Least hectic first night dining: lido Buffet or MDR?

Is the lido buffet less hectic than the main dining room on the first night?

Thank you

JMO -- we book a specialty restaurant for the first night.

We have done specialty restaurants and MDR on the first night without problems. Never the Lido.

You might be overthinking this a little.

JMHO, but I don't think either will be any different on Embarkation night than it is on any other evening during the cruise.

Just got back from Eurodam and Lido Market (buffet) was great on embarkation night. As a matter of fact, even on our sea days we never had a problem finding a table at any meal. This was our first HAL cruise, a nice surprise... and it was a totally full sailing!

We usually do Canaletto on the first night and the last night. Easy, relaxing dinner at a very low cost. Honestly, I just want to have a nice meal without the hustle and bustle of the first night dining in the MDR.

We also usually do Canaletto (love the views out the big windows) on first/last nights. First and second seatings in the MDR were fine on the first night when we do fixed dining--but anytime dining seems to be a mess with long lines on that first night.

If you have fixed dining it helps to know where your table is located (see a table map or pre-visit the dining room). The main congestion is having to lead people to their tables the first night. We always have fixed dining, but once we thought we would "avoid the first night congestion" by going to the Pinnacle, and then switched tables after the second night. As a result we never really bonded with our eventual dining stewards on that shorter cruise, which we always enjoy doing when we all start out together on the first night by showing up.

This will not matter if you have anytime dining. In that case I do recommend going to the main dining room or one of the specialty restaurants just to get the cruise started on a more formal note (personal preference), but see if you can learn when the least impacted times are - going later that 7pm for anytime dining seems to have fewer back-ups.

We booked Caneletto for our first night. Otherwise, we have anytime dining. We cruise next month.

Thank you. I’d like to book Canelleto. But how can I book now (weeks before cruise) and get Mariner discount?

Thank you. I’d like to book Canelleto. But how can I book now (weeks before cruise) and get Mariner discount?

I do not qualify for the discount so I can't answer this. However, I think I have read that you are credited back with OBC. I am sure someone will come along and know the answer.

Book it now and then once onboard go to Canaletto or call them and you will be credited your Mariner status with a refund.

Can do both [emoji16]

We book and prepay all of our specialty restaurant evenings now. When the 50% discount is applied to our account, it's like free money! (Even though they are just returning ours! LOL)

Thank you. I’d like to book Canelleto. But how can I book now (weeks before cruise) and get Mariner discount?

We always prebook Canaletto on the first night...and the Mariner discount has shown up as an OBC on our account by the first or second day of the cruise. I would recommend taking a copy of your prepaid reservation and charges with you just in case. Never had a problem with Pinnacle or Canaletto but did with the Sel De Mer Dinner.

Why worry, if things are a bit hectic. You are on holiday and aren't on a busy schedule.

Sandra

We usually go with fixed dining and enjoy our first evening eating in the MDR. We've never found it "hectic", even on the couple of cruises when we've opted for anytime dining, but we've avoided the 7:00-8:00 time slot on those occasions.

We've never found it hectic on the first night in the dining room, particularly when someone escorts you to your table, takes your order, serves you, pours your beverages, etc. The lido on the other hand . . .

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

We always eat in the MDR on the first (and most) nights. We get anytime dining and agree to sit at any size table that is available. We usually go about 7pm and have never had to wait more than a few minutes. We prefer ATD because of the flexibility. At times, we have actually been sat at a two top in the upper dining room when the lower was full.

We always have fixed dining and actually find the second night more hectic than the first - because of the all the people who avoided the first night trying to find their tables, complaining about their tables or stablemates, wanting to be moved, or not knowing the routine.

Yes, dinner in the Main Dining Room takes a bit longer the first night and there are a few kinks because of the newness, but it's not really hectic or something to be avoided. Go to dinner and enjoy the meal, which should always be about more than just whatever food is on your plate.

We have done specialty restaurants and MDR on the first night without problems. Never the Lido.

 

You might be overthinking this a little.

I agree with the overthinking on this. Just go with the flow. If you have fixed dining, suggest you show up in the MDR the first night to meet your tablemates. Other than that it's up to you since you haven't let us know what your dining arrangements are.

Have never had any problems with late fixed dining, even on the first night. Always request a two top when we book the cruise.

Only exception was a cruise with large Inspirations Group.

Have never had any problems with late fixed dining, even on the first night. Always request a two top when we book the cruise.

Only exception was a cruise with large Inspirations Group.

Totally agree. The "craziness" of first night in the MDR is largely exaggerated on these boards. Most folks know exactly where they are going.

Over the years we have often found that the first night is a great night to go to one of the alternative dining venues (we do this on many different lines). Its a great way to avoid that usual first night MDR hassle. As to the Lido, to quote DW, "we do not do buffets for dinner."

Hank

As to the Lido, to quote DW, "we do not do buffets for dinner."

 

Hank

Our wives might well be twins separated at birth ;p