Dining Room Question

[rickdeni]

I have just booked my first NCL cruise on the Pride of America. I have been on over 20 cruises but mostly Princess and Disney(with grandchildren). On Princess we have never had any problem getting a table for 2 or 6 in their anytime dining rooms. I have heard complaints that it is difficult to get into the 2 main dining rooms around 7 PM. Is this true?

[Rounder]

While there might be time's, like any resturant, that might be true.

 

We spent 14 day's on the Sun, never had an issue.

[nets33]

If you're willing to be flexible - which means you might have to wait - you shouldn't have a problem. DH and I usually had a table for two with no problem. The longest we waited was 15 minutes which gave us enough time to wander to the bar and grab a beverage.

[MelissaFreed]

We only ate in the MDR twice on the POA. Both times we went between 7 and 730, and never waited longer than 15 minutes. There's a bar a few feet away. Put your name in, head to the bar, and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail! You're on Hawaiian time!

[GORDONCHICK]

Just like at a restaurant on land, if you show up at a popular time, there will be a wait.

[Love my butler]

I have just booked my first NCL cruise on the Pride of America. I have been on over 20 cruises but mostly Princess and Disney(with grandchildren). On Princess we have never had any problem getting a table for 2 or 6 in their anytime dining rooms. I have heard complaints that it is difficult to get into the 2 main dining rooms around 7 PM. Is this true?

 

Insider tip if you are in a suite. If there is a line to get in, call the concierge and they will escort you right in.

[rickdeni]

Thanks - you have made me feel better about the dining. I am a part-time TA and either you hear raves or complaints from people who return from their trips and dining on NCL was a big complaint about getting a table in the MDR.

[Don Haynes]

I have never had any problems getting a table with NCL in their main dining rooms. Of course I show up about 30 minutes after they open and after the first rush has been seated. Long before the tables run out and long before having to wait for tables to finish their meals. Timing is everything.

 

I noticed you ask for 7 PM. Which cruise line with traditional dining has 7 PM reservations in their main dining rooms? Hint, none. The first seating are still dining and haven't finished their meals.

[Joannel1958]

Are jeans and shorts allowed in the regular dining rooms? We are doing a 12 day med cruise and luggage will be an issue!!

[GORDONCHICK]

Are jeans and shorts allowed in the regular dining rooms? We are doing a 12 day med cruise and luggage will be an issue!!

 

Jeans (not torn or frayed) - yes. Shorts - only in the smaller midship MDR. They are also not allowed in LeBistro.

[Joannel1958]

Jeans (not torn or frayed) - yes. Shorts - only in the smaller midship MDR. They are also not allowed in LeBistro.

 

Thanks, we are going on the Spirit. It's our first NCL. Are the upcharge restaurants a must do or can we get by in the regular dining rooms? With such port intensive days I can't imagine wanted to eat heavy.

[ksimpso3]

Thanks, we are going on the Spirit. It's our first NCL. Are the upcharge restaurants a must do or can we get by in the regular dining rooms? With such port intensive days I can't imagine wanted to eat heavy.

We just got off the Dawn and only ate in one specialty restaurant (Teppanyaki) because it was included in the cost of the garden villa. We always found something to eat in the main restaurants and no one in our group of 6 ever complained of a bad meal. (My daughter wore sequin shorts one night without thinking and was not allowed into the main dining room with them...so we sat and ordered drinks while she ran up to change...no big problem). I think you will be fine with the regular dining rooms.:)

[Lisa86]

Does anyone know if you are able to book the main dining room for a specific time every night and if you are able to do this pre-cruise?

 

Thanks!:D

[debnjoe1438]

Insider tip if you are in a suite. If there is a line to get in, call the concierge and they will escort you right in.

 

Boy the people in suites are soooo lucky:) (Of course they pay for the luck) Some day when I win the lotto.....:D

[debnjoe1438]

Thanks, we are going on the Spirit. It's our first NCL. Are the upcharge restaurants a must do or can we get by in the regular dining rooms? With such port intensive days I can't imagine wanted to eat heavy.

 

No the upcharge restaurants are not a "must do". The only one DH and I have done is Cagney's and it's been about 3 years since we did that. The MDR's have, IMHO, great food. (Of course the reason here for only Cagneys is DH is picky and wouldn't eat asian, french, italian, ....)

[NMLady]

I have never had any problems getting a table with NCL in their main dining rooms. Of course I show up about 30 minutes after they open and after the first rush has been seated. Long before the tables run out and long before having to wait for tables to finish their meals. Timing is everything.

 

I noticed you ask for 7 PM. Which cruise line with traditional dining has 7 PM reservations in their main dining rooms? Hint, none. The first seating are still dining and haven't finished their meals.

 

NCL does not have traditional dining at all.

 

Some of the cruise lines, such as HAL offer both traditional dining and anytime dining, one on each floor so no problem there either.

[johnsak123]

It is like a roll of the dice. You never know what is going to happen. On another note if you have to wait they usually give you a voucher for a free beverage at the nearby bar.

[trish1c]

It's not difficult to get a table at 7 but it does sometimes seem like everybody on board wants to eat then so there will be a wait. The "trick" is to get there a bit early or a bit later. Also avoid times when big shows get out. If you do have to wait you may be given a voucher for a free soda or glass of house champagne.