Am I being silly......

[Sandra Mc.]

We're sailing on the AOS in June and I've been reading everything I can get my hands on! With all the activities going on I feel like there may be nights that we don't want to eat in the dining room. However, I'm nervouse about this because I'm afraid the service we get when we do eat there won't be as good if we skip out on a few nights. (Do you tip the same if you don't eat in the dining room every night?) I know I'm probably being silly, but I'm really trying to get over this feeling! Any suggestions? Thanks!

Happy Sailing!
Sandra

[GrassHoppa]

If you only eat in the Main Dining room only a few nights you are going to receive the same treatment as those that eat there each and every night, the only downside is they probably won't know you and your dining preferences as well. I can say this for two main reasons:
1. Even if you are a part-time diner, they still want you to have the most memorable dining experience possible.
2. Their treatment towards you is going to effect the experience of your dining companions as well. If you are offended by something or are treating poorly, it will also offend those seated with you.

As far as tipping is concerned, if I only miss one or two evenings I'll go ahead and tip the full amount. If you miss more then that I'd probably pro rate it accordingly.

With that said, I highly encourage you to eat in the Main Dining as frequently as possible! The food and service is entirely worth it. Also, getting to know your dining companions is one of the major attractions to cruising for a lot of us!

Have fun! Relax! Enjoy!

[NancyN]

Don't worry about the quality of service if you do not eat in the dining room every night, particularly since they have alternative dining venues, wait staff expects that there will be "no shows". You should, however, plan to tip for all 7 nights, even if you don't eat in the dining room. Gratuities are minimal and these same people also have to do double duty at the Windjammer Cafe and the late night buffets.
Nancy

[nancylee]

If you can't ask here and get an honest answer, then I don't know anyplace you will. We've all been there and absolutely NO question is silly!

You will be treated the same (royally) whenever you visit the dining room. I agree with the previous post that you should still tip them the proper amount for the days that you sail -- my understanding is these 'guys' work all different shifts and they (I do believe) they truly deserve their tip.

HAVE AN AWESOME TIME (oh - you so will !)

Nancy
P.S. The dining room food is much better than the buffet, or even room service -- at least try to eat there for dinner!!

Sovereign of the Seas, 9/2003