Dining at large table........ inconsiderate?

[Chris-n-Cheryl]

We have reserved a large table for late seating dinning. Between the Pinnacle, Lido, and room service; we will probably only eat in the dinning room 2-3 times on this 7 day cruise.

I have always chosen to share a large table as I enjoy meeting new friends and sharing diversified conversation. Assuming that others have chosen a large table for the same reasons, in your opinion: Is it inconsiderate of us to keep this selection since we'll be missing dinner more often than not?

Thank you kindly for your thoughts,
Cheryl :)

[Lovebirds]

I would suggest that you make sure that you dine with your tablemates the first night and let them know about your plans. Be sure they know which nights you won't be there so they will not delay ordering thinking you are just running late. I've always had large tables and there have been several times that one of the parties was not there. On all but one occasion, at least one other couple at the table knew of the absence and none of us felt slighted. On the occasion that none of us knew that a couple would not be there, we waited to order for about 15 minutes thinking that they would have let someone know if they had other plans.

[mhshapiro]

I agree. We always request seating at a large table so that we can meet new people when we cruise. But, we are careful to let our tablemates and our waiter know ahead of time when we plan to be absent from dinner.

[peaches from georgia]

I wouldn't call it inconsiderate, but I was just wondering why you are planning to dine the majority of the nights alone and not in the dining room at the large table you enjoy? The Pinnacle I understand, it is very special, but why the plans before yoiu even board the ship for room service dinner and the Lido instead of with new friends in the main dining room? :confused:

[Chris-n-Cheryl]

Peaches,

I'm anti-schedule on vacation. This will be my 14th cruise. In the mid-90's I sailed my first 'free-style' cruise and LOVED the flexibility for dining, particularily during port days. Sometimes we want to eat at 6:00. Other times 9:30. Some days we come back to the cabin at 7:00 too exhausted to get dressed and decide to stay in the entire evening, enjoying room-service and a bottle of wine on the balcony. But still yet, there are times when we look forward to the more formal late-seating dining ritual.

In the past, we've always explained to our table mates that if we were not on-time for dinner, to assume we won't be coming. But in my last two cruises, I only went to the dining room twice. Hense my question, would it be more considerate for me to forgo the conversation I enjoy at a large dinning table only a few nights a week, to make room for someone who who would be at the table nightly? Since we're the typically the people who are MIA, I haven't yet been able to assertain if absenses at dinner are common occurances and am wondering how those who do dine nightly feel about us "no-showers". Just trying to be respectful.

Cheryl :)

[localady]

I can't speak for Chris N Cheryl but we will be absent from the dining room a few times during the week too. Once or twice a cruise we will go to the Pinnacle and inevitably once or twice a cruise, we would have had a very long day walking in port and were just too pooped to "hurry up and dress", electing instead to go to the Lido for a casual meal. I find this happens to us more often in very walking intensive ports. I make a point of letting our table mates know on those days that we might "go missing" at dinner. Considering the slowwness of the process for a large table, I'd never want to have people not order if we were running late.:eek:

I think we all have the ability to have our vacation our way. :) To some, the dining experience and socializing is the highlight of the cruise. To others, getting the most out of port days highlights the cruise. The wonderful thing, is we all get to choose!!!:cool:

[the2ofus]

I think it really makes a difference if you are at one of the large round tables. If there are people missing it can make conversation awkward. Because of having to speak across the open spaces, people might have to speak more loudly than they normally would, or would not have a chance at conversation due to being next to the empty chairs, especially if more than one couple is missing. At one of the long tables, the pax who do attend can just sit closer together, so less of a problem.

[jollycruiser]

I am a spur of the moment person. Therefore we decide where to eat the same day. I tell our tablemates up front that if we are not there on time, which we always are in the dining room, you can assume we are not coming. Then no one has to wait to order.

[tomc]

These are not thought-out, reasoned replies. They are feelings. That's all; just feelings. They do not apply to you [points to left], or you [points straight ahead], or even you [points to right].

Just random thoughts, aimed at nobody in particular. "You" does not mean anybody on this thread, but just the generic person we'd argue with over a hot, steaming mug of tea on the back deck. (My drink of choice; when arguing a point, alcohol tends to make us infallible, and I do not claim that power. Only the Pope does ... ok, I guess.)

Here we go: random thoughts.

(a) S'matter, aren't we good enough for at least a 90% commitment? You did ask for a large table, after all.

(b) Nice of you to drop in. You won't feel quite at home, as we have developed a small community. We will make you feel as much at home as possible, but we have already begun to knit ourselves into a group and, while we like to hear what you have to say, you will still be learning who we are when the cruise ends.

(c) We'd love to know more about you. Everybody has something fascinating about them; everybody is interesting; everybody has something really neat to add to the mix. But, as you pop in and out, we will miss the ingredient that is you. You add your own spice to the cake mix.

(d) Our missing couple joined us once, on Day Two. A neat couple and we looked forward to them but, alas, they disappeared after one meal. I could see this somewhat younger couple looking for a somewhat younger table and perhaps that is what happened. I'd feel worse if they just popped in and out with little chance to know them.

Just random thoughts, not aimed at anyone in particular.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Someone will flame me for sure but I'm off tomorrow on the Oosterdam so I'm in too good a mood to worry. But I have to say that I would be terribly disappointed if we had tablemates who only came to dinner twice...especially since they requested a large table where the whole idea is to meet people and socialize with them on an ongoing basis.

We've been lucky. We've always had a table for 8 or 10 and everyone has been there every night. Except last year we had a round table for 8 that began with only 4 of us. One couple had been delayed in a snowstorm so they got on in the Dominican Republic and we were 6 which was fine. They finally took the other 2 place settings away the last 2 nights even though people were scheduled to be at that table and never bothered to even let anyone know they wouldn't come the whole week.

However, we will have one night in the Pinnacle and will tell our tablemates we're doing that.

But I think if I wanted to enjoy a "freestyle" atmosphere of eating whenever and wherever we liked on several nights, I would either choose the Alternative Dining or get a table for 2 in the DR.

My point being that if more than one couple, or worst case 3 couples, decides to do this at a table for 8, then that table is down to 4 or even 2 and the whole reason they chose a large table was to enjoy the company of others. Nothing worse than 2 people at a table for 8.

So, yes, I think it's a little inconsiderate.

[Chris-n-Cheryl]

Heather and Tom,

Thank you for sharing your perspective. It is most appreciated.

Cheryl :)

[Lisa63]

I see it a bit differently. Sure, the OP is choosing a large table, but it's better than securing a highly-coveted table for two and then using it just a few times. JMHO.

[Esme]

Sorry, but I have to agree with Heather.

One cruise at Christmas, we were seated at a large table of 10. After the first night 2 fellas were moved to sit with family. That left 8 of us. Never knew if one couple would show up or not, and even his brother and sister who were with him and his girlfriend never knew. Now we are down to 6. The brother and sister, came to dinner every night, but always late, sometimes it could be 1/2 hour late.

It was a mess. There we were at a table of 10 and 75% of the time only 4 of us there.

On another cruise the table opposite us was for 8 persons - 7 didn't show up and the single lady was left by herself. No one knew where the other 7 were. We aksed her to sit with the 4 of us which she did and we had a great time.

I would suggest you book a table for 2 and then no one will be annoyed with you if you don't show up.

[marybeach]

Just remember that sometimes you might request a small table and it not be available. We had truly rude people at our table last cruise (barking at the waiters, nasty comments about everything, snide conversation, leaving early so they could be on the front row every night at the show), and there were several nights that we just couldn't cope with the idea of joining them. I've never had that experience before except once at a table of singles, where a man was sick and coughing all over everything, and I asked the maitre' de to move me to a table of people I had met who had space and were wonderful.

I agree that on long port days, sometimes you don't feel like getting dressed up and the Lido is wonderful. We have requested a table for 2 this time, but it is waitlisted.

This is a two-edged sword. And, on this, one way or the other, you'll (or I'll) probably be slammed. But, IMHO, if you can't make it a night or two, or three, the others will survive. If they are nice and you already have met, and you think it will truly make a difference, give them a call and let them know you'll not be there. If you are taking a tour or planning on a long day on an island, or dining at the Pinnacle, you'll know the day before and can forewarn them. I also like the 15 minute rule someone suggested.

Hopefully, you will have friendly, happy people at your table that will "excuse" you without trying to make you feel bad. Remember, they may not be there every night, either.

[Chris-n-Cheryl]

Does anyone know what the least requested table size is?

I realize tables for two are considered prime, which is why I didn't request this. I feel it would be less considerate to take one of the prime tables for two and not use it. My thought process was to request a large table, that way when we don't show it wouldn't have as much impact on the environment.

I'm willing to request a medium size table if these are generally the least desirable.

Thoughts?

Cheryl :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

When I read some people's experiences with tablemates, all I can say is this: I am the luckiest girl in the world. We've only been on 11 cruises ... yet every single time we've had a large table and we have had fun with every single person we have met. To this day, we get together, correspond, etc.

And in all that time, no one has even considered not coming to dinner together. We've always thought it the high point of the day. We had a honeymoon couple on the Maasdam at our table and they had planned to have several dinners "alone". But they came every night. So I guess we're just very, very lucky.

[tomc]

When I traveled with my mother, we quickly realized that a table for four could be conversational poison. We soon opted for a deuce, on the theory that we hung out with all kinds of people during the day and wanted this time just for ourselves.

Now that I am alone, I prefer a large table so (a) there is a good mix of personalities and (b) a possible dud will not drag things down.

[sail7seas]

I respect that you are trying to be considerate and thoughtful of your 'currently unknown' tablemates but you are going to have a hard time of it.


If you take a table for four, the other couple will be alone. They may like that just fine....perhaps they wanted a table for two and didn't get it. But, they may have wanted company and they will be alone if you don't come. And, those two people may be two strangers randomly assigned and that could be a nightmare (or blessing) depending upon how well they get on together.

A table for six might be the best answer. That indicates anyone requesting that size wants company but not a mob so they'd be okay with only one other couple at the table with them many of the nights.

You will never please all the people with whatever choice you make.

Go and have fun and I am sure you will be as considerate and courteous as possible without compromising your pleasure and your personal choices.

[localady]

I respect that you are trying to be considerate and thoughtful of your 'currently unknown' tablemates but you are going to have a hard time of it.

You will never please all the people with whatever choice you make.

Go and have fun and I am sure you will be as considerate and courteous as possible without compromising your pleasure and your personal choices.
Well said S7S!!!:)
You said it much more eloquently than I could have.:cool:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Heather, and several others I agree with you. We usually have a table for 6 because that is what there mostly is against the aft windows. Going to dinner is practically our whole focal point of the day espeicially for DH. Last cruise we did not miss a single dinner in the main dining room.I guess that is why we like HAL so much. The funny part is we are those people who wait out side the door and are usually the first people in the dining room.:eek: I can actually laugh at that but that is part of our cruise ritual. We would like a larger table but like I said we are usually at table for 6. I would never not tell my table mates if we would not be there. Next weeks cruise we do plan to have one night at the Pinnacle and will set that up as soon as we board the ship next Saturday. That way we will tell our table mates the first night that we will not be there a particular night. We also always let our Waiter and Wine Steward know we will not be there a particular night. Otherwise count on us being right there at the Dining Room Door at 5:55 (just like the old Mervyns commerical) saying "Open, Open, Open"

[Gusti]

On one cruise with my daughter, we where sitting with a family of 4.
The only time they came, was for Formal night.
It was pretty lonely to see all the other tables have so much fun and the 2 of us, where alone the whole cruise. Our waiters and the Maitre ? spend lots of time on our table, guess they felt sorry for us. That was on the Grand Princess and they could have choosen the anytime dining instead.
It was very incosiderate IMO

[Tinknock50]

Another thing you might consider is not choosing any size table and just let the cruise line decide where you sit. They tend to put you at a large table anyway because it easier for them to put various combinations of groups at them.

Thats what I would do. Then on the 1st night let everyone know at your table your general plan that you may be gone some nights. I think that is very considerate.

[CanSail]

Cheryl,
This cruise is your time away, enjoy it the way you want to. I think as long as you tell your fellow dinners of your plans so that they are not waiting for you, then you are being polite. You will also bring information of alternate dining to your fellow dinners that they may not have considered! A large table is best suited for your plans.
Don't worry everything will be just fine...it sounds that you are already thinking about being polite to others so how can you go wrong.
Enjoy your cruise.

[jazzsea]

I respect that you want to be considerate to your future table mates. However, how often you may or may not come to the main dining room is totally up to you. It is your vacation, afterall.

It would be very thoughtful of you to tell your tablemates and waiter that you are dining at the Pinnacle the next evening or tell them not to wait for you as you have a long port day tomorrow and may eat at the Lido.

Who knows, you may adore your tablemates and plan to eat with them at the Pinnacle or Lido.

How does anyone know how often they might or might not go to the dining room? You are fortunate that you already know that you want an unstructured cruise. Go for it and don't worry about it.

[CaptData]

Since you will be given a table anyway, why not a table for two. You can still contact your waiter to let him/her know you won't be there so they are not worried about you. I would love to get to know you by the pool or in the Lounges. Just my thoughts.

[gliles]

I see it a bit differently. Sure, the OP is choosing a large table, but it's better than securing a highly-coveted table for two and then using it just a few times. JMHO.
I don't agree. We specifically requested a large table on our 2 HAL cruises and didn't get it either time and we are in the dining room every night.

I wouldn't be happy at all to be at a large table and have the others no-show. That is why I request a large table. When we have been seated at a large table we have always had a great time and met some wonderful people.

[tw1nk1es]

We try to exchage cabin # with table mates and just phone and leave a message. I was terribly glad we did this when an elderly couple at our table was running late and we could let the waiter know.

[HeatherInFlorida]

It's interesting that there's such a cross section of ideas about consideration here.

I rarely disagree with Jazzsea, but I just don't see this. Yes, it's their vacation and I absolutely agree they should do as they wish. But if they only plan to eat in the dining room a couple of nights, why ruin the fun for 6 or 8 other people? What is the harm in just getting a table for 2 and if they meet people they'd like to dine and socialize with they can make a reservation in the Pinnacle or go for alternative dining.

This is why I don't like the new system. People often get left sitting alone and it feels very uncomfortable. You wonder if you said something the first night, you wonder if the others didn't like you. You look around at everyone laughing and having fun and there you are with an empty or semi-empty table. There was a table like this next to us on our last cruise. Two people alone at a table for 8. Rarely one other couple would show up. They looked very depressed.

So I'm not suggesting Chris-n- Cheryl should be forced to show up in the DR every night. I'm simply saying that we all should show a little consideration for the several other people who really want to dine with a group.

[JDee]

Cheryl:

Choose the large table. Your first two posts say it all. With the many and varied dinner options on HAL (and other cruise lines), it is not unusual to see evenings with less than full tables. Makes no difference if they are tables for 2, 4. 6, 8 or 10. This is a result of having so many other options. Passengers will just have to get used to it, for better or worse.

Tables for 2 are usually more scarce, and since you will not be there each night, it would be more considerate to take the larger table.

Happy cruising.....

[RuthC]

Nothing worse than 2 people at a table for 8.Yes, there is, Heather. That would be one person at a table for 8.
Happened to me one night, and it was not a happy dinner for me.

Please consider that for many HAL passengers dinner at home is alone, so having consistent tablemates is a pleasure. When you eat alone you look forward to seeing your tablemates and sharing the details of the day.

On the last cruise I took with my husband we were assigned to an oval table for 8; a mother and daughter consistently didn't come (nor let us know, either.) Due to the shape of the table two people were always a little separate from the others. It was not easy to converse and this has left a poor memory.

Please re-consider and ask for a table for two. That way you do not change the dinner hopes of any one else.

[bookworm0911]

I oh so agree with RuthC and Heather. By signing up for a large table and not showing up so many nights, you are making the dining experience so much less pleasurable for the other people at that table; they asked for a large table and that meant with dining with others. If you only planned on one night in the Pinnacle and the rest at your regular table, that's one thing. But you already know you plan at least 4 or 5 nights away from your assigned table and that definetely takes a lot away from the tablemates to have empty chairs almost every night. And maybe someone else would have loved to be at that table but couldn't get it assigned.

Ask for a table for 2. If you don't get it, then it is not your fault.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, there is, Heather. That would be one person at a table for 8.
Ruth, absolutely ... my mistake. You are 100% right.

JDee, sorry, but no. We don't have to "get used to it". There are ways for this to be worked out so all are happy. Many of us like the "old fashioned way" and it's why I stick with Celebrity and HAL. If I want to dine freestyle or in my room there are many other cruiselines to select from.

HAL and Celebrity do not have "so many other options". Princess does and others do. But the principal dining on HAL is still the main dining room. No one is forced to eat there, but if you choose to I think one's primary consideration should be for the majority of people at the table.

I'm not talking about one night or even two away from the table. I'm talking about a majority of nights. Obviously I'm from a dying generation, but I was brought up with the old "golden rule" ... Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.

JMHO ... not asking for everyone to agree with me, but so happy to see that some do.

[dakrewser]

I'd recommend a table for 2. Besides the reasons others have stated, I find that dining alone with my wife allows us the opportunity to "catch up" on what we've been doing all day. WE meet lots of people on ourt cruises - in the lounges, on excursions and relaxing on the Promenade.

We've also found that having a table for 2 does not preclude you from conversing with others around you - but it does insure that you don't feel obligated to converse with them, either.

Now for the singles amongst us, or those retired couples who can, let's say, see too much of each other at home, then a larger table does offer a break from routine and can be quite enjoyable. My wife and I, though, rarely get the opportunity for a quiet dinner a deux, so take the cruise as an opportunity to do so.

-dave

[calteacher]

We were on the Maasdam in October and took advantage of the half-price special in the Pinnacle Room on the first night. However, we planned our dinner time so that we could go to the dining room and meet the other couples at our table and explain that we would be absent the first night but would be there for the other nights.

We had a table for eight, but only two couples (besides us) showed up. We never figured out if the absent couple just didn't make the cruise, or if they found someone else to eat with. We did notice a couple at a table for four who were always alone. At one point we mentioned to our waiter that they were welcome to join us. Don't know if he ever got the message to them, but they didn't join us.

We've always enjoyed having a large table. We've only been on four cruises, but three of the times we were at a table for eight. On one cruise (a last-minute one) we requested a time change when we got on the ship, so we knew that we wouldn't be at the same table the rest of the week. For day 2 and on, we were assigned a to a very large table (12-14?). Only problem we had was one night we were totally not paying attention and went to the wrong level. Because there had been some changes in people at our "assigned table", we were accustomed to seeing new people each evening. The meal was nearly over before we discovered we were at the wrong table. It made for a memorable evening--our tablemates were very gracious and invited us back the next night--and when we saw them during the duration of the cruise, we invariably were asked if we found the right table.

[Vic The Parrot]

Reading this brought back a few bad memories.

I'll elaborate some more later, just let the steam release from my ears.

[Tinknock50]

I'd recommend a table for 2. Besides the reasons others have stated, I find that dining alone with my wife allows us the opportunity to "catch up" on what we've been doing all day. WE meet lots of people on ourt cruises - in the lounges, on excursions and relaxing on the Promenade.

We've also found that having a table for 2 does not preclude you from conversing with others around you - but it does insure that you don't feel obligated to converse with them, either.

Now for the singles amongst us, or those retired couples who can, let's say, see too much of each other at home, then a larger table does offer a break from routine and can be quite enjoyable. My wife and I, though, rarely get the opportunity for a quiet dinner a deux, so take the cruise as an opportunity to do so.

-dave
I totally agree. When I am sailing with another person, I always choose a table for 2. I don't have any problems meeting and talking to other people all over the ship. It is just more relaxing to not HAVE to make conversation at dinner.

On my solo cruise, I requested a big table and it worked out well.

[peaches from georgia]

Edit

[Lisa63]

Just how many tables for 2 are there? If there is often a wait list, I still believe it would be far more inconsiderate to take up a table for 2 that will hardly be used, thereby depriving other pax of a private table.

[tankerjo2]

First cruise I ever took was with my dad who was an experienced cruiser and when he told me he wanted a "large table" to dine at I said you have to be kidding, who would want to eat with strangers? Well we had a great time and since then we have always (the wife and I) requested as large a table as possible on our cruises. However several years ago we also experienced an often almost empty table for eight on some evenings that left me wondering if I needed to change my brand of deodorant or perhaps I looked like I had escaped from a leper colony. I have to admit we did not enjoy sitting at such a large table by ourselves which happened on two evenings.

The whole table issue is difficult since dinning options have changed so much over the past 10 or 15 years. With the main dinning room as well as the Lido and alternative dinning I guess it will all be the kuck of the draw unless traveling with friends. We do make it a practice to tell our tablemates as well as our waiter if we have other dinning plans for an upcoming evening.

[localady]

You know it really sad to me that we get into these conversations and are then told that hey those of use that disagree should find another cruiseline.:(

This thread has made me see both sides of the issue and I do understand the horror of ending up like Ruth did at as 1 at a table of 8. In fact we have invited folks in simular situations to join us at dinner. But the fact is, it's our vacation and if one chooses, for whatever reason, not to go to dinner in the Dining Room it should be their perogative, regardless of the size of table they have.

I really resent being told to go sail a "free-style" line, thanks but no thanks. I am about to embark my 6th "Dam" ship and no one has yet contended while I was on board that our missing dinner a few nights on a cruise impeded in their enjoyment of the cruise at all.:eek: I really think that we all need to just get a little perspective folks, and start being a bit more tolerant of others.:cool:

[Lovebirds]

Our cruising experience is limited compared to many of you, but in four cruises we have never yet missed a dinner in the main dining room. There have been several times that at least one couple was missing at dinner and we never felt that we were being slighted. We enjoy the company of our tablemates if they are present, but can enjoy each others company if it should be just the two of us. I can certainly understand the plight of the single cruiser that finds her/himself alone. If we had a single at our table, I would certainly try to coordinate with the others so that at least one other person was there on any given evening.

Since cruises today are more port intensive than in the past, and the ship offers so much alternative dining, it seems that they are encouraging us to dine in places other than the dining room as part of the overall cruise experience. We tend to prefer the old traditions but do understand that not everyone does. We do not let other people's choices affect our cruise enjoyment.

To the original poster, you would be most welcome at our table even if it were for only a few evenings. I'm sure that you would be able to contribute to the conversations on those evenings by sharing with us your thoughts about your alternative dining experiences.

[Chris-n-Cheryl]

I was expecting this thread might be met with diversified opinions and I'd like to personally thank you all for sharing your thoughts.

Heather: Please know that your opinion is respected, however if I were to apply the golden rule in this situation, I'd simply take a large table and show up once or twice. I'm attempting to apply the 'other' golden rule: "Do onto others as they would have done onto them". As you might have guessed, I'd never be offended if my table mates didn't show up, nor would it detract from my experience. If I were to be assigned a large table, and we were the only two who ever dined at it, it wouldn't phase me in the slightest. In fact, it would probably become a running joke. I tend to live under the tenets that I always end up right where I'm supposed to be...... if that's sitting alone at a table for 8, so be it :).

And again, this perspective is unique to 'me'. I don't expect others follow the same philosophy, but this whole thread was started because I didn't want to simply "do onto others as I'd have done onto me". In this case, my attempt is to be more respectful.

Holland America has chosen to offer alternate dining in order to appeal to customers who, like me, appreciate choices. Inevitably, this marketing strategy is making it awkward for those who appreciate large-table traditional cruise dining. Just as one could make the argument that those who want alternate dining choices should choose a line more condusive to multiple restaurants; an equally credible argurment might be made that those who seek traditional dining should choose a line where alternate dining is still non-existent.

Bottom line, times have changed. HAL is marketing to those who choose not to dine in the main area every night. What HAL has failed to do is set up a system to protect those who seek traditional large-table dining. My attempt is to enjoy the 'new' HAL, yet create the least amount of disruption to those who appreciate the 'old'. If I were a betting woman, I'd wager that the majority of those who have chosen HAL partially due to the alternate dining choices never give this topic a second thought.

Unfortunately, HAL has yet to accomodate those of us who seek alternate dining, but want to be respectful of the choices of others. Upon booking, I was forced to choose a dining time and table size, even though I explained to my agent that I would be 'absent' more often than not. Perhaps the idealistic answer is a section of the dining room 'reserved' for those who find themselves in the same situation? I won't hold my breath.

In the meantime, I'm going to write a letter to HAL asking for advice. Hopefully I can adequately convey the message that my attempt is to be courteous to fellow passengers while enjoying the alternate dining choices provided. I'll be sure to share what HAL suggests. I speculate that they will advice me to book a large table and not concern myself with being absent (after all, HAL does encourage alternate dining). We shall see!!

With respect,
Cheryl :)

[MandyGirl]

Maybe HAL could consider amending the dining table requests when booking to use different choices since passengers have different needs/expectations while vacationing:

Large (8) dinner most nights (missing only one night or less)
Large (8) dinner some nights
Medium (6) dinner most nights (missing only one night or less)
Medium (6) dinner some nights
Small (4) dinner most nights (missing only one night or less)
Small (4) dinner some nights
Private (2)

Aren't the choices now the basic 8-, 6-, 4-, and 2- sizes? Of course some people may not know how often they'll miss dinner when booking, but others know what they normally do. The above options would give consideration for those who book Pinnacle just one night or those who know they may only show up half the time.

Just a thought...

[peaches from georgia]

As if the 4 times weren't hard enough in themselves, this sounds like a nightmare for the maitre d'. :D

[marybeach]

Has anyone given thought to the fact that on the nights that only 6 of 8 or 4 of 10 attending a night's dinner might give you the opportunity to give more attention to getting to know those attending better. I like the idea of changing seats from time to time and sitting next to other people, maybe even apart from your spouse/SO/companion (i.e., like dinners with placecards, try seating couples near but not always together) or alternate the couples you sit by. Frankly, he and I like each other's company, and our "dates" don't include 4 other couples every night. That's why we are together. But, if you are at a big table and sit across from someone for the whole cruise on a big round 10-top table, can you actually talk to them? Of course, some people always choose to sit in the king's (or captain's) position every night. But, having some of your tablemates away for an evening could be seen as an opportunity, not a disadvantage or slight. IMHO. If you see someone dining alone and you have empty seats, you could go ask them, not send a waiter. That seems impersonal, to me at least. It could really be a nice gesture, and they might accept, especially if you have met them during the cruise at another time.


And, since breakfast and lunch are served "free style" on HAL, you sit with different people at those times in the dining room and nobody is saying anything is improper about that. I'm just trying to find something positive to say about all this. I just don't think Cheryl should be concerned about not being there every night, and hope she enjoys whatever she decides to do.

[dakrewser]

Has anyone given thought to the fact that on the nights that only 6 of 8 or 4 of 10 attending a night's dinner might give you the opportunity to give more attention to getting to know those attending better.

An excellent point that's been overlooked so far.

-dave

[Chris-n-Cheryl]

Just to clarify, this issue will not effect how much I enjoy my vacation. I'm simply trying to be as considerate as possible. Ultimately, the choice will be ours to make.

Believe me, I've been on a ship hit by a barge (Regent Star), a ship that had an ballast which didn't retract properly (Regent Sea), a ship without power for 16 hours (Dolphin)...... and I have still managed to love each and every cruise!! Dining choices are quite small in the grand scheme of things.

Cheryl :)

[JDee]

Cheryl: Your last post certainly brought to light many valid points that I would agree 1,000 percent with.

Your touching base with HAL on the matter is going above and beyond the call of duty.....Just shows how really considerate you are.....Best wishes for a happy & enjoyable cruise......

[MandyGirl]

As if the 4 times weren't hard enough in themselves, this sounds like a nightmare for the maitre d'. :D
Good point - I saw it is a 'fun' process to work through but others may possess a different set of problem-solving skills. In my mind, I was thinking it would be the same basic process of assigning tables with the addition of you'd either go to a table "8x" or "8y" for "at dinner seldom" to "at dinner often" as opposed to a generic table of 8. Probably just the math teacher in me coming out... :) It wouldn't work out exactly of course but might could be an option to help group passengers accordingly. And I would assume the maitre d' would be able to receive a passenger listing they could sort in various ways (dining time request, table size request, linked reservations, etc).

Or, just leave the dining size alone. Then have one question at the bottom: Do you plan to be at dinner in the main dining room most nights? yes/no (Would serve the same purpose but gives more data to work with)

It would be interesting to me to see a flowchart of what the maitre d' does go through in assigning tables if it is still done by hand (as opposed to an algorithm by the computer). I had read postings before where people thought they were grouped by age on HAL so there are probably a lot of variables behind the scenes passengers don't realize are taken into consideration. (Our experience last year would not be the case of grouping by age - just something I have read in a previous post - so I am curious how our table assignment will turn out this year on HAL).

Again, just a thought.

It is certainly nice of Cheryl to take into consideration the other passengers.:)

[lknick]

On a recent cruise, my lady and I were assigned to a table for 8. One of the couples seldom came.

Best thing that ever happened!

[cruzincurt]

How do you sit at a rectangular table for six? Assume no couples know each other.

Does everyone sit across from their companion or next to them? If two of the couples sit side-by-side, one has to sit across. Seems like the first couple there sets the arrangement.

Once we were at a table for six and ended up side-by-side, the next night we were the first couple there and sat across. I think one couple got upset that we didn't "keep" the first night arrangement so they never came back after the second night. I don't like those rectangular tables for six.

On the original question, I think one couple would not be missed from a large table.