A couple of belated thoughts on open dining from me…
We have done 8 Cunard voyages - 6 before the introduction of open dining, and 2 after it was introduced. We chose open dining when it became an option, and on our next cruise coming up we have selected open dining again.
I have to say I always did enjoy the fixed seating, as it was a great opportunity to get to know table mates (even though we usually have a table for 2, the tables are so close that you can chat to others). I do miss that - it’s new people around every night. I also miss having regular waiters that we can get to know, and who learn our preferences. With open seating it’s a new waiter every time.
On the positive side, we do appreciate the flexibility to eat when we choose. We usually selected the late sitting, but sometimes if we’re tired or wanting to do something different in the evening we now have freedom to eat a little earlier without going to the buffet which isn’t my thing. For that reason we do now always select the open seating option.
My personal feeling is that the quality of the food was not as good on my last two voyages. Not bad, in fact still good, but just not as good as it used to be, both in quality and variety. Others I’ve spoken to don’t think so - even my wife disagrees with me on that - so maybe my memory is failing me! I wouldn’t think, if there has been a drop, that is directly attributable to the change in seating options.