For Those Who Are Booked and Want Traditional Dining

[jhannah]

This is a slight twist on the AYWD thread, directed at those who definitely want traditional, fixed-seating dining and already have a cruise booked. This thread is NOT designed or intended to be a debate on the pros/cons of AYWD. That's being done sufficiently in another thread. (And, boy, is it ever!! ;) )

Now that the official implementation announcement has been made, how do you feel about your sailing? Did you book early enough that you're confident you'll have your wish be the reality for you?

Do you have a gnawing feeling that a large group will jump in and consume all or most of the fixed-seating tables, thereby forcing you and others into the AYWD setup?

Are you concerned enough about this to lead you to cancel your HAL cruise and go with another brand? Or are you thinking you'll just stick it out and hope for the best?

[2bout2c]

I love traditional seating. I was worried, I wasn't confirmed for it on the upcoming B2B Amsterdam. Surprise, surprise not only are they offering traditional only on the Asia Pacific 64day, but only 2 seating times 5:45pm and 8:00 pm. I am a happy cruiser.

[LHC]

I have an upcoming cruise with two of my children in December on the Volendam and if I am reading it right, they will roll out the plan mid November. What happens to our request for early upper seating for dinner? Do we need to enter our wishes now with the new plan.
Linda

[May4]

One of our upcoming cruises is on the Maasdam in the fall. The traditional dining will still be in place at that time. Yea and good deal!

Our Zuiderdam cruise in March is another kettle of fish. This is the sailing on which AYW is to begin according to the HAL press release. I'm hoping for the best (Main-Traditional) but admit to being quite nervous that something could go wrong and they'll stick us downstairs with the nomadic herd seeking a chair, any chair.

I'm not worried enough that I'd give up my cruise, though. No way is that ship leaving without me.:p

[jhannah]

Linda, I would call the TA right away and make certain you are confirmed for the dining arrangement you want.

[LHC]

My DS is disabled and poops out early plus he uses a power wheelchair so it needs to fit under the table. I thought we had it worked out for the three of us, put I will call the TA right away and we will go at it again.
Thanks for the heads up. We are confirmed for an early seating, accessible table by our booking (done last January).
Linda

[onthegogirl]

Just spoke to my cc at Hal and he indicated that I was # 38 waitlisted for Traditional Late Seating (my preference). However, he did indicate that if a large group (over 700) were to book, then I may not get what I want. So, while I don't think it's likely that a large group will book a 25 day cruise, I will check the group thread from time to time and keep my fingers crossed.

[kakalina]

Booked and guaranteed Jim. Dining won't make or break a cruise for me.

[sail7seas]

I'm still counting on the information I was given on Maasdam and GayleArc was told on Noordam......

That all who request Traditional Seating will be assigned to it even if they have to put some folks on lower level in order to do it.

We shall see.

[sail7seas]

Dining Assignment CAN make or break a cruise for us. It is very important to us to have our main upper at 8:00.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

In the last several years we have become one of those cruisers that books over a year in advance so getting our Early Dining really does not concern me, I feel confident that we will get what we are requesting but ....having gone out of our box and booked this 2nd Noordam cruise late in the game we shall see. We are Wail Listed for Early Upper when we first booked we were something like number 235 then within 2 days we were number 200. That has now been 2 week so I have not had my TA check it because it all honesty I don't care:) This cruise is just to return to the Noordam and have a great time. I did request to get the same table we had in June in hopes of getting the same servers but if that does not happen it certainly will not hurt the fun we will have. We are actually willing to try the Dine As You Wish if we have no other choice. Then we can come back and say if we do or do not like it. From what I have read we mostly would have not waiting for the DIne As You Wish because we do normally like to eat early but who knows if we did this we may choose to eat at 7 rather than 5:30;)

[NHBob]

I'm booked on Zuiderdam's 15 March transatlantic, one of the voyages indicated for the new AYWD. A little concerned that my confirmation dated 5 July shows my dining as "wait listed main/upper".

Have asked my TA to get confirmation that I will be assigned traditional dining, 2nd seating and I will post any developments on here.

In the meantime, I probably would not cancel this cruise (I'll put up with quite a lot for the Harry James band), but have asked TA to hold off on my planned October '08 Noordam booking until she gets assurances that traditional dining will be available for all who request it, and makes sure HAL knows how I feel about this.

Sorry if I sound like a snob, but I view this as just another step in Carnival's moving HAL further toward the mass market, undoubtedly because of having to fill larger and larger ships. Will be interesting to see if Berlitz still rates HAL as "Premium" in '08 or demotes them to NCL's "Standard".

[sail7seas]

Carnival Corporation bought HAL over 15 years ago. I don't see the 'connect' here re: AWY dining and Carnival Corporation.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sorry if I sound like a snob, but I view this as just another step in Carnival's moving HAL further toward the mass market, undoubtedly because of having to fill larger and larger ships. Will be interesting to see if Berlitz still rates HAL as "Premium" in '08 or demotes them to NCL's "Standard".
I too am getting tired of this comment sorry:o Carnival offically purchased HAL in January 1989
January 17, 1989
Carnival purchases Holland America Line-Westours Inc.
The above is taken from this we site
http://www.hollandamerica.com/about/history.do?date=1980

Something that occured more than 18 years ago is not still effecting HAL, HAL is effecting HAL plain and simple.

[hammybee]

Carnival acquired HAL its assets in 1989, almost 20 years ago. At that time, HAL was on the brink of financial disaster and if someone did not buy them, HAL would have been just another failed cruise line, in history.

[hammybee]

I would not cancel a cruise if I did not get the dining venue, time or table size of choice. I do not believe that a dining preference of any sort is guaranteed. I believe all cruise lines do their best to accommodate all passenger requests, when possible. Sometimes I get what I want. Sometimes not. When it's the latter, I compromize because it is all a function of cruising with 1500-3000 other passengers.

[RuthC]

OK, I want main, traditional sitting and have two cruises booked (not counting the one next week), so I'm one of those your question is directed toward.

My next two cruises will be the first for each ship (Rotterdam, Jan. 27; E-dam, July 5) under AYW. I do not feel certain, even though I booked each cruise well in advance, that I will have my requested dining. What I do have each time is a CC group with whom I've traveled and dined before. Even if I'm stuck with AYW I believe I will have companions and we can make a good time of it. :)

But beyond that---who knows. :confused: If I ever again have a cruise where I know no one before sailing (like next week's cruise) then I must be confirmed main, traditional or I won't book.
This is non-negotiable.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes we are concerned. Even though we have booked all our cruises months in advance - a couple nearly 2 years in advance, I do worry about a large group wanting the traditional dining and bumping us.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Should we end up on the lower level, that will probably be the end of HAL for us. We sat down there once -- we didn't like it. JMO

[bepsf]

Rev Greg and I are monumentally fortunate in that that the day after our upcoming cruise on Volendam is the day AYWD is implemented aboard that ship.

After that, its the Eurodam Inaugural, and I'll be co-ordinating fixed seating for all the CC'ers who wish to join our group at dinners - there should be quite a group of us at 2-3 tables in Upper Main again.

[onthegogirl]

I was told by my CC at Hal that the upper level will be set aside for Any Time Dining and the lower level for Traditional Dining. For those of us who believe that the upper level is the premiar venue, this decision is unfortunate.:mad:

[WindyCity]

When we booked our next cruise this past January, we were confirmed for early lower. With the onset of AYW dining, HAL automatically moved us to early upper confirmed, so we would still have our traditional dining.:)

[RevNeal]

Rev Greg and I are monumentally fortunate in that that the day after our upcoming cruise on Volendam is the day AYWD is implemented aboard that ship.

After that, its the Eurodam Inaugural, and I'll be co-ordinating fixed seating for all the CC'ers who wish to join our group at dinners - there should be quite a group of us at 2-3 tables in Upper Main again.

Brian, if possible could you please see if you can get us the same basic area that we had this past January aboard the Noordam. I thought that location was just about the BEST I've ever had for dinner. We could see everything, wasn't too warm, got a great show when people tried to crash the dining room on Formal Night in less-than-acceptable clothing.

I wonder where we'll be aboard the Volendam ... and would you do us the honors of coordinating seating for this cruise, too????? :)

[jhannah]

I vote for Brian as Non-Resident Maitre D'. ;)

[RevNeal]

Oh, and this is off topic ... but ... RevNeal and the OP of this thread, jhannah, had lunch today and chatted about this, and many other cruising topics.

Here's a photo.

http://www.revneal.org/Resources/jimgreg.jpg

[jhannah]

Frick and Frack! ;)

It was a nice lunch and visit. Greg traveled to Las Vegas and ate the CC gang there twice: Once when we were aboard the Oosterdam and once a few days after we left to move to Texas. It was nice to finally meet this fine gentleman.

[2bout2c]

Rev Greg and I are monumentally fortunate in that that the day after our upcoming cruise on Volendam is the day AYWD is implemented aboard that ship.

After that, its the Eurodam Inaugural, and I'll be co-ordinating fixed seating for all the CC'ers who wish to join our group at dinners - there should be quite a group of us at 2-3 tables in Upper Main again.
Will that be early or main? Or is there enough of us to split the group?

[lstrong]

Help please to a newbie on HAL. I am confused about the different dining times and upper/lower venues. If I had a choice of 5:45, 8:00 or anytime and I chose 8:00 - is that considered "main upper" traditional, or what? I'm booked on circle Hawaii in March 2008 on Zaandam. Thanks, Laurie

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Greg and Jim, that is so great that the two of you were able to meet for lunch:)

[bepsf]

Will that be early or main? Or is there enough of us to split the group?

I'll handle Main (Late) Seating - If some of our group wish to sit together during Early, then one of them should volunteer to work out the details for those folks who wish to dine Early.

For the Noordam Inaugural, we took 2 6-tops and an 8 top for the Main Seating, for the Reunion, we took a 6 and an 8-top (IIRC)

Both occassions, some individuals moved between our tables from night to night in order that we should all get to know one another, but we all had the same servers and the waiters were able to get to know us and served us beautifully.

[bepsf]

Brian, if possible could you please see if you can get us the same basic area that we had this past January aboard the Noordam. I thought that location was just about the BEST I've ever had for dinner. We could see everything, wasn't too warm, got a great show when people tried to crash the dining room on Formal Night in less-than-acceptable clothing.

I wonder where we'll be aboard the Volendam ... and would you do us the honors of coordinating seating for this cruise, too????? :)

Yes, I'm going to work w/ the lovely Gunilla (my TA) to help take care of this for us - I think she's joining us on Volendam (Jungle Red Cabana! :D) and also possibly Eurodam.

[bepsf]

I vote for Brian as Non-Resident Maitre D'. ;)

Don't think so small, Jim...
...I vote for me as President of HAL.
(or at least VP in charge of Marketing and PR)
;)

[haligonian37]

My friends and I are booked on the Volendam for Dec. 3rd and have confirmed early upper seatings for dinner. I do enjoy the fixed seating times but it's not something I would cancel a HAL cruise over.

[O2B@C]

... Greg traveled to Las Vegas and ate the CC gang there twice .... It was nice to finally meet this fine gentleman.

I can't believe he ate the whole gang - and not once but twice! :D

Seriously, I find it inspiring that this board has obviously fostered some enduring friendships. I look forward to meeting some of you on future cruises - when the day finally comes that I can afford the time and $ to cruise often enough!:rolleyes:

[RuthC]

Oh, and this is off topic ... but ... RevNeal and the OP of this thread, jhannah, had lunch today and chatted about this, and many other cruising topics.

Here's a photo.

http://www.revneal.org/Resources/jimgreg.jpg
Nice picture! :) Thank you for posting that---I really enjoyed seeing you two enjoying each other.

[fcorey]

Don't think so small, Jim...
...I vote for me as President of HAL.
(or at least VP in charge of Marketing and PR)
;)

So then, what are your ideas for marketing the HAL line and brand????? inquiring minds would like to know :D

[sail7seas]

Thanks for posting the photo, Greg. WONDERFUL. Happy you enjoyed meeting eachother for lunch.

Brian....... and some of us came and visited at your tables!!! :)

[sail7seas]

onthegogirl.......

I've been told that Traditional Dining will be upper level.

We are confirmed for Eurodam for Main Upper (8:00 seating) but I'm sure that could change between now and then.

[RevNeal]

Frick and Frack! ;)

It was a nice lunch and visit. Greg traveled to Las Vegas and ate the CC gang there twice: Once when we were aboard the Oosterdam and once a few days after we left to move to Texas. It was nice to finally meet this fine gentleman.

FOFLMHO ... "I can't believe I ate the whole gang!!!!!"
hehehehe

[RevNeal]

I can't believe he ate the whole gang - and not once but twice! :D

Seriously, I find it inspiring that this board has obviously fostered some enduring friendships. I look forward to meeting some of you on future cruises - when the day finally comes that I can afford the time and $ to cruise often enough!:rolleyes:

Yes, we've made some enduring friendships through cruising and these boards. GOOD friends. That's one of the things that sharing meals, as well as hundreds of postings on these boards, together fosters. :)

[bepsf]

So then, what are your ideas for marketing the HAL line and brand????? inquiring minds would like to know :D

That Sir, is an excellent idea for another thread...
;)

[bepsf]

Brian....... and some of us came and visited at your tables!!! :)


Yes, Indeed.

This next time, I'll have to invite you to my "little" First-Night dinner-party in Pinnacle
(Oh, I hope they're ready for us!)

[sail7seas]

Brian,

Sounds wonderful!!! :)

We are going to have an amazing time on E'dam'. ;)

[jhannah]

I can't believe he ate the whole gang - and not once but twice! :D Holy cow! I can't believe I left out the word "with" when I posted. Guess that cheesecake sampler plate was kicking in! (Yes, chocolate was one of them.) ;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

I missed that. Had to go back and reread it.

[Jemima]

We book our cruises about three months out, so that change does concern us. We are always aware that booking late we may not get our choice of times, but we do want traditional. Booking early isn't a good option for us. We get better prices by booking later and being flexible on the specific cruise.

We are concerned about how special menus will be handled with AYWD. We are vegetarians, usually order from the regular menu, but do often order one course from the vegetarian menu. This has to be done the previous evening.

[Golfette]

We booked HAL for this 1st time because of traditional dining having had unfortunate experiences with Princess on "Anytime". We are confirmed on our 12/8 Oosterdam sailing for Main Upper, which, I believe is at 8 p.m. If that were changed to anytime dining, especially at this stage of HAL's implementation of the plan, we would cancel without a second thought.

[jtl513]

I was told by my CC at Hal that the upper level will be set aside for Any Time Dining and the lower level for Traditional Dining.
That conflicts with what HAL pubs have told TA's:

What is As You Wish Dining (AYWD)?
AYWD is Holland America Line’s new dining concept. It consists of both fixed and open seating. The fixed seating will be available in the upper dining room for those guests that prefer to dine at the same time every night. The Open seating will be in the lower dining room. Those guests will be able to dine at a time most convenient for their schedule.

[magictam]

Another dumb question.
I wanted to experience all of the traditional quirks of cruising which includes assigned seating.
I have my ticket and it says "Confirmed Dining: Main Upper". I am understanding this correctly that I have assigned seating, right? But don't know exactly which table I'll be at or what time, correct?
Thanks!

[jtl513]

Another dumb question.
I wanted to experience all of the traditional quirks of cruising which includes assigned seating.
I have my ticket and it says "Confirmed Dining: Main Upper". I am understanding this correctly that I have assigned seating, right? But don't know exactly which table I'll be at or what time, correct?
Thanks!Main Upper for AK is at 7:45p (8:00p elsewhere) but you won't learn your table number until check-in.

[magictam]

Jt
Thanks for the information.

[billsrobb]

I vote for Brian as Non-Resident Maitre D'. ;)

I second the motion.

Robb