Waitlisted for Early Dining

[uwbadger]

We leave Saturday on the Diamond and as of this morning we are still #16 on the waitlist for early dining. Even though we made the reservation ages ago, we have only moved down to #16 on the list.

 

We are traveling with friends who have never cruised before so we really want them to experience "traditional" dining for their first cruise and also we have three young children between our two families so early seating allows us to feed them and get them into the children's program in time for the evening activities.

 

I'd appreciate any suggestions or advice from those of you who have been waitlisted.

 

Thanks

 

Does anyone have any advice?

 

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[srphnx]

16 is not a bad number. If you don't get traditional early or late it isn't a big deal.

 

On Diamond you can Tradionalize PC, go the the Maitre'd of one of the less in demand PC rooms, our suggestion would be Vivaldi as the service there was very good. Make a daily, same-time, same-table, same-staff reservation for an early time, 5:30 or 6:00 and Voila, you have an early traditional experience and your group eats together daily.

 

If you are anxious to try another room as well, go there late for a mini-dinner one night after you regular meal, have a coffee and dessert at 9:30 just to see the room.

 

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[cynbar]

I have 2 suggestions for you. First, see the maitre'd on the afternoon you board and ask nicely (or even slip him a little something.) That might do it right there. But second, personal choice dining allows you to make a standing reservation at any time you choose in one of the PC DRs, so it ends up being pretty much like traditional (except for no Baked Alaska parade). One of these ideas should get you your desired result. I've also seen some families who feed their children separately at the buffet or grill, at least on some nights, then take them to the children's program so they can enjoy an adults-only dinner. Anyway, have a great time!!

[crlieq]

We leave in 4 1/2 months. I checked this morning and we are still 83 on the list for late seating. What are our chances of getting our late seating request without having to arrange it once we are on the ship.

[njoyndride]

We started at #152 3 months prior to our cruise and only managed to get down to #117 by cruise day. We did as others above had suggested and made a standing reservation for PC dining. The only difference was there were no singing waiters and I can't say as I missed it (thought I would). A couple of tables around us were doing the same thing so we felt as we were traditional.

 

I called the concierge desk as soon as I boarded, was in the call que for 20 minutes but had no problem with an 8:15 reservation for a table with 8 people.

 

Sharon

 

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