Early vs. late dinner on AOS?

[arb711]

Anyone who has done both dinner seatings - is there really a difference in the people you meet?

 

I'm a middle-aged (okay, early 50s :rolleyes:) solo cruiser - This will be my third cruise. On the first two I took late dining, both because it's closer to when I generally eat and because I thought it would be a more compatible crowd. Worked both times - I found people at my table who were in my general age group, one or two other solos, etc.

 

The problem with late seating is that, well, I eat that big meal, finish around 10-10:30, and then I don't feel like doing anything other than go to bed! I'm not a huge late-nighter, but I'd like to at least have the energy to sit on deck with a drink looking at the stars, listen to music and watch people dancing in the clubs, go to a midnight buffet, whatever! (I know, no more midnight buffets....:()

 

So on my upcoming cruise I'm thinking of going for early seating. Will I regret it? I love kids, have no problem sitting with anyone, but I count on having a couple of people at my table that I can really bond with, look forward to dining with. It's what makes traveling alone perfect - I do whatever I please during the day, but have people at dinner to talk with about it! Will I get that eating at 6-6:30?

[camofwilliamsburg]

We also eat at 6 ish when at home, but on vacation we do late seating so we have more time to do ship activities while the sun is out. It is a bit heavy in the tummy after you eat, but we usually go to bed at 1 ish. I know it is not ideal but heck it is only for vacation time. I think you will get a good table no matter what time. There are people of all ages at both seatings. Make sure your agent specifies your age group and you want to sit at a large table to make sure you have many people to chose from. If it does not work out go change tables after the first night.

We are doing a cruise on MSC Poesia and our single friend is looking for a cabin mate? Any interest for Nov 30, 10 night cruise? If so, let me know and I will get you in touch with her.

[arb711]

Thanks, Cam, that's a great offer - unfortunately I'm the director of a special ed school so I only get to take vacations during school holidays!

 

I've always chosen late seating for the same reasons you mention, but I've noticed that I don't last long after dinner - maybe because I'm so relaxed being on vacation!

[beany]

We've done both. There definitely are more kids at the early seating, but since I and so many others on CC, almost always enjoy the people we are seated with, I think the cruise lines really make an effort to seat people who will be compatible, together. Also, you can most probably change tables after the first night and almost definitely change to the later seating, as most people seem to prefer the earlier. If you prefer eating earlier, I'd definitely try it.

[cb at sea]

Yes, you will have fine company at the early seating...enjoy!

[luvscruising2007]

We always chose second seating because it is close to our normal dinner time. In order to stay up later than usual we generally fit a nap in during the afternoon. It helps give us a re-charge and we can enjoy activities after dinner. Sometimes we just go to the casino for a little while or to a late show. But the nap works for us.

Have a great cruise.:)