We have been on 3 previous cruises , we have booked another. We have always had late seating dinner because we like to take advantage of our ports for as long as possible. We are thinking of changing to early sitting dinner does anyone think that there are any advantages to this. Maybe we are getting older but we had a hard time staying up for some of those midnight or later shows after a couple of days. Thanks

We've been on 14 cruises, and love the late seating. It affords a leisurely time before dinner for relaxation, cocktails, etc. (!); it appears that the early seating is populated by people with young children and seniors. Also, I've heard that early dinners can be rushed, because they have to prepare for the 2nd seating, where the later seating is more relaxed and leisurely, if desired by the diner. Have fun on your next cruise.

We have been once and did early seating. We are going again, this time with kids, and are doing early seating. <BR> <BR>We found that most all of the families go to early seating. We enjoyed the earlier show and more time dancing afterwards by eating early. Also we did all the midnight buffets which are no longer offered on the ship we are going on, looks like room service at midnight to me. <BR> <BR>

We've always done late seating too, but decided on this next trip we're going to try early seating. I think the biggest advantages to early seating is that you have more time to enjoy the evening offerings of the ship. With early seating you have time (and energy) to enjoy the show and still go dancing, to the casino, or take a walk around deck. <BR> <BR>I do love the advantages to late seating too, like having time for a short nap after getting back on board on port days, and not having to rush to get ready on formal nights, but I am really looking forward to experiencing early seating this time around. <BR> <BR>I've come to the conclusion that there is no "better" option. Both early and late have advantages and disadvantages and it is a matter of picking the one that fits in with your needs and wants. Kind of like when you choose a cruise line!

Thanks for the info. I think we might go for the early sitting this time because our port calls all leave the dock around 4;00 except Cozumel which stays late and there are 3 days at sea. So we will not feel rushed to get to dinner and we may have enough energy left for some nightlife ( especially if the next day is an at sea day). Nothing ventured nothing gained!

We have always done the early seating (4 cruises). Advantages are: it more mimics our "normal" mealtime; there is more time for evening activities; there is time to "recover" for the midnight meal. They don't "rush you" to get out. there is still ample time for setting up the next meal. We found that after early seating meal we wander around for a bit then go early to get a good seat for the stage show. Most nights we crash after the show unless some great activities are going on. We do try to go to the gala midnight meal. <BR>The only disadvantage is on some port days you have to dress while sailing away and "cocktail hour" at a bar is compromised. (we are not big drinkers). <BR>While it may be true there will be more "families" at early seating, there aren't many families at all unless you pick a vacation week (Christmas, school breaks, or summer). Other times there just aren't many kids. <BR>Enjoy. <BR>