Anytime vs traditional dining question

[magicsoccer]

We have always used Anytime dining, but thought we might try traditional. If, for example, we choose 6p and table for 2 and are not waitlisted, are we guaranteed a table for 2? We do not want to share a table. How hard is it to go to anytime dining when on the ship if they switch us to a shared table?

[marco]

We were on the "Royal" last month. We dined late, large table but noticed there were a LOT of tables for 2 not occupied. I know every sailing is different and the two seatings are different, but if our cruise was any indication, you should have no problem getting a 2-top. Also, don't know if it's fleet wide, but 1st sitting on our cruise was 5:30.

[NavyVeteran]

The table size is not guaranteed. You won't know until you board. Even if you are assigned a table for two, it may be only one foot away from another table for two. If you are not happy with your table size, you can ask them to change it - they may or may not be able to. If not, you can always switch from traditional to anytime.

 

The comments about table availability in late traditional are completely irrelevant to your situation. Princess will often have waiting lists for early traditional (even with two dining rooms) and empty space in late traditional. I would expect the early traditional dining to be full.

[tinybiny]

I chose 6:00pm and show I am confirmed for 5:30pm. I don't think there really is a 6:00pm based on everything I've read here. Not sure why it comes up as a choice when managing the booking.

[JF - retired RRT]

We do TD. Usually ask for a 4 top, but on the occasions that we've requested a 2 top, it hasn't been a problem.

As noted, 2 tops are usually "cheek by jowl" with other 2 tops and you will find that conversations start with your neighbors as though you were at the same table.;)

[LarryL]

On our recent Star cruise we were, initially, booked as traditional (late) for a six top and assigned accordingly when we boarded. Due to circumstances my DW and decided to opt into anytime and they made the change immediately. We did this soon after we boarded the ship. They were very accommodating.

[NavyVeteran]

I chose 6:00pm and show I am confirmed for 5:30pm. I don't think there really is a 6:00pm based on everything I've read here. Not sure why it comes up as a choice when managing the booking.

 

Generally in the ships with three main dining rooms, there are two early traditional seatings. They are usually listed as 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm even though the actual times on the ship may be slightly different. In these cases, the 6:00 pm seating is in the aft dining room (followed by late traditional dining in that dining room). The 5:30 pm seating is in a midship dining room (followed by anytime dining in that dining room). The other midship dining room is anytime dining all evening.

 

If you are confirmed for the 5:30 seating, then you are probably in the midship dining room.

[shepp]

You're not guaranteed anything; it's just a request. If it's important to you, the best thing to do is meet with the Maitre d' on the afternoon you board to find out your assignment and ask for a change if necessary. Check the Patter for place and time he's available to deal with requests or call the DINE LINE (and arrive early).

 

Your best chance for getting a two-top is by choosing late seating, when there are usually more tables available.

[peety3]

Generally in the ships with three main dining rooms, there are two early traditional seatings. They are usually listed as 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm even though the actual times on the ship may be slightly different. In these cases, the 6:00 pm seating is in the aft dining room (followed by late traditional dining in that dining room). The 5:30 pm seating is in a midship dining room (followed by anytime dining in that dining room). The other midship dining room is anytime dining all evening.

 

If you are confirmed for the 5:30 seating, then you are probably in the midship dining room.

The aft dining room is almost always used for traditional all night long; two seatings, 5:30pm and 8:00pm (though the times may vary depending on the ship, Maitre D' Hotel, and itinerary).

[cb at sea]

If you want to eat alone, the MTD is the way to go....that way, you are seated with ONLY your party...and you won't need to worry about it! You can make standing reservations, so that you know what time to be there nightly.

[wrongwaywatson]

The 2 top tables are very close together. Very. It is almost closer than if you were seated at a large table together. We found it very awkward and uncomfortable.

[Colo Cruiser]

We have always used Anytime dining, but thought we might try traditional. If, for example, we choose 6p and table for 2 and are not waitlisted, are we guaranteed a table for 2? We do not want to share a table. How hard is it to go to anytime dining when on the ship if they switch us to a shared table?

 

If you don't get the table for 2 just see the MD at the time/place listed in the Patter on embarkation day with your request.