My wife and I have not sailed on Princess since the evolution of open dining. We are booked on the Dawn Princess for the Mexican Riviera shortly and were unable to get a confirmation for second seating in traditional dining. Consequently, we are confirmed for Open Dining.
We have two general requirements when we cruise: second seating and a table for two. In the past we've always been able to have both needs met. In the event we are still not cleared for second seating by the time of sailing, is it the experience of the readers here that one could negotiate with the maitre d' of the open dining room for a table for two at a specific time each evening?
Fyi, my usual practice is to visit the maitre d' on departure day with money in hand.
I'm not sure about a specific time, but I would think they would try to accomodate you. We used to do the late seating as well. On one trip on the Sea, we had the same thing happen, even though I had booked nearly a year in advance. After trying the anytime concept, we really enjoyed it. We don't do a table for 2, and enjoyed meeting different people each evening. It's also nice to not have to rush to get ready or wait to eat if you're hungry. Best wishes and have a wonderful cruise!
Hi penny3333,
did they offer any explanation for bumping you like that? I usually book a year ahead to get a specific cabin and a confirmed seating for dinner. I would not be pleased if this happened to me unless there was a reasonable explanation. I recall one post where a corporate group had taken over an entire dining room. I can roll with the punches, and, like you, try anytime dining--who knows? I might like it--but I would sure want to know why.
Hi raffles,
I don't think penny3333 or I gave the impression we would be miserable or couldn't deal with a last minute change; in fact I think we were pretty clear that we could adapt if necessary; we're experienced enough to know that stuff happens and accommodations must be made; heck, don"t let the picture fool you--I'm the least miserable person I know.
But I see it as the cruise line offering me choices; not me "requesting crap". And if you and I request the same thing but I request it six months before you, my request should have priority. Is that asking to much??
Raffles, don't let the New Cruiser title applied to my name by the system fool you. We are not new cruisers. For openers, all I did was ask a simple question about mechanics. Second, I don't think there is a single element of my posting which suggests that we can't "deal with it" or would be miserable in any case. The kind of response you have provided without seeming to have either read or understood my question is gratuitous and without merit.
My experience with the Princess personal choice dining is that you can always get a table to yourselves. It may be a table set for four, but they will only sit you two at it! And, it really didn't require any palm-greasing of the maitre'd. In our case there were three of us, and we simply approached the desk and asked for a table to ourselves. It was always honored.
You can set up a set time for each day if you wish.
Geez raffles,
in looking through some threads I've noticed that penny3333 and I have answered more of your questions than anybody; so why the outburst?
I don't think we deserved that.
Dave, thanks very much for your excellent reply. Just the sort of information and experience I was looking for.
When I got up this morning I was well-prepared for another blast from Raffles who would appear to be one of the well-established bulletin board bullies with whom everyone on the net is familiar. And, I was equally prepared to say goodbye. I'm glad that f-mattox pushed back.
Linear Mode
