Equinox - Sept. 13 sailing. First time cruising...

[Firstcruise20]

We're first time cruisers and not sure what to expect, especially in the dining room. Do they assign your seats and do you sit at the same table for the duration of the cruise?

[Denny01]

Yes, you will be assigned a set dining time of Main (usually 6:15pm) or Late (8:30pm). You should have been assigned one of the two aleady. Check your Contract - did you go through a Travel Agent? When you get on board, you will be given a table number. That will be your table for the cruise. If you are other travelers who have their own reservations, make sure you are linked now and they will put you all together.

 

Depending on what you or your TA asked for, you will get a small 2-table or a larger one with up to 8 or so folks. we enjoy meeting people for dinner so we like the larger 6-8 table settings.

 

You should get to the table pretty close to the dining time, you'll have your waiter and the assist waiter for the whole cruise, and a wine steward. They will get to know your preferences and will assist you a good deal.

 

it is a lot of fun! enjoy.

 

If you have a time (Main or Late) and not happy with it and can't change it now, there is a good chance you can when you get aboard. Go to the MDR immediately if you want changes or added people to your setting.

 

Only done it once, but ended up with a couple that were very disagreeable. Wanted to point out all the failings of the cruise throughout dinner. When I very pointedly stated that was not of interest during dining, they continued, so that evening, we asked and were moved. So there is flexibility. But VERY little chance of any issues. I just mention it because people sometimes think they are stuck.

 

Have a great cruise. You picked a great line. We haven't sailed on this class yet, but all reports are that she is fantastic.

 

Denny

[Firstcruise20]

Thanks, Denny01. We'd like to be with a larger table too but I'm not sure how to get it. We booked this cruise directly through Celebrity and we selected a seating time (8:30) but there was no mention of table size. Oh well, I guess we'll wait and see. Certainly don't want to be with any sad sacks or pessimistic people. After all, this is supposed to be dream vacation! Are you going to be on this cruise?

[Denny01]

No, we sail on the Solstice in Nov on a E Med and then a Transatlantic (TA) which is referred to as a Back-to-Back, or B2B. Our first B2B. Make sure you go over to the Roll Call for your specific cruise and you'll meet a lot of neat people who are cruising with you and they can help.

 

You'll be a pro after your 2nd day!

 

Denny

[Baggiesfan]

Well were on that cruise also our first, our TA booked us on a large table. We are also confused on things, we dont drink acohol does that mean all drinks are free? How much do you need on board, I think I can catre for off ship but is it ALL IN, except the wines, spiritis and casinos etc.

 

Raelly looking forward, but nervous of a new expeience.

[floridacruisers]

Our first cruise was in 1979. We thought the ship would sail off the edge of the earth! Well, it didn't and now some 34 cruises later we're still at it. Be forewarned, cruising can be a deadly habit that can't be broken even with therapy and help groups.

Our advice would be to tell the service people you meet on the ship from Celebrity that this is your first cruise and could use some guidance. Let your cabin attendent and waiter especially know. Ods are they'll be most helpful. They all want you to have a good time so you'll come back. You picked a good one to start with.

[moy moy]

We did our first cruise in Jan which we thoroughly enjoyed. We sat on a table for 8 and met some lovely people. We are also booked on the East Med cruise on 13/09. Think we are hooked on this cruising business now. We didn't try any of the ship excursions on the last cruise we did them ourselves, however we have booked some this time. Has anyone got any opinions on ship v diy. Thanks.