Apart from first night, only queues for fixed dining are those who turn up before they open the doors. Probably hungry as they haven't eaten since lunchtime!
As I said, suites and Caribbean and above are sat in a separate area and then boarded according to tier level and cabin grade. Depends on how early embarkation commences though. Can vary!
You keep banging on about the additional cost of small ships. As I have said before, I get what I pay for and am grateful I can afford it. Each to their own.
No, I meant those at the cocktail parties, I.e. Caribbean and above. They had to have 4 of them to fit everyone in! Pretty normal for Aurora though as she is a favourite with regular and long standing cruisers.
Can honestly say food and service on Aurora was the best I have experienced post pandemic (and have done 12 cruises since resumption). Only ate in MDR so cannot speak for the buffet though.
Although a suite passenger can be a first timer, whereas Ligurians tend to be regular cruisers. Over 1000 top tier pax on my recent cruise. No lounge any more either, just separate seating area.
No pre booking on smaller ships. Just off Aurora. No queues, no problem. On Arcadia in two weeks and expect it to be the same. Only the new ships have these problems.