new friends. I would always like at least 6-8 people.