FOR DISCUSSION: Which dinner seating, and why?

[halos]

Was just wondering which dinner seating you prefer, early or late...and if you usually prefer one over the other, have you ever switched up to try the 'other' one just to see how it was?

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[d_foster]

Only been on one cruise so far. But I really liked the early seating. We were always ready to go back to the boat by 3-4:00 and I can not imagine being at dinner at 9-10:00. We were always tired and wanted to go relax in the hot tub.

11/13 Glory
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;11;13;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[Tera821]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I love the late dinner seating. You don't feel rushed after a day of activities. If you get hungry before then, you can order a little something from room service or go up to the buffet. Plus, you get out of dinner just in time to go to one of those fabulous shows!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;10;3;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
...until the Carnival Miracle October 3, 2004

[CruiseFever]

We eat early at home and plan an early dinner at sea, we just like it like that. It's good for our teens too because then they can get it out of the way and be off with their friends.

Later, we'll stop by a buffet or order something from room service too.

Personally, I think the food is better early and I have brainwashed myself to believe that when we eat early there is more time for me to "work it off" before bedtime...as though I will be doing anything more difficult that hoisting up a Corona

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[imatarb]

I'm of the opposite inclination. I prefer late seating. I feel the dining room staff seems less rushed and can spend just a bit more time making things personal. There is no other seating after you to keep them watching their watches and inadvertantly rushing.

I like the pace of eating late, and since I don't do it normally at home, I like the difference.

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

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Until VICTORY is ours 5/9/04


<MARQUEE>A day at sea is better than any day at work</MARQUEE>

[jdfloyd]

Hi Halos!

On our past three cruises we've elected to early seating.

Advantage: earlier show time and earlier to bed, more time in the casino, able to enjoy the midnight buffet food, more on my time schedule in Ohio.

Disadvantage: early to rise for breakfast, often missed dinner due to being in port. More children as most families choose the earlier seating to feed the young ones and get them to bed.

For our upcoming Ecstasy cruise we've decided to do late seating. With the three hour time change we'll be eating around the same time as we do in Ohio. Plus we wanted to try a change.

Good question..thanks for thinking and asking! I too am interested in the responses!

Joe and Dianna

SENSATION
5/5-5/12 2002

S/S NORWAY
5/18-5/25 2003

Paradise
7/27-8/3 2003

until complete ECSTASY&nbsp;http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;06;28;17;30;00&timezone=GMT-0800

[d_foster]

I never felt rushed to eat fast. But I did feel a sence of urgency to leave once to meal was over. I guess that could be a negative to early dinner.

11/13 Glory
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;11;13;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[tef43]

I've had them both. I used to prefer late seating for a number of reasons (obvious one - less children in the dining room!), but went back to the main seating in January on the Triumph. It was fine, as there were few kids on board anyway.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[imatarb]

Hey, Tef...

My sympathy goes out to the Wings. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I noticed you took the logo off your signature.

Lisa

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;9;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Until VICTORY is ours 5/9/04


<MARQUEE>A day at sea is better than any day at work</MARQUEE>

[halos]

I love everyone's responses.
Once in a while we need a nice non-agressive topic.
I have only done late seating thus far and we enjoy it. I think I'd be hesitant to do the earlier seating because I wouldn't want to be rushed back to the ship from port.
It takes me a good hour to get dressed, so that cuts my time as it is. So, that's me.
It also is good for the fact that I am usually too full to even think about the midnight buffet...I once went just to look at it.
It's amazing that before the cruise, all I can think about is how I can't wait to eat all that food...then, by the second day, I feel like I am going to just BLOW!
(Picture that kid in the Willy Wonka Movie that turns Violet and blows up to look like a big, fat blueberry!)

Ooompa Looompa!

I believe in Miracles
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MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[halos]

Tef,
I'm a Flyers fan, myself.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[tef43]

The coach has got to go. 6-10 playoff record since Scotty retired is unacceptable.

Don Cherry's available. Now *there* is someone who would have no problem dressing appropriately for the dining room.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[mecagirl]

I've only been on one cruise (soon to be two!), but I think I prefer the early seating. If I'm going to be eating late I want it to be indulgent, not the normal meal of the day (that's not to say cruise food is normal).
I'm not a sun worshipper, so I don't like to spend all day on port days on the beach. I'm back to the ship before dinner anyway.
I don't mind the fact that there are more children at the early seating. As long as parents don't allow their children to scream without removing them from the dining room, then I don't mind the children. They seem to make the experience that much more interesting.
Just my two cents...

[PINEVIEW01]

Tef yep not the same without Scotty. The DD & SIL are die hard fans no matter how bad. Where near Detroit are you? Near Flint herehttp://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Melody

Paradise, 9-5-04
Holiday, 4-10-04
Inspiration, 11-30-03
Inspiration, 1-26-03
Victory,3-31-02
Sensation, 11-28-98
Holiday, 3-19-94

[jandbsmom]

We did late seating, and I enjoyed it. We would sit at our table afterwards and chat with our newly made friends and our waiters. We got to know them all really well. I know the last night, all of us and our waiters chatted for about 30 minutes after we had finished. Had we had early dining, I'm sure we couldn't have done that. We had a blast, and we were close to the Mikado for the shows afterwards and could just walk right over after dinner. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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Days until we leave on the Elation




http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v46/jakobandbrandonsmom/boystropical.jpg


My two pumpkins!

[PINEVIEW01]

We have done early and it worked well for us. We got to do more after dinner, made a coupl mid-nights. But, this last time we had "main" which is 1/2 hr. earlier than the main 2nd, that half hour made just enough difference that we missed dinner a couple times. I just saw on Carnivals site you can choose one of the four differnt times. The TA had only asked early or late. I'll always ask for main 2rd from now on.

Melody

Paradise, 9-5-04
Holiday, 4-10-04
Inspiration, 11-30-03
Inspiration, 1-26-03
Victory,3-31-02
Sensation, 11-28-98
Holiday, 3-19-94

[NancAngel]

on our first cruise we did the late seating..i think its safe to say never again... DH and i just enjoy eating earlier, and then that gives him time to enjoy the midnight buffet.. i'm not much into eating after dinner so it doesnt bother me..
what did bother me was no snacks.. we did get chips one afternoon with lunch from room service.. but I might have to pack some this next cruise..
earlier just works for us.
as far as our kids are concerned they will eat pizza whenever they can..LoL
Nanc


http://www.websmileys.com/sm/angels/littleangel.gif

Oceanic 9/86
Fantasy 5/97
Paradise 9/28/03
Carnival Valor 2/20/05
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[Host Randy]

1. Party on the Lido deck late in the day
2. Not have to rush back from a port for dinner
3. Getting that break before dinner to chill in cabin

Yeah...definitely LATE....Tried one time early and moved the next day........but to each his own. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

CLICK HERE for "Valor Vampires" Cruise Info on Valor 10/30/05 (http://www.cruisecritic.com/interests/groups.cfm?ID=53)
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Randy ~ Build17@aol.com
Dallas, TX

Destiny-5/00, Victory-3/01, Pride-6/02,Celebration-11/02,
Conquest-3/03,Glory-9/03,
RCI Mariner-1/04,Triumph -3/04,Elation-5/04,Sensation -10/04, Miracle - 2/05, Valor - 10/05

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[pgmrdev]

We prefer the early seating, but conversely this also locks you into the early seating for breakfast, if you eat in the dining room. The one downside to early dining is you miss some wonderful sunsets and sailways.
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[ken_nyc]

With the experience of an early dinner under our belt we are going to try the 8 pm dinner. We also experienced a sense of urgency at the early dinner, almost rushed. We were late getting back at one of our ports and just missed getting into the early dinner, got lucky and the Maitre'd got us into the late seating and we noticed the staff a little more relaxed and not as hurried.

Carnival Pride 8/17/02 (Western Caribbean)
Carnival Glory 8/21/2004 (Eastern Caribbean) 30th Anniversary Cruise
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=008080&cdt=2004;8;21;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500http://cruises.about.com/library/graphics/newships/CQclass.gif
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[tef43]

I used to think of the main seating as rushed, too. Last year on the Paradise, I had late seating and it just dragged on forever. Very, very tedious.

For main seating on the Triumph in January, we didn't feel rushed at all. A world of difference from how I remembered early seating back in the day.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[madelinerose]

I requested late for dh and myself. More romantic, especially since we intend to dine at Nick & Nora's (supper club) twice during our cruise.

We'll be celebrating our 5th anniversary and I just think late will be much more convenient. We can even take a nap after port excursions if we're totally wiped out and not have to rush to dinner. We prefer dining when it's dusk or later when we go to a restaurant, so, late should be great for us.

I've also requested a table for two. Does anyone have an opinion about the 2-top?

Thanks!

Karen http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Carnival Miracle 10/24/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2004;10;24;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[scottp]

We always, always ask for early. For some reason, after a long day in port, we are usually back on the ship by 3-4 PM. Ready to shower, & get ready for dinner. It also allows us to be able to have free evenings available and by about 11:00 PM we are able to eat again if we desire. Or go to bed on a "not so full" stomach!!

I see advantages and disadvantages of both!! I guess it's good that everyone doesn't want the same time. That would be a Major problem!!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ffff&cdt=2004;6;19;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0400&nbsp;Until the FUN begins!!!!

[tef43]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by madelinerose:
I've also requested a table for two. Does anyone have an opinion about the 2-top?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I've never understood this, but JMO,YMMV.

For us, dining with a diverse group of people is a highlight. We had the BEST tablemates on the Triumph, and ended up doing a lot of other stuff with them as well. You say you plan on utilizing the supper club at least twice, which is perfect for those intimate meals. I'd not want to miss out on enjoying the company of the other passengers at the remaining sittings.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[cruiserNC]

My DW and I like early seating so we would have room to eat again right after the show! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Fantasy 4/00
Fascination 4/02
Victoria 4/03
Majesty of Seas 11/03
Triumph 4/04
Imagination 11/04

[AllenF]

We eat around 530pm to 600pm at home and prefer eating early on the cruise also. I think if my wife and i had to wait till 8 pm to eat we would both be crabby and I dont like snacking before dinner kind of ruins it for me...so definately early.

11/02/03 Carnival Inspiration
03/20/04 Carnival Glory
12/13/04 Carnival Legend
04/17/05 Carnival Spirit

Till the Legend Sails
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Taking the Spirit West Aloha style
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[robcool]

Early. We like being done with dinner, going to the shows, and then having some room for the buffet.

--------------------------
"Semper Gumby" - Always Flexible
12/01 - Victory (Victory Review (http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=560))
2/04 - Fascination (Fascination Review (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=55610437&r=91010067#91010067))

It's a Miracle! Cruising on the Miracle 12/12/04!
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[halos]

It's great that the opinions are so split, or else we'd all be crammed into the dining room, eating at the same time!

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[CruiseFever]

Tom/anybody who likes to eat with strangers-

Have you ever been disappointed with your tablemates?

We've always shyed away from dining with others for one reason because our family of four fills a table easily but we've always been a little leery of eating with people we never met.

This thread, however, has me reconsidering this as an enriching part of the cruise that we're missing out on.

yes?

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[tef43]

Chris,

I've had amazing luck over the years with tablemates. And as I've repeatedly stated, the ones last time out were the BEST. We ended up on the America's Cup Regatta together in SXM and won the race (woo-hoo!) with our tablemate as Captain. About halfway through the cruise, we started all sitting together at the shows. No one planned it, it just happened.

With a family of four, I would think that you would need at least an eight- or ten-top table, so as to not overly dominate the table talk with "family" stuff. A six-top just wouldn't do.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[RabidDolly]

Okay let me get this right... early time is 6 and the late times are 8??? I was trying to figure out the times on this post but thought it would be better if I'd just straight out ask? What are the times???? lol http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

~~Dolly

Carnival Jubilee 6/2004
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[tef43]

Early:
5:45 and 6:15

Late:
8:00 and 8:30

Except on Spirit-class (only one dining room).

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[RabidDolly]

Thank you Tom... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

~~Dolly

Carnival Jubilee 6/2004
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;6;12;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[teedee]

My first cruise I had early dinner and didn't like it. Too rushed after coming back to the ship, unlike a lot of folks we usually stay in the port until about time to leave. I like to relax in the cabin or in the hot tub after a day in port before I get ready for dinner so it works out better for me. The last thing I want to do is eat at midnight, so the midnight buffet doesn't hold any appeal for me (now drinking at midnight is a whole 'nother ball game!)

As far as table mates, I've been really lucky except for my first cruise. It was my (then) 13 year old daughter, myself and 4 couples on their honeymoon. We felt kind of left out from that group.

Terri

Skyward - 1989
Carnivale - 1991
Holiday - 1994
Fantasy - 1998
Century - 2002
Century - 2003
Jubilee - 7/04
Century - 9/04
Coral Princess - 3/05
Valor - 10/05

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[imatarb]

Hey Robcool...my hubby and I lived in Westerville for three years, and our son was born at St. Ann's there. What a small world, eh?

We moved north to Michigan and I have to admit, I don't miss the OSU fans! LOL..

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

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Until VICTORY is ours 5/9/04


<MARQUEE>A day at sea is better than any day at work</MARQUEE>

[Cotton]

Madeline/Karen? ~ I've seen several couples at "tables for two", and they're always against a wall by the kitchen door, or in a corner somewhere. I've seen others on this board say the same thing. You might want to reconsider?

About early/late. I like having dinner at home around 6:30, so the 6:15 is perfect for me. (Ummm, room for more goodies later.)

I just booked another cruise, and my PVP asked me "Would you like early or late seating? I told her early, and she said "5:45 or 6:15?"...that surprised me. She said Carnival is trying a different method. Interesting, huh? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Chris ~ http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Man, that really surprises me! YOU, always-in-the-middle-of-everything-guy, and you haven't had dinner at a large table? Try it, you might like it? I love meeting my tablemates, and have never had to change tables except once, 'way back in '89. (Bubba from He!! made me lose my appetite!)



Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003

[madelinerose]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Thanks, Cotton...you always have good advice. I'm thinking I read somewhere on these boards that the Miracle is different. My dh was in the restaurant business for years and I can guarantee you we won't be sitting on a busy aisle or next to the kitchen - LOL!

I think I'll email Carnival. Maybe they have a seating chart or something or they can just tell me how many 2-tops there are and where they're located.

Also, thanks to Tom. I'll give the larger table some thought. I book all the vacations, so I haven't really sat down with dh to discuss ANYTHING. We've still got time, that's for sure. I'd be disappointed if we dined with people we had absolutely nothing in common with and couldn't change to a 2-top because they were all reserved. Guess it's a chance you take.

Thanks again!

Karen http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Carnival Miracle 10/24/04
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[This message was edited by madelinerose on 05-04-04 at 07:56 PM.]

[Cruisinita]

We have had both early and late seating. I prefer late but there are pros and cons to both. Sometimes late is too late when it's 8:30. We always seem to be going to bed full. The only place I definitely want the late seating is Bermuda. We missed 4 nights in the DR that cruise. If you make the wrong choice, just ask to change seatings.

Cape 8 Reunion on the Legend 6/24/04
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[PINEVIEW01]

I was leary of eating with strangers. We were sitted at a table for ten on all but the last cruise. I really enjoyed the larger table. I was very diapointed this last time at a table for just four. Our table mates were nice but they didn't come a lot and we were alone. Some mind set change huh?

Melody

Paradise, 9-5-04
Holiday, 4-10-04
Inspiration, 11-30-03
Inspiration, 1-26-03
Victory,3-31-02
Sensation, 11-28-98
Holiday, 3-19-94

[Sea Turtle]

Late seating only for me--dinner at home is always at a late hour so it wouldn't dawn on me to choose an early seating at sea.

And, as for the side topic on this post, dinner at a large table with people I don't know (well, I didn't know them on the first night) is always a highlight of my day/cruise. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

<img src=http://members.hometown.aol.com/bay2baygal/myhomepage/seaturtle.gif?mtbrand=AOL_US>

[bethee]

We have done both and prefer late seating. We like to go out for a couple drinks and to dance. Early we end up going back to the cabin until things start up and get comfy and do not go out again. We have been at tables for 6-8-10 and prefer the 8. Have had great people every time with only one exception. A mixed racial couple were there at a table for 10 and after the first night only that couple and us were left so do not know which of us ran the rest off but it was uncomfortable. The four of us did lots of things together though.

Late seating allows time for a nap after Senor Frogs.

[sea-cruise]

Most times we've taken the late seating, but this time we'll have the early one because we'll need some extra time at night for the shows, dancing, lido parties, etc. This will be our first Carnival cruise so I have been reading all I can on this cruiseline. I know we'll love it. To answer Chris' question about tablemates, we always requested tables for 8 or 10 enabling us to meet new people. The most interesting tablemates were an older couple, old enough to be our parents at the time, who had traveled on old freighters and cruiseships. They had the funniest stories to tell...we couldn't wait for dinner to see them again each night and hear about their past cruising adventures. (There was only ONE cruise that we suffered through, with tablemates who were so happy to finally be United States citizens, they wanted to stand up each night and holler, "We will make petition and everyone should sign..." (no matter what the subject was; whether it was a menu or a missed port of call)..... Yikes!!

"Nothing should be more highly prized than the value of each day".... celebrating cruise #30 soon

[jemingway]

When we're with our boys, we do early seating because they become ravenous about 6:00pm. When we are off parent duty, we do the late seating to have more time to relax with a drink before dinner. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[Megandie]

For years I had early seating and this past year I tried late seating and loved it so for the past 3 cruises it was late seating.

I liked it because there aren't that many kids in the dining room at that time and I don't have to rush back to the ship and hurry and get ready for dinner if I'm on shore. I'm not much of a midnight buffet'er so having dinner later doesn't spoil my urge to pigout at midnight since I don't get the urge.

If I'm hungry earlier I'll go to the early buffet.

[matt082600]

I personally prefer early as I like to have some time to not feel so stuffed after dinner. Plus, it gives you time to enjoy the ship at night after the show. As for table mates, I have been seated with strangers twice, once good and once bad. I must say as nice as the "good" time was, the bad time was bad enough to not let me want to ever sit with strangers again if at all possible. The people we sat with the "bad" time were nice people, we just had absolutely nothing in common with them and it made for very quite and sometimes uncomfortable dinners.