On all of our sailings except for one (when we mistakenly tried MTD), we have always chosen early dining in the main dining room. We absolutely love sitting at the same table, getting the same wait staff who get to know your likes/dislikes, dining with the same dinner mates throughout our entire trip. We have met great people and have made some wonderful friends along the way! Hubby and I dine by ourselves every single night at home. Why would we want to do the very same thing on a cruise?? Cruises are for getting outside our comfort zone and meet new people!