Big table or table for two,which is best?

dave 3261 · #1 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2009, 01:28 AM

My wife thinks we should sit at a big table so we can socialize and meet people. I Kind of wanted a table for two. I look at it like we will be socializing and meeting people all day and might just want to have a quiet, romantic dinner just the two of us. What says you? Thank You

Carnival Victory, 2003
Carnival Victory, 2004
RCI Explorer of the Seas April, 2009

Robbie H · #2 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2009, 04:41 AM

Getting a table for two takes an act of ___ (or a well placed twenty dollar bill). This is an area where even we "old timers" with "RCI" think they just might be messing up the request so they can "straighten it out" for you. We are "Diamond Plus," cruise Travel Agents and had the top # of cruises on our "Legend" cruise last month, yet we were assigned a table for eight instead of the small table "RCI" had confirmed on our reservation form.

But my vote is to at least ask since they are putting some people there, even got it once ourselves! It is nice to socialize but you are right that there are plenty of other opportunties during the day to meet/greet.

corky700 · #3 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2009, 08:43 AM

It all depends what you like. I just booked and my TA said there are not many tables for 2. She asked if i wanted a small 4-6 or a large 8-10 people. The way i look at it - if the small table has only 1 other couple and you have nothing in common its better to get the large table. Out of 8-10 people you should find someone you click with.
Bottom line - It depends what you want !!!

If you dont like your table after teh first night - see the Matri'D and he will do his best to make the neccesary changes you require..

thecruisequeen · #4 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2009, 08:50 AM

I always request a table for two and always get it. Dave I agree with you. I have all day to mingle and meet wonderful fellow cruisers but when it comes to dinner time I want it to be family only time.

Enjoy your cruise!!

Donna · #5 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2009, 09:48 AM

My vote, a big table. Its much more fun and interesting to meet and talk to people about their day's activities. There is plenty of time during the day to sit at the pool just the 2 of you or walk, etc. You can always go to the buffet or a speciality restaurant and have a small table, just the 2 of you whenever you want.

sptrout · #6 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2009, 10:38 AM

We had a table for two on our 02/09 VOS cruise and loved it. We sent an email to RCL a few weeks before the cruise making the table for 2 request.

BTW - - The second night the Head Waiter came by and asked how we liked our table and added that we must have requested it in advance because there were only four tables for two in the entire VOS dining room.

Pattizoo · #7 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2009, 06:36 PM

We have taken 2 longer cruises. One of the highlights of each cruise was our new friends from our table. We never did anything together during the day, but we always looked forward to dinner and missed anyone who didn't show up. Both times, we all ended up sharing one of the last nights in the specialty restaurants together too. We still email regularly with some of them and hope to visit each other's homes in the future. (they are from the UK and Australia and New Zealand) We DIDN'T really get to know many folks during the daytime. It was the extended time over dinner that allowed the friendships to develop. On a shorter (7 days or less,) not sure it would make all that much difference. People tend to settle in more on longer cruises, more sea days to just hang out, more time to develop common interests.

Manuel · #8 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2009, 09:49 PM

We allways get a table for 6 or 8, and we have enjoyed the company of many pleasant and interesting people on our cruises.

TM

cruiserdad · #9 (**permalink**) March 14th, 2009, 09:21 AM

8) We have always sat with family in dining room. On our last cruise we sat with one other couple and they asked to be moved as soon as we walked up to the table with our 2 toddlers.

Next cruise is just wife and I and we asked for large late seating so we can meet new people. We figure with 6-8 people, there should be someone we like, or someone who likes us.lol 8)

Gwynne · #10 (**permalink**) March 14th, 2009, 04:32 PM

We just got back from a back to back cruise. the first week we had a table for 10. The people were fabulous. We all got along great Also made life long friends. The second week we found out that we had a table for two which we did not want. They changed us and we got a table for 8. Well, after meeting the people, I just knew I was not gonna get along with two of the couples. We decided not to go back to the diningroom. We ate in the Windjammer the rest of the week. We also saved on the tips in the dining room. That was a plus for us. We ordered the wine list and it was brought to the Windjammer each night. I enjoyed the variety of food, plus they had table cloths on the table and the waiters all had their black uniforms on. It felt like I was in the dining room. btw....I'm not a fussy person, but one of the guys at the table seemed to be a bit obnoxious and the other one was a bit of a brag and a complainer. Not my cup of tea.
I summed them up the first night.

SAAdds1 · #11 (**permalink**) March 15th, 2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiserdad

8) We have always sat with family in dining room. On our last cruise we sat with one other couple and they asked to be moved as soon as we walked up to the table with our 2 toddlers.

Next cruise is just wife and I and we asked for large late seating so we can meet new people. We figure with 6-8 people, there should be someone we like, or someone who likes us.lol 8)

I am not sure I would have the nerve to ask for another table, but then if I was sitting with the guy I encountered while watching football on the Inspiration, I would probably ask to be moved.
We would not have asked for another table if you walked up. We love children and think they would have added fun to dinner!
On our June 2009 cruise (which is to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary), when asked what size table we wanted, I said I didn't care. So, I am curious as to what we will be assigned. I like to meet people, but if I don't click with them, then it is hard to have a conversation. Then dinner seems like work.

Trip · #12 (**permalink**) March 15th, 2009, 09:24 PM

Maybe it's because next month I will be married 42 years, but I vote for a large table... to me, 8 is best.....getting to chat about the day, with tablemates is such a nice thing...I always rorate seating so, we can get to know everyone..I can eat with hubby at home, as I have for a zillion years

DeannaP · #13 (**permalink**) March 16th, 2009, 01:09 AM

Did you know that the windjammer serves the same food as the main dining room. The only difference....you do not get a personal waiter, and you can have as much food as you would like with out feeling guilty

jaxon · #14 (**permalink**) March 16th, 2009, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave 3261

My wife thinks we should sit at a big table so we can socialize and meet people. I Kind of wanted a table for two. I look at it like we will be socializing and meeting people all day and might just want to have a quiet, romantic dinner just the two of us. What says you? Thank You
Carnival Victory, 2003
Carnival Victory, 2004
RCI Explorer of the Seas April, 2009

Wow, it's so personal. I have been married 40 years. Probably during the first 25, I would have wanted the table for two, because we were really just into being by ourselves. As we have aged, we have come to enjoy other people, more, and we really do not have that much interaction during the day when cruising -- we're reading in the sun, or on an excursion, where we do get a little of that, so we enjoy the larger table at night, to share the experiences other have had on their excursions, especially. Having said all that -- we have NEVER had bad table mates. We have had wonderful experiences, and have kept in contact with some. Two couples who we actually met on an excursion have become dear friends and we have gone to their country, and they have come here and stayed in our homes with us, so you can make great, life long friends. If I ever had a bad experience with table mates, my mind might change completely, so recognize I have a bias.

jaxon · #15 (**permalink**) March 16th, 2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwynne

We just got back from a back to back cruise. the first week we had a table for 10. The people were fabulous. We all got along great Also made life long friends. The second week we found out that we had a table for two which we did not want. They changed us and we got a table for 8. Well, after meeting the people, I just knew I was not gonna get along with two of the couples. We decided not to go back to the diningroom. We ate in the Windjammer the rest of the week. We also saved on the tips in the dining room. That was a plus for us. We ordered the wine list and it was brought to the Windjammer each night. I enjoyed the variety of food, plus they had table cloths on the table and the waiters all had their black uniforms on. It felt like I was in the dining room. btw....I'm not a fussy person, but one of the guys at the table seemed to be a bit obnoxious and the other one was a bit of a brag and a complainer. Not my cup of tea.
I summed them up the first night.

You are a genteel soul. I am afraid I would have had to take someone down a peg. The cruise before my last, we had a crappy table placement but enjoyed our table mates (this was a cruise just for my sisters, so had it not been for good company, I would have asked for a table not by the kitchen) even though the fellow was of a different political persuasion. One night, Tom, got a bit loaded before he came to dinner, and the passions did fly. I think the table nearest to us thought we were having a donnybrook, but we weren't -- passionate people can still enjoy each other's passion for a subject. An obnoxious braggert? -- I wouldn't have been able to resist!

seadog2 · #16 (**permalink**) March 23rd, 2009, 11:26 PM

We have had a table for two twice. I enjoyed it both times. Once for our 30th wedding anniversary and once two people cancelled for a table of four. Very romantic; but if I had my choice I'd opt for the big table. DW and I love our time togather we also love meeting people.

debbie_lovescruising@.com · #17 (**permalink**) March 26th, 2009, 09:49 PM

my choice is a large table. that way you can talk to all kinds of people. and have a lot of laughs.

Royalchump · #18 (**permalink**) March 26th, 2009, 10:29 PM

We request a small table but accept whatever we get, we have had some great table mates.

FL_Cruiser64 · #19 (**permalink**) March 26th, 2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna

My vote, a big table. Its much more fun and interesting to meet and talk to people about their day's activities. There is plenty of time during the day to sit at the pool just the 2 of you or walk, etc. You can always go to the buffet or a speciality restaurant and have a small table, just the 2 of you whenever you want.

I second that motion.

dave 3261 · #20 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2009, 02:50 AM

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I have decided to go with a big table as per my DW's request. It seems that tables for two are few and would rather sit with lots of people than just one other couple that we may or may not like. I made a reservation for Potofinos so we will at least have a table for two there........I think?????

Carnival Victory, 2003
Carnival Victory, 2004
RCI Explorer of the Seas April, 2009

Silyngufy · #21 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2009, 02:27 PM

Dave its interesting that you ask this. My husband and I just had the same discussion. We are opting for a small table. On our last cruise, we ended up with two single older women who continuously asked other people to join us and we had to listen to a couple of sleezeballs try to pick these women up. It was not pleasant. Good luck.

WildRover · #22 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2009, 02:47 PM

Wait a minute.
How romantic is a table for two going to be if your wife is looking longingly at the larger tables? How mad is she going to be if you request a table for two?

You might want to rethink this or your cruise could end up being the longest 7 days of your life.

setsail · #23 (**permalink**) March 28th, 2009, 03:34 PM

We always opt for the large table. We still converse with friends we met many years ago while cruising.

BigBoy · #24 (**permalink**) March 30th, 2009, 12:27 PM

My wife and I have never had a problem getting a table for 2 and there was no need to slip any money to anyone. We simply request it when we book our cruise and then double check the table assignment when we board the ship. The only time we ever had a larger table is when we cruise with family or friends. The reason for our table for two request is because on our first two cruises, we had people at the table that were either boring, no personality, or not interested in conversation.

jaxon · #25 (**permalink**) March 30th, 2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave 3261

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I have decided to go with a big table as per my DW's request. It seems that tables for two are few and would rather sit with lots of people than just one other couple that we may or may not like. I made a reservation for Potofinos so we will at least have a table for two there........I think?????

Carnival Victory, 2003
Carnival Victory, 2004
RCI Explorer of the Seas April, 2009

an excellent compromise!

jdh · #26 (**permalink**) April 4th, 2009, 07:30 PM

Dave -
I know this is in the wrong topic area, but you mentioned you were going horseback riding in Sanama. Have you checked the write-ups about the condition of the horses and how they are treated. You may want to reconsider this excursion. I guess I just hate seeing or participating in anything or anyone who is cruel to animals.

http://dr1.com/forums/north-east-coa...ns-samana.html

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/archi...?t-315923.html

dave 3261 · #27 (**permalink**) April 5th, 2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdh

Dave -
I know this is in the wrong topic area, but you mentioned you were going horseback riding in Sanama. Have you checked the write-ups about the condition of the horses and how they are treated. You may want to reconsider this excursion. I guess I just hate seeing or participating in anything or anyone who is cruel to animals.

http://dr1.com/forums/north-east-coa...ns-samana.html

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/archi...?t-315923.html

Saw it on youtube, horses are in good condition and are only walked.