First Cruise: should be pick 1st or 2nd dining seating?

[kingsgirl]

It'll be me and DH for my 40th birthday on IOS in March 09. Thanks!

 

I had first seating on my first cruise and hated feeling rushed to get ready for dinner. We tried late seating on our second cruise and then felt like we were "waiting around" for supper. We went back and did early but just chose not to always go to the dining room on days we didn't want to rush.

 

It's YOUR vacation so don't feel as though you have to go to the dining room if you don't want to every night. My suggestion is book early and if you're too interested in something else, choose an alternative dining option that night.

[PhoenixCruiser]

The OP stated their decision in post #23 :rolleyes: :eek:

 

###

[KreiderCarter]

We did the late seating for our first cruise and haven't since, we just prefer eating earlier. On our Med Cruise it was so nice because early dining was empty--we had a table for 8 and it was just my wife and I. This was due to late dining being the preferred time of the Europeans (particularly the Spaniards) and if they didn't get late dining they just didn't show up for dinner.

 

We only had 1 time when we felt rushed to make it to dinner and that was because our tour arrived late from Rome. We were probably 10 minutes late to our dinner time after changing.

[fridaythe13th]

The OP stated their decision in post #23 :rolleyes: :eek:

 

###

 

So that means the thread is closed? There are others reading and looking for opinions.:rolleyes: :D

[timespliters]

We like late dinner as we dont miss the sun sets, sail aways and time for a drink before dinner

[cruiserbryce]

we prefer 1st seating because we enjoy eating a little earlier and getting the night started right after dinner...the only draw back is that on nights when you are in port late you will have to choose between staying ashore or skipping the dining room

[mompolo]

We like early seating.

 

We have never felted rushed while in port - in fact we usually make it back to the ship just in time - lol

 

We relax in the cabin with a cocktail and get ready for dinner.

 

After dinner we visit the casino prior to going to the evening show - then it's back to the casino.

 

Our previous cruises have been on Celebrity - so not quite sure if that will be how we will spend our days on Mariner this Sept - but we're looking forward to finding out.

 

Also - as previously mentioned - I like having time after dinner to have dinner digest and not feel too full that late at night.

 

We usually stay up until around midnight, unless the dh is winning in the casino, then we stay up as long as it takes to win the big bucks!!

 

Either way - enjoy the cruise - dinner is great at any time!!

[stephandjim1070]

we have always done 2nd seating but decided this time to try the 1st seating ... i guess i will let you know dec 15... when we get back. lol

 

steph

[macpiper]

M T D !!!

[coffeebean]

DH and I much prefer "My Time Dining" if it is available. No rushing back from port to change for dinner and eat early enough so we don't go to bed on a full stomach.