Dinning Second seating Pros

[nostalgic4disney]

I’m trying to think positive about our assigned second seating on our 7 night western Caribbean cruise on the Treasure. I know I can try and change it but I’m thinking I’d like to give it a try. ( by the way no children are sailing with us).
So I’d like to hear about positive experiences or thoughts about second dinning

 

[Dug720]

I LOVE second seating. You can do the show first (or just chill if you're not into the show - my option for "magicians" or "comedians" or "Aladdin") and then head to dinner. Much more relaxing that way than having to be out by a certain time so they can get ready for the next seating.

Plus on the first night it helps with "first dibs" at the shops since they usually don't open until early seating has started.

 

[NAB]

We like second seating too.

Not rushed to get ready for dinner, especially the first night or excursion days. Pools empty out etc.

We always grab a “snack” around 4 and it ties us over until dinner. Most our meal time shifts because we are on vacation. Alway have breakfast late so than have late lunch. So not ready for dinner early.

 

[serrem2]

We always request second seating. It's quieter, less crowded, and the wait staff isn't under as much pressure to get you out in time for the next seating. In a number of ports (Skagway, for example) it's quite possible that your excursions or other planned activities won't get you back to the ship in time for early seating.

 

[cvjw]

We love second seating. 2 empty nester adults. Afternoons are never rushed. Less kids in the MDR. Servers are more relaxed.

We will just have a snack late afternoon if we think we will be hungry before 8:15.

 

[CamColt]

I have 29 Disney cruises under my belt, some with kids as young at 8 months and 3 years old, and we have always gotten late dining, by choice. Even on days when we go to a show, I feel like I am so rushed and cutting my day short to get ready, I definitely wouldn't want to do that every night. We often skip the show as that late afternoon time is so relaxing, especially in the adult pool/deck/bar areas. And as for the actual part of eating late, I find I am pretty much never hungry on a cruise. I eat way more than I do at home so it's not like I'm chomping at the bit to get into the dining room.

I should also mention on a regular schedule at home I eat very early, like 4:00/4:30, but I also go to bed much earlier than I do on a cruise. All diets and sleep patterns go out the window on vacation.

 

[RedHead0186]

• You are not rushed through dinner (because there's no seating after yours they have to turn over for)
• There are usually less kids in second seating (so usually a bit quieter experience)
• If you have a port day with a later all aboard time, you don't have to rush back to the ship early to make dinner
• Second seating is usually less popular, so it's less crowded (and increases your chances of being able to get a private table or a prime seating location (you also may be able to get served faster since the serving team has less tables to take care of)

 

[Dug720]

Oh! Also... That last morning breakfast is a bit later.

 

[auntlynne]

If you are not from the East Coast, your body may not “realize” it’s as late as the clock says.

Biggest thing is definitely the increased amount of food already eaten with a breakfast buffet and, often, lunch buffet. Plus Coke, soft serve, maybe some fries…

Our bedtime is after the 10:30 FunnelVision or 11:15 BVT late movie, so it’s not just eat and lie down.

 

[Goofy1932]

I LOVE second seating. You can do the show first (or just chill if you're not into the show - my option for "magicians" or "comedians" or "Aladdin") and then head to dinner. Much more relaxing that way than having to be out by a certain time so they can get ready for the next seating.

Plus on the first night it helps with "first dibs" at the shops since they usually don't open until early seating has started.

Ooooohhhhh!! I hadn't thought of that! I am glad I switched

 

[nostalgic4disney]

All VERY GOOD points! Yep - I’m keeping second seating. Thanks for all the information

 

[Erica1016]

Just another vote for LOVE second seating. For all the reasons listed above!

 

[Liastaob]

We're from MST, so 2nd seating honestly makes way more sense for us. It's around when we'd normally be eating anyway. 1st seating would be way too early.

 

[CaseyCruiser]

We always do 2nd seating. Your body adjusts to cruise time. You can take in a show then go to a lounge for a cocktail. A very relaxing evening.

 

[Liastaob]

We always do 2nd seating. Your body adjusts to cruise time. You can take in a show then go to a lounge for a cocktail. A very relaxing evening.

You had me at "cocktail"

 

[auntlynne]

You had me at "cocktail"

You probably need one, after this week’s record high in Phoenix. We used to bet which date would finally have temps under 100 for a week. Back in 2001, it would have done that this week.

 

[TooBoyz4us]

We absolutely LOVED 2nd seating on our first cruise, and have booked it again for our upcoming second cruise! We did not get a private table last time and I was initially extremely bummed about that, but it ended up fine by the 3rd night. I am praying that we get a private table this time however.

 

[Liastaob]

You probably need one, after this week’s record high in Phoenix. We used to bet which date would finally have temps under 100 for a week. Back in 2001, it would have done that this week.

I'm actually in Albuquerque, which, while hot, has the advantage of being at 5000 feet above sea level

Still pretty warm for this time of year, though. Balloon fiesta's gonna be toasty this year.

 

[Budzooka]

We did first seating for our first three cruises and then decided to do second seating on Mediterranean cruise because we had so many days in port and didn’t want to be rushed for dinner. We are now second seating converts. So much more relaxing and easier to fit in that mid afternoon snack.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We always try to do first seating, as it fits into our lifestyle at home. Since we tend to take longer cruises, switching dinner to a "normal" (early) time is what we're comfortable with.

For our Med/WBTA cruise several years ago, we did do late seating due to excursion times on the Med portion, but got early seating for the transatlantic.