I’m a frequent cruiser, but I’ve never sailed MSC. I have preliminarily booked a cruise on the Meraviglia this fall. I’m quite confused about the dining particulars and the drink packages.
Here’s the situation. A friend and I are both booked on this cruise. Two separate cabins – she booked an inside cabin on the Bella experience, and I booked a balcony on Fantastica. She doesn’t really drink at all (maybe 2 glasses of wine a month), and let’s just say that I drink more than that - I have never regretted buying a drink package on a cruise. There also may be a 3rd person (friend of my friend) also booking a room (or maybe sharing my friend’s room – not sure). Now to the questions:
How do the dining assignments work? We each requested the early dining time, which I think was listed as between 5:45 and 7:30. Does that mean we’ll be assigned a time in that window, or can we go any time in that window? As we are both solo travelers, will we be assigned tables by ourselves, or assigned a table with a group of other solo travelers? When will we see those assignments? I’m assuming we can request a change once on board (we would definitely like to sit together) – how common is it that to be accommodated?
I thought I read somewhere that with the Fantastica experience, I get some sort of priority choice of dinner sitting. Is that true, and if so, when will I be asked? Or is that already part of the early v. late thing. I really really really don’t want to eat dinner at 5:45!! I prefer eating later, but the late seating was listed as 9:30 – that’s a bit much.
I believe the official policy is that if I have a drink package and she doesn’t, then they won’t let us dine together. First of all, that just seems very weird to me. Secondly, if they do assign solo travelers together randomly, I can’t imagine they enforce that, do they? If I have to pay as I go, that’s fine, but it’s just more of a hassle that I’d like to avoid.
Are there separate dining rooms on the Meraviglia? If so, is there any material difference?
Just for grins, how formal are formal nights?
Appreciate any and all insight. Thanks!