Preference options for table mates, would this be a good idea?

[Verfai]

My question to you all is:

What would you think, if there or should there be an option, to tick your preferences for table mates when booking a cruise and choosing a classic dining time?

 

This was the second cruise we where on where our table mates ran away from us...Leaving us alone at a table for 6 (this time in the dead center of the MDR), not really the point of choosing classic dining imo.

 

We have had numerous reasons, read "excuses" why people ran away, a few in a nut shell, language barrier, to young ie subjects at table (<-really :D), first timers that did not know it was classic dining and preferd windjammer, people that just asked a different table and never said anything, etc...!DONT GET ME WRONG!, you are free to do so if you wish...But its not really the point in classic dining and might be helped if you can say in advance with what sort of people you would want or prefer to be seated with.

 

I dont mean like actual persons (<-unless you have linked reservation naturally), but things like:

-Language (a ticker that says I speak following languages)

-Age (a bunch of ranges)

-Repeat cruisers (C&A stats)

-drinkers/non drinkers

-Religion (I think they already do this)

 

Like us from Belgium, we speak Dutch and French, but we prefer to be sat with repeaters and English speakers, we want to meet new people from other countries and customs that have cruised before....However on this last one on Splendour and than Serenade, we where always stuck with Dutch people, no offence, but I want to speak English on a cruise with people that dont eat and drink the same things we would do.

 

Anyhow my two cents ;) LOL...And before anybody else says it :D...No we are not just dislikable people, we luckily are able to refill our table again by making new friends onboard, and arranging them to join to join our table. Ever since everybody auto tips and tips are shared, staff does not make an issue about it...So it all ends well :D

 

Thanks for your replies, I was planning on writing an email to RCI about it, but will first await some replies here ;)

[hollykimalan]

I think I catch what you are saying. I wonder how easy it would be to profile potential table mates? Did you say that they already profile you by religion. I love meeting those who have different faiths, languages, cultures etc. and I agree I would prefer to meet those from different backgrounds on a cruise.

[Verfai]

I think I catch what you are saying. I wonder how easy it would be to profile potential table mates? Did you say that they already profile you by religion. I love meeting those who have different faiths, languages, cultures etc. and I agree I would prefer to meet those from different backgrounds on a cruise.

 

They already profile now, mostly by country of origin and I also believe they put the diamonds and above together.

 

As for the religion, there are a lot of people who by religion are offended by what you eat or drink...An easy example (and I mean no offence to anybody->), I you have 3 couples from lets say Saoedi Arabia onboard, I think it would be a good idea to put those people together by default, its not 100% waterproof that they all will be practicing Muslims, but a pretty high probability same goes for Jews or even Vegan's...

WHICH is what I mean by my question to you all, its not because you are from Saoedi Arabia, that you are Muslim, so with the possibility of advanced preferences you would be able to tick other options

[Diplomacy]

Seems like a lot of work for minimal gain. Grouping by country of origin (or primary language) seems to work well. I doubt you could say the same for grouping by Religious affiliation, C&A number, or drinking preference...

 

I also think your assumption that it would be a "good idea" to put all the practicing Muslims together is probably a little off. Sunni/Shia both get along better with (non-american) Xtians than they do with the "other" Muslim group.

Edited September 28, 2015 by Diplomacy

[Verfai]

Seems like a lot of work for minimal gain.

 

Its already a lot of work now, as the head waiters tell me they really dont do it randomly at this time....It might make it easier as a computer will be able to put people together, no?

[hollykimalan]

I was just applying your logic to my preference. We are family of Scots born people of Irish, Scottish and German extraction who now are happily living in Australia as Australian citizens.

[KeywestK]

They already profile now, mostly by country of origin and I also believe they put the diamonds and above together.

 

As for the religion, there are a lot of people who by religion are offended by what you eat or drink...An easy example (and I mean no offence to anybody->), I you have 3 couples from lets say Saoedi Arabia onboard, I think it would be a good idea to put those people together by default, its not 100% waterproof that they all will be practicing Muslims, but a pretty high probability same goes for Jews or even Vegan's...

WHICH is what I mean by my question to you all, its not because you are from Saoedi Arabia, that you are Muslim, so with the possibility of advanced preferences you would be able to tick other options

 

There is enough divisiveness in this world without adding any kind of segregation on a cruise ship dining room! Personally, I could care less what anyone eats so long as they do not force it down my throat. Being on a cruise ship is like a mini-United Nations. It's an outstanding opportunity to meet all kinds of people, from all cultures, backgrounds and religions, and to learn about each other in a very neutral environment.

 

And there is no where on a cruise booking that asks for ANY information about religious preferences. That would be religious discrimination, which is illegal in the U.S.

[Verfai]

I was just applying your logic to my preference. We are family of Scots born people of Irish, Scottish and German extraction who now are happily living in Australia as Australian citizens.

 

Anyhow.......Last reaction to this

 

No my logic was easy

 

-Language (a ticker that says I speak following languages)

-Age (a bunch of ranges)

-Repeat cruisers (C&A stats)

-drinkers/non drinkers

-Religion (I think they already do this)

 

Has nothing to do where you are from or who you are, just what language you want to speak, your not going to offend somebody by drinking or eating an animal of some sort in font of them and you do or do not want to share past cruise experiences

[Cruise a holic]

My question to you all is:

What would you think, if there or should there be an option, to tick your preferences for table mates when booking a cruise and choosing a classic dining time?

 

This was the second cruise we where on where our table mates ran away from us...Leaving us alone at a table for 6 (this time in the dead center of the MDR), not really the point of choosing classic dining imo.

 

We have had numerous reasons, read "excuses" why people ran away, a few in a nut shell, language barrier, to young ie subjects at table (<-really :D), first timers that did not know it was classic dining and preferd windjammer, people that just asked a different table and never said anything, etc...!DONT GET ME WRONG!, you are free to do so if you wish...But its not really the point in classic dining and might be helped if you can say in advance with what sort of people you would want or prefer to be seated with.

 

I dont mean like actual persons (<-unless you have linked reservation naturally), but things like:

-Language (a ticker that says I speak following languages)

-Age (a bunch of ranges)

-Repeat cruisers (C&A stats)

-drinkers/non drinkers

-Religion (I think they already do this)

 

Like us from Belgium, we speak Dutch and French, but we prefer to be sat with repeaters and English speakers, we want to meet new people from other countries and customs that have cruised before....However on this last one on Splendour and than Serenade, we where always stuck with Dutch people, no offence, but I want to speak English on a cruise with people that dont eat and drink the same things we would do.

 

Anyhow my two cents ;) LOL...And before anybody else says it :D...No we are not just dislikable people, we luckily are able to refill our table again by making new friends onboard, and arranging them to join to join our table. Ever since everybody auto tips and tips are shared, staff does not make an issue about it...So it all ends well :D

 

Thanks for your replies, I was planning on writing an email to RCI about it, but will first await some replies here ;)

 

Have sailed on many cruises and we sit alone. If during the cruise we find people we feel comfortable with, we dine with them in specialty restaurants. This is most comfortable for us. Enjoy your cruise.

[Verfai]

There is enough divisiveness in this world without adding any kind of segregation on a cruise ship dining room! Personally, I could care less what anyone eats so long as they do not force it down my throat. Being on a cruise ship is like a mini-United Nations. It's an outstanding opportunity to meet all kinds of people, from all cultures, backgrounds and religions, and to learn about each other in a very neutral environment.

 

And there is no where on a cruise booking that asks for ANY information about religious preferences. That would be religious discrimination, which is illegal in the U.S.

 

Okay why is there a Kosher option on the dietary needs and not a Halal or other I can not think of??? Sounds to me like discrimination...

 

I know why you reacted and I highly agree, but you reacted to reply of somebody else who did change it to segregation...I am really only and solely after easy options to avoid people running away from us :D

[Verfai]

Have sailed on many cruises and we sit alone. If during the cruise we find people we feel comfortable with, we dine with them in specialty restaurants. This is most comfortable for us. Enjoy your cruise.

 

Which we could do all the specialty restaurants with the new friends we make :D

[nelblu]

We've had so many bad experiences as RCL, even though they have the necessary data in their the data base, does not do a very good job of seating Pax based on like characteristics. Many times we chose large table and by the 2nd nite we basicallya re by ourselves--Now we choose table for 2.

 

Actually, my preference is to select your table location & #, just like one can on the airlines.

[Diplomacy]

Its already a lot of work now, as the head waiters tell me they really dont do it randomly at this time....It might make it easier as a computer will be able to put people together, no?

 

A computer COULD be putting people together right now. Randomly. By country. Whatever. Obviously either A) RCCL is too cheap to purchase a copy of MSFT Access or B) RCCL believes there is some value in having the head waiters do it.

 

I just don't see the value by sorting in such a way that all the jaded old fogeys can get together every night and talk about how they sat at a bar on the beach and drank beer. Meanwhile, the 20 somethings are having a lively discussion about how a Capuchin monkey stole their sandwich! I mean, good for me I guess.

Edited September 28, 2015 by Diplomacy

[KeywestK]

Okay why is there a Kosher option on the dietary needs and not a Halal or other I can not think of??? Sounds to me like discrimination...

 

I know why you reacted and I highly agree, but you reacted to reply of somebody else who did change it to segregation...I am really only and solely after easy options to avoid people running away from us :D

 

A Kosher option can be requested. People with special needs make specific requests all the time.

 

People can and do change tables for any number of reasons. One can never really know the reason. If you prefer not to have to deal with that aspect of the Main Dining Room, you can always request a table for 2.

[north29]

We love interacting and learning about other cultures, that is why we travel. But on a closed MDR table/cruise ship, I think is a different and some what too complex integration of cultures.

I can see a need, for English(for example) speaking first language cruisers, or other to who speak English to be grouped together.

Cultural dining habits can be some what a issue,I have experienced this, but I was not on a cruise.

Age is easy, but I'm 75 and still with it, so to speak, and do not want to sit with those who close to dementia. Also do not want to sit with uncouth younger cruisers as well.

Drinking for some is a issue but I drink whether anyone likes it or not. dinner without wine is not dinner.

 

Level in C&A (maybe) I really like to hear other people travel adventures but some cruisers are not true travelers. I like to sit/talk/enjoy people who tell stories about their good and bad adventures/issues in travel and Laugh about them, not complain about them. For us true travelers we know that travel is not rocket science and thing can go wrong.

 

Still what every method to chose table mates every thing is up for grabs. Kinda like a Blog on Dating web site that I follow, tales of horror and few tales of happiness.

[robtulipe]

Have sailed on many cruises and we sit alone. If during the cruise we find people we feel comfortable with, we dine with them in specialty restaurants. This is most comfortable for us. Enjoy your cruise.

You can select who you dine with or not each evening at no extra cost with My Time Dining and you don't leave others alone, if you're at a large table and not sitting alone in Traditional Dining, staring at your empty places.

Not everyone would want to dine in a specialty restaurants even if they felt really comfortable with new acquaintances. I guess there is the no extra cost Windjammer buffer option but that wouldn't be appealing to us. ;)

[offshorefriend]

There is enough divisiveness in this world without adding any kind of segregation on a cruise ship dining room! Personally, I could care less what anyone eats so long as they do not force it down my throat. Being on a cruise ship is like a mini-United Nations. It's an outstanding opportunity to meet all kinds of people, from all cultures, backgrounds and religions, and to learn about each other in a very neutral environment.

 

 

 

And there is no where on a cruise booking that asks for ANY information about religious preferences. That would be religious discrimination, which is illegal in the U.S.

 

 

 

A Kosher option can be requested. People with special needs make specific requests all the time.

 

 

 

People can and do change tables for any number of reasons. One can never really know the reason. If you prefer not to have to deal with that aspect of the Main Dining Room, you can always request a table for 2.

 

 

I totally agree with KeywestK. In addition people should be aware of the fact that there is a most colorful community on a cruise, especially on big criuse ships. Everybody should simply respect each other. There is plenty of room for most everybodies needs, interests and preferences.

 

 

offshorefriend

Edited September 28, 2015 by offshorefriend

[Verfai]

We love interacting and learning about other cultures, that is why we travel. But on a closed MDR table/cruise ship, I think is a different and some what too complex integration of cultures.

I can see a need, for English(for example) speaking first language cruisers, or other to who speak English to be grouped together.

Cultural dining habits can be some what a issue,I have experienced this, but I was not on a cruise.

Age is easy, but I'm 75 and still with it, so to speak, and do not want to sit with those who close to dementia. Also do not want to sit with uncouth younger cruisers as well.

Drinking for some is a issue but I drink whether anyone likes it or not. dinner without wine is not dinner.

 

Level in C&A (maybe) I really like to hear other people travel adventures but some cruisers are not true travelers. I like to sit/talk/enjoy people who tell stories about their good and bad adventures/issues in travel and Laugh about them, not complain about them. For us true travelers we know that travel is not rocket science and thing can go wrong.

 

Still what every method to chose table mates every thing is up for grabs. Kinda like a Blog on Dating web site that I follow, tales of horror and few tales of happiness.

 

I would see it as option boxes you tick on the site...So basically you can pick one, or just pick them all which would incline that you are willing to sit where ever with whomever.

 

I like this one "tales of horror and few tales of happiness" :D we start with horror by day 3 (alone) and end the loudest table by day 5-6 :D LOL

[Verfai]

You can select who you dine with or not each evening at no extra cost with My Time Dining and you don't leave others alone, if you're at a large table and not sitting alone in Traditional Dining, staring at your empty places.

Not everyone would want to dine in a specialty restaurants even if they felt really comfortable with new acquaintances. I guess there is the no extra cost Windjammer buffer option but that wouldn't be appealing to us. ;)

 

You dont even need to go to My time, just tell the head waiter that you are bringing new people, and have the decency to tell your former waiters that your moving to another table. We have done it this way with 7 people and never did they say no, even the contrary they go wild that their tables are full again :D

[widallas]

Although I think your idea is a good one -- kind of like placing compatible roommates together in a college dorm -- the logistics would probably be too much of a hassle. It would have to be a computer based system, and given RCCLs track record lately with their website and reservations systems, I think their IT guys time would be better spent in those departments... [emoji6]

 

Hope your table mates for your next cruise make up for the last ones!

[robtulipe]

You dont even need to go to My time, just tell the head waiter that you are bringing new people, and have the decency to tell your former waiters that your moving to another table. We have done it this way with 7 people and never did they say no, even the contrary they go wild that their tables are full again :D

 

This is good if you want to dine with certain people for the balance of the cruise and we've done this when we were doing traditional dining. We always let our former waiters and tablemates know of the change.

I was responding to the post about using the specialty restaurant to occasionally dine with new acquaintances when on traditional dining.

Edited September 28, 2015 by robtulipe

[Verfai]

It would have to be a computer based system, and given RCCLs track record lately with their website and reservations systems, I think their IT guys time would be better spent in those departments... [emoji6]

 

Hope your table mates for your next cruise make up for the last ones!

 

ROFL :D :D :D :D But sooooo true, the international website and the Celebrity one are even worse, the last one wont even let me book a cruise because it wants to give me US discounts which I am not entitled to and have to pay 1/3d more ;) They really have the worse IT dep I have ever come across with

[Havingfun2010]

Discrimination is when a "person" make judgement on others. Having a customer survey for dining options, and having a computer program, to match certain people or groups together, when the person(s) agree to this is not discrimination. If it was, than would not "MatchMaker" dating sites would be considered discrimination?

 

You can either opt in or opt out of the survey. Do you want to sit at an "English" table instead of French? You seriously find eating meat offensive, and so you prefer eating with other vegans.

 

My last cruise, sat at a table for 8. 4 of us from USA, and 4 from elsewhere. We had bottles of wine every night, spoke English, learned about each country, and really good conversations, and it was great.

 

So it's a good point, possible a good thing to try to do, and this is already in our culture. It is not discrimination, and should not be that hard to implement.

 

Another choice is asking if you really want MDR or just being able to check off the box, buffet only.

[Paulette3028]

Over our cruising history we have learned that we do not like to sit at a table for two, when we are not travelling with friends on a cruise (and this is most often). So we request a table for 8-10, not even a table for 6-10. It gives us the best hope of having table mates during dinner each evening. We generally only do a specialty restaurant one night and that is only if the ship has an Izumi.

 

In the process of requesting to be seated at a large table, I have learned that there is a department in Miami called the Food and Beverage Department that begins the process of table assignments about two to three weeks before sailing and then the onboard staff tweaks it on the day before sailing. So it is NOT left up the the dining room staff to facilitate all the seating.

 

I believe the department does a wonderful job. Have they always done a perfect job.....no. I can't account for why people, don't show up or choose to leave a table without letting their tablemates know in advance. Even on the night we are going to Izumi, we let our waiter and tablemates know not to wait for us for dinner.

 

If you need a special request email rcldining@rccl.com. My experience has been that they are wonderful. But do it about three weeks before sail date, if it just a seating arrangement; if it is for a special dietary need, do it prior to that.

[Grandma Dazzles]

I have cruised RC numerous times (diamond plus). Have met the most delightful people and have stayed in touch with many. Have always requested a large table.

 

So many stories.....had a table with a gentleman in a wheelchair who was very slow and his wife had to help him with his food. Marveled at the fact that every night he was impeccably dressed including a tux on formal night. Must have taken her for ever to dress him. He couldn't talk much, but had been in the military many years ago, and his eyes smiled for him when his wife explained. We had a mixed table of English, Australian, American, German, variety of ages. Would have been easy to move, but no one did. After a few days the men were helping maneuver the wheelchair and taking turns sitting next to our new friend. It was a wonderful experience that I would not trade.

 

Just returned from the Independence. Table mates included a Brazilian couple (no English, but a little Spanish, a Spanish speaking couple from Puerto Rico, a little English; a bilingual lady from Florida and her Spanish speaking husband; myself and a friend who both speak English. Thank goodness for our one bilingual new friend, sign language and humor. We had such a good time. Now FB friends thanks to the translation option!

 

I think RC tries hard to accommodate people in the dining room. It is easy to move or change, but at least try to make conversation. In most cases it works out. Be open minded and enjoy dinner!