How many people per table at dinner?

[Rfujitani]

In another thread, someone mentioned getting to know the people at their dinner table on formal night. So are formal nights done more like wedding receptions, as opposed to a conventional restaurant?

How many people get seated at one table, and are they good about keeping parties together?

I ask because I will more than likely be with about 6-8 other people, and we'd very much prefer to stay together.

[dina]

Formal nights are no different then other nights except you'll be dressed up. Most cruises, you will be sitting at your assigned table with the same people you sat with the first night. If there is freestyle dining, then you'll sit with whom ever they sit you with.. If you choose and the ship has it, you can always make a reservation at the specialty restaurant on the ship. It will cost extra and its possible for you to have seating for two.

[Fern]

Hi Ryan,

Just expanding on dina's answer ...

If you want to eat with your party every night make sure your TA "links" your reservations.

If after you board, you find that you're not seated together, go the Matre' Di's desk ASAP and ask to be seated together.

I don't know which line you are sailing, but this info is for all but Princess if you've booked "Anytime Dining" and NCL, which has "Freestyle Dining" in all the main restaurants. On these ships just show up together and ask to be seated together. You may have to wait a few minutes, but no longer than a land based restaurant.

On all other mainstream lines you'll be assigned a table and eat with the same people every night.

[Rfujitani]

Thank you both. I didn't realize that you were seated with the same people every night; that's kind of neat, I think. I'll definitely take both of your advice into consideration. We haven't booked any particular line or ship yet - our trip isn't until June 2008 - but I thought I would get a head start on research. Thanks a bunch!

[dina]

Originally Posted by Rfujitani

Thank you both. I didn't realize that you were seated with the same people every night; that's kind of neat, I think. I'll definitely take both of your advice into consideration. We haven't booked any particular line or ship yet - our trip isn't until June 2008 - but I thought I would get a head start on research. Thanks a bunch!

I'm traveling with a group and one of my cruisemate buddies will also be on the same cruise so we've already arranged to be seated together for dinner. It will be one big 8 people table party.

[adias.angel]

So the one thing I'm curious about is how they chose who you dine with and how many are at the table? Thanks, Carla

[dina]

Originally Posted by adias.angel

So the one thing I'm curious about is how they chose who you dine with and how many are at the table? Thanks, Carla

Its luck of the draw. 8 people per table.. they try to match odd numbers up.. place families together.. If your traveling with others, you can have your TA coordinate with others in your party so your sitting together.

[dottiel]

We've been lucky enuf of both cruises to have our own table for 5 and then a booth for 4. Enjoyed it very much!

[CA Cruiser]

We found that they try and put the same age and interest together. We both work in the medical field and on our last few cruises we have been put with others in the medical field or just retired and same age bracket. A few years ago when I worked for a tax CPA and my DH works for the Government, we sat with 2 couples, 1 from Canada who worked for their government tax organization and the other couple worked for the government also. We had great conversations.

[colorcrazie]

The number of people per table varies from 2 to 10. Pure luck of the draw. We like tables for 6 or 8 best. Small enough for conversation and enough people to have some variety of topics. It is fun to talk about what excursions, etc you will do/have done in the ports.
Marty+