How can we assure Early Seating on Amsterdam?

[toots]

We're going to be on the Amsterdam in February and want to make sure we get early seating. We requested it in our papers, but how can we be sure we get it? On the Noordam last year, our TA had put in for early seating, but when we got on board we were told early was full and we had to take late. We're used to eating early, just can't sleep well if we eat after 8, so we begged and pleaded, but they didn't get us into early seating until the third day, after we made a fuss. We'd really like to avoid the hassle this time. Any suggestions?

[SEATTLE CRUISER]

I too am on the Amsterdam, but in October. There are now 4 seating times, and I wanted the 2nd one (6:30.)I e-mailed HAL from their web sight, and received an answer the next day. I now have 2nd seating confirmed.

[TMM9]

Hello there, I will be on the Amsterdam in the second part of October but am unaware that there will now be four seating times instead of the usual two. I guess I better check the HAL Board to get details but my TA has yet to tell me of my Booking Number. Thanks for the heads up.

[Sierrachik]

Hello there, I will be on the Amsterdam in the second part of October but am unaware that there will now be four seating times instead of the usual two. I guess I better check the HAL Board to get details but my TA has yet to tell me of my Booking Number. Thanks for the heads up.
Generally HAL has the dining times listed when you go to their site and go through the process of pricing an intinerary. You might try this for your sailing to see if it is indicated there.

[michmike]

you didn't hear it from me... *L* but you might tell them you are diabetic and have to eat early due to that. All depends how adamant you are about early and whether you are comfortable with a little white lie. As a delightful 90 yr old at our table a couple of cruises ago shared with us.. "mother always told me not to lie...... UNLESS it was absolutely necessary"

[stillfrantic]

I was confirmed for a specific seating when I made my reservation. I though as long as it wasn't showing as 'waitlisted' you could get a guarantee on dining time.

[jazzsea]

Ask your TA to have Holland America send him/her a copy of the Itinerary Invoice (Client Invoice). Your dining time should show "confirmed" on that invoice. Did you request early seating when you made your booking? If so, the seating time should already be confirmed.

That is all you will need.

[doone]

As long as your dining time isn't waitlisted when you make your reservation, this shouldn't be a problem. You should have your dining time confirmed when you get your confirmation from your TA, at least I always have. This is another reason I book early, to insure I get the dining time I want as well as the cabin area I enjoy. If I booked late, I would have to take whatever was available.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Booking a cruise early is a big factor in getting the dining time that you want.

As far as booking number, whenever we make our itinial deposit, our TA gives us a document showing that we have booked a specific cruise with a specific cabin. The booking number is on that document.

[sail7seas]

The seating at 5:45 seems to be the least popular of all the choices....followed by the 8:30 seating. I would think they would be delighted to accomodate your request for the earliest seating. They usually have people (like me) yapping that it is too early for them to eat at that hour.

I hope they accomodate youaned that you do not have to deal with it after you have boarded.

Your TA should be able to get a written confirmation of it.....assuming it was not already filled when you made your booking.