Platinum/suite dining priority

[momin05]

Can someone tell me how this works? I am cruising with my parents (suite) and their friends (platinum). Our reservations are linked and we all have your time dining. The Carnival rep said my parents would get seated right away since they are in a suite. There are 7 of us total, so I would normally be worried about wait time, but if they have priority, maybe it isn't an issue. Also, it is on Elation, so is there even a separate line for priority (one side of atrium versus the other)? Seems like I may have seen this before but just didn't pay attention.

 

I know we could do assigned, but there are several things that went into getting your time.

 

Thanks in advance!

[springs741]

Either you misunderstood or it is time for a new PVP. Your time dining (except for on the Vista) is first come first serve. The only thing that Diamond/plat/suite status does is prioritize the waitlist for dinning times. It does not allow you to skip the line.

[SadieN]

Yep, it's priority for Dining assignment, not front of line privileges.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Schoifmom]

Yep, it's priority for Dining assignment, not front of line privileges.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

This ^^^

[momin05]

Thanks for the replies. That is probably why we got confirmed within one day of making the reservation and being wait listed. I find the Carnival reps often do not give correct information. That is why I ask here because I know I will get the right answers!

[zdcatc12]

I almost thought the same thing a few weeks ago on the Legend. They wording on the Platinum welcome letter says "Priority Dining Seating". I had never heard of that thinking it was for Priority seating at the YTD. Well, it wasn't, it was as the posters above stated, only for changing seating times. Did not like that wording at all!!!

[momin05]

I almost thought the same thing a few weeks ago on the Legend. They wording on the Platinum welcome letter says "Priority Dining Seating". I had never heard of that thinking it was for Priority seating at the YTD. Well, it wasn't, it was as the posters above stated, only for changing seating times. Did not like that wording at all!!!

 

Now that I know how it works, maybe I will change to early. Originally it was just the three of us cruising and we were confirmed for any time, which we like when it is just us. This week, my parents and friends joined. I didn't want to give up my any time because it was now wait listed so I wait listed them for any time. I thought if we had priority seating, maybe any time for 7 wouldn't be too bad. But given this info, maybe the priority/suite status would get us confirmed for early. I will have to think about it...I like the location of the midship dining room, but it might not be worth it if we are having to wait on a table.

[californiatripman]

Either you misunderstood or it is time for a new PVP. Your time dining (except for on the Vista) is first come first serve. The only thing that Diamond/plat/suite status does is prioritize the waitlist for dinning times. It does not allow you to skip the line.

On our last cruise when they were checking everyone for your time dining we were escorted straight to the dining room when they saw we were diamond. This was on the Miracle and I was quite surprised they did this. There were about 15 in front of us and they bypassed all of them and seated us

[momin05]

On our last cruise when they were checking everyone for your time dining we were escorted straight to the dining room when they saw we were diamond. This was on the Miracle and I was quite surprised they did this. There were about 15 in front of us and they bypassed all of them and seated us

 

That is interesting. Maybe it is just for diamond?

[coevan]

this is definitely NOT a Diamond perk, 14 cruises, never saw anything like described

[Nic6318]

Now that I know how it works, maybe I will change to early. Originally it was just the three of us cruising and we were confirmed for any time, which we like when it is just us. This week, my parents and friends joined. I didn't want to give up my any time because it was now wait listed so I wait listed them for any time. I thought if we had priority seating, maybe any time for 7 wouldn't be too bad. But given this info, maybe the priority/suite status would get us confirmed for early. I will have to think about it...I like the location of the midship dining room, but it might not be worth it if we are having to wait on a table.

 

 

Hi there

 

Just wanted to add a few comments.

 

You typically won't have to wait unless you arrive after "everyone" has just seated. Of course it isn't always the same, but imagine they YTD venue opens their door at 5:45 and start seating. If you arrive at that time or soon after you will be seated right away (there will be a line at the door). Since it is first come first seated, like any other restaurant once all the seats are occupied the next group will have to wait. So as I suggested it wouldn't be the same every day, but you can imagine if you arrive lets say at 7 p.m. (especially on the dress up night) they might be full, so you will have to wait. Not usually long, maybe 15-20 min., and they will give you a pager so you can wander or go get a drink. If you go as a couple and want a 2 top you will rarely have to wait as most ships have a lot of these tables available.

 

I also wanted to suggest that you make your decision soon. On North American sailings the early seating selection is first to be full. While you do get preferred seating assignment as Platinum, it is not guaranteed. It is very possible that you will be waitlisted and if you don't get the assignment you want you will need to speak to the maître d' on embarkation day.

 

hope this helps

have a great cruise

[SadieN]

That is interesting. Maybe it is just for diamond?

 

 

 

The ships out of Long Beach go by the beat of a different drummer.

Once the hostesses know your preferences they have no issue pulling you out of line to fill a table, especially if they know you're willing to share a table.

We've had it happen when we've been lowly Platinums. Benefits of Homeport Cruising, many of the crew already know what you like.

[coevan]

We were sat immediately, no wait, no beepers, however we ate between 8:30 and 9 every night

[Vmalcolm]

Same thing happened to us on Paradise. We went to dinner about 6:30 each night and while others were being given beepers and told 20 minute wait, we were directed to go ahead in and were seated immediately. I am Diamond. First experience being given priority seating.