Another annoying UDP question

[cruisy]

DH and I have the "free" UDP on an upcoming Escape cruise. I wanted to get a dining package for DS (14) to join us, but have read that NCL's online reservations system has problems booking a table for three. I have already read that the get-around is to book and pay for a 4th person. Is this the only way to do this, and is it ok with NCL? (As in, will I get a refund, or are we now paying even more for our "free" specialty dining?) Also, does anyone know which specialty dining venues have the tables for 2, 4, and 6 only?

 

I am a planner, so I would like to have some sort of reservations set. I would have no problem with ending up with a reservation at 9:30, or even waiting for a table. What I don't want is to pay for specialty dining for 4 nights for our DS to join us with our "free" ones, and end up not even being able to dine standby since NCL is giving away so many UDPs. Will standby still be possible as a last resort, or will these restaurants be completely full from now on?

 

Honestly, this whole situation makes me want to cancel our UDP.

[lettienets]

DH and I have the "free" UDP on an upcoming Escape cruise. I wanted to get a dining package for DS (14) to join us, but have read that NCL's online reservations system has problems booking a table for three. I have already read that the get-around is to book and pay for a 4th person. Is this the only way to do this, and is it ok with NCL? (As in, will I get a refund, or are we now paying even more for our "free" specialty dining?) Also, does anyone know which specialty dining venues have the tables for 2, 4, and 6 only?

 

I am a planner, so I would like to have some sort of reservations set. I would have no problem with ending up with a reservation at 9:30, or even waiting for a table. What I don't want is to pay for specialty dining for 4 nights for our DS to join us with our "free" ones, and end up not even being able to dine standby since NCL is giving away so many UDPs. Will standby still be possible as a last resort, or will these restaurants be completely full from now on?

 

Honestly, this whole situation makes me want to cancel our UDP.

 

Why not make reservations for two and then ask to add your son onboard when you want to bring him. Certainly they can add a chair.

[Freespir8]

If you have the UDP, you won't be charged when you book online. You would only be charged for those that do not have the UDP when you show up for dinner. Go ahead and book for 4 and only 3 of you show up.

[European_CruiseGirl]

We are 3 also and I have noticed the problem only with Teppanyaki. All other places have accepted reservations for 3.

[LrgPizza]

We are 3 also and I have noticed the problem only with Teppanyaki. All other places have accepted reservations for 3.

 

That sucks that you are having an issue with Teppanyaki. I've never had a problem.

[hawkeyetlse]

Go ahead and book for 4 and only 3 of you show up.

I agree: book for 4. As long as the person logged in has a dining package, they can make reservations for most venues for up to 8 people without paying anything in advance.

 

However, I would not just show up as a party of 3. Let them know on board at the beginning of the cruise that you had to book an extra person, and they will fix it for you. Someone else (e.g. some other odd-numbered party) can use that seat, if you make it available again.