Thanks all for the info. Since this is our first experience with ncl (although our 62nd cruise) we were unaware of all the hoops we had to jump through for booking and checking in on our own! My bad, and I guess our travel agent should've advised us better. But, I'll line up outside Syd Normans as advised, and try to get some reservations for a family dinner. It'd be so disappointing to bring the family together, but not be able to actually dine together! We'll see how it all goes, but meanwhile, thanks to all who responded.