I just wanted to post a quick reply to Brahmama's questions.
We just returned from an 11-day cruise on the Noordam. Originally we had requested fixed seating but were given AYWD instead. I decided to have an open mind and just take things as they came ~ after all, any time on vacation is better than work or cooking for myself!
We were traveling with another couple on this cruise, but I think we only had a table for 4 one night. The other nights we showed up and were usually given a table for 6 and a few times a table for 8. If other patrons showed up and wanted to be seated immediately and didn't mind sitting with others then they were seated at our table. We had the pleasure of being served by different dining stewards and eating with interesting people each night.
On our first night we were lucky to meet another couple that were traveling on their first cruise. We hit it off and they dined with us on several nights.
I also liked the fact that if you found a table and/or dining steward that you liked, you could make a reservation for that same table the rest of the nights. That being said, we had excellent service every evening with nothing lacking. We never had to wait more than a minute or so to be seated on any night.
On formal nights, the dress code was followed ~ at least all the people I noticed were dressed up. There were plenty of tuxedos and all others were in dark suits. From what I could tell, AYWD did nothing to detract from the 3 formal nights.
I went into the cruise wishing I had fixed dining, but I left the cruise very pleased with the AYWD experience. When given the choice in the future, I would choose AYWD. The service was excellent and we enjoyed meeting various staff members in the dining room.
As You Wish Dining - Opinions, Comments and Discussions
in Holland America Line
Posted
I just wanted to post a quick reply to Brahmama's questions.
We just returned from an 11-day cruise on the Noordam. Originally we had requested fixed seating but were given AYWD instead. I decided to have an open mind and just take things as they came ~ after all, any time on vacation is better than work or cooking for myself!
We were traveling with another couple on this cruise, but I think we only had a table for 4 one night. The other nights we showed up and were usually given a table for 6 and a few times a table for 8. If other patrons showed up and wanted to be seated immediately and didn't mind sitting with others then they were seated at our table. We had the pleasure of being served by different dining stewards and eating with interesting people each night.
On our first night we were lucky to meet another couple that were traveling on their first cruise. We hit it off and they dined with us on several nights.
I also liked the fact that if you found a table and/or dining steward that you liked, you could make a reservation for that same table the rest of the nights. That being said, we had excellent service every evening with nothing lacking. We never had to wait more than a minute or so to be seated on any night.
On formal nights, the dress code was followed ~ at least all the people I noticed were dressed up. There were plenty of tuxedos and all others were in dark suits. From what I could tell, AYWD did nothing to detract from the 3 formal nights.
I went into the cruise wishing I had fixed dining, but I left the cruise very pleased with the AYWD experience. When given the choice in the future, I would choose AYWD. The service was excellent and we enjoyed meeting various staff members in the dining room.