jplotts865

NCL pretty much ruined cruising as far as I'm concerned. Since the line was the one who instituted "free style" dining and the other lines followed the concept has destroyed the ambiance of a true cruse. I will never sail on NCL - and I really dislike they way they have tarted up their ships with those horrible graphics. It was always a wonderful experience to meet new people on a cruise, at the same table every night, and DRESS FOR DINNER. Cruising today is like a trip to a floating mall/amusement park with everything possible designed to take you off the fact that you are at sea, on the ocean. I do not want to have to make reservations for dinner, pay extra for dinner in a "speciality restaurant". Dining in the main dining room used to be a lovely experience and the menu was always, always perfectly fine.

You don't have to dress in anything remotely formal. Those (really nice, really wonderful) days are gone for good on cruises now and just about anything - and I do mean anything - is allowed in the dining room.

What is "Dynamic Dining"? I am used to, and prefer, traditional dining but know this is fast becoming a thing of the past. Thus, what IS Dynamic Dining, how does it work? I'm going on another RCL cruise in either January or February, probably traveling solo, and am trying to figure out my dining room options/approach/solutions. Thanks.

My last cruise was my first solo attempt. The first night I was at a table for 12 and only one couple arrived, then left before the dessert. The second night I was back at the same table and a large group of Indian (family or friends) was already there. I sat down. A few minutes passed and a friend of the group arrived at the table and they all got up and left - now I'm at a table for 12 by myself. I decide to try to change my table...go to the restaurant manager...he takes me to a table with a family group I'd met the day before...mom, dad, daughter...they do not speak English. We make a third attempt to find me a table...I end up with a group (very nice gals) from Florida who are all on a high school reunion cruise and all worked for and loved Publix. They were quite friendly but I was definitely the odd man out. I am far from shy and am very friendly and outgoing but this experience was really a bit problematic. Thus the "just have dinner in my cabin" approach. I like the MTD idea (though I hate MTD) as I may be able to just take a book and go to the dining room, get a table for one, and let it go at that. Thanks for your reply. I appreciate know this information as I have never considered MTD before.

Is it possible to have my dinner ordered from the room service menu and delivered to my cabin? My last solo cruise was a disaster as they just don't seem to know what to do with single passengers when it comes to dining room seating. I loved to dress for dinner but those days are essentially gone and will never return as every aspect of a cruise is much too casual for me now. Would it be possible to simply have my dinner in my cabin - on the balcony - and thus have a quiet dinner with the passing sea my dining companion? Or is the room service menu just too limited. It seems to me one once could have dinner delivered but this may have gone away as have so many of the nicer things of a cruise.

I'm facing the same ongoing situation. The huge new mega-ships are, to me, no longer cruise ships but floating all-inclusive resorts. The focus on these ships is inward toward all the many "things to do" to take your attention away from, for me, the prime reason to be on the ship in the first place...the ocean. On my next cruise, probably in January, I think I will just get a good balcony cabin...my balcony becomes my quiet place to read and look at the sea. I'm even thinking of having my dinners brought to the cabin, if this is possible. I can still use any or all of the ships facilities but can avoid the crowds. Cruising has changed drastically and the "glory days" are - alas - gone for good. However I'm hoping I can work some of the rest and relaxation back into the trip. Good luck...

My first cruise was on the delightful Franconia - five days New York-Bermuda - and as with all "firsts" one unforgettable experience. I was much younger and just beginning to travel and fighting with my parents about "wasting my money" on such a frivolous venture. I still have a love affair raging with anything that floats, particularly the venerable old "liners", and am so glad I have at least had the experience of a trans-atlantic voyage (QM2). I do wish I could have more of them. The Franconia voyage must have been in the 70's...I recall it was terribly rough with the ship both pitching AND rolling so the ride was an adventure to say the least. It was in November, I do remember that much...but it was the beginning of many more cruises for me.