Confirmed traditional, can we still do anytime one day?

[Coracii]

From what I have been reading here. It seems like Princess should just have open seating in all the dining rooms on long port days. It seems, from what I have read in these posts that the traditional dining rooms must be empty at least for the early seating session. I am sure that the anytime diners who normally eat early also eat late on these days. The line to be seated in anytime between 7:00 and 9:00 must be horrendous with the additional early traditional diners eating at the anytime venue.

 

On the late port days (when the ship doesn't leave until 9pm or later), I've never experienced a wait time for the dining room and we usually eat dinner after 8pm. We usually book late dining in the MDR for that reason. A large number of the people don't even return to the ship for dinner, most seem to grab a meal off the ship. Those that do seem to hit the buffet lines. Our latest example, in Juneau last year we got back to the ship at about 7:45pm and got cleaned up a bit. Passed by a couple of the anytime restaurants that were about 2/3 empty and went to the MDR which had maybe 75-100 people there at 8:15pm. The ship didn't leave port until 9pm.

[donna5]

Quite a few posters seem to have missed that one little detail in the OP's question.

 

And some of us are responding to the ones that feel they can just do as they please.

 

If the Maitre'd's policy is the normal dining situation will be altered that day and everyone is notified of such policy and the anytimes also have the choice of going into the Trad. room then I see no problem with that. But if the AT diningroom is too crowded then it would only be fair to not seat the Trad. diners there.

[Coracii]

And some of us are responding to the ones that feel they can just do as they please.

 

If the Maitre'd's policy is the normal dining situation will be altered that day and everyone is notified of such policy and the anytimes also have the choice of going into the Trad. room then I see no problem with that. But if the AT diningroom is too crowded then it would only be fair to not seat the Trad. diners there.

 

But, you're ignoring the point. In this specific scenario that the OP posted the question regarding not a single one of the dining rooms on the ship will be crowded at any point. It's fairly unanimous here that under any other circumstances it's incorrect for those with traditional dining to go to the anytime dining areas unless they switch over for the remainder of the cruise and open their traditional spot for someone else.

 

But, in this circumstance there are 1/2 to 2/3 empty dining rooms throughout the ship at any time you choose to eat. You will likely never encounter a wait for a table when the ship is in port late like the OP will be in Juneau. Feel free to go to the MDR if you're on a ship that's in port late into the night, it's very likely they'll seat you without hesitation since they'll be mostly empty (just like the AT restaurants).

[kooljamming]

And some of us are responding to the ones that feel they can just do as they please.

 

If the Maitre'd's policy is the normal dining situation will be altered that day and everyone is notified of such policy and the anytimes also have the choice of going into the Trad. room then I see no problem with that. But if the AT diningroom is too crowded then it would only be fair to not seat the Trad. diners there.

 

This won't help the OP or people searching to find information in the future. It's OK to start a new thread and share your displeasure or opinion. The OP asked a specific question that has a pretty clear answer.

 

" If we choose to do this and return to the ship say around 7 p.m., will we be allowed to do the any time dining or would we be stuck with eating at the buffet only?"

[SherriffJoe]

And some of us are responding to the ones that feel they can just do as they please.

 

If the Maitre'd's policy is the normal dining situation will be altered that day and everyone is notified of such policy and the anytimes also have the choice of going into the Trad. room then I see no problem with that. But if the AT diningroom is too crowded then it would only be fair to not seat the Trad. diners there.

 

Frankly most of us don't want to hear your off topic diatribes about what you don't like about the dining situation. We have heard you PLENTY on threads where your opinion is on topic without you spreading your drama to this one too! . Get over it or change cruise lines.....

[Tiffany's mom]

Can you post a link to such a policy?

 

When Personal Choice first started on Grand Princess, about 10 years

ago, you were invited to use the anytime dining rooms -- at any time

-- even if you had selected traditional. THAT was the personal choice.

 

I have never seen any policy change since then.

 

In reality, what happened after a few months was that if you came

to the anytime dining room, and were seated in traditional, you were

asked if you wanted to change to anytime for the rest of the cruise.

 

More recently, whether or not traditional diners are allow in to the

anytime dining rooms seems to be at the discretion of the maitre d'

and/or the head waiter running the dining room.

 

Still, I still don't think there is any policy that says if you've signed up

for traditional, you can't come to anytime.

 

What if I don't like my waiter, and want to abandon traditional for the rest

of the cruise? I don't think anyone is going to say 'no'.

 

What if I arrive late on embarcation day, and miss traditional first seating?

Again, I think you would be allowed into anytime dining.

 

And, as others have noted, often when there is a late departure, things

change -- traditional may become 'no assigned seating' -- which makes

the whole question moot. If traditional is 'no assigned seating' for an

evening, there is no need to go to an anytime dining room.

 

And finally, I haven't seen "Open Seating" on Princess since the old

Crown Princess in the late nineties.

 

"Open Seating" -- there are waiters at various tables throughout the

dining room. You walk in, and select whatever table you'd like, based

on location, waiter, friends seated there, etc.

 

"No assigned seating" -- you're greeted and escorted to a table; and tables

are filled more-or-less in order as more people arrive.

 

If you were to read Princess web site about dinning this is what it says

 

"Princess offers you the choice of Traditional dinning with fixed seating and times OR Anytime for flexibility"

 

It does not say "and or".

[kooljamming]

If you were to read Princess web site about dinning this is what it says

 

"Princess offers you the choice of Traditional dinning with fixed seating and times OR Anytime for flexibility"

 

It does not say "and or".

 

I think that's were common sense and discretion come in with the maitre'd. If there was no need for descretion they could put robots and turn style at the door. If you are at the wrong door you are denied access. You are allowed to have fix seating at Anytime by the making a reservation which is NOT stated but allowed. Whever poossible the staff will do their best to accomdate you and make your vacation special.

[pablo222]

If you were to read Princess web site about dinning this is what it says

 

"Princess offers you the choice of Traditional dinning with fixed seating and times OR Anytime for flexibility"

 

It does not say "and or".

 

That's your definitionm of a policy that you want shown

to passengers!!!!????!!!!

 

It says I have the choice. No where does it say, once I make a choice that's it for the entire cruise.

 

If you want to quote something, perhaps quote something that backs up your position.

 

As I said, when Anytime Dining started, you were invited to change

as you wish. I haven't seen any written policy contrary to that

in the 10 years or so of anytime dining.

 

I always sign up for Anytime Dining. Now that I've read this

thread, I think I'll sign up for traditional, and go to the anytime

dining room, just for fun.

[Coracii]

I always sign up for Anytime Dining. Now that I've read this thread, I think I'll sign up for traditional, and go to the anytime dining room, just for fun.

 

Good luck with that, they check your cruise card at the door of the anytime restaurants fairly regularly and turn you away if you're assigned to traditional. But, I guess everyone's entitled to act like a 6 year old at some point in their adult lives...

[lehb]

From Princess FAQ (enough said):

Anytime Dining:

 

Anytime Dining offers a flexible dining experience – just like a restaurant would – and gives you the freedom to dine with whomever you wish, at your convenience between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. in elegant, upscale venues.

 

Should you need to change this request, call your travel agent no later than three weeks before you sail. Requests for preferences and changes are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not always possible to alter dining preferences or seating arrangements once they are reserved.

Once onboard and subject to availability, you may attempt to switch preferences with 24 hours notice to the Maitre D’. We will do our best to accommodate your preference.

 

 

Traditional Dining:

 

Traditional Dining is the classic cruise dining experience. Indulge in our freshly-prepared, award-winning cuisine, served at set times in an elegant dining room with the same waitstaff and table mates each evening.

 

Should you need to change this request, call your travel agent no later than three weeks before you sail. Requests for preferences and changes are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not always possible to alter dining preferences or seating arrangements once they are reserved.

Once onboard and subject to availability, you may attempt to switch preferences with 24 hours notice to the Maitre D’. We will do our best to accommodate your preference.

[pablo222]

Good luck with that, they check your cruise card at the door of the anytime restaurants fairly regularly and turn you away if you're assigned to traditional. But, I guess everyone's entitled to act like a 6 year old at some point in their adult lives...

 

For my next trick, I'm going to reserve one seat in the show lounge,

whether or not someone is coming to join me.

 

But seriously, I don't actually behave like this, but reading many

posts on CC make me want do.

 

What's funny -- when I read posts here, I always think -- if these

are the people I might meet on a cruise, I'm going to be sure to

get a table for two.

 

However, when I do dine with others, they generally turn out to be

nice folks.

 

So, what's with that?

[Coracii]

What's funny -- when I read posts here, I always think -- if these

are the people I might meet on a cruise, I'm going to be sure to

get a table for two.

 

However, when I do dine with others, they generally turn out to be

nice folks.

 

So, what's with that?

 

It's always easier to act like a nutcase in the privacy of your own home behind the anonymity of the internet than it is when you're talking face-to-face with someone... At least, that's what I always attribute it to no matter which discussion board or topic I'm visiting.

[Raamo]

It's always easier to act like a nutcase in the privacy of your own home behind the anonymity of the internet than it is when you're talking face-to-face with someone... At least, that's what I always attribute it to no matter which discussion board or topic I'm visiting.

 

That's the golden rule of on line forums. Some places force you to use your real name - that seems to help somewhat with the civility.

[Pam in CA]

When Personal Choice first started on Grand Princess, about 10 years ago, you were invited to use the anytime dining rooms -- at any time -- even if you had selected traditional. THAT was the personal choice.

Actually, No. Anytime was introduced nine years ago, September 2001. And, "Personal Choice" referred to the ability to choose either Traditional or Anytime dining, buffet, specialty restaurant or Room Service in your cabin. It did NOT refer to, nor imply, that you could go back or forth between Anytime and Traditional. You might have spoken to someone who implied that and if so, it would be interesting to know who that was, but at no time has any written/published reference to Personal Choice say specifically that you could have both Traditional and Anytime at the same time. For good reason: it's not fair to those choosing Anytime or unable to get off the waitlist for Traditional.

[pablo222]

Actually, No. Anytime was introduced nine years ago, September 2001. And, "Personal Choice" referred to the ability to choose either Traditional or Anytime dining, buffet, specialty restaurant or Room Service in your cabin. It did NOT refer to, nor imply, that you could go back or forth between Anytime and Traditional. You might have spoken to someone who implied that and if so, it would be interesting to know who that was, but at no time has any written/published reference to Personal Choice say specifically that you could have both Traditional and Anytime at the same time. For good reason: it's not fair to those choosing Anytime or unable to get off the waitlist for Traditional.

 

Your comments are contrary to my recollection of actual events.

When Personal Choice started, if you had selected traditional dining,

you were free to go to an anytime dining room. That was the policy.

I cruised on Grand Princess about a dozen times after it entered service,

and personally observed each update to the policy.

[Coral]

I believe when it started - Anytime dining was called "personal choice". So there was Traditional and Personal Choice. Somehow that was confusing so they changed it to "Personal Choice dining" which consisted of Traditional, Anytime, Speciality and buffets......

 

I don't ever remember in the beginning that personal choice dining (anytime) could swap back and fourth.

[pablo222]

I don't ever remember in the beginning that personal choice dining (anytime) could swap back and fourth.

 

The most confusing thing -- when Grand Princess entered service,

Princess announced "Grand Class Cruising".

 

Sounds fine.

 

However, it included Sea, Dawn, etc.

 

Wierd.

[Coral]

The most confusing thing -- when Grand Princess entered service,

Princess announced "Grand Class Cruising".

 

Sounds fine.

 

However, it included Sea, Dawn, etc.

 

Wierd.

 

It did! I remember - they were considered "baby grands" or something like that. I think it had to do with options/new amenities such as a 24 hour buffet (and some other things that escape me)..... Maybe more balconies?

[Pam in CA]

Your comments are contrary to my recollection of actual events.

When Personal Choice started, if you had selected traditional dining,

you were free to go to an anytime dining room. That was the policy.

I cruised on Grand Princess about a dozen times after it entered service,

and personally observed each update to the policy.

I disagree. Like you, I'm referring to my experience on the Grand shortly after Anytime was introduced. On my case, it was three months later. We tried to change from Traditional to Anytime while on the Grand and the Maitre d' gave us a very hard time; we were finally allowed to after repeated requests.

 

Like so many things on Princess when it comes to policies, dining, etc., it's inconsistent so that you get different experiences based on the Maitre d' and probably the phase of the moon.

[jff50]

Your comments are contrary to my recollection of actual events.

When Personal Choice started, if you had selected traditional dining,

you were free to go to an anytime dining room. That was the policy.

I cruised on Grand Princess about a dozen times after it entered service,

and personally observed each update to the policy.

What does it matter how it was when Princess initiated Anytime/Personal Choice dining? Princess now gives you the option of signing up for Traditional or (not and) Anytime dining.

 

Traditionally, the only option was assigned seating. Unless the dining room was designated as open seating on a given evening, there was no dining room option if you missed your assigned time/table. Thinking back to my earliest cruises, I don't even think that the buffet was open at dinner (although there was a midnight buffet every evening)--and there were no specialty restaurants.

 

From a practical standpoint, I've never had a problem with how Princess manages it's anytime dining--so I'm fine with them continuing as they have. From the standpoint of fairness, I'd prefer it if Princess did not allow Traditional diners to use the spots alloted to Anytime diners. For situations like late nights in port, the Traditional dining room could be open seating rather than assigned. People that chose Traditional dining did so because they enjoy having the same time/table/tablemates. Seems to me they should be willing to accept the consequences that come from that choice. If they were on a ship with only Traditional dining; their only other options would be buffet, specialty dining, or room service.

[pablo222]

On my case, it was three months later. We tried to change from Traditional to Anytime while on the Grand and the Maitre d' gave us a very hard time; we were finally allowed to after repeated requests.

 

Like so many things on Princess when it comes to policies, dining, etc., it's inconsistent so that you get different experiences based on the Maitre d' and probably the phase of the moon.

 

That I can believe.

 

I've been on Emerald eight times.

 

Everytime I've been on board, I've had anytime dining.

Usually, after the first night, if I like the waiter, I request

that table/time for the rest of the cruise. That way, I can

bypass the line at the door, and go right to the table.

 

This goes great, for the first five times.

 

Trip six, a month later -- "no reservations" in anytime dining.

This was like a month after trip five. Same head waiter.

 

Trips seven and eight, reservations are fine.

 

I'm doing number nine in the fall. I'll have to see what the

whim is then.

[caribill]

Like so many things on Princess when it comes to policies, dining, etc., it's inconsistent so that you get different experiences based on the Maitre d' and probably the phase of the moon.

 

There are often complaints on Cruise Critic that the Princess ships are too much the same and a new design is needed.

 

Princess seems to offset the perceived "sameness" of the ships' design with policies that differ from ship to ship and voyage to voyage.

[Pam in CA]

There are often complaints on Cruise Critic that the Princess ships are too much the same and a new design is needed.

 

Princess seems to offset the perceived "sameness" of the ships' design with policies that differ from ship to ship and voyage to voyage.

It's enough to drive you crazy and the Cruise Critic boards wild with everyone having been told something different or having a different experience.

[earljr]

From Princess FAQ (enough said):

Anytime Dining:

 

Anytime Dining offers a flexible dining experience – just like a restaurant would – and gives you the freedom to dine with whomever you wish, at your convenience between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. in elegant, upscale venues.

 

Should you need to change this request, call your travel agent no later than three weeks before you sail. Requests for preferences and changes are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not always possible to alter dining preferences or seating arrangements once they are reserved.

Once onboard and subject to availability, you may attempt to switch preferences with 24 hours notice to the Maitre D’. We will do our best to accommodate your preference.

 

 

Traditional Dining:

 

Traditional Dining is the classic cruise dining experience. Indulge in our freshly-prepared, award-winning cuisine, served at set times in an elegant dining room with the same waitstaff and table mates each evening.

 

Should you need to change this request, call your travel agent no later than three weeks before you sail. Requests for preferences and changes are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is not always possible to alter dining preferences or seating arrangements once they are reserved.

Once onboard and subject to availability, you may attempt to switch preferences with 24 hours notice to the Maitre D’. We will do our best to accommodate your preference.

 

Really, what more needs to be clarified?

Do different ships do different things? Yep

Do cruise folk ignore rules? Yep

Do we need to get a twist in our knickers about it? Nope

 

Thanks for the post lehb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to lehb.

[suzski]

OP, we sailed on Sapphire in June and had the same issue. And yes, we did go for Anytime Dining that night because of it....and had no issue.