Archipelago Posted July 7, 2017 #1 Share Posted July 7, 2017 Travelers, When I cruised on the Amsterdam in 2004 I was dining in the Lido for lunch one day. I got up to get something more to drink and when I came back to my table it was cleared and everything was gone. ( I wasn't gone but a minute ):')....Anyway what do some of you do if you are dining alone in the Lido and need to leave you table for any reason ? I have carried my HAL bag and put it on the table but do not always carry it so I am wondering what do others do to let the waitstaff know that you are not finished and are coming right back to the table if you happen to be dining alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razorback Cruiser Posted July 7, 2017 #2 Share Posted July 7, 2017 Travelers,When I cruised on the Amsterdam in 2004 I was dining in the Lido for lunch one day. I got up to get something more to drink and when I came back to my table it was cleared and everything was gone. ( I wasn't gone but a minute ):')....Anyway what do some of you do if you are dining alone in the Lido and need to leave you table for any reason ? I have carried my HAL bag and put it on the table but do not always carry it so I am wondering what do others do to let the waitstaff know that you are not finished and are coming right back to the table if you happen to be dining alone. This is what has worked for me : I will tilt my chair forward resting on the table and put my napkin over the chair back . Hope it also will works for you . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49erteacher Posted July 7, 2017 #3 Share Posted July 7, 2017 I carry a small sign I put at my place. It says "Please feel free to sit and share but be kind don't take my chair." On most of the ships they now have a sign stating who is in charge of the table I have let them know I will be right back and no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlsSalt Posted July 7, 2017 #4 Share Posted July 7, 2017 We too also drape our napkin over the back of our chair, which seems to work as code we intend to come back. Poor stewards get complaints both ways - they don't clear the tables fast enough to make new openings, and they clean them too fast and take things away before people are done. So we should also respond in two ways - try to indicate you intend to come back, and also take it as given that your spot might be cleared if you leave and then come back later. It is not too hard to find a new table for your second course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
model lady Posted July 7, 2017 #5 Share Posted July 7, 2017 Eat in the dining room, doesn't happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Roz Posted July 7, 2017 #6 Share Posted July 7, 2017 The dining room isn't open for all meals. I cruise solo and have had my place cleared more than one time, which is one of the reasons I dislike the Lido - you have to make multiple trips to assemble a meal, and then when you're done the food is either cold or missing. :mad: I now use Razorback's tilted chair method, which seems to work. Roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donaldsc Posted July 7, 2017 #7 Share Posted July 7, 2017 I carry a small sign I put at my place. It says "Please feel free to sit and share but be kind don't take my chair." On most of the ships they now have a sign stating who is in charge of the table I have let them know I will be right back and no problems. +1. Simple idea. However, want to bet that there might be at least a few people who will ignore your sign or take it and claim that it was't there. DON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrassvsCrusie42 Posted July 7, 2017 #8 Share Posted July 7, 2017 I tilt the chair and it seems to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted July 7, 2017 #9 Share Posted July 7, 2017 The dining room isn't open for all meals. I cruise solo and have had my place cleared more than one time, which is one of the reasons I dislike the Lido - you have to make multiple trips to assemble a meal, and then when you're done the food is either cold or missing. :mad: I now use Razorback's tilted chair method, which seems to work. Roz I think, as a nod to solo cruisers, HAL could b e considerate of us and print a small laminated note that can be left at a solo's place setting if they go to get a drink. or desert. " I WIll be right back. Please do not clear my plate" . Stewards would quickly get used to seeing them, would immediately recognize why itsis there. HAL claims go be 'solo fiendly y....... Here is a non-revene way to prove it. They could be in a basket in LIdo and solos' could take one on their way to a ta ble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
49erteacher Posted July 7, 2017 #10 Share Posted July 7, 2017 I have never had the sign removed orplace cleared. In fact on several occasions I returned to find very enjoyable meal companions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elycelynne Posted July 7, 2017 #11 Share Posted July 7, 2017 Ditto on the tilted chair method. Never had a problem -- Seems to be universally understood (at least on HAL). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMLincoln Posted July 7, 2017 #12 Share Posted July 7, 2017 Just my observation: Tilted chairs can make it difficult to navigate between the tables, depending on their location. I generally am carrying something with me: a book to leave next to my place setting; a tote or even a visor to leave on the chair back. If I have nothing with me, I drape the napkin over the back of the chair, but it's better to get someone's attention and let them know I'll be back - at that point they will usually offer to bring whatever I need for my meal. m-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare VMax1700 Posted July 7, 2017 #13 Share Posted July 7, 2017 Lido staff have told me that a napkin draped over the chair back is their signal that a diner is coming back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlsSalt Posted July 7, 2017 #14 Share Posted July 7, 2017 For those concerned about the chain of infection, handling chairs is one way to get your nicely just washed hands dirty again. The less the better. Bad enough to scoot the chair in when sitting down - lots of hands have done that before you too. There are so many ways we break that chain. Even off ships now i use knuckles instead of fingers to push buttons and watch out of hand-rails using my wrist in a sleeve when I can to balance myself. These things have now just become engrained. The tissue at the restroom door handle upon exiting. Even when they don't make this easy to do in the "outside world". - I now always do it. Agree, not a fan of the titled-chair either sign. The legs then stick out into the passageway and may trip someone who is not looking down. If the staff understands the draped napkin, I'd stick with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Scrapnana Posted July 7, 2017 #15 Share Posted July 7, 2017 During the day I always have a book with me. I leave it beside my plate and have never had a problem with my place being cleared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeeSun&Sea Posted July 7, 2017 #16 Share Posted July 7, 2017 HAL claims to be 'solo fiendly'. While I've noticed this in action, I didn't realize it was an actual claim. Or did Freud twist your fingers on the keyboard? The local buffet restaurants all have cute "I'll be back" signs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debsjc Posted July 7, 2017 #17 Share Posted July 7, 2017 We also leave sweaters draped over our chairs, if we go up to get another course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted July 7, 2017 #18 Share Posted July 7, 2017 +1. Simple idea. However, want to bet that there might be at least a few people who will ignore your sign or take it and claim that it was't there. Stewards will quickly learn how to deal with such jerks. He can say he saw the sign and know that person always places one. DON If laminated, the steward can run a diseinnfectant cloth over each when he clears the table after the table is vacated.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted July 7, 2017 #19 Share Posted July 7, 2017 We also leave sweaters draped over our chairs, if we go up to get another courseI never have a sweater with me in Lido or most anywhere on the ship. You are lucky the sweater is stilltthere when you return. :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debsjc Posted July 7, 2017 #20 Share Posted July 7, 2017 I never have a sweater with me in Lido or most anywhere on the ship. You are lucky the sweater is stilltthere when you return. :eek: I take one up just to leave on the chair, never lost one yet in 10+ cruises :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NMLady Posted July 7, 2017 #21 Share Posted July 7, 2017 During the day I always have a book with me. I leave it beside my plate and have never had a problem with my place being cleared. Me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted July 8, 2017 #22 Share Posted July 8, 2017 This is what has worked for me :I will tilt my chair forward resting on the table and put my napkin over the chair back . Hope it also will works for you . The above has always worked for me too! (y) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksqueak Posted July 8, 2017 #23 Share Posted July 8, 2017 My most recent trip (Zaandam June 2017) I ended up in the Lido by myself. I told the waiter I'd be right back and not clean it. I returned to find the chair tilted. I like the napkin on the back better. I usually travel solo and have a book or something with me to hold my spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted July 8, 2017 #24 Share Posted July 8, 2017 I carry a small sign I put at my place. It says "Please feel free to sit and share but be kind don't take my chair." On most of the ships they now have a sign stating who is in charge of the table I have let them know I will be right back and no problems. You carry a sign, really? I can't help thinking you are kidding-- but, if not, why not a large sign which would be taken more seriously. No waiter would clear a table where the chair was tipped forward and the napkin draped over the back: universal sign language. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiscottiQueen Posted July 8, 2017 #25 Share Posted July 8, 2017 You are lucky the sweater is still there when you return. :eek: Seriously? I should now worry about people removing my sweater? It's not like it's a valuable item, i.e. mobile device Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now