Furniture choices in dining room affect ease of socializing

[steverhodes]

My wife and I find round tables for 6 ideal for socializing at dinner for many reasons.

 

You can see everyone equally and easily. It's easy to keep a single conversation going. And, if one couple isn't talkative, there are still two left to carry on the conversation.

 

Rectangular tables with one set of folks on one side and a different set on the other makes it hard to talk to the person next to you, since you have crook your neck around to see them or talk to them. Also, it is harder to keep only one conversation going.

 

In China we had nothing but round tables for 8 which was even better.

 

 

 

 

 

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[SuiteTraveler]

Steve,

You really can't judge the whole dining room based on one or two photos taken at the far end of the room. Here is another photo of the Maria Theresa's dining room still at one end, but as you start to move into the middle of the dining room - which includes a combination of round and long tables and tables for 2. Generally the people who took the long tables were traveling together as a large group, the people at the tables for 2 only wanted to dine with the person they were with, same with the people at tables for 4 and the round tables were the rest of us who met on the cruise and formed informal groups that sat together every night. Most nights we sat at a round table for 6 on the SS Antoinette.

[SuiteTraveler]

Here's a better photo of a typical Uniworld dining room layout on the Joie de Vivre - again, you can clearly see it is mostly round tables:

[steverhodes]

Here's a better photo of a typical Uniworld dining room layout on the Joie de Vivre - again, you can clearly see it is mostly round tables:

 

Guys in ties and jackets. Not my kind of vacation.

[caviargal]

Guys in ties and jackets. Not my kind of vacation.

 

I think we all get that, based on the threads you have created. ;)

 

It is clear that Viking suits you well. It is not a line we have ever tried, nor will we in the future.

 

Uniworld offers the level of quality and service we prefer on the river and is one of our favorites. Jackets and ties are much preferred over shorts and jeans. :halo:

[caviargal]

Here's a better photo of a typical Uniworld dining room layout on the Joie de Vivre - again, you can clearly see it is mostly round tables:

 

We really enjoyed the dining room on JDV. It was never crowded as they offer open dining. And the acoustics were good as well.

 

In terms of table size, our preference is a table for 2 unless we are traveling with friends. In that case, we prefer a table that seats just our group. Forced socializing is just not our thing.

[notamermaid]

Not wanting to be a spoilsport ;) but before this turns into a "pro-Viking anti-Uniworld and needing to defend Uniworld discussion" I would just like to say that as long as people have chairs to sit on that face each other at a table I think socialising depends more on the people's impressions of each other than the seating arrangement. Just saying. :halo:

 

 

I enjoyed my table of six because the people where my type, If I had been at the "rowdy" round for six table I might have felt overwhelmed but probably fine had us six been given the round table.

 

That is me for others it might matter.

 

notamermaid

[Starlaker]

I didn't perceive Steve's post as being critical of Uniworld. As a matter of fact, he didn't even mention Uniworld. He was just commenting on the differences in table set ups. To each his own, and it is nice to know before we go how each line does dinner settings. I was glad to see the pictures for comparison.

[SuiteTraveler]

And clearly, Viking also has many long tables on their longships:

 

I'm sure, just like Uniworld, that Viking has a mix of long tables, round tables, tables for 4 and maybe even tables for 2.

[notamermaid]

Starlaker,

 

this is not what I meant. It is just that he used a clearly Uniworld photo (must of us regularly on this board have seen the Uniworld "outfits"). It is two extremes of furniture taken slightly out of context.

 

My ship the Belvedere also had several seating designs.

 

It was trying to make a point that it should not lead to bias against or for a cruise line.

 

Seeing the design comparison is nice but the seating arrangement is not objectively given credit but two photos, as suitetraveler has already pointed out. It could lead to wrong conclusions. Just like glossy brochures.

 

notamermaid

[caviargal]

Starlaker,

 

this is not what I meant. It is just that he used a clearly Uniworld photo (must of us regularly on this board have seen the Uniworld "outfits"). It is two extremes of furniture taken slightly out of context.

 

My ship the Belvedere also had several seating designs.

 

It was trying to make a point that it should not lead to bias against or for a cruise line.

 

Seeing the design comparison is nice but the seating arrangement is not objectively given credit but two photos, as suitetraveler has already pointed out. It could lead to wrong conclusions. Just like glossy brochures.

 

notamermaid

 

Exactly.

[CruisingAlong4Now]

I didn't perceive Steve's post as being critical of Uniworld. As a matter of fact, he didn't even mention Uniworld. He was just commenting on the differences in table set ups. To each his own, and it is nice to know before we go how each line does dinner settings. I was glad to see the pictures for comparison.

 

The OP has at least three or four threads he started where everything Viking is perfect and the best and Uniworld is not. The Uniworld decor is gaudy; the dining room windows are too small; the curtains are too large; etc. There is a pattern here.

 

He even said that he will only go to Alaska on Viking because there is no other cruise line in the world that provides the wonderful and exclusive experience that Viking does. So now, even the large table sizes are the best. Interesting that most people ask about tables for 2, not tables for 8 unless they are sailing with a group.

[caviargal]

The OP has at least three or four threads he started where everything Viking is perfect and the best and Uniworld is not. The Uniworld decor is gaudy; the dining room windows are too small; the curtains are too large; etc. There is a pattern here.

 

He even said that he will only go to Alaska on Viking because there is no other cruise line in the world that provides the wonderful and exclusive experience that Viking does. So now, even the large table sizes are the best. Interesting that most people ask about tables for 2, not tables for 8 unless they are sailing with a group.

 

That was my point as well but you summed it up succinctly. He seems to have posted just to instigate and for no other reason. Next we will be comparing TV programming.

[steverhodes]

The OP has at least three or four threads he started where everything Viking is perfect and the best and Uniworld is not. The Uniworld decor is gaudy; the dining room windows are too small; the curtains are too large; etc. There is a pattern here.

 

He even said that he will only go to Alaska on Viking because there is no other cruise line in the world that provides the wonderful and exclusive experience that Viking does. So now, even the large table sizes are the best. Interesting that most people ask about tables for 2, not tables for 8 unless they are sailing with a group.

 

I made the point again and again and said explicitly that "there is NO right answer". I just wanted to suggest things to consider. Sorry you didn't like the design questions I posed.

 

You did a really bad paraphrase of my postings.

[SuiteTraveler]

I made the point again and again and said explicitly that "there is NO right answer". I just wanted to suggest things to consider. Sorry you didn't like the design questions I posed.

 

You did a really bad paraphrase of my postings.

 

Steve,

What I was thinking was that since your work life was in Silicon Valley and you worked for Apple, you are used to a more minimalist style because thats what most offices are like there - even the Apple campus. Is that what appeals to you about the Scandinavian decor on Viking? I can see quite a few similarities and also if you are someone who deals with decision fatigue or gets overwhelmed by too much going on around you, then you would tend to prefer a very plain and simple decor.

 

For others who are wondering what I'm referring to, here are photos of Apple's original Campus in Cupertino where Steve likely worked. From the photos I think you will see a considerable resemblance to the Viking ships.

http://www.applegazette.com/feature/inside-apple-hq/

[steverhodes]

Steve,

What I was thinking was that since your work life was in Silicon Valley and you worked for Apple, you are used to a more minimalist style because thats what most offices are like there - even the Apple campus. Is that what appeals to you about the Scandinavian decor on Viking? I can see quite a few similarities and also if you are someone who deals with decision fatigue or gets overwhelmed by too much going on around you, then you would tend to prefer a very plain and simple decor.

 

For others who are wondering what I'm referring to, here are photos of Apple's original Campus in Cupertino where Steve likely worked. From the photos I think you will see a considerable resemblance to the Viking ships.

http://www.applegazette.com/feature/inside-apple-hq/

 

Good point. Very perceptive.

[Canal archive]

Well guys interesting discussion, I admit to only traveling with Scenic and I did notice that in at least one of the pictures there would be a bit of difficulty squeezing between seats at tables, that aside I am used to two top tables, long 6 or 8 tables, round 6 or 8 tables or in other words you want a table set up and the Scenic staff will oblige. The decor is clean and fresh with large windows with a handy shelf to sit ones camera on. I may not have worked with the gurus such as Steve Gobs but I did work on the first printed circuit boards and solar panels, plus the first British satalite launched by a British launch vehicle it was our generation that developed the computer let's live up to that. Viva la difference CA

[jklc123]

Guys in ties and jackets. Not my kind of vacation.

 

We have enjoyed several Uniworld cruises. In our experience, it is more common to see men wearing collared shirts than coats and ties. I think Uniworld's brochures reflect more formality than is the norm, which suits DH just fine -- less to pack!

[Starlaker]

The OP has at least three or four threads he started where everything Viking is perfect and the best and Uniworld is not. The Uniworld decor is gaudy; the dining room windows are too small; the curtains are too large; etc. There is a pattern here.

 

He even said that he will only go to Alaska on Viking because there is no other cruise line in the world that provides the wonderful and exclusive experience that Viking does. So now, even the large table sizes are the best. Interesting that most people ask about tables for 2, not tables for 8 unless they are sailing with a group.

 

OK. Being new to River Cruising and likewise new to the River Cruising board, I wasn't aware of the history. As a total newbie, I was just happy to see the various pictures of different dining arrangements. Looking forward to our first River Cruise in three weeks!

[steverhodes]

OK. Being new to River Cruising and likewise new to the River Cruising board, I wasn't aware of the history. As a total newbie, I was just happy to see the various pictures of different dining arrangements. Looking forward to our first River Cruise in three weeks!

 

That's why I posed the questions to show the differences. People should and will decide for themselves what they like best. But with the knowledge of the differences.

[SuiteTraveler]

That's why I posed the questions to show the differences. People should and will decide for themselves what they like best. But with the knowledge of the differences.

 

I looked around at a lot of different river cruise sites and pictures of dining rooms on various ships and it seems pretty much all river ships have a combination of round and long tables. The main difference I found is that some ships do not have tables for 2.

 

For us, we are fine with any type of table, but prefer to eat with others on a river cruise. Because of this, things like windows don't really matter to us as we're looking at and listening to our dining companions instead of looking out the windows. Of course, at night it's dark out there and there is the reflection of the dining room lights on the windows, so on Uniworld, they tend to close the blinds when it is dark. Personally I prefer a dining room that feels cosy and plush regardless of decor style and I like to use candles for illumination rather than electrical lights as candlelight is flattering to most people. I also think that candlelight creates an intimate experience and draws people into a space. I prefer plush chairs or banquettes for seating in a dining room as opposed to hard chairs so that people can linger around the table. I like a major statement piece in a dining room that everyone can see, then keeping the walls and floor quiet so that the focus of diners is on other diners. I think that leads to good conversation and may even help keep voices lowered. Most styles of decor can accomplish this in some way, so it's not really a question of if I like modern decor or Old World decor or what have you. I appreciate all types of design, but I like the space to fit with where I am and I like the decor to relate to the location in some way.

 

I've seen quite a few Viking menus from that whole discussion about the Embla's food. What struck me about those menus is the number of foods I would consider completely out of place for a cruise on the Rhine such as BBQ ribs, Spring Rolls, Chicken al la King, etc. I have this same issue with Med cruises on the big ships. I don't want to spend the day touring Rome or Provence and then get on the ship and it's Chinese night. My expectation on a cruise is that the food should match the area in which you have spent the day. I would never expect nor want to have any American foods on any cruise in Europe or Asia or anywhere except America.

[caviargal]

I've seen quite a few Viking menus from that whole discussion about the Embla's food. What struck me about those menus is the number of foods I would consider completely out of place for a cruise on the Rhine such as BBQ ribs, Spring Rolls, Chicken al la King, etc. I have this same issue with Med cruises on the big ships. I don't want to spend the day touring Rome or Provence and then get on the ship and it's Chinese night. My expectation on a cruise is that the food should match the area in which you have spent the day. I would never expect nor want to have any American foods on any cruise in Europe or Asia or anywhere except America.

 

I am in full agreement with you. I don't eat that stuff at home in the states and would certainly not want to see it served on a river cruise in Europe. We are particular about food and wine and choose to sail on higher end river cruises with an occasional ocean cruise on a small luxury ship.

 

We took a tour on a Viking longship a few years ago when it was still possible to walk up and ask for one. They took us to the casual restaurant where lunch was being served. The buffet was full of carb heavy pastas, french fries, burgers and other items that to me are low cost and high volume. Not appealing to us on any level. We also saw one of their French balcony cabins which was tiny. The decor was bland and unappealing as well, inside and out. They always remind me of ice breakers with that bow design.

[H2Otstr]

QUOTE from Suite Traveler:

My expectation on a cruise is that the food should match the area in which you have spent the day. I would never expect nor want to have any American foods on any cruise in Europe or Asia or anywhere except America.

Almost everyone on the ship ordered cheeseburgers and fries when we saw that on the menu during our 21 day China cruise. :D

[Lookingforfacts]

That's why I posed the questions to show the differences. People should and will decide for themselves what they like best. But with the knowledge of the differences.

 

Except the pictures you posted in your OP falsely implied the absence of round tables on Uniworld ships. Your picture didn't show, nor did you mention, the availability of tables for two on Uniworld ships. Might not be the kind of dining experience you're looking for but choice is good.

 

I'm considering my first river cruise. I'm confused. Why compare Uniworld with Viking? I was under the impression Uniworld, Scenic and Tauk were competing for passengers looking for a premium experience. I think it's great you found a line which meets your needs. I'm look for a 7 night, maybe a few more days, cruise. I'm interested in itinerary, quality of food, included tours, comfortable bed, what adult beverages are included.... For a week or so I don't really care if the decorations is "over the top" or minimalist. I'm not decorating my house.

[Roz]

To the OP, you must really be into Feng Shui based on your posts about furniture, ship's décor, etc.

 

Roz