Dinner Seating on Cruiseships
 

Hello, read the question by the lady whose daughter was seated in a different "seating" for dinner than rest of family. <BR> <BR>I didn't know anything about these "seatings" (first time cruiser). We'll be taking the RC Nordic Empress next year with a 2 & 4 year old and definetly want early seating. Is there something I need to do ahead of time. Are these seatings done ahead of time automatically? Will they see that we will be with young children and automat. seat us early? Thanks!

Don't assume anything! Your travel agent should have asked you whether you want early or late seating and this should be confirmed on your travel documents. If not, get in touch with your agent ASAP. When you get on board, too, you can talk to the Maitre d or the Purser.

By all means contact your travel agent and they will insure you get the seating you want. Most Cruise lines will automatically assign Parties with young kids to early seating if no preference is given. Most times it is harder to get a late seating (8:30pm). I'd be very shocked if you didn't get the dinner time you wanted. But I would call your Travel Agent or person who booked the cruise. Relax you will Love it!!

Early or late seating is determined when you book your cruise. If your travel agent doesn't ask which you want, go to another agent (who has experience with cruises). There are many advantages and disadvantages to early vs late. You can also usually change when you get to the ship (purser). When you get your cruise documents you will be assigned early vs late. When you activate your charge on board you will be assigned a table. <BR>

Early or late seating is determined when you book your cruise. If your travel agent doesn't ask which you want, go to another agent (who has experience with cruises). There are many advantages and disadvantages to early vs late. You can also usually change when you get to the ship (purser). When you get your cruise documents you will be assigned early vs late. When you activate your charge on board you will be assigned a table. <BR>

Typically you'll find more families with children and older people at the early dinner seatings. Personally I prefer the late seatings so I have plenty of time to get back on the ship after an excursion, get ready for the evening, possibly take a nap, then enjoy a leisurly dinner. Also, since I live on the West Coast, when I take a Caribbean cruise I don't have to change my "stomach clock" because the cruise ship is typically 2 hours ahead of home. Early seating has the advantage of getting you into the early shows, some people feel you get fresher food, and you're usually hungry for the midnight buffet. Definitely contact your travel agent and tell them which seating you prefer before you board the ship. Have a great cruise!

<BR>Check your travel documents first, if not there, call your travel agent. I often call cruise lines directly. They have 800 numbers and I would suggest you call them also.