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Cruise
Ship Dining |
Cruise ships are floating resorts that carry many passengers
so it is necessary for the ships to have multiple dining
options. Here is what you should know about the cruise
dining experience. All dinner seatings are on a "Request"
basis only and are assigned on a first come first serve
basis by the cruise line. The sooner you book your cruise,
the better you chances of getting your dining preference.
Early and Late Seating Preference
Most Contemporary and Premium Cruise Lines have open "anytime"
dining for breakfast and lunch, but offer two separate
seatings for dinner,
Main Seating (Early Dining)
Main Seating means you'll have dinner between 6 pm and
6:30 pm.
Late Seating (Late Dining)
Late Seating means you'll have dinner between 8 pm and
8:45 pm. If you don't want to feel rushed for dinner after
a day in port or you're a Night Owl and love late-night
social activities this would be perfect for you.
What is Freestyle and Personal Choice Dining?
Some cruise lines offer an alternative to the traditional
Early and Late Seating option. Norwegian Cruise Lines
has Freestyle Dining and Princess Cruises has Personal
Choice Dining. Instead of giving passengers a set time
to have dinner, they let passengers eat when they want,
where they want and with whomever they want.
Table Size at Dinner
When you book your cruise, you will be given a choice
between a small, medium or large table at dinner. A small
table seats 2 - 4 guests; a medium, 6 - 8 guests; and
a large table seats 8 - 10 guests. The cruise line will
then do their best to seat you with passengers in a similar
age group; families with other families; singles with
singles and honeymooners with other honeymooners.
Dining with other Traveling Companions
If you are traveling with three or more cabins, please
let your cruise consultant know so that we can make sure
that all staterooms are cross-referenced and electronically
linked for dining purposes. Without this cross-reference,
you will likely be seated at the same table or tables
close by.
Alternative Dining Options
Many cruise lines today offer alternative dining venues
to the main dining room. These can be as simple as very
casual, buffet-style lido restaurants to elegant "reservations-only"
bistros that cater to a small number of guests every evening.
Both offer passengers a chance to break the normal routine.
The "reservations-only" restaurants are perfect
when you want a nice, romantic dinner for two without
the kids to enjoy each other's company.. Additional charges
ranging from $10 - $20 per guest may be applicable to
the specialty restaurant, depending upon the cruise ship
and the restaurant. These restaurants book up very quickly,
so you should make your reservations as soon as you board
your ship.
Gratuities
The cruise lines have made it easy for you with regards
to tipping the staff. All bar bills, including soft drinks
and wine, have a 15% service charge added to each receipt
and all other gratuities are automatically charged to
your onboard account. |
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