Topic: Table for 2

i tend to prefer a table for two for a couple of reasons;
first, i'm a very slow eater and this can sometimes slow up the whole table or i surrender something i actually wanted to eat for the sake of politeness!
second, the oh has taken a vow of silence (something to do with being born in the black country) so i feel obliged to talk for both of us and end up wittering.people walk away saying "she doesn't let the poor man get a word in edgeways" not knowing that he's actually saving that word as my special christmas treat....only joking?

Cruise lines which offer "flexible" dining (Anytime/Mytime/Whatevertime) alongside traditional dining are brilliant.

Instead of dining at the same time at the same table with the same people every day (and they might not be the best tablemates), you can choose what time you want to dine and whether you want a table for two or more.

The menu and service are exactly the same so why not be flexible?

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I agree, too much of modern life is spent in isolation of neighbours and stranges so every time I get asked "What size table?".... "The bigger the better" is my response - have met a some fascintaing people at the cruising dinner table"

I agree Grant. Last year we were assigned a table for four and were intially disappointed, especially since our companions didn't show for dinner on the first night as they were "Feeling a little unwell" according to the Maitr'd. However when we finally met them they were a really charming couple and we got on like the proverbial. I still prefer a bigger table though.
I've told this tale before but it will probably stand another outing. On a Baltic cruise a few years ago we were seated at the end of an oblong table for six. At the side was a table for two, occupied by a husband and wife in their late sixties. He explained that they had done a back-to-back Red Sea cruise the previous year and for the second half ahd been seated at a table for eight with a party of six women (lucky chap, or poor man depending on your point of view). He was determined that this should not happen again so insisted on a table for two. He spent so much of his time talking to my husband and me that after a few days his wife just got up and walked out of the dining room. Apparently they'd had words about his inattentiveness before dinner and she'd had enough. He was a bit of a prat though and we got her own back for her later with the help of a very attractive young entertainer.

Isn't cruising fun!

I think a table for 4 is the worst possible option. Larger tables are great as you can relax and listen or take an active role in the conversation as and when you like. Twice we've been on fixed dining and requested a table for 8 or 10 and been allocated tables of 4. Once it worked out fine but once it was a disaster.

On our formal cruise we were allocated a table for 8 but only 3 of us turned up the first night, and 4 the second. On the final night we had a couple of people who changed dining room. We never got to meet the two other couples - perhaps they took one look at us on the first night and asked to be re-allocated? I felt sorry for the waiters who were really efficient as they only got a tip from ourselves despite having had a table of supposedly 8 people to look after.

I'd sooner be on a large table than a table for 2 or 4 anytime. It's great to chat with people over dinner.

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I think a table for 4 is the worst possible option. Larger tables are great as you can relax and listen or take an active role in the conversation as and when you like. Twice we've been on fixed dining and requested a table for 8 or 10 and been allocated tables of 4. Once it worked out fine but once it was a disaster.

On our formal cruise we were allocated a table for 8 but only 3 of us turned up the first night, and 4 the second. On the final night we had a couple of people who changed dining room. We never got to meet the two other couples - perhaps they took one look at us on the first night and asked to be re-allocated? I felt sorry for the waiters who were really efficient as they only got a tip from ourselves despite having had a table of supposedly 8 people to look after.

I'd sooner be on a large table than a table for 2 or 4 anytime. It's great to chat with people over dinner.

I have to agree totally with Sue when on Ventura we were on freedom dining and never managed to get on a table for 2 but 3 times were on one for 4 and each time the other couple were either arguing or not talking to each other so for the rest of the cruise went for large tables. Then on Arcadia booked 2nd sitting with a table for 8 and had 6 brilliant companions who we are still in touch with, we even had a reunion during the cruise in a bar in Korcula. Martin

Hm, freedom dining. Is it so flexible? If you want to go to see the shows they are performed twice nightly, so you have to dine before each show starts. Which is first or second sitting. Or or maybe at one of the other places with a cover charge.

ok if you are travelling with RCL this is the email address to use for dining requests - rcldining@rccl.com .Earlier in the week RCL (UK) told Cruise.co.uk we could only have early dining or our June cruise - I emailed RCL in Miami and they have confirmed us on My Time Dining. Last time we sailed we wanted table just for our party. Again, this is what I requested and they said they would do their best, and we got just what we wanted.