a table for two...or not??

[fcorey]

So I was wondering what is the overall preference here about this subject? How many people ask for a table for two, or number in your party? rather than letting fate decide your seating. I am about a month away from a cruise on Oosterdam for our aniversary, sailing date is our actual aniversay date. On our honeymoon we were aboard a Carnival cruise and our table of 8 was all honeymoon couples which was fun. We were all pretty close in age, within 10 years. Anyway, this time out I am considering asking for a table for two, for the reason I listed above, aniversary, and maybe I am getting antisocial with age ;) I also discovered that most of the people on our roll call seem to have the early seating and we have main so trying to get our seating coordinated together would probably be difficult.
I am curious to hear feedback from the numerous cruise veterans here :D

[J&R Cruisers]

On several occasions we have requested a table for two and enjoyed it very much. On at least two occasions we were grateful we did.:)

[pxn748]

We have always gotten a table for six. We have been together for 11 years so we enjoy the company of other people sometimes and have always met nice and interesting people at dinner. You can talk about what you did that day and what your plans are tomorrow. On some cruises we have met people at dinner that we still corresond with and did excursions with.
Philip

[RuthC]

When I was half of a couple we always asked for a large table. We enjoyed meeting others and expanding our world.

Now, we did eat together at home (or out:) )every night, so it wasn't as if we didn't know each other. Had our schedules been such that we didn't get "alone-time" we might have felt differently about it.

[MercedMike]

We have always enjoyed meeting other people and sharing dinner with them. I am not sure we could find enough to talk about for 7 long dinners in a row with each other!

;)

As was noted above, we have plenty of time to dine alone ashore. If you don't get that opportunity often, then maybe on the ship you will want a smaller table.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We always ask for a table for 2. Got tired of the bad pot luck we were getting with larger tables.

[Copper10-8]

Never have asked for a table for two and I don't see us doing it anytime soon. We like meeting other folks:) Great way to meet interesting, funny, unusual:rolleyes: or downright bizzare:eek: people from all over the place (just kidding on the last two)

[duck tune]

On our first two cruises we were at Tables for 8 and were fortunate that in both cases we had very nice tablemates. After that we have always asked for a table for 2. DH and I enjoy being together for dinner and it's not so much because we are antisocial - we just appreciate the time we can share away from work when on a cruise. Also, you never have to wait for all the assigned tablemates to arrive before your order is taken. We have had a table for 2 at early seatings and at the late as well and have enjoyed it. On the Zaandam in June we had the late seating and there were many tables for 8 that had just one or 2 couples.

[mydogs]

We always request a table for 2, unless we are traveling with friends then we request a table for 4 or 6. We send in a request with both res. numbers so we are certain to be seated at the same table.:D :D :D

[The Tsar]

We have always had a table for two :) - Fifteen HAL cruises.

Always select the same table on the "S" Class ships.

[hammybee]

We always went for the large tables because we enjoy meeting new people. Next cruise, we are going to try the table for two, for the experience. Don't know what we'll do if we don't like our tablemate.

[kelmac]

Lauren and I are not antisocial, but we do enjoy our time together during dinner. We can focus on the food and each other. We always request a table for two.:)

Enjoy!
Kel

[hammerinfrank]

We always went for the large tables because we enjoy meeting new people. Next cruise, we are going to try the table for two, for the experience. Don't know what we'll do if we don't like our tablemate.

too funny hammybee

[Opinions]

We prefer a table for two for dinner...We like to meet other people too, and find we have many opportunities at breakfast and lunch.

[NoNoNanette]

Never have asked for a table for two and I don't see us doing it anytime soon. We like meeting other folks:) Great way to meet interesting, funny, unusual:rolleyes: or downright bizzare:eek: people from all over the place (just kidding on the last two)

Bizzare is FUN, John!:D

[shonuf]

We have always had a large table until last cruise when we started out at a rectangle for ten. Our tablemates were so rude the first night, DH was ready to leave the ship at the first port rather than go thru that again. I told me if that was really what he wanted to do I'd go along with him, but I thought I could fix it. The next morning I went to the Neptune Lounge and asked for a table change. The concierge said, "I'll be glad to fix that for you but what is the problem?" I said, "We HATE our tablemates!!" She put us at a table for two on the lower level which turned out fine. After a couple nights, the couples at the neighboring two-tops warmed up and it was sort of like being at a big table.

[cruzincurt]

After 32 years of marriage, we enjoy each other's company for dinner, so we try for a table for 2. Sometimes gets tedious making small talk with strangers. It also lets us eat at our own pace which is a little bit quicker to head for the casino. We meet enough different people during general breakfast and lunch seating. We've had good seating at large tables and a few we'd like to forget.

On a recent cruise we were at a table for 6. Only two other girls showed up who were in their early 20's; so not much in common with us 50 year olds. It was difficult to make small talk.

[NHCruisr]

We've been at different sized tables and now we always request a table for two. We enjoy each others company very much and see dinner as a very romantic event. We like taking our time with dinner, ordering a nice bottle of wine and talking together. With a table for two, we never have to worry about holding someone up. Also, we love meeting other people, but larger tables feel like enforced small talk time to us. We love to talk to other people during the day and often do so, but dinner is our time.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Definitely not. We have so many opportunities to dine alone with each other (like every single night). One of our favorite parts of cruising is the people we meet at our table. It's always amazed me that magically we are seated with a great group of people.

I've always assumed it's mostly because we're all on the ship to enjoy ourselves, relax and make new friends.

[Namvet4]

As a newbie cruiser, my DW and I have selected table for two: For the simple reason that we will celebrate our anniversay on the date we sail. :)
It is an interesting thread and it seems everybodys reasons are well stated and make sense for their individual preferences...

[cruzincurt]

I guess life is like a box of chocolates. Lots of different size tables to hopefully suit everyone.

[DD]

When it's my husband and I, we always like large tables, minimum of 8. In my opinion, a table for 4 or 6 can be the kiss of death if you get a weird couple at your table. There's no escaping them! If you have a large table, the chances of having someone at your table with whom you connect is very good. I've met such fabulous people cruising that it makes me very open to the idea of being seated with others.

On one cruise that we took last year, it was open seating. We did a table for 2 each night and that was nice too. To be honest, though, I almost prefer the large table. I like talking with others about what they did in the ports. I like hearing people's travel stories and I like getting tips/ideas about what to do at upcoming ports.

When I travel with my husband and parents, I prefer a table for 4. Because we don't live near my parents, I cherish the opportunity to spend time with them on a cruise. So, we like to just sit as family and have private time.

[cruisequeen10]

On our Zuiderdam Alaska July 8-15 my mother and I had requested a table for two by the window. When we boarded we were put at a table for 4 with a couple from England. We were at the upper first sitting. First, there are no tables for two by the window. Second, we had a great time with our dining companions. They had requested a table for six, but got a table for four. Sometimes I don't think that the cruise line listens to what people want.

[HeatherInFlorida]

After posting I remembered a thought I often have about this subject. While some of us like a table for 2 on cruises, the vast majority of us (I think) still opt for a larger table. Not only do we say it's okay, it's our absolute preference.

But I've often thought about how we would feel if we walked into a restaurant with our spouse one night and the Maitre D' asked us whether we'd prefer to dine alone or with 4, 6 or 8 strangers.

We'd think he was kidding, right? But when you think about it, why the heck not?????:p It would be a great way to meet neighbors!

Can you imagine our reaction? Yet we all willingly accept the idea of dining with complete strangers for 7+ nights on a cruise, but would probably balk at the idea of joining others in a restaurant or even at a resort.

We really are a funny lot, aren't we???;)

[RuthC]

But I've often thought about how we would feel if we walked into a restaurant with our spouse one night and the Maitre D' asked us whether we'd prefer to dine alone or with 4, 6 or 8 strangers.

We'd think he was kidding, right? But when you think about it, why the heck not?????:p It would be a great way to meet neighbors!

There are restaurants (not enough, IMO) that have just such a set-up for singles. I'd love to be able to join others when dining out alone.

As for couples, there is a difference between joining others at home and on a ship. At home is a one-shot deal, whereas on a cruise there is an opportunity over several (or more) nights to get to know others beyond the very basics. It's amazing how, on a long cruise, people really let their hair down and get comfortable with each other.
'course, there's the other thing that there's not enough room on a ship for every individual party, either. At least not unless you drag out the "open for business" hours.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ruth, for myself I agree because we choose to cruise HAL and Celebrity who still do dining this way. But on some lines with the dine-anytime-and-where-whatever-the-heck-you-want policy;) , you can stroll into any of many restaurants onboard and you are seated with others (if you choose). So in that case, you would still only meet the people for one night.

Dining in your hometown, you might get to meet someone who lives a few doors down from you. I think it's a great idea and didn't know they do it at all (for singles). I think it would be a hard sell to couples.

It's just interesting to me how some of us change our perspective when cruising and what isn't okay at home is great on a cruise.

[cool change]

We like doing both depending on the cruise. Lately we have been getting a table for 2. DH feels guilty if we want to eat someplace else one night. He thinks it might be rude if we dont show. One night we noticed a women at a table next to us who was sitting by herself at a table for 6 on a formal night. We decided to move to her table ( we had the same waiters) and had a great time. She was greatful and we got to do something different. We have also made friends for life sharing tables in the past. So it just depends what we are in the mood for. Theres no right or wrong.

[kakalina]

We made the mistake ( for us ) on our first cruise by requesting a table for two. After the first night DH discovered that the DR was not for him and ate every evening in the Lido he still does that) . After several nights of dining alone I asked to be placed at a larger table. It turned out a lovely couple had been waitlisted for a table for two. They were so happy to get it that they bought me a drink. I was moved to a large table and everyone was happy. Now, of course, I always request a large table.

[drdaddy]

It seems that although there is something for everyone, the 2's have it by a slim margin. We also vote for a deuce. We just celebrated our 28th anniversary (known each other for 35 years, ouch!) and we still are bestest friends and enjoy each other a whole lot. (We are 52 years old) We are just so afraid of having a table that we would not enjoy. Maybe this is one of the reasons we like HAL. They honor special table requests and have many deuces.

Cool Change almost brought tears to my eyes. How terrible it could be to be at a large table as a single and come to formal night and sit alone. I am sure a single goes on a cruise to meet other people and to be alone would be so sad. I hope that if I see someone like that, my wife and I would have the gumption to do what she and her husband did. As a matter of fact, I might even pay a little more attention to something like that. That's how nice I think it was that they did that. And I am ashamed that I am sure I have seen it and did nothing.

[OceanLiner]

We always request a table for two at dinner, but we always make sure to ask to share a table for lunch. In this way we can mingle and have a great conversation, but if our table mates are duds, it's only one lunch, not an entire cruise. If we really get along we will make a date for lunch the next day, or if we really, really get along we simply ask the concierge to arrange for all of us to have dinner together. Never a problem.

[saltydog28]

Ruth and Heather--Did you ever consider going to a church or firehouse function (and some restaurants-Lancaster co. Pa.) that serves family style? You're seated in the next available seat and the sidedishes and drink pitchers are on the table.(would you mind passing that down? So, where are you folks from?) I realize that they may not be in your areas. And they're not for everyone, but you do get to meet the locals and alot of people that aren't. Especially if it's listed in the local paper.

Take care,
Pat.

[Randyk47]

When we first started cruising my DW was somewhat concerned that we were not at a table for two. She's more an introvert than I am and supposedly would have been very happy to dine without company. As it turned out we sat at a table for four and made some wonderful friends, one of whom has sadly passed on recently, with whom we stayed in contact with for several years. Subsequently we've sat at tables for four to eight and because of that we've made some great friends. So much so that we'll be cruising with one of the couples for the third time this coming March. My wife is my best friend and I always want to be with her, so much so that my staff jokingly calls me "velcro husband" because I'm always with my wife (we even work for the same agency so we truly have a 24/7 relationship). Other than dinner we don't do much with our cruise mates though, we're perfectly happy entertaining each other. :)

[RuthC]

Ruth and Heather--Did you ever consider going to a church or firehouse function (and some restaurants-Lancaster co. Pa.) that serves family style?
Pat, thank you so much for that idea! :) Although I do live several states away I have a friend in the area and have been known to visit. Maybe some time when I "cruise" on down we can do that! :)

[tommy k]

We have never regretted being at a table for six.The conversations were a lot more varied. Some nights some couples go off on land or in room or speciality dinning.People are what crusing is all about.

[fcorey]

Thank you to everyone that has take the time post their comments. This has been really great. I think that we are going to let our table assignment be whatever it is. We have no children and can dine alone whenever, meeting others is part of the experience. now i just have to wait 4 more weeks! :D

[xeena]

if it is just DH and I we ask for a table for 2.....if we are with another couple....a 4 top.

we go to have fun, relax, see new ports and not to meet a slew of poeple.....maybe we are antisocial....

PS: we've been married for 39 years....and like each other's company ! i can chat people up in other venues.....we have had a few large tables that were quite awkward....either we were the odd couple with a group of 6....or people with whom we have little in common.....

that's the great thing about HAL.....they have lots of dining choices....

cant wait for Dec 9th on the Amsterdam

[Love Cruises]

Everyone has their own preferences. My husband and I prefer a table for two. This way we can eat at our own pace. If we want to skip courses (yes... sometimes we do!), you don't have to wait for everyone to catch up.
If we want to hurry to a movie, show or game, we don't feel guilty in speeding up our dinner and heading out of the dining room.

[hammybee]

Can you imagine our reaction? Yet we all willingly accept the idea of dining with complete strangers for 7+ nights on a cruise, but would probably balk at the idea of joining others in a restaurant or even at a resort.

We really are a funny lot, aren't we???;)

A welcomed observation.

[hammybee]

[QUOTE=cool change] One night we noticed a women at a table next to us who was sitting by herself at a table for 6 on a formal night. QUOTE]

I travelled solo on business for 2.5 decades and had no issue with dining or being alone. Yet the thought that I might be sitting alone at a table, on a cruise ship, on a formal night, scares the beejesus out of me.

"Where did everyone go? Was it something I said? Did they opt out for the Pinnacle? Maybe they went to the Lido. Maybe they are running late? Why is everyone in this cotton-pickin dining room staring at me? Who cares. I am never going to see any of these people again. That one, over there, just pointed at me and now the entire table is turning around. Oh yeah, look at me the loser who is dining at a big table all alone. Maybe I can help the waitstaff. Give me something productive to do? And Rats. I ordered my self a birthday cake for tonight. Oh NOOOOOOOOOOO.

I admire solo cruisers.

[fcorey]

if it is just DH and I we ask for a table for 2.....if we are with another couple....a 4 top.

we go to have fun, relax, see new ports and not to meet a slew of poeple.....maybe we are antisocial....

PS: we've been married for 39 years....and like each other's company ! i can chat people up in other venues.....we have had a few large tables that were quite awkward....either we were the odd couple with a group of 6....or people with whom we have little in common.....

that's the great thing about HAL.....they have lots of dining choices....

cant wait for Dec 9th on the Amsterdam

xeena, that doesnt make you antisocial, you just like quality company! ;) Congratulations on 39 years, this october will only be 6 yrs for us. thanks for the comments

love cruises, I had not given thought to time, and waiting for others etc. Just goes to show what a newbie I am! thanks

hammybee, you are what my dear granny refers to a "a hoot" , I also travel solo for work, and have got to a point where I am used to it. I think the fact that I am generally a shy person is what is leading me to consider a larger table...but who know I may chicken out when I get aboard and ask for a table for two :o

[kryos]

[QUOTE=cool change]I admire solo cruisers.
I cruise solo quite a bit, and I'll be honest ... if my dining room companions ever did that to me ... knowing that I am traveling solo ... I would be a bit put out. If they have other plans, and know that I am sailing on my own, the polite thing would be to inform me that they will not be showing up at the table the following night, and then let me plan accordingly. I certainly don't expect to be included in their plans, but I don't think it is asking too much for a little advance notice.

Thankfully, I have never been deserted by my dining companions and left to dine at a big table by myself. But, I will say this ... if it ever did happen, I would certainly not hesitate to ask the dining room steward to seat me at another table with empty spots.

At home, I too have no problem dining alone. In fact, I do it all the time because my schedule is such that often I eat at wierd times. It's not unusual for me to go to the local diner for breakfast at 10:00 p.m. at night ... on my way to work. But dining alone at home is one thing. I'm not there for a good time. I'm there to feed my face and get on with my schedule. On a cruise, it's different. Dining is a social experience ... a leisurely social experience that it is very hard to enjoy when dining at the table by yourself.

So, there is nothing to admire here. Cruising solo is wonderful. And with a little courtesy on all sides, even the dining aspect of it can be wonderful too.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Guienevere_Arianette]

Lauren and I are not antisocial, but we do enjoy our time together during dinner. We can focus on the food and each other. We always request a table for two.:)

Enjoy!
Kel

I'm a HAL newbie, so perhaps you could give me advice on how to get the table for two; I requested a table for two through my TA,but haven't heard anything. I don't know if that's standard procedure, though; maybe TAs take care of small requests like that and don't bother with a confirmation? Also, how would I know what table type I am assigned to? Looking at my invoice from the TA, I can see that I am signed up for the late dining time, but that's about it.:confused:

[jtl513]

We always ask for a table for 2. Got tired of the bad pot luck we were getting with larger tables.

Ditto. Too many times in pot luck seating situations (on both land and sea) we have fallen into situations where most of the other people know each other, or worse yet are a family, or form a clique (sp?) early on, and we end up being shut out, not wanting to "eavesdrop" on their conversation, or try to butt in, or try to have our own separate conversation!

Of course we could ask for another table, but what if you happen to run into people from the first table later on and they ask "where have you been"? What do we say?

I don't think "it's us" because on our last cruise we had a table for two that was about 10 inches from another table for 2 with a couple that were on their first cruise, and started asking us questions about things. By the 3rd night it had effectively turned into a table for 4.

[jtl513]

... about how we would feel if we walked into a restaurant with our spouse one night and the Maitre D' asked us whether we'd prefer to dine alone or with 4, 6 or 8 strangers.

We'd think he was kidding, right? But when you think about it, why the heck not?????:p It would be a great way to meet neighbors!

Can you imagine our reaction? Yet we all willingly accept the idea of dining with complete strangers for 7+ nights on a cruise, but would probably balk at the idea of joining others in a restaurant or even at a resort.

We really are a funny lot, aren't we???;)

Quite the contrary for us. Although never at a restaurant with Maitre d', we've often agreed to "share a table" at a place with a long line waiting, precisely because it is a one-shot deal. How bad can it be compared to standing around hungry for who knows how much longer, and it might even be a pleasant experience. More often than not it has been.

But getting stuck in a bad situation for 7+ nights (see my post #43) is a whole 'nother deal!! :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

jtl, we'd be happy to as well. But it's never come up for us here. Have to admit, when there's a line at a restaurant we don't even park the car.

Also, nine times out of ten there's as long a wait for 4 or 6 as there is for 2.

Still, it's a great idea. I have done it at lunch with friends. We were two and Toojays only had a large table so a group of women joined together and we had a great time!:)

[jtl513]

We were two and Toojays ...

Ahhhhh, Toojays Pastrami!! You're making my mouth water! :D

[michmike]

I think it's one of the great things about cruising that there are any number of options, from type of cabin, to dining time, to number at a table, to dining room vs lido, to length of cruise, ports of call etc.

No right or wrong answer to this one. I think a lot of it depends on whether you routinely have a chance to dine together at home, in which case the "2 of us together" thing is less compelling, or if you've had the tablemate from hell and want to avoid the chance of that ever happening again.

We always cruise with another couple (friends of ours for 35+ yrs) and we typically ask for a table of 8 or 10 as we enjoy meeting others and hearing about their travel experiences. In 6 cruises together we have yet to get a true "dud" and have had a number who were a delight.

We did end up at a 6 top 2 cruises ago and that was a tad awkward as even though we made every effort to be inclusive, it's hard for the other couple not to feel odd man out in that setting.

Ended up w/ a 4 top last trip despite a request for 8 or 10 and that worked out fine but we did miss the interaction with others. Sailing on Westerdam in just over a week and hoping that we'll again be at an 8 or 10.

So the long and short of it is...do what feels right for you and then relax and enjoy the trip.

[HeatherInFlorida]

..................
No right or wrong answer to this one. ...............

And isn't that refreshing???:D Nice pleasant quiet thread.

Jtl, I know!!!!:) ... wish I was having some right now!

[JABTPS]

A very wide range of reasons for seating. :rolleyes:

DW and I have always chose the large table of 8. This always ensures a good mix of people and not stuck with couples traveling together.

We took a Captain Cook cruise in Australia (Great Barrier Reef) and were the only Americans on Board. It was funny to see the others fighting to seat with us at our table! The seating was somewhat open on a very small ship, and was most enjoyable talking with others about their travels, home town, and what they enjoyed so far on the trip.

[serendipity1499]

We've never cruised alone..Twice we cruised with a large group of our sailing friends...Other times, we've cruised with another couple (our very dear friends) & always request a table for 8..Most times we've been at a large table & a few times have been at a table for 6..We try to change seats during the course of the cruise, so we can enjoy our other tablemates, but only if they all agree..

We've been pretty lucky as we've always enjoyed our tablemates & have never had anyone Noshow the dining room..The last time we were at a table for six & invited our tablemates to join us the night we had Pinnacle Reservations..They happily agreed & it too was a nice night...

There have been times that we've had such fun with our tablemates, & others in the dining room were a bit put out with our laughter..:o

I thank my lucky stars I'm not sitting with a sourpuss... Occasionally we've observed one or two of them & feel sorry for the others at their table..;)

Happy cruising all..:) Betty

[JR Ewing]

I guess I'm glad that I'm with my bride. We will not do a cruise that will not offer table for two unless existing friends are travelling with us or family. I am sorry but I maybe get two weeks off each year. One week is dedicated to a cruise while my mother watches our son/dog/cat. It is the only one on one getway per year. It is fabulous. We just get into each other like we did before having a kid. It's all about us. I love the formal nights where we just sit across from each other and talk - and look good at the same time. We don't go on cruises to make friends or make small talk. We go on a cruise once a year just to be together. It might sound cheesy but it's the one week I really look forward to each year. To have my wife to myself. Heck, we don't go on cruises for ports anymore. We go for the ship/cabin. We are in the minority I know. But we are those people who pay upcharges for suite ammenities and actually use them. If the ship never stopped, we couldn't care less. We like a balcony at the stern and good food/service. That's our MO.

[dkathi]

On all of our cruises, we have requested a large table. I like 8. Most times it has worked out great! Now that I am retired & disabled, I seldom get to meet or converse with new people and I really look forward to it while cruising. In fact, one of the main reasons I like HAL so much is the wonderful people we meet. We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner alone at home every day & I don't want to do it on a cruise. Once, the people at our table were having so much fun, others in the dining room were sure we came as a group! Another time when we met the tablemates there was such a difference in age, I was sure we should request a table change but we gave it some time and really enjoyed our tablemates as well as a great waiter. Earlier this year on the Maasdam, table for 6, I came back to the cabin and said if I have to sit with those people for dinner every night, I'm not going to the dining room! Even that worked out in the end and we had some very amusing times. Only once did we do a table for 2 and that was our 25th anniversary and we had changed tables already 2x on that cruise. The one thing I didn't like on NCL freestle dining etc. was that we always ate alone and never met anyone.

[Esther M]

After our 2nd cruise we began to get a table for two. My husband is a physician and I am a clinical social worker and invetiably we feel like we are at work interpreting medical issues and emotional problems. Therefore, we eat only with eachother and use other opportunities to meet fellow passengers. We are not anti-social but use our traveling to get away from work.
HAL has always honored our request, so has Celebrity but Princess has not.
-Esther
Cooperstown, NY

Ryndam - Alaska 2x
Westerdam - Baltic
Grand Princess - Western Carribean
Costa - Eastern Carribean
Celebrity Constellation- Southern Carribean
Noordam- Mediteranean
UPCOMING:
Zuiderdam - Carribean
Veendam - Eastern Mediterranean

[CateW]

We always request a table for 2 for many of the reasons others have mentioned but mostly because we like each other's company and focusing on each other during dinner.

[croozymooner]

Ditto. Too many times in pot luck seating situations (on both land and sea) we have fallen into situations where most of the other people know each other, or worse yet are a family, or form a clique (sp?) early on, and we end up being shut out, not wanting to "eavesdrop" on their conversation, or try to butt in, or try to have our own separate conversation!

Of course we could ask for another table, but what if you happen to run into people from the first table later on and they ask "where have you been"? What do we say?



this happened to us on our honeymoon. we were initially with another honeymooning couple who were just total duds so we requested to move to another table with a couple we had met earlier. we ran into the first couple frequently and just smiled and were polite and when they asked us where we went, we just said we switched tables to eat with some friends. quite frankly, I don't really care what they think. I'm on my honeymoon to have fun! Our new table for 8 was a blast.

[LHC]

If it was a special occasion (anniversary, honeymoon, secret getaway) then I could see a table for two, but for DD and I we made 5 lasting friends at our table for 7 last year and have enjoyed emailing and staying in touch with them this year.
One couple and a mother in law where from Canada, with the most delightful accents and stories. The mother in law but DD and I to shame as she was up late, up early and dancing each night away usually with a different good looking man! The other couple were from PA and I enjoyed out conversations so very much as she was a retired teacher and I am a school nurse plus they both owned a bookstore now, and I adore to read.
It was truly a highlight of our travels meeting and getting to know this group!
Linda

[HeatherInFlorida]

JR Ewing, I just loved your post. I love your reasons for cruising and I love that you take this break from everyday life and just enjoy each other.

Some people have said they get a table for two because they enjoy each other's company. I'd hate to have anyone think that we like to get a large table because we don't enjoy each other:eek: .

On the contrary, every night of our lives we have dinner together just the 2 of us ... and usually by candlelight (twilight of our years;) ). We generally spend at least an hour having dinner and talking until the skies grow dark and the house even darker and we need to go turn on a light or two. Living in Florida we sit on our back patio, look at our lake, reflect on the day, memories past, and plans for the future.

For that reason, when we go on a cruise we love sharing in the lives and stories of others. But my husband is forever and always my confidante and best friend.

[starysacz]

Table for two when we are traveling without our cruising friends. Will be cruising with our friends, two couples, and have requested a table for six on our next cruise in February. Plenty of opportunities for socialization experiences at the Lido for lunch or breakfast or lunch in the dining room.

[kelmac]

I'm a HAL newbie, so perhaps you could give me advice on how to get the table for two; I requested a table for two through my TA,but haven't heard anything. I don't know if that's standard procedure, though; maybe TAs take care of small requests like that and don't bother with a confirmation? Also, how would I know what table type I am assigned to? Looking at my invoice from the TA, I can see that I am signed up for the late dining time, but that's about it.:confused:

Guienevere_Arianette,

HAL has a list of everyone's requests, but it is not final until the ship's Maitre'd puts things together just before your cruise. Your TA won't know anything. You will have a card in your cabin when you arrive at the port listing your table. You can head to the dining room and they will have a map showing where your table is located. Check it out; if it looks okay to you, then fine; if not visit the Asst' Maitre'd in charge of tables and they will make a change. HAL is very good at meeting your requests, if fact, I not only request a table for two, but I request specific tables. I have maps of most dining rooms, if you would like a suggestion let me know.

Enjoy!
Kel

[jtl513]

I have maps of most dining rooms, if you would like a suggestion let me know.
Enjoy!
Kel

We really like the tables for 2 on the upper level along the railing around the staircase. Do you have a map showing those on the Veendam that you could email to me? (jothla@bellsouth.net) If you can't send a copy, can you tell me how the 5 on each side are numbered? How did you get these maps, just collect them over time from ships you've been on? If so, who do I ask, the maitre d' ? Thanks in advance!

John

[European_CruiseGirl]

HAL is very good at meeting your requests, if fact, I not only request a table for two, but I request specific tables. I have maps of most dining rooms, if you would like a suggestion let me know.

Enjoy!
Kel

I would be interested in the Noordam upper level tables for two (next to the railing). Could you perhaps suggest something? We have our 5 year anniversary with DH during our cruise and would therefore like a table for two this time.

Thanks so much. :) :) :) If you have a map that you could e-mail me do let me know - I will post my e-mail address then.

[kelmac]

I would be interested in the Noordam upper level tables for two (next to the railing). Could you perhaps suggest something? We have our 5 year anniversary with DH during our cruise and would therefore like a table for two this time.

Thanks so much. :) :) :) If you have a map that you could e-mail me do let me know - I will post my e-mail address then.

Hi European_CruiseGirl,

I have maps for the Zuiderdam and the Westerdam. These two are identical, so since the Noordam is a sister ship to these two, I would think the dining room map to be the same. Tables 79, 77, 90, 88, 84, 302(B), and 73 are all upstairs on the railing. Leave your email if you want a copy.

Enjoy!
Kel

[kelmac]

We really like the tables for 2 on the upper level along the railing around the staircase. Do you have a map showing those on the Veendam that you could email to me? (jothla@bellsouth.net) If you can't send a copy, can you tell me how the 5 on each side are numbered? How did you get these maps, just collect them over time from ships you've been on? If so, who do I ask, the maitre d' ? Thanks in advance!

John

John,
Check your email for the map. Has the contact person I got it from at HAL HQ's.

Have a wonderful cruise,
Kel

[Copper10-8]

John,
Check your email for the map. Has the contact person I got it from at HAL HQ's.

Have a wonderful cruise,
Kel

Kel, would you be kind enough to send me a copy of that map, also?
jmprins@sbcglobal.net (jmprins@sbcglobal.net)

Much obliged!

[European_CruiseGirl]

Hi European_CruiseGirl,
---
Leave your email if you want a copy.
---
Enjoy!
Kel

Hi - thanks so much. :)

You can send the copy to: european_cruisegirl@hotmail.com

[HeatherInFlorida]

Kelmac, I hate to be a bother because you're inundated, but if you have the DR plan for Veendam would you mind also emailing it to:

Luvs2cruise@aol.com

Thank you!!!

John, does "jmprins" stand for "just mad for Prinsendam????:D

[Copper10-8]

John, does "jmprins" stand for "just mad for Prinsendam????:D

Nope, just plain "mad" as in 51-50, crazy, not all the way there, lights are on but nobody's home, elevator does not go all the way to the top floor, train got off the tracks, you know what I mean;)

A lot of folks don't know this but that ship was named after my forefathers

[kelmac]

Kelmac, I hate to be a bother because you're inundated, but if you have the DR plan for Veendam would you mind also emailing it to:

Luvs2cruise@aol.com

Thank you!!!

John, does "jmprins" stand for "just mad for Prinsendam????:D

Hi Heather and John,

Check your email, should be there. Let me know if I can help. Have a wonderful cruise!

Kel

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thanks so much, Kel!!!

John, ??? ... :confused: ... I think one of my lights are out today, one oar out of the water, not quite getting it ....... :)