main versus late dining

brad813 · #1 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2009, 12:31 AM

I am about to book an Oct. 31 cruise on the Carnival Liberty, and was wondering with going on shore excursions if the main or late dining would be a better option for me.

susierphillips · #2 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2009, 08:26 AM

I find the early seating easier if you want to see the shows early on. The problem is that you might feel rushed if you are just coming back on the ship from a port. If you like to stay up late, probably the late seating is for you.

cruiserdad · #3 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2009, 08:48 AM

8) I like late seating for port days so I'm not rushed. 8)

cutiecat · #4 (**permalink**) February 14th, 2009, 10:17 AM

I like late seating because I'm not rushed in port and I think it's more relaxed. You don't have to clear out for second seating and you can sit as long as you like. I've never had a problem getting to the shows and I always have late seating

skymaster · #5 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2009, 08:42 AM

We always request Main, because we love the evening entertainment, and by dining Main, you have the entire evening open for FUN! We've never been rushed out of Main for the late seating, and frankly late is just too late, compared to the schedule we're accustomed to at home. Either is O.K., and it's just a matter of taste.

Ken
"SKY"

Mike M · #6 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2009, 11:18 AM

If I am doing traditional dining then I take late seating on port intensive cruises. If you are back on the ship at 5:00 p.m. and have to be dressed and ready for dinner at 6:30 p.m. it doesn't leave too much time to rest up a bit after a long day onshore plus the time it takes for two people to get ready.

Late seating works the best for those situations. If there are more sea days than port days then I opt for early dining.

Take care,
Mike

nighthawk65 · #7 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2009, 12:01 PM

I like the Late Seating mostly for the reasons stated above, don't have to rush on Port Days, and eating later is not a problem for us.

Mark

brad813 · #8 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2009, 01:16 PM

I am going on my own, and the port days and sea days are equal, though in San Juan, PR the ship arrives at 5PM so I thought arranging an early dinner at the Supper Club would be most appropriate for that day, leaving me time to snack on some of the local fare later in the evening before I have to be back to the ship around 11pm(for a 12am departure). I do know that one of the other evenings the ship leaves port at 5pm and leaves from the third port at 6pm.

mehawk · #9 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2009, 02:00 PM

We also prefer the late seating for the reasons of not being rushed as we get back from port visits and we can dawdle as we leave the meal and go to the shows.

Trip · #10 (**permalink**) February 15th, 2009, 03:54 PM

We take early dining, and when we do excursions they are always morning/ afternoon ones...I could never handle the stress if I thought I could miss the ship, and I have seen people running....

We also like to come back onboard, and relax by the pool, or take a nap, to refresh for, dinner and the shows.

colorcrazie · #11 (**permalink**) February 16th, 2009, 02:56 PM

Main seating is also more popular with families. Late is what most singles choose.
Marty, who was young and single millenium ago and doesn't miss it

brad813 · #12 (**permalink**) February 16th, 2009, 03:24 PM

I booked late.

worthew8 · #13 (**permalink**) February 16th, 2009, 03:41 PM

I booked Anytime Dining on Princess.

msblackjack · #14 (**permalink**) February 16th, 2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad813

I booked late.

Good choice Brad; late seating will have more people in your age group and no rush back on board

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