Dinner seating

[Mrs. E]

When can you request which seating you would prefer? Thanks

[penny3333]

They should have asked when you made your reservations. If you're using a travel agent, you need to call them and specify your preference. If you booked directly, just call RCI and give them your booking number. They can pull up your reservation and place you into the seating you prefer.

[CrissyBarrows]

Some people like the late seating cause they lay out during the day and snack on burgers and other yummy food. I prefer the early seating to I can get to all the shows at night!!!!!! Its up to you though

[Sonny V]

You could also wait to see what seating arrangement you have when you board the ship. You can go into the dining room, take a look at your table, then decide whether or not you want to change. We always reguest second seating, but a lot of times we find first seating assignments. When that happens, we see the maitre d' about changing our arrangements. The dining room is open around 3:00pm for passenger to do this.

Sonny

[Tabby]

Hi, my name is Tabitha. How are you all doing? I'm fairly new at cruising and have a question. I will be going on the Enchantment December 15-20. I believe we have early dining. Which is better? Early or late? Sorry if this has already been asked.

Tabitha

[electech]

Tabitha,

It all depends on your situation. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. So, I will give you my take on it and let you decide.

Early Seating(Advantages)

1. You are able to be done with the meal at an earlier time and feel more refreshed for the evening shows or swimming or just walking around.
2. You are getting a tad hungry again just in time for the midnight buffet!!
3. You can get in the bed earlier if you choose to.

Early Seating (Disadvantages)

1. You have to rush back from port for dinner.
2. If you are swimming or doing other onboard activitys, then you will need to stop sooner.
3. If you do get a bit hungry, you tend to stuff yourself way too much and don't sleep as well!!
4. Sometimes you may not be hungry that early.

Late Seating (Advantages)

1. No need to rush back to the ship while in port.
2. If you choose to eat somewhere different, then there is time to plan.
3. You usually are good and hungry at meal time.
4. No need to worry about the late snack munchies!! Your food is usually digested well by the time bedtime rolls around.

Late Seating (Disadvantages)

1. Too full for the midnight buffet.
2. You are watching the shows late at night and may start to nod off!
3. You may get a later turn in which throws off the next day.


There are probably more reasons both ways but I listed a few for you to consider. We have always had late seating but we have early this time because our daughter, who is 8, will be going. We think for us, the early time will work better on this cruise. We will see.

[Hoosierstamper]

My husband and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon and (mistakenly)took the advice of his 60+ year old great aunt and selected the early dinner with our reservations. The first day we realized that was a mistake for us because we weren't ready to quit playing and come to dinner at 6:30. 'Electech' provided an excellent summary of the pros and cons.

Lesley