Second dining with kids

[SDCruizer]

Booked kinda late, just eight weeks before sailing on RCI's Vision of the Seas (10/24/04) and are taking our boys (12 and 9) with us for the first time (we haven't sailed since we were newlyweds 15 years ago). We wanted first seating but our TA said they were full and put us on a waiting list. We had late seating once and didn't like it for ourselves, let alone for the kids. It's not a "show stopper" but has anyone any ideas on how we can talk the Maitre'd into allowing us to switch? We're tickled just to go again so if it's too much of a bother we'll be content and enjoy it anyway.

[PattyW]

This is usually not a problem. On embarkation day, there are special hours that the maitre de is available to remedy these types of situations. There are all kinds of people changing things (size of table, time of seating, etc).

[serene56]

Be one of the first to see the Matr de for a change. Head to the dining room- thats usually where they are located. Lots of people will be looking for changes. (usually late is wait listed)

 

If by chance you cant get an earlier dining time there is always the buffet or room service even.

[SDCruizer]

Thanks for the replies.

[ciship]

Does anyone know the times for dining on Carnival??

[serene56]

depends on what ship really. Some have 4 dining times and some have 2-

 

5:45 and 8:15 for the ships that have two dining times

 

5:45 and 6:15 for early

8:00 and 8:30 for late (for the ships that have 4 dining time

[SDCruizer]

For those interested, here's a follow up to our dining situation. Our cruise was great. The boys did fine. We approached the maitre d' the second we got onboard and he confirmed that we were still on the waiting list for early seating. He said that if a spot became available he'd let us know. About two hours before main seating we had a note on our cabin informing us of our new table assignment for early seating. Yea! We had a table for four but enjoyed getting to know the couples on both sides. We've already booked another cruise for next July with main seating confirmed.

[ssatterly]

good for you... What is it about late seating that you do not like? I am thinking of doing late seating on My cruise in Oct with my kids. Due to the port times.

[serene56]

good for you... What is it about late seating that you do not like? I am thinking of doing late seating on My cruise in Oct with my kids. Due to the port times.

 

 

Depends on how old your kids are- most late dinners get done about 10 or a little after. (depends if youlike to linger over dessert)

Camps start charging at 10. where the early dinner camps are closed during dinner (except formal nights) and open by 7- which is just in time when you are getting done dinner. So-- to enjoy the camps the kids in later seating wont be using it all that much. How many late port days do you have?

Also-another factor-especially after a long port day--- is your kids gonna be up to dine that late?

[serene56]

For those interested, here's a follow up to our dining situation. Our cruise was great. The boys did fine. We approached the maitre d' the second we got onboard and he confirmed that we were still on the waiting list for early seating. He said that if a spot became available he'd let us know. About two hours before main seating we had a note on our cabin informing us of our new table assignment for early seating. Yea! We had a table for four but enjoyed getting to know the couples on both sides. We've already booked another cruise for next July with main seating confirmed.

 

Thanks for coming back and telling us how you made out in that situation. Lots of people dont do that. I for one appreciate the inforamtion and glad it worked out for you.

[dolphins76]

This is our 2nd cruise and like with our 1st cruise we do late seating. Our kids really are not into eating in the dining room they do it the 1st night cause camp is not open , but after that they do not wanna eat in the dining room. So 2nd seating is great for us. The kids just order room service before they go to camp.