Specialty Dining Reservations

[sharichka]

We leave for a trip to Alaska aboard the Grand in 4 days. This will be our second Princess cruise. We decided we'd like to have dinner at the Crowne Grill this time. I mistakenly thought I could reserved that right up until the day we sailed, but when I went on today to make the reservation, it said the reservations are closed. Will there be any problem making a reservation once we are on board, or is my husband out of luck getting the steak dinner he is dreaming of (the man loves a good steak dinner!)?

[GUT2407]

We leave for a trip to Alaska aboard the Grand in 4 days. This will be our second Princess cruise. We decided we'd like to have dinner at the Crowne Grill this time. I mistakenly thought I could reserved that right up until the day we sailed, but when I went on today to make the reservation, it said the reservations are closed. Will there be any problem making a reservation once we are on board, or is my husband out of luck getting the steak dinner he is dreaming of (the man loves a good steak dinner!)?

 

 

I’ve never had a problem getting a booking for some night. Rarely had a problem for a specific night.

[Happy2cruise]

We always call the dine line when we first get to our cabin and make our reservation and never had a problem. You can also go down to the restaurant as there is usually someone there to make reservations.....good luck!

[moki'smommy]

There was a special for Alaska that included a complimentary specialty dining. This may cause them to fill up a bit more than normal. Go on day 1 to make your reservation.

[Tak8]

I was on the Caribbean Princess in May and I called the second day to get back to Crown Grill and I was told they were booked the entire cruise. First time that has ever happened to me on a Princess cruise. I would say make it a priority once you board. That may never happen again, but will make me think more about reservations.

[moki'smommy]

I was on the Caribbean Princess in May and I called the second day to get back to Crown Grill and I was told they were booked the entire cruise. First time that has ever happened to me on a Princess cruise. I would say make it a priority once you board. That may never happen again, but will make me think more about reservations.

In April on the Caribbean Princess, the DINE line had a recording that said basically "Call us tomorrow." I went to the restaurant--no one was there, so went to Passenger Services and they were able to make a phone call and get me a time.

[sharichka]

So I know for next time, does the Princess website always close dining reservations a few days before the first day of the trip or does the fact that it is closed mean they are completely booked?

[moki'smommy]

So I know for next time, does the Princess website always close dining reservations a few days before the first day of the trip or does the fact that it is closed mean they are completely booked?

They close reservations. You'll also find that you can't print your boarding pass or luggage tags thru the web site. I save them to a file on my computer so if I need more, I can still print!

[judyjudy56]

On the Ruby in March we stopped by the Crown Grille as soon as we boarded and were told there were no reservations available the entire cruise. The very snotty young man admonished me for not reserving on line. There was no answer on the dine line when we called from the cabin.

 

 

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[Wishing on a star]

On our Alaska sailing, the Crab Shack filled up quickly.

I would to to Tracy's anyhow!!!

But, mentioning this just in case.

[KevintheIrishDJ]

There is a coupon book that has a BOGO for the Crown Grill on Embarkation night only. Some say you can only get the book via a TA.

[sharichka]

On our Alaska sailing, the Crab Shack filled up quickly.

I would to to Tracy's anyhow!!!

But, mentioning this just in case.

Is the Crab Shack another dining venue on all ships? Sounds like something we would like! Do I need to make reservations ahead of time for this?

[JF - retired RRT]

Is the Crab Shack another dining venue on all ships? Sounds like something we would like! Do I need to make reservations ahead of time for this?

It's on all the ships AFAIK.

Can't book it online, again AFAIK. I've never actually checked that out.

There will be a table at the entrance to the buffet with information and frequently someone is there to take your reservation. Or call the Dine Line.

[caribill]

Is the Crab Shack another dining venue on all ships? Sounds like something we would like! Do I need to make reservations ahead of time for this?

Crab Shack is a pop-up restaurant in a section of the buffet. It is only offered one or two evenings a week. Must make reservation when on the ship.

[NoLifeDGenerate]

On the Ruby in March we stopped by the Crown Grille as soon as we boarded and were told there were no reservations available the entire cruise. The very snotty young man admonished me for not reserving on line. There was no answer on the dine line when we called from the cabin.

 

 

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That's ridiculous. How am I supposed to know what night I want to try there until I see the menu for the main dining room? We've got a free meal at a specialty restaurant included this trip too. Going the the Ruby July 28th.

[bugsy43]

That's ridiculous. How am I supposed to know what night I want to try there until I see the menu for the main dining room? We've got a free meal at a specialty restaurant included this trip too. Going the the Ruby July 28th.

 

I agree. I don’t like it either. For our upcoming cruise in a couple of weeks, I think I’m going to prebook a time and then change or cancel it onboard. I’m thinking if I have a prepaid booking and request a change, perhaps they will

be more accommodating.

[judyjudy56]

We will be in suite on the Grand and get specialty dining the first night. Does anyone know if we can pre reserve this online or have to wait until we are onboard?

[moki'smommy]

We will be in suite on the Grand and get specialty dining the first night. Does anyone know if we can pre reserve this online or have to wait until we are onboard?

We've had to wait till we board.

[OCruisers]

We've never had a problem booking Specialty Dining Reservations on Princess once we are actually on the ship. :)

[suekel]

There is a coupon book that has a BOGO for the Crown Grill on Embarkation night only. Some say you can only get the book via a TA.

 

My princess cruise specialist is giving me one next January. which is sort of silly since we have a suite and get this automatically. Oh well, I can use it for bingo.

[caribill]

On the Ruby in March we stopped by the Crown Grille as soon as we boarded and were told there were no reservations available the entire cruise.

 

That's ridiculous. How am I supposed to know what night I want to try there until I see the menu for the main dining room? We've got a free meal at a specialty restaurant included this trip too.

 

Chances are that this cruise had a number of bookings which included a specialty restaurant meal. When that happens, people do not select in advance when they want to dine (in fact, they cannot, because you cannot reserve a time for a free meal in advance). Instead Princess will select a date, time and which specialty restaurant and will leave a card in your cabin indicating the pre-selected information. You can call and change this, subject to space being available at the time and place you want.

 

 

So on this cruise, probably all or almost all the time slots were taken by pre-assigned passengers with an included meal there.