Why the lines for the MDR?

[Boo's Mom]

I have been sailing on Celebrity for 20+ years. 

Back in the day, there were no lines (to speak of) at the doors to the MDR. 

For (at least) the first day, the waitstaff were lined up to escort guests to their tables. 

There was a long line of waitstaff! 

 

Why is it different now? 

Bigger ships, more people? 

My first cruise was on the Century.  She was fine - and small. 

 

Here I am in pre-cruise planning status, thinking about the lines and how to avoid them. 🙄

 

My current plan:  If I have a 630pm reservation, I am going to show up at 645pm (on the first night anyway)

 

 

 

 

[jelayne]

When you started sailing there was only traditional dining no anytime dining.  With traditional everyone had set dining time and a assigned dining table.

 

What ship are you on?  Most still have the option for Traditional dining, If you are booking in Select dining you may want to consider switching to traditional.

 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I've sailed with select dining and have never seen the likes of the lines currently being experienced.  I believe the MDR is understaffed.

 

[mahdnc]

We were on Constellation last month for a 15 night sailing and had Early Seating (6 pm). We would show up between 6:00-6:15pm. No lines for us.  I did not see if Select (Anytime) Seating had any lines since they entered the MDR one deck below.

[LB_NJ]

The worst lines are the first night when passengers are trying to figure things out and move them around.

 

I think the other lines in the MDR tend to be a lot of people without reservations showing up at the same time looking for a table.

 

Also, I think they are understaffed.