First vs. Second Seating for solos...

[marcmarc2]

Gebo, were all three of your solo cruises in late seating?

[gebo]

Originally late sitting but then I changed to anytime/as you like.

[bumorgan]

Originally Posted by sc4125

I'm doing my first solo in September. I've been on numerous cruises with lots of family members, but this is something I've always wanted to do. Use to work on cruise ships MANY years ago. Best 5 years of my life!!!

I'll admit to being nervous - I'm a 56 year old female - and had myself convinced to eat either on lido with my kindle or room service. Picked early seating, but didn't think I"d have the nerve to try the MDR alone - but, thanks to you guys, maybe I'll go the first night & see where they put me.

I've cruised solo several times and prefer early seating. As a solo you are usually put at a large table with other solos or a group sailing without their spouses. Generally you will make friends quickly and usually will go to the show or comedy club with some of them after dinner. If you like the casino you will also get to know the regulars there after a few visits. Please do not eat alone in your room unless your anti social by nature.
Just be yourself and you'll have a blast.

Dan

[JerseyJaguar]

I've always asked for late seating, and up until my second Fantasy cruise was always lucky with the group I got. In fact, on my southbound Alaska trip we had such a great, international table that I am still in touch with the guys I met from Amsterdam.

Unfortunately the second Fantasy cruise was not good, the servers for so slow we never got out of there in under 2 1/2 hours, there was nothing wrong with my tablemates but the conversation lagged greatly and with that much time it was more than I could handle. It was only a five night cruise but the last night I went to the buffet, and ran into two other women from my table who couldn't take it anymore either.

My last cruise was NCL and since it was port intensive it didn't bother me that I didn't often have anyone to sit with (they don't fill tables because most folks don't want to share). In fact, I was surprised the night they asked if I minded sharing and then they sat me with two very nice couples.

My next cruise is either going to be NCL or Carnival. I'm a little wary about Carnival after the Fantasy (which I loved the first time as far as wait staff and diner companions went), but either way the cruise will be about the ports.

[PookyCat]

I have booked my first solo cruise for September and originally requested early traditional at a table with other solo cruises. Since then, I learned that 2 couples I know from a previous cruise (and who I like very much) are also going to be on that cruise so I have changed my dining request to eat with them. Still early traditional though. I tend to enjoy wandering around the ship and enjoying the various shows and games after dinner. Late dining can interfere with that especially when the dinner runs late as JerseyJaguar mentioned. I've had that happen too and wasn't very happy about it.