1st time cruiser - dining and dress code questions
 

My husband and I are going on our first cruise next month on Celebrity's Galaxy out of Baltimore. We have the second seating for dining, but prefer the first. According to Celebrity's website, our TA should be able to fax a follow-up request to the courtesy coordinator of the ship, but she told us that the best she could do was to add us to the waitlist. She suggested that we see the maitre'd once we board, and I have seen this suggestion posted as well. Is this an effective way to change our seating preference?<BR><BR>Also, I have read about dress codes on the website. The daywear doesn't seem very casual ("slacks or pants, blouses or shirts," etc.). We are both in our late 20's and would feel more comfortable wearing t-shirts, shorts, and other typical summer attire while on board and at port. Is this acceptable? Are Celebrity cruises generally more formal than other "mass-market" lines?

We just got back from Celebrity's Century. I don't know about changing your seating time. We did have the late seating but that's what we like. As far as dress goes, you can be casual anywhere during the day on the ship or in port. If you do the dining room for lunch, then you need shorts-not wet bathing suits. If you do the formal tea then you need pants not shorts-our ship had only one formal tea and it was very nice. Do try the dining room for breakfast and lunch at least once. It is a nice pampered feeling to be waited on for those meals as well as dinner. Celebrity's formal was about the same as Princess. We've only been on two cruises-one on Princess and one last week on Celebrity. Have a great time!

My 1st cruise with Celebrity is coming up, but I've been on a few other cruises. Based on my experience - going to talk to the maitre when you board and expressing your preference is the way to go. Some say it helps to slip some cash, some say it doesn't. I tried one time and it was refused but I got the table change I needed. Be aware that there may be a line of people also waiting to talk so go as soon as you can. Chances are you have to go with what you've been assigned for the first night and then for the next day you check back and find out your new and improved (hopefully) table assignment.<BR><BR>As far as dress goes, during the day I romp around with shorts, T-shirts and sneakers too and that's not a problem. Maybe the literature describes more formal attire in the hopes of getting people to look nicer. <BR><BR>(I for one cringe when I see people in the halls or in the elevator with JUST a bathing suit - no shoes, no coverup, no towel, etc.)

We were on Galaxy last month. I agree that attempting to change your seating once you are onboard is the way to go. <BR>Your table assignment will be in your stateroom once you board, take this to the dining room where a table will be set up just outside the doors. You'll see a line of people waiting to do the same as you. Some wanting later seating, some wanting earlier. There's a good chance they can accomodate you, but I don't think slipping them $$ will help nor can you do it discretely.<BR><BR>As for attire onboard, shorts and T's during the day are fine. Some were in shorts in the dining room for breakfast on days in port, but more 'dressy' type shorts. You may choose to avoid breakfast and lunch in the dining room if you want to remain casual. The food is still fantastic at the buffet. In my experience, I found people are more dress code oriented on Celebrity than other mass-market lines, so if you choose to be bikini'd and barefoot in the public areas - expect some frowns. A bathing suit coverup is essential.<BR><BR>Nice choice for a first cruise, this will spoil you for other cruises! Have a great time, it is a wonderful ship.

Thanks for your input, everyone! It is greatly appreciated.

Was on a princess cruise last month, not Celebrity, and when we signed up, we were 199 on the wait list for first dining. When we called back, we were up to 48, and when we called again, we were on first seating.

Here's some info on how to find the maitre d' on the ship. You do not wait in the long line at the purser's office. You go to your cabin and call the purser's (information) office. They will tell you on which deck you will find him. It will be up to you to ask if he is in the front of the ship or the rear.<BR>Go as soon as you get on the ship if you wish your time changed.<BR><BR>Paul