Cruise Experts; Anytime Dining vs. Early Sitting

[Semiologist]

Can someone give me the pros and cons on the two dining types available?
We're going on a family cruise in April (because there's no warning label on alcohol that says, "Do NOT agree to any vacation plans while drinking") and we're divided on which way to go.

It seems like you can go with the Anytime, and get everything you would with the Early/Late, by scheduling a reservation for every night, and asking the maitre d to give you the same wait staff every night. Then you're not locked in, so you can enjoy the sunset, not have to rush back to the ship, etc.

 

[coloradonoles]

Can someone give me the pros and cons on the two dining types available?
We're going on a family cruise in April (because there's no warning label on alcohol that says, "Do NOT agree to any vacation plans while drinking") and we're divided on which way to go.

It seems like you can go with the Anytime, and get everything you would with the Early/Late, by scheduling a reservation for every night, and asking the maitre d to give you the same wait staff every night. Then you're not locked in, so you can enjoy the sunset, not have to rush back to the ship, etc.

What cruise line are you using??? How long is the cruise? surprisingly this makes a HUGE difference.

 

[DFSNOLE]

On the Norwegian cruise we were just on there was only anytime seating. There was a rush when the dining rooms opened but was easy seating around an hour or so after.

 

[Semiologist]

What cruise line are you using??? How long is the cruise? surprisingly this makes a HUGE difference.

Celebrity Summit for 8 nights.

 

[coloradonoles]

Celebrity Summit for 8 nights.

Pretty sure my sister was on that boat a couple/few years ago. Older, she said but nice and roomy.

If I remember correctly the anytime dining cost more as you have to pay the tips/gratuity up front.

I don't like eating at 5:30 or 6 (whenever the early sitting is) but I have no problem waiting until 8 or 8:30 (whenever the late seating is). That said, IMO, some flexibility is worth a few extra dollars.

 

[NoleFan2U]

The only issue I have with anytime dining is the wait. At times, the wait was over an hour n my last curise. But if you are willing to wait until after the dinner rush, like after 7pm, it isn't so bad. I have not been on Celebrity in years though, so I may be wrong now.

 

[FSUTribe76]

The one thing I’ve noticed in my semi-limited cruising experience (6 cruises) is that it doesn’t really seem to matter much by cruiseline as by individual boat. Because I had an absolutely amazing time with great food on a Carnival ship out of Tampa going to the Western Caribbean but two years later on the same cruise it was a different boat and everything was mediocre at best. So definitely look up reviews on your exact boat.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

Late dinner seating is a great time to get freaky on the deck at the back of the ship.

 

[Fijimn]

If your Celebrity cruise has the formal restaurant where you have to pay a little extra and make reservation, do that place instead of sitting with the poors.

 

[seminole4life1]

This all makes me question why on earth anyone would take a cruise. Having a set time to eat, rushing back to a ship, having to wait an hour, food is bad but stuck with that option for 7 more days, surrounded by poors. No thanks

 

[DFSNOLE]

The only issue I have with anytime dining is the wait. At times, the wait was over an hour n my last curise. But if you are willing to wait until after the dinner rush, like after 7pm, it isn't so bad. I have not been on Celebrity in years though, so I may be wrong now.

We just checked in with the girl at the desk and went to have cocktails while we waited. They gave us a beeper to let us know when the table was ready.

 

[ggmike1992]

I always pick the early seating time. Just what I prefer. The Missus and I love cruising (this is our 17th or 18th one) and we're going out on the Harmony of the Seas in early April . We'll get off the boat for a few hours and grab a taste of another culture (usually a light meal and the local beer). Maybe hit a shore excursion if something floats our boat (pun intended). I don't mind the sea days as there's usually plenty to do on board.

 

[FSUTribe76]

I always pick the early seating time. Just what I prefer. The Missus and I love cruising (this is our 17th or 18th one) and we're going out on the Harmony of the Seas in early April . We'll get off the boat for a few hours and grab a taste of another culture (usually a light meal and the local beer). Maybe hit a shore excursion if something floats our boat (pun intended). I don't mind the sea days as there's usually plenty to do on board.

Yeah I agree, no reason to knock cruises unless that’s all you ever do. Frankly it’s a nice changeup from what I typically do from vacations as it forces me to disconnect from work and not plan or do anything. The sea days are not some prison sentence, they’re usually really relaxed days doing some gambling, getting some sun and catching up on books.

 

[Semiologist]

If your Celebrity cruise has the formal restaurant where you have to pay a little extra and make reservation, do that place instead of sitting with the poors.

This is basically what has happened. After it became clear that the wife and I were the only ones wanting the flexibility of Anytime, I upgraded us to Aqua Class. Aqua Class have their own dining room with Anytime seating built in. Problem solved (until the rest of the family finds out, and guilt trips us).

 

[FSUATT]

Celebrity Summit for 8 nights.

It has been about 10 years since we last went on a Celebrity ship, but the food and service were terrific. We had the early seating with the same wait staff (we had a young and attractive female waiter who liked to flirt, so that also added to the experience). Overall, I prefer the same time seating because you have the same wait staff and they learn what you like/dislike, and tend to be more friendly and attentive. On our last 3 cruises (one Princess and two Carnival), we had the anytime seating and had pretty good experiences. it is certainly nice having the flexibility and not being tied to the same time each night. Usually, the formal night(s) were the only nights we had to wait for a table. I do not know about Celebrity, but we have noticed that both Princess and Carnival have reduced the amount of their wait staff (I assume to cut costs), which means that they are always rushing around trying to serve everyone in their section. Since you will be with a family group, it might be best to have the same time dining. That way, you don't have to have a debate each night about what time to eat (and if someone doesn't show up on time, oh well). There's always the buffet.

 

[cfbfan23]

(we had a young and attractive female waiter who liked to flirt, so that also added to the experience).

 

[FSUFrank]

Anytime dining for sure....I hate feeling like I have to eat at a certain time.

 

[FSUATT]

She was Eastern European, and spoke good English with a slight accent that made her even sexier. It was a two week cruise so we spent a lot of time getting to know each other. Of course, I am sitting with my wife so I was on pretty good behavior. Pretty much every night, no matter what I ordered, she would say "oh, you need to also try this". If it was lobster night, she automatically brought me two. I gained about 10 pounds during that two weeks.

 

[FSUATT]

This all makes me question why on earth anyone would take a cruise. Having a set time to eat, rushing back to a ship, having to wait an hour, food is bad but stuck with that option for 7 more days, surrounded by poors. No thanks

While cruising is not for everyone, it is definitely our favorite way to vacation. There a number of variables that affect your cruising experience, such as the cruise line (and the ship you choose, including your room type and location), the length of the cruise, the time of year, and the destinations. In general, the longer the cruise, the better. Also, pick a time when the kids are in school (unless you are bringing your kids, which is a whole different story). The more expensive the cruise, the less that you are surrounded by "poors", and the food quality is better (e.g. Celebrity and Holland America lines). On the other hand, if you like to party a lot, not bothered by a lot of noise, on a tight budget and food quality is not important, then pick a 4 or 5 night Carnival Cruise out of one of the florida ports.
For anyone considering a cruise, I recommend you do a lot of research and read as many reviews as possible.

 

[Semiologist]

While cruising is not for everyone, it is definitely our favorite way to vacation. There a number of variables that affect your cruising experience, such as the cruise line (and the ship you choose, including your room type and location), the length of the cruise, the time of year, and the destinations. In general, the longer the cruise, the better. Also, pick a time when the kids are in school (unless you are bringing your kids, which is a whole different story). The more expensive the cruise, the less that you are surrounded by "poors", and the food quality is better (e.g. Celebrity and Holland America lines). On the other hand, if you like to party a lot, not bothered by a lot of noise, on a tight budget and food quality is not important, then pick a 4 or 5 night Carnival Cruise out of one of the florida ports.
For anyone considering a cruise, I recommend you do a lot of research and read as many reviews as possible.

To paraphrase, the longer the cruise the better your chances you won't end up in the middle of an episode of Jersey Shore meets Bachelor Party meets The Hangover. There's a reason those three and four night cruises are dubbed "Booze Cruises".
Not to mention, the people who go on those three and four night cruises to stake out a place at the buffet, and eat. For the whole cruise. Packing it in like it's the end of food.

 

[NoleFan2U]

I have been on 38 total cruises, 7 different cruise lines. To each their own. I love Carnival, but find a much different (and better) crowd when leaving from Tampa. I think Miami is worse than Ft Lauderdale. Call me crazy (again), but I will still choose Carnival over Royal Caribbean. I hate Disney and am not a fan of Celebrity. I do enjoy Norwegian Cruise Line too. I always get a balcony and basically pick where I want to go then find a ship to take me there. Time of year definitely matters too....but I will say spring break with college kids is fun, until they call me Mom.

 

[LesClaypool]

You hate Disney Cruise Line b/c you've cruised it and concluded it sucked?

Or you just hate Disney in general?

 

[FSUTribe76]

You hate Disney Cruise Line b/c you've cruised it and concluded it sucked?

Or you just hate Disney in general?

Both of those are acceptable answers.

 

[BucaNole]

Man, some folks just live the life around here. I had an option to go on a cruise or purchase a recliner. I chose the recliner because I couldn't justify seeing that much money just disappear in one outing. Might as well just light the money on fire.

 

[DFSNOLE]

To paraphrase, the longer the cruise the better your chances you won't end up in the middle of an episode of Jersey Shore meets Bachelor Party meets The Hangover. There's a reason those three and four night cruises are dubbed "Booze Cruises".
Not to mention, the people who go on those three and four night cruises to stake out a place at the buffet, and eat. For the whole cruise. Packing it in like it's the end of food.

Very true. The eleven day one we just did had an older more subdued crowd.

 

[SoddyNole]

My superyacht culinary professional better have dinner ready when I damn well please.

 

[FSUTribe76]

My superyacht culinary professional better have dinner ready when I damn well please.

You’re still hanging out on the surface like some common scum?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bl...end-2-billion-on-your-own-submarine-read-this

You should have placed your name in line for one of these.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

Man, some folks just live the life around here. I had an option to go on a cruise or purchase a recliner. I chose the recliner because I couldn't justify seeing that much money just disappear in one outing. Might as well just light the money on fire.

WHY ARE YOU SO POOOOOOOOOOR?

 

[NoleFan2U]

You hate Disney Cruise Line b/c you've cruised it and concluded it sucked?

Or you just hate Disney in general?

I hate Disney Cruise Line. Waaaay over priced, no casino and not worth my money when other ships go the exact same places, or better. Just not for me. And my daughter when she was younger, loved Camp Carnival better than Disney. Go figure.