Are they still seating only 1 family/party per table?

[Cheburashka]

I know for my family a private table adds a layer of security as I have a food allergy that also is a contact allergy (meaning if splattered by a sweet but well meaning child I will break out in hives, if ingested I have anaphylaxis). I also have a teen son with autism who has (besides anxiety about new people) some behaviors that others might find off putting and some rituals that I am sure they might not want to indulge him in…

Yes, my son is autistic, as well, and when I sailed with him I always got a private table for that reason. He also used to be on a gluten-free diet, which added to the issue.

Now he's chronically sick and cannot sail at all, so I sail solo, which is bittersweet but also a very restful experience that fulfills my need to get away from the stress of being alone and caring for him medically, emotionally and financially. I have absolutely no interest in politely chatting with strangers at dinner during my next cruise. Especially families. I'm a single mother going through a hard time, using vacations as one means to motivate myself to keep going through a hard life. Most families are there to kick back and have fun, or to bond with one another. I'm already aware of the contrast and don't need it that much in my face during dinner. I just want to enjoy my meal in peace.

So some people have social and emotional reasons for wanting a private table, too. At the end of the day, everyone's request is valid. These cruises are expensive, and it's wrong to have to stress and worry about whether or not you'll get to enjoy a peaceful dinner each night. But that's DCL's choice, to currently make cruisers do.

Hopefully with the more requests they receive, the more aware they'll become that routinely trying to force guests to share tables is a poor business practice, and they'll eventually change their ways.

 

[Lilsia]

Yes, my son is autistic, as well, and when I sailed with him I always got a private table for that reason. He also used to be on a gluten-free diet, which added to the issue.

Now he's chronically sick and cannot sail at all, so I sail solo, which is bittersweet but also a very restful experience that fulfills my need to get away from the stress of being alone and caring for him medically, emotionally and financially. I have absolutely no interest in politely chatting with strangers at dinner during my next cruise. Especially families. I'm a single mother going through a hard time, using vacations as one means to motivate myself to keep going through a hard life. Most families are there to kick back and have fun, or to bond with one another. I'm already aware of the contrast and don't need it that much in my face during dinner. I just want to enjoy my meal in peace.

So some people have social and emotional reasons for wanting a private table, too. At the end of the day, everyone's request is valid. These cruises are expensive, and it's wrong to have to stress and worry about whether or not you'll get to enjoy a peaceful dinner each night. But that's DCL's choice, to currently make cruisers do.

Hopefully with the more requests they receive, the more aware they'll become that routinely trying to force guests to share tables is a poor business practice, and they'll eventually change their ways.

I travel solo also. But I have had no issues with others at my table. Maybe I have been lucky, but I bring my E-reader and just read. After the initial "hi", no one bothered me or try to talk to me if they saw that I was wanting my solitude. I know some people feel like they have to talk to their tablemates, but I don't see it that way.

 

[Cheburashka]

I travel solo also. But I have had no issues with others at my table. Maybe I have been lucky, but I bring my E-reader and just read. After the initial "hi", no one bothered me or try to talk to me if they saw that I was wanting my solitude. I know some people feel like they have to talk to their tablemates, but I don't see it that way.

That's fine for you. I have no desire to be seated next to others, feel rude for reading at a shared dining table (I was always taught that is a manners violation, and am not going to change my opinion now), share a bread basket with strangers, or listen to their conversations. Shared tables on DCL also sometimes have loud or rowdy kids at them- an annoyance for me as I am a strict parent who never allowed my son to behave that way during meals.

For these reasons and the ones listed in my prior post, I strongly don't want to have to sit with a strange family. If you don't mind, fine. But to each his own.

 

[cmph]

Thanks for sharing. I feel that some of the table set ups on the cruise are too close together. On one cruise, I could reach out and touch the person sitting at the next table without fully extending my arm. They were much closer to me then the people at the other end of the table. I wonder if a person can request sitting in the corner.

Oh for sure, you can be physically closer to other tables than someone at the end of your own long table. But they would not be facing you directly while they move bites of food from the table to their mouths, the way your table companions near you are (short of some really bad table manners!). We definitely employ some battle strategies in our seating arrangements everywhere we go, that take into account both our own and adjacent tables. It's also just tough, mentally, to constantly police what is going on at your own table.

Avoiding the explaining-to-strangers aspect is also huge for introverts, and when kids are involved - even more important not to make them feel weird or have to explain to other kids. You'd like to think people mind their own business, but they don't. No one at another table is going to deep-dive into your medical history or "have you tried.." conversations.

 

[Lilsia]

That's fine for you. I have no desire to be seated next to others, feel rude for reading at a shared dining table (I was always taught that is a manners violation, and am not going to change my opinion now), share a bread basket with strangers, or listen to their conversations. Shared tables on DCL also sometimes have loud or rowdy kids at them- an annoyance for me as I am a strict parent who never allowed my son to behave that way during meals.

For these reasons and the ones listed in my prior post, I strongly don't want to have to sit with a strange family. If you don't mind, fine. But to each his own.

Every group gets their own bread basket. I have never had to share, that would be weird. And maybe I see things differently because I was raised with European parents and in the European community. But shared tables are common in Europe. Ever been to Biergarten in Epcot? It's the same thing to me. I don't think it rude to not talk to those at the same table when you are not together. One culture's version of rude is not for another. I am not trying to convince you to be comfortable sharing tables, I was just giving my take on it, just like you gave your take on it.

 

[Lilsia]

Oh for sure, you can be physically closer to other tables than someone at the end of your own long table. But they would not be facing you directly while they move bites of food from the table to their mouths, the way your table companions near you are (short of some really bad table manners!). We definitely employ some battle strategies in our seating arrangements everywhere we go, that take into account both our own and adjacent tables. It's also just tough, mentally, to constantly police what is going on at your own table.

Avoiding the explaining-to-strangers aspect is also huge for introverts, and when kids are involved - even more important not to make them feel weird or have to explain to other kids. You'd like to think people mind their own business, but they don't. No one at another table is going to deep-dive into your medical history or "have you tried.." conversations.

I must have the "don't bother me" look. LOL I don't ever have these issues when I am with others. I have been on 9 Disney cruises. Maybe I need to work on my resting face. LOL

 

[dreamer17555]

So some people have social and emotional reasons for wanting a private table, too. At the end of the day, everyone's request is valid. These cruises are expensive, and it's wrong to have to stress and worry about whether or not you'll get to enjoy a peaceful dinner each night. But that's DCL's choice, to currently make cruisers do.

Hopefully with the more requests they receive, the more aware they'll become that routinely trying to force guests to share tables is a poor business practice, and they'll eventually change their ways.

Like I said it will be interesting to see how Disney deals with ranking requests because as you pointed out they are all valid.

I just really don’t see how three dining times would work well. May I ask- would you personally prefer a private table even if you had to eat at say 4:15 or 9 PM?

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

Like I said it will be interesting to see how Disney deals with ranking requests because as you pointed out they are all valid.

I just really don’t see how three dining times would work well. May I ask- would you personally prefer a private table even if you had to eat at say 4:15 or 9 PM?

You are right there current model/set up wouldn't work. The anytime time dining like on other lines would be hard also with the rotational dining and then you would lose the interaction with your servers and getting to know them and such.

 

[dreamer17555]

You are right there current model/set up wouldn't work. The anytime time dining like on other lines would be hard also with the rotational dining and then you would lose the interaction with your servers and getting to know them and such.

The rotational dining is a big part of a Disney cruise to my family. We adore getting to know our serving team, especially on longer cruises! There is something so nice about them knowing your preferences by night three and doing things like always bringing extra ranch because they know your kids love it or bringing honey with your tea because you asked for it the first night. It is those little extra that make a difference to me. Plus I like the different experiences like animation magic vs crush on different nights (on 7 night sailings) I would not want to give that up.

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

The rotational dining is a big part of a Disney cruise to my family. We adore getting to know our serving team, especially on longer cruises! There is something so nice about them knowing your preferences by night three and doing things like always bringing extra ranch because they know your kids love it or bringing honey with your tea because you asked for it the first night. It is those little extra that make a difference to me. Plus I like the different experiences like animation magic vs crush on different nights (on 7 night sailings) I would not want to give that up.

I agree!

 

[MomOTwins]

Two observations:

(1) I’m kind of stunned how many people feel somehow misled or betrayed by this. Everyone booking a cruise these days, PLEASE take Disney at their word when they say Covid protocols are subject to change at any time. Be aware it can go both ways, Disney may drops current protocols and it could add new protocols or reinstate some. Don’t book a Disney cruise if aren’t prepared for any kind of covid protocol or the absence thereof.

(2) We all need to be aware of our deal breakers and plan vacations accordingly. A request is just a request. I will never book a hotel or cruise hoping to get connecting rooms by request, because that is not just a preference for me, it is a necessity. That means I often pay a lot more for suite style hotel rooms and family staterooms (no VGT rates on those) because not being in the same room or a connecting room as my kids is not an option.

 

[Kwami]

(2) We all need to be aware of our deal breakers and plan vacations accordingly. A request is just a request. I will never book a hotel or cruise hoping to get connecting rooms by request, because that is not just a preference for me, it is a necessity. That means I often pay a lot more for suite style hotel rooms and family staterooms (no VGT rates on those) because not being in the same room or a connecting room as my kids is not an option.

There is no "pay more to guarantee a private table" option, though, is there? Are concierge guests guaranteed to have that request met? If not, then it's request and hope or don't sail with DCL.

 

[Cheburashka]

May I ask- would you personally prefer a private table even if you had to eat at say 4:15 or 9 PM?

Yes. I'm not picky about my dining time, and I won't eat at a shared table at all. If they somehow insisted I share a table, then I would tell my server that I needed a covered meal to take to my stateroom every night. That that would be the only way I would find the service "excellent". Pretty sure they'd find me my own table at that point (or else I'd enjoy a peaceful dinner in my comfy stateroom). I've never been denied a private table during an in-person request- have even gotten private table for 2 on a sold out Magic cruise. My strategy has been to get to dining changes early and politely but firmly request the private table, if it wasn't granted in advance. I've never been denied and don't intend to be.

 

[Cheburashka]

There is no "pay more to guarantee a private table" option, though, is there? Are concierge guests guaranteed to have that request met? If not, then it's request and hope or don't sail with DCL.

Yes, concierge guests are guaranteed a private table. I can't afford to cruise concierge during the school holidays when I can sail as a schoolteacher- holiday cruises are already about twice as expensive as off-season cruises, and concierge prices are through the roof at those times. I've sailed 8 times, mostly during busy holidays, and have never been denied my request. Having to press my request upon boarding is not a deal-breaker to sailing DCL for me. DCL isn't perfect. No paper navigators, high prices, etc. Having to request private dining in person is just one of the wrinkles of sailing. Doesn't ruin the trip for me. My experience is that they always have room if you show up early to ask.

 

[MomOTwins]

There is no "pay more to guarantee a private table" option, though, is there? Are concierge guests guaranteed to have that request met? If not, then it's request and hope or don't sail with DCL.

Yes it is guaranteed for concierge.

 

[Kwami]

Yes. I'm not picky about my dining time, and I won't eat at a shared table at all. If they somehow insisted I share a table, then I would tell my server that I needed a covered meal to take to my stateroom every night. That that would be the only way I would find the service "excellent". Pretty sure they'd find me my own table at that point (or else I'd enjoy a peaceful dinner in my comfy stateroom). I've never been denied a private table during an in-person request- have even gotten private table for 2 on a sold out Magic cruise. My strategy has been to get to dining changes early and politely but firmly request the private table, if it wasn't granted in advance. I've never been denied and don't intend to be.

I've always requested a private table and my request has always been granted. But, how did you know if your request had been granted in advance? Do you just always go to dining services and check?

 

[katmigordon]

I kind of hope it moves to being able to request if you want to sit with another family, with the default being seated with just your party. I have NEVER had good luck when seated with others.

From the cruise reports I've read it seems still only your own party.

I hope it changes soon. I've met some good friends from DCL's amazing matchmaking lol

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

I always request a private table (solo traveller) ever since the first 3 bad experiences. Very often the request is not honoured on the first night but when I go tell them I really would like to get that private table I get moved.
I don't wanna be stuck at a table cause other people arrive late or want 10 starters before moving on to the main course... I love to share tables for lunch though. You are not 'stuck' with people, they don't make you follow the same rythm and it's a great way of meeting people without being stuck the entire vacation.
I do hate the sharing tables during character breakfast. very often the character greeters assume you are all together and you get skipped for pics if you don't speak up.

 

[Cheburashka]

how did you know if your request had been granted in advance? Do you just always go to dining services and check?

Yes

 

[dreamer17555]

I think the before times are not a good indicator anymore that everyone’s request is going to be fulfilled. There were more people precovid not carrying about a private table than there will be post COVID. As the ships fill, at some point the simply will not be able to say yes to all requests for private tables. At some point, it is a risk you take while booking with DCL and not booking concierge.