problem with going solo

[Virtopia]

Originally Posted by richs52

I always bring a book or magazine with me to the buffet and leave that on the table when going for seconds (or thirds :-)

I have a book specifically for this reason; it wouldn't bother me if the book got removed but I always come back and find it there. Or I will make contact with a server in my area and they will leave my dirty plate there until I return.

[Razorback Cruiser]

Originally Posted by elycelynne

I don't know how it's done on other lines, but on Holland America you can tilt your chairback into the table after you've gotten up, and that signifies that the table is still in use. I tried it on my last cruise, and it worked.

I have always used this method on several lines and so far it has not failed me .

[HowardK]

When I was on the Epic, the few times I ate alone (due to the excellent concept of the Studios) I just accepted the fact I would need to tablehop.

My mindset on a larger ship was I rather lose my table than any belongings.

However, I can see why this issue is an irritant; its not really relaxing to have to do so

[norcalal]

Originally Posted by crusinpsychRN

I think it's rude to sit in the buffet area to read when it's crowded. I also don't expect my table to be there if I go off for something unless I can keep an eye on it to run for silver. Otherwise, if I get up the seat and table is goners. I try to sit at a table for 2. I have joined 2 who were at a table for 10.

"Like"

[netekay]

On my last solo trip, I took a book with me to breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer. I left it behind so that everyone knew that table was taken. I had no problems losing my spot.

Another solo I met on that cruise actually had a little table tent made up before she left home. It said something like: this seat is taken--the other three are not. Make yourself at home!

I thought that was a great idea and I'm going to try it on my cruise in November.

Lynette

[calliopecruiser]

Originally Posted by netekay

Another solo I met on that cruise actually had a little table tent made up before she left home. It said something like: this seat is taken--the other three are not. Make yourself at home!

Very nice idea

[gebo]

I use the chair tilt, and it works. I carry a book in case of boredom; I'm on vacation; reading is not rude. I have often been joined by others, who usually ask, and I have joined others, after asking, this is a usual happenstance, and often entertaining.

[PamelaRic]

Like lots of posters before me, I also carry a book with me when dining. Actually, I carry one almost 24/7. I guess I consider dining another opportunity to meet people. If the buffet area is crowded, or sometimes when it isn't, I'll approach people and ask if I might dine with them. I love meeting people and this works beautifully. I've remained friends with a couple I met this way five years ago. Not sure why the OP eats mainly in the buffet. I always check the box that says I want to dine at a large table in the dining room for dinner. I have never had a bad experience in all of my cruises. Nifty people. The main dining room for lunch is amazing, so I rarely miss that one. Ohhhhh and breakfast in the main dining room has FRENCH TOAST that is to die for. True, the buffet does have french toast, but not the same as in the dining room. Can you tell I'm a sucker for good french toast?? I just love meeting people and use every opportunity I can get to do so. It's one of the best parts of solo cruising, in my humble opinion.
PamelaR

[VenusLady]

Maybe the type of book would help, how many people would take your table if you left a copy of the karma sutra on the table lol

[kc320]

Originally Posted by VenusLady

Maybe the type of book would help, how many people would take your table if you left a copy of the karma sutra on the table lol

LOVE IT!! Might even be a good way to get a nice looking guy to join me.. Ebay here I come...

[elbodans]

this is one of the main problems with solo cruising--and i LOVE solo cruising (i'm sailing with my husband in two weeks and i'm LESS excited about it than my last two solo cruises--ha!) i've also had a similar problem in ship bars--there's no easy way to save your seat (especially when the bar is crowded, as they usually are) and when you're drinking, well, sometimes you have to get up to use the ladies room, ok? i've contemplated making my own little card that folds into a triangle--picture a kid's name card for a classroom desk (i'm a teacher) and printing 'be right back' in english, french, and spanish on each side and laminating it (again, i'm a teacher!) to carry with me for just these types of situations.

the way i dealt with the buffet issue was by eating there as little as possible. while i never go back for seconds, even finding a suitable solo table (or, as on my last cruise, ANY table) was a bit of a challenge. so i ate all of my meals except breakfast in the MDR. and i'm typically up so early that breakfast isn't an issue, so perhaps by eating at off times you'd have more luck.

[fleckle]

If eating alone, I just look around at the nearby tables for someone who is in the middle of eating and politely ask if the person would be willing to keep an eye on my table as I will be right back.

People are always glad to do it, and others have often asked me to do the same for them. I thought that was a common practice at cruise ship buffets until I read this thread.

[AmoMondo]

I tend not to eat at the buffet and this issue is one of the reasons, I prefer to eat in the MDR. On the odd occasion I've used the buffet and need to go for something I've forgotten and I'm not sharing with anybody else, I leave a low value item on the table.

However if I lose my place, I lose my place. It's no big deal. Have the same issue with sun beds and bar stools as well.

You'll meet rude and ignorant people at some point, but I refuse to allow their appalling behaviour spoil my day. If a table is soooo important to them they are prepared to be rude to others over they can have it, for all I care. That said, I won't allow folk ro "move" me just because I'm a solo and they want the space. They can share but I'm not leaving until I'm ready to.

[azrayne]

It would be nice if they had some counter seating maybe along the walls or some of the window seats too.....made just for us solo peeps!

[norcalal]

Originally Posted by azrayne

It would be nice if they had some counter seating maybe along the walls or some of the window seats too.....made just for us solo peeps!

I have sat at counter type areas on several RCCL ships.

[Virtopia]

Originally Posted by azrayne

It would be nice if they had some counter seating maybe along the walls or some of the window seats too.....made just for us solo peeps!

RCCL does have such seating on the ships I've been on.

[azrayne]

Originally Posted by Virtopia

RCCL does have such seating on the ships I've been on.

Wish Carnival had some, especially not at a bar.....

[loanshark]

One step further.... Leave your car keys on top of the newspaper. Always gets the point across that the table is occupied.

[Cruisercl]

I agree, there will always be rude people who have the sense of entitlement (not sure why). I could create a scene and embarrass the rude person but do not want to lower myself to that level. These are socially inept people and wouldn't get the message anyways. I have not had this issue much but when I do I have been known to whisper 'you are very rude person' and then walk away. It makes me feel a bit better even though it probably doesn't matter.

[kc320]

Originally Posted by loanshark

One step further.... Leave your car keys on top of the newspaper. Always gets the point across that the table is occupied.

Until somebody decides it would be "cute" to walk off with your car keys... I'd rather lose my seat than my keys...