Single cruiser buffet issue..

[SparklingPinkDaisy]

On 4/13/2022 at 6:31 AM, csoud68 said:

I look for an empty table, put my silverware and drink on it, and when I come back to the table its always occupied .

 

My stuff is pushed over and a group of people are always there looking all innocent. 

 

This obviously never happens if I'm with someone but it is infuriating when I just want to eat my breakfast..

 

Any ideas on how this can be prevented. 

 

It's no fun when people mess with your things! 

 

For that reason, I bring a book on every cruise and put it in my bag I carry around with me. I pick up a water or coffee, leave it on my table with my book, and no one has ever removed my belongings or taken the table.  On one cruise, a charming woman from the UK called me Book Girl whenever she saw me because we sat in the same section frequently and she'd see me reading around the ship.  

 

[kanadakid]

On 4/13/2022 at 4:28 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

No!  Drink first; food second.  If it's the reverse, the food will have cooled.  

I dont mind luke warm food as i got quite used to that on the Indian continent. Guess its a matter of personal pref.  I would  be inclined to join them if there is even a single seat there, and hope it doesnt make things Aaaawkward - but thats just me 😉

 

[gmerick]

I score a room service tray on day 1, and keep it.  It goes in my day bag with my book and Yeti.  At the buffet.  I pile the tray full of more than I'll eat, add coffee, beverage, two sets of cutlery.  At the table I unload the tray and it goes back in my bag.

[latebuyer]

I can't believe how long this thread has lasted! Couldn't you bring your own water bottle if water is safe to drink to avoid getting a drink.

[Mike1948]

I am an early riser and usually have my breakfast in the buffet soon after 7am. It is quiet then without the congestion of an hour later. Even so, I have had my part-eaten food cleared from the table while fetching a drink!

[Froufie]

https://www.mydoorsign.com/will-return-shortly-tabletop-tent-sign/sku-se-6105?engine=googlebase&keyword=&skuid=SE-6105-SE-02x06-T1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfGsJHksQYSLfJjWvoUfdioGhpgRpdPD8anHJ3i7cA1-M0d0ZSzmXGEaAuVnEALw_wcB

 

might also be helpful for loungers if you have to step away for a few minutes? 🙂

 

 

Edited March 9, 2023 by Froufie

[runner15km]

Sail Princess, staff will serve beverages.

 

[solofriendly]

Even when I don't need a sweater or a jacket, I bring one to the buffet with me and drape it over the back of my chair. I also bring my refillable water bottle and leave it at the table when I get up for food. (Which serves a dual purpose, since I'm going to want to refill it while I'm at the buffet.) I've never had anyone take my table while I was gone.

[CruisinTrucker]

Found this on Etsy. Should work perfectly and easy to stash away since it's collapsible.

 

Link ->

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1257354093/be-right-back-mini-floor-sign-custom

[oakridger]

Made these on my computer.  The waiters and bartenders loved them!

[rj59]

Bring a big bag and put it on the table. Anything small, and rude people will push it out of the way or pretend they didn't see it--I saw this happen on embarkation on Cunard, with a really angry person. Or drape a coat, or print out a sign saying "OCCUPIED". It's not only rude passengers, but also crew who take away my plate and drinks when I'm just going for something else, even if I'm not finished. It's not just being solo, and it's not always deliberate, because I've found myself wondering if a table is still occupied, if there's an empty plate and half-finished drink but no sign of a person. It's the same as with a deck chair with a towel on it--nobody knows if somebody is coming back or not, unless there's something clearly visible left. 

[herbanrenewal]

I've occasionally brought another unoccupied chair and joined whoever had "stolen" my table. edge them over and ask them to pass my other stuff.

[shadow 123]

On 4/13/2022 at 7:21 PM, lenquixote66 said:

Have you ever sat down at an empty table and a person asked if there was a seat not taken ? I have many times.You could ask the person to hold your place there could you not ?

I did that once and the woman I asked gave me a look that could literally kill. She never said a word just a horrible look

[shadow 123]

On 4/11/2023 at 6:54 PM, solofriendly said:

Even when I don't need a sweater or a jacket, I bring one to the buffet with me and drape it over the back of my chair. I also bring my refillable water bottle and leave it at the table when I get up for food. (Which serves a dual purpose, since I'm going to want to refill it while I'm at the buffet.) I've never had anyone take my table while I was gone.

Great idea

[lenquixote66]

1 hour ago, shadow 123 said:

I did that once and the woman I asked gave me a look that could literally kill. She never said a word just a horrible look

You realize that you responded to a post from nearly two years ago.

[shadow 123]

9 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

You realize that you responded to a post from nearly two years ago.

Yes I do. Why ,have things changed?

[lenquixote66]

1 hour ago, shadow 123 said:

Yes I do. Why ,have things changed?

Nothing has changed since I came into this world .