Another Dinner Booking Option?

[FloridaKeith]

After 10 cruises it is obvious to me that some people never come to the dining room. As a result some people who had hoped to have dinner companions find themselves eating on their own without knowing if the others will ever turn up.

Do you think it would be a good idea for the cruise lines to ask when people book not only which seating they prefer, but whether they even want a table reservation in the main dining room?

This would also free up space for those who can't get into the dining room at their preferred time and finish up waitlisted for the duration in case the missing ones turn up.

[FloridaKeith]

After 10 cruises it is obvious to me that some people never come to the dining room. As a result some people who had hoped to have dinner companions find themselves eating on their own without knowing if the others will ever turn up.

Do you think it would be a good idea for the cruise lines to ask when people book not only which seating they prefer, but whether they even want a table reservation in the main dining room?

This would also free up space for those who can't get into the dining room at their preferred time and finish up waitlisted for the duration in case the missing ones turn up.

[Oggy Boy]

I think that is an excellent idea. Of course, one can usually request another table if their dinner mates no-show the first couple of nights. This happened to my aunt and uncle. They sat at a table for 8 all by themselves every night and never thought to ask to be relocated. It made for less fun than they would have had.

Good thinking, I have never heard that idea before.

Tom

[Sunprincess]

With so many lines offering the dining alternatives now I could see how this can become a problem. Certainly I agree it would be a nice courtesy to inform the Maitre D and/or table mates if you were not planning to dine.