I haven't been on the Rotterdam since the Solarium was created...can anyone provide any information? In the photos, there don't appear to be many lounge chairs, so does it get crowded? Is this more like an adults-only sanctuary, where it's quiet and peaceful? Are the chairs more comfy than the regular lounge chairs at the main pool?
Also, I'm a solo traveller and always enjoyed the assigned dinner seatings since it's a nice way to meet people and get to know them over the duration of the voyage. My TA said that there's no assigned seating available in the main dining room and that room is open seating only. Anyone know?
Thanks for your input!!
HAL's Rotterdam: Solarium and Dining Room?
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On our last cruise on the Rotterdam they still had the upper floor of the main dining room with the old 1st and 2nd seatings. The main floor was "as you wish" To my knowledge that is still what they are doing. Perhaps you TA was referring to the main floor or perhaps the fixed seating was already booked. You can always go on a wait list (2nd seating is always easier to get) or when you arrive on board go directly to the Maitre d and request it. As a solo traveler they should certainly be able to accommodate you.
I concur with traveller69. I just cruised with HAL last week and I understand that all their dining rooms work the same way. The Vista Dining Room is on both decks 2 and 3. Deck 2 is open seating, deck 3 is assigned seating. 2nd seating is more readily available. And it is excellent advice to go directly to the Maitre d' as soon as you get on board. Don't wait for dinner time. Another thought, if you call HAL's "ship services" line (1-800-541-1576) instead of their regular booking person, they can usually set up your dinner preferences in advance. Still best to confirm with the Maitre d', though.