msanchez1125 Posted March 2, 2008 #1 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Hello all....!! New here, 1st cruise planned to the Bahamas in October. I have a questions about the dining portion. Do you HAVE to sit with people you dont know? is there any alternative? Sice we are going to the 'beach' is beach attire permitted at dinner? (shorts, tank tops etc... jeans>?? or not...) thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted March 2, 2008 #2 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Hello all....!! New here, 1st cruise planned to the Bahamas in October. I have a questions about the dining portion. Do you HAVE to sit with people you dont know? is there any alternative? Sice we are going to the 'beach' is beach attire permitted at dinner? (shorts, tank tops etc... jeans>?? or not...) thanks! That kind of clothing is not permitted in the dining room during dinner. Since you are taking a quick 3 or 4 night cruise, and just want to be completely casual, you *could* eat all of your meals in the Windjammer buffet. I really like it there, and have eaten quite a few dinners there. If you choose to eat dinner in the dining room, you will need pants and a shirt. You can request a table for the size of your party, but it is only a request, not a guarantee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted March 2, 2008 #3 Share Posted March 2, 2008 It's FUN having table mates!!! Since you are all on a cruise, that's something you have in common right there! Our 1st cruise---I was soooooo worried about this, and I found I'd been stressing over nothing! Having like-minded adults to eat with and talk to really made the cruise special!!! Give it a try before you make judgements! (I have to say, that the larger tables have the most fun!!! When you get there, check it out--you'll see it's true!) Shorts are ok for breakfast and lunch, but long pants for men and slacks, capris or skirts/dresses for women is the norm for dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo70 Posted March 2, 2008 #4 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Can anybody say troll? :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted March 2, 2008 #5 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I think that that's unfair, Gonzo! I think that he probably *is* a first time cruiser who just doesn't know, so he asked! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mysticks1 Posted March 2, 2008 #6 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Hello all....!! New here, 1st cruise planned to the Bahamas in October. I have a questions about the dining portion. Do you HAVE to sit with people you dont know? is there any alternative? Sice we are going to the 'beach' is beach attire permitted at dinner? (shorts, tank tops etc... jeans>?? or not...) thanks! You wear jeans to the beach?? :eek: Check this link for the RCI suggestions for dinner attire. http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/whatToKnow/whatToPack.do;jsessionid=0000xZQehFw5T1MNeHgckY13LEF:12hbiocak You can wear shorts or jeans in the buffet area any night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bestmaidofH Posted March 2, 2008 #7 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I have been on one cruise before and LOVED my tablemates. Even my hubby, who is more of an introvert, enjoyed talking with them. also....what is a troll anyway? I have seen that a couple times in different posts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisePRN Posted March 2, 2008 #8 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I enjoy dinner with strangers because after one night they no longer are strangers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted March 2, 2008 #9 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I enjoy dinner with strangers because after one night they no longer are strangers. Very nicely expressed! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denhur Posted March 2, 2008 #10 Share Posted March 2, 2008 An "Internet troll" or "Forum Troll" or "Message Board Troll" is a person who posts outrageous message to bait people to answer. Forum Troll delights in sowing discord on the forums. A troll is someone who inspires flaming rhetoric, someone who is purposely provoking and pulling people into flaming discussion. Flaming discussions usually end with name calling and a flame war. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachchick Posted March 2, 2008 #11 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Well, I know many people enjoy sitting at large tables with people they don't know. That's terrific. For any number of reasons, some people don't prefer to dine with people they don't know. Why is it necessary to basically tell the OP he/she is "wrong" and should want to dine with strangers just because others do. I certainly never tell those who love the large tables that they should want a small table or admonish them for having a personal preference, and yet every single time anyone asks about tables for two or dining only with family/traveling companions there are members who feel compelled to say things like "you should ask for a large table so you can meet people" (as if that's the only place and time to meet people onboard) or "larger tables have the most fun." Really? You are sure that those of us who dine only with family/friends can't possibly having as much fun as you are? We've had good and bad experiences with large tables, but we far prefer small tables with just us or just family. We actually enjoy each other's company. We also enjoy meeting people, but prefer to do it in a less structured environment and on our own time rather than in an extended meal time seated with people chosen by the cruise line, rather than by us. I agree with MM that just because the OP asked about attire doesn't make him/her a troll. Some people have no idea what is expected--IMO, it's good when they ask because then they'll know now, rather than when they're onboard and being turned away from the dining room on formal night for wearing shorts and tank tops. It can also show that they care enough to find out what's appropriate, instead of making assumptions. beachchick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isujim Posted March 2, 2008 #12 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Ok......been answered..........let's move on........we don't need an 83 post thread on whether it's a troll or not......:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_DNA Posted March 2, 2008 #13 Share Posted March 2, 2008 We were at a table with 9 people, 3 groups in all. One group we really enjoyed conversing with and the other we didn't really have much to talk about with. (They were still nice though) So, it is hit and miss. However, I will tell you that we keep in touch with the one couple, even though they were about 30 years our senior. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msanchez1125 Posted March 2, 2008 Author #14 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I think that that's unfair, Gonzo! I think that he probably *is* a first time cruiser who just doesn't know, so he asked! this is true.... ;) no troll here! We are a military family, and have never went on a vacation, let alone a cruise...and I just didnt know what to expect? I live in florida, so is shorts and flip flops at dinner all over the place...so I was making sure I didnt make a fool of myself on the cruise, thats all ;) melissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msanchez1125 Posted March 2, 2008 Author #15 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Well, I know many people enjoy sitting at large tables with people they don't know. That's terrific. For any number of reasons, some people don't prefer to dine with people they don't know. Why is it necessary to basically tell the OP he/she is "wrong" and should want to dine with strangers just because others do. I certainly never tell those who love the large tables that they should want a small table or admonish them for having a personal preference, and yet every single time anyone asks about tables for two or dining only with family/traveling companions there are members who feel compelled to say things like "you should ask for a large table so you can meet people" (as if that's the only place and time to meet people onboard) or "larger tables have the most fun." Really? You are sure that those of us who dine only with family/friends can't possibly having as much fun as you are? We've had good and bad experiences with large tables, but we far prefer small tables with just us or just family. We actually enjoy each other's company. We also enjoy meeting people, but prefer to do it in a less structured environment and on our own time rather than in an extended meal time seated with people chosen by the cruise line, rather than by us. I agree with MM that just because the OP asked about attire doesn't make him/her a troll. Some people have no idea what is expected--IMO, it's good when they ask because then they'll know now, rather than when they're onboard and being turned away from the dining room on formal night for wearing shorts and tank tops. It can also show that they care enough to find out what's appropriate, instead of making assumptions. beachchick Wow... didnt mean to cause an uproar!! Im not a troll, i just seriously, had no idea u at least had to kind of dress up for dinner. This is supposed to ba a family 'relaxing' time, and to me...dressing up for dinner I would only want to do it once or so... just not into the whole dressing up all the time. I do that for work, everyday ;) . as far as sitting w./ people we dont know... i was just curious, because we have a 4 year old...and yes sometimes hes loud and messy so I would prefer not to disrupt anyone and keep to ourselves...thats all!! =) didnt mean to upset anyone.. and im sorry my ??'s are out in left field! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisegirl1 Posted March 2, 2008 #16 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Please read the RCCL site info regarding clothing suggestions and other cruise information. As you are a first time cruiser, it will assist you and your family in planning and packing. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehfl Posted March 2, 2008 #17 Share Posted March 2, 2008 You can ask to sit at a private table, if available. Beach wear is not permitted at dinner in the main dining room, but you can eat at the buffet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisegirl1 Posted March 2, 2008 #18 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Actually – you are not “going to the beach” You are going on a cruise ship that happens to stop at an island with a beach. Enjoy M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy2Day Posted March 2, 2008 #19 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Melissa, Welcome!!! I only know a bit about this because I've traveled with friends and their kids. Dinner in the dining room can take 1.5-2 hours. That's a long time in kid-time. Sometimes my friends have fed their kids in the buffet and taken them to the kids program while the adults enjoy dinner together. Sometimes the kids can eat dinner with the adults. When it is convenient (often right before dessert), one parent can take them to the kids program. All of this depends on your schedule, your preferences, and how well your child is adapting to the kids program. You will find that you have a lot of options onboard. If your child is hungry, let your waiters know that you'd like your child's food more quickly, etc... Also, my experience is that RCCL does a fairly good job of pairing similar groups of people. There is a good chance that you would be at a table with at least one other young child. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachchick Posted March 3, 2008 #20 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Wow... didnt mean to cause an uproar!!Im not a troll, i just seriously, had no idea u at least had to kind of dress up for dinner. This is supposed to ba a family 'relaxing' time, and to me...dressing up for dinner I would only want to do it once or so... just not into the whole dressing up all the time. I do that for work, everyday ;) . as far as sitting w./ people we dont know... i was just curious, because we have a 4 year old...and yes sometimes hes loud and messy so I would prefer not to disrupt anyone and keep to ourselves...thats all!! =) didnt mean to upset anyone.. and im sorry my ??'s are out in left field! I'm sorry if you mistunderstood my post. I was actually supporting your original questions. That you took the time to ask about what's expected or appropriate is a good thing. I do apologize if that wasn't clear. As for dining with strangers. I also support your question about whether you have to. The answer is you do not. You can ask for a table for just your party (keeping in mind that it's a request, not a booking), and then hope that's what you are assigned. If not, you can ask for a change. If it's possible, they will change your table. Some times it's not possible, so you have to decide if you are willing to dine at a larger table with people you don't know or if you'd rather make alternate dining plans for dinner each night. The whole issue of small tables/tables for two/tables for just the traveling party has become a bit of a hot-button for me because there are some members (and these are members who I respect and who give good advice; let me make that clear too) who pretty much respond on every thread when someone asks about the small tables. Instead of giving advice about how best to go about requesting/receiving a table for only their group, they tell the original poster "You shouldn't want a small table; large tables are more fun; you should want to meet people at dinner; you should...etc." I think that's rather presumptuous and assumes that if one person loves dining with people they don't know, then everyone should prefer that. No worries. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. Just request a small table and have it noted that you prefer a table for just your party. Then check once you get onboard (your table number will be printed on your ship card). If you've been assigned to a large table, check to see when the maitre'd will be available for those who want to try to change tables. Have fun! beachchick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachchick Posted March 3, 2008 #21 Share Posted March 3, 2008 DDP beachchick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msanchez1125 Posted March 3, 2008 Author #22 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I'm sorry if you mistunderstood my post. I was actually supporting your original questions. That you took the time to ask about what's expected or appropriate is a good thing. I do apologize if that wasn't clear. As for dining with strangers. I also support your question about whether you have to. The answer is you do not. You can ask for a table for just your party (keeping in mind that it's a request, not a booking), and then hope that's what you are assigned. If not, you can ask for a change. If it's possible, they will change your table. Some times it's not possible, so you have to decide if you are willing to dine at a larger table with people you don't know or if you'd rather make alternate dining plans for dinner each night. The whole issue of small tables/tables for two/tables for just the traveling party has become a bit of a hot-button for me because there are some members (and these are members who I respect and who give good advice; let me make that clear too) who pretty much respond on every thread when someone asks about the small tables. Instead of giving advice about how best to go about requesting/receiving a table for only their group, they tell the original poster "You shouldn't want a small table; large tables are more fun; you should want to meet people at dinner; you should...etc." I think that's rather presumptuous and assumes that if one person loves dining with people they don't know, then everyone should prefer that. No worries. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. Just request a small table and have it noted that you prefer a table for just your party. Then check once you get onboard (your table number will be printed on your ship card). If you've been assigned to a large table, check to see when the maitre'd will be available for those who want to try to change tables. Have fun! beachchick thanks for your help. How about the food? Is it better if u sit down? how is the buffet? THANKS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mysticks1 Posted March 3, 2008 #23 Share Posted March 3, 2008 If you are comfortable with your little one staying for a while in the kids club you can always either take him to the buffet or order room service for him earlier and then let him have fun there while you and DH have some time alone at dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willysgrandma Posted March 3, 2008 #24 Share Posted March 3, 2008 Melissa, have your travel agent request a small table for dining. When you get on the ship, go immediately to the dining room you've been assigned to and ask the Maitre D' if you can possibly get a table for just the three of you if you have not been assigned that way. Sometimes if you go right away and ask, they may be able to accomodate you. You do need to read the dress code and dress appropriately if you want to dine in the dining room at night. You don't need a gown and tux to dine - a nice skirt and top for you and dockers and a shirt for your husband will be fine for dinner on casual dining nights. You do have the option of eating in the buffet every night if you wish - you don't have to dress up at all and can sit by yourselves. Don't discount sitting with others though -when DH and I go on cruises alone, we always opt to sit with others - the conversation can be very interesting. The cruise line does try and sit you with similar people, so you nevefr know - you might find yourselves seated with another couple wiht kids your childs age and the kids may end up having a great time together. The food is MUCH better in the dining room than the buffet. We like the buffet for breakfast or lunch, but not dinner. Have fun - remember, you are going on a vacation to relax, so don't stress out about dining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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