eating together--2 grandparents and 6 grandchildren

[rivendell]

We are taking our young adult grandchildren (ages 16 to 24) to Italy and greece with a cruise in between. I would like to eat with us all together while we are on the cruise, but we are on as you please dining (Holland America OOsterdam). Can one request a table in the dining room the day before--I ask this as most days we will be touring and leaving the ship at 8am. Thanks so much--I had fun. reading a bit about traveling with 3 and 6 year-olds. Now that can be hard!!

[kitkat343]

Two years ago, I was able to make reservations for one or two days in advance on HAL Ryndam. I started calling the day we boarded, and just kept calling every day for future reservations. At that time, HAL will also bring you food from the dining room into the cabin. This was useful if my kid didn't make it through dinner, and might be useful for you if you are tired after touring Europe. You have to be very specific with them - if you want bread, you need to request bread. If you want butter with your bread, make sure to ask for that too. Also request silverware if you want spoons.

 

It is challenging traveling with toddlers to Europe, but my son loved it and he learned so much about history.

[GUT2407]

I believe you can make bookings, but even if you can't they'll quickly catch on if you're eating about the same time each evening.

[cb at sea]

Since you will have 8, you will need a larger table, so reservations are recommended. You don't need to do it daily...you can book your time for the entire trip on boarding day, if you can't do it in advance.

Edited May 30, 2016 by cb at sea