Wonder If This Would Work In The Lido ?

[HamOp]

[VMax1700]

Not on HAL.  The excellent Lido staff would have it cleaned up in a second.

[rkacruiser]

Pre-Covid, there have been some of us that have placed such a notice on the table to inform crew and fellow guests that we will return to our seat at the table.  No need for such clutter, however.  

[dd likes to cruise]

Unless you are a single person eating, there should be no need for anything. My husband and I would go for seconds or whatever one at a time. 

[canadarocks]

Pretty sure it's a joke... 😀

[rkacruiser]

9 minutes ago, dd likes to cruise said:

Unless you are a single person eating, there should be no need for anything. My husband and I would go for seconds or whatever one at a time. 

 

4 minutes ago, canadarocks said:

Pretty sure it's a joke... 😀

 

No joke.  As a solo cruiser, there has been more than once on more cruise lines than HAL, I have returned to my previous table where all of my previous dishes and silverware, and napkin has been removed by a Steward.  Now, with no napkin, no silverware, no remaining beverage:  I have to "start over".  Why?  Just because I went to the buffet for seconds or to get a dessert!  

 

As I said, the "clutter" shown in the posted photo is unacceptable in my opinion.  

[canadarocks]

Sorry rkacruiser.... I meant HamOp's post's intention was a joke, not the reality of what can happen onboard. 

[OlsSalt]

May or may not be universal code, but we always drape the napkin on the back of the chair when we are not finished but want to get something more from the buffet. So far this has worked and everything was in place when we got back. 

[HamOp]

46 minutes ago, canadarocks said:

Pretty sure it's a joke... 😀

Pretty sure your right ! 😁

[hunt182644]

You could also try tipping the chair against the table.

[Evilmuffin]

I will tell someone sitting next to where I am that I am just getting up for a moment and ask them if they can let others know that the spot is taken.

[NCTribeFan]

Yes, as a solo cruiser, I've occasionally had my items removed while I went back for more.

 

Since I always have a book with me, I place that on the table along with my room card (on a lanyard).  I often have a sweater or hoodie on since I'm usually cold in the interior areas, so leaving that draped on the back of the chair helps, too.  That's usually enough to signal that I will return.

 

On HAL, since there seems to be more staff in the Lido, I've also been know to point out my table as I pass and ask that it NOT be cleared!

 

I get the intent of the OP.

[RuthC]

The notification that the steward (at least) used to be trained to look for was the chair tilted against the table. I don't know if that is still the signal. 
In recent years a steward said that the napkin draped over the chair was the appropriate signal. I just use both. 

[NCTribeFan]

The napkin over the chair probably won't work if you're sitting in an outdoor area.  Would hate for mine to blow overboard!

 

I don't finish my meal and then sit and read at my table during peak meal times.  That's just inconsiderate.  I see people do it all the time, as well as sit there and play cards/games while others are walking around with plates of food searching for somewhere to sit.

 

And if I'm solo and at a table larger than a 2-top, if I see someone looking for seating, I will motion for them to sit.  After all, we're one, big, happy family when we're sailing, aren't we? 😃

 

Not sure I'm willing to do that during these COVID times, but I don't plan on hanging out in the indoor spaces where most are unmasked if I don't need to.  Hopefully, we won't be at full capacity for a while yet and finding a table won't be an issue.

[syesmar]

This made me think of an experience I once had in the Lido. I never forgot my note from that time on! 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2801825-wwyd-pool-etiquette/?tab=comments#comment-61828048

 

Edited November 2, 2021 by syesmar

[RuthC]

6 hours ago, syesmar said:

This made me think of an experience I once had in the Lido. I never forgot my note from that time on! 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2801825-wwyd-pool-etiquette/?tab=comments#comment-61828048

 

I might have mentioned to them that I had licked all the utensils, as I walked away.  

[highscar]

@R & C love it.