Cruising with friends - ARGGG!!!

[Expatriat]

I just linked my reservations with my parents and another families' a few days ago and it required the birthdate of someone in each party. I had to call my dad to get his year of birth...yes, I'm a bad child!

I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one who has been required to provide the birthdate. I really do think it's a good thing, for security reasons, as I've been told by DCL.

 

[rwatson626]

Are you sure they want to eat with you or when you want to eat?

I get that you have planned it all. Are you paying for it as well?

Late seating works well for us from the West Coast. Not sure your location, maybe let your kids stay up later. It may be the best option.

Make sure your friend wants the earlier. If not, then it's up to you. I saw someone post above that said you should call DCL and get it linked. Maybe they don't want that.

Just a thought.

JW

When we traveled on cruises together in the past we only had an option for late seating, so when we planned to book this trip we had an option we both agreed that early dinner is better for both of us. It's she over looked the dining time when booking and not realizing 14 months later for final payment. She was just upset as us when she realized it was the late dining.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

She was just upset as us when she realized it was the late dining.

Please reassure her that all hope is not lost. Requests for early dining placed on the wait list are often granted and having their reservation linked with yours, which is already assigned to early dining, will help.

 

[rwatson626]

For each stateroom being linked, you need the reservation number, name and birthdate of the lead (primary guest) in each cabin, then you call DCL or can "modify" using "special requests" online. If your reservations were linked, when you log into your res on DCL's site you would also see their names and reservation listed. Being at least as detailed oriented as you, the first thing I do is log in and visually confirm that we are properly linked. I know that doesn't help any right now, but for future reference . . . Being experienced, maybe you could accomplish this quicker and easier than those unfamiliar with linking.

Hopefully you will be able to sort it out once aboard, but enjoy your cruise either way!

Expatriat, I took your advice and linked them myself this morning. On her's it stilled said second dining. but when I checked later it was set to main dining! THANKS!!!!

Call DCL yourself and explain the situation. You should ensure that the reservations are linked. Then ask the person on the phone to place the other couple on the wait list for MAIN dining and to add a note that they are linked with you. The ship will see that you are linked and they will be able to join you. They will be able to link you with their names and sail dates. Call 855-325-7526 and then ext. 144, Jason will be able to assist you. Let me know if it works.

I started to call Jason and was put on hold, while waiting I logged in on Disney site to get the reservation # ready to tell Jason. I noticed that her reservation was now set for main dining as well. Not sure if when I linked them it got moved or what. But very happy now.



I don't want people to think I'm bossing her around and planing for her. We both agreed on main dining it just happened she didn't check her reservations for 14 months. I also should have asked to see them to confirm everything looked good. Thank you to everyone who gave me suggestions today.

 

[rwatson626]

Please reassure her that all hope is not lost. Requests for early dining placed on the wait list are often granted and having their reservation linked with yours, which is already assigned to early dining, will help.

Once I linked her reservation to mine her dining got moved to main seating. It took about 4 hours after I linked them to show main. I wasn't expecting it just was getting the reservation # to call DCL

 

[dreadpiraterose]

I did the linking over the phone.

 

[NHDisneyFan]

The other husband is at home tonight "I just wanted to have dinner by ourselves each night, how much togetherness do we need? "

 

[Expatriat]

Expatriat, I took your advice and linked them myself this morning. On her's it stilled said second dining. but when I checked later it was set to main dining! THANKS!!!!

GREAT! I'm so glad it worked for you!

 

[JW9DVC]

When we traveled on cruises together in the past we only had an option for late seating, so when we planned to book this trip we had an option we both agreed that early dinner is better for both of us. It's she over looked the dining time when booking and not realizing 14 months later for final payment. She was just upset as us when she realized it was the late dining.

Then I hope it works out for you all. Best wishes.

 

[Tarabra]

We cruised with friends a few years ago, pre-kids. I told them right up front that we didn't have to do everything together and to not plan anything together. My friend's mom and some of their other friends were also going. They booked early dining and we said we wanted late and personally we always enjoy meeting other tablemates. She was like, Hey guess what, we switched to late so we can all be together. It was fun anyways. I wasn't trying to be rude, but on a previous cruise, we had really cool tablemates who wanted to rent a car in St. Maarten. The guy said "let's meet in the lobby at 7:30" Ugg... So we waited and waited and later found out he thought WE were the ones that wanted to meet early. They were from the West Coast so they were on a different time zone anyway. We also had an awesome time with them that day, but realized that we're best just better left on our own and if we meet up, we meet up. Maybe you can just suggest that. Chances are you will meet up with them anyway, and much easier than planning everything and when things don't go as planned there is disappointment.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Ditto ... Don't stress about it, it will ruin your cruise if you dwell on it (first hand experience ). You cant control what others do or don't do. If you all want to eat together the do as Maggie said and got to the place listed in the Navigator (which will be given to you at the port) straight away after boarding and see about the switch.

I agree with this ^^^^^

Don't stress over this, what will be will be. But, if you try to micro manage your friends trip your entire experience will not be favorable. Leave them have space to test the water, find their own nitch and way to enjoy their cruise.

If they would rather hit the buffet or smaller venue, let them, they don't have to be seated with you for either of you to have a great cruise. If they ask your advice then help, make a suggestion, but add it's your vacation and final choice yours.
This make is much better for everyone. Think of it as your mother coming along and telling you how to have fun.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I didn't read all the responses but I would look at this situation as a bit of a blessing in disguise.
You would end up spending an awful lot of time with this other family and so taking a break from them during dinner everyday would probably do you all some good.

 

[Jennifer Sherer]

We have a large group going (my husband's travel agency is doing this as their group trip). We all made our reservations around the same time and half didn't make the main dining reservation with us. Our cruise isn't until November. I guess you just have to be quick and make those reservations as soon as you book the trip.

 

[Otimon]

Do what you can to have both reservations together and hope all works out.

If not, enjoy your first seating as planned and your friends do the second one.

Dinner is only a short period of time overall on the cruise. You can enjoy breakfast and lunch with your friends each day with no problem, not to mention the rest
of the day on the ship if you want. IMHO, not worth stressing over.

Bon voyage.

 

[Meemawto2]

We have been very successful making changes the first day on board. It will be listed in the Navigator and seems like it starts usually around 1:00 p.m. It is usually held in one of the restaurants. I know our last cruise a woman was traveling with a child who sounded like he was allergic to many many things and they actually brought the chef out to speak with her. He was to get a list of exactly what the child was able to eat. He said the first night might be a little rough but he would find something and it would get better from there.

 

[phinz]

This is why I book all of our trips with our friends. I do all the booking, Payments, check in, reservations, etc. I don't trust them to do it the way I want it done, so I do all of it. I did it for my week in Key West for my 40th (three houses, two vans, 11 plane tickets), innumerable Outer Banks trips and I've done it for every cruise we've taken with friends.

 

[cmwade77]

Please excuse me, while I rant!

We booked a April DCL Fantasy cruise over a year ago. I'm very detailed oriented, Checked the cruise portal about 2 dozen times, checking everything out making sure everything is in order. We have smaller kids and we like to eat at the main seating for dining. Also, I enjoy going to the show after and getting some popcorn. We are traveling with another couple this Disney cruise who also has young kids.

So the other couple went to make final payment and tells me she just notices that she is on the second seating dining. I'm like #$@#& how can that be. It's impossible when you booked I told you make sure you tell them that you want to seat at the main dining and give them my reservation # so we will be linked. I'm guessing she didn't do that!

She called DCL and asked to be switched but they are full for main dining now (She had an entire year to notice that she was in the wrong dining) They put her on the waiting list.

Now I have a dilemma, if they doesn't get main seating do I move to second seating, in the past on other cruise lines my kids always fell asleep at the second seating. I feel like telling them "oh well, we are eating at different times." The only thing that gives me hope is on the Disney cruise my kids have always stayed awake for the main dining and the show after because they wanted to go to the Disney oceaneer club after the show.

SORRY about me venting but I'm an over planner and not see how something like this could be missed on her part. I guess I should have asked her to send me her reservation info to double check. (I'm guessing I will do that in the future)



Thanks
Ron

Honestly, we just traveled with some friends and they all wanted first seating (we prefer second seating) and we have determined that we will never again change in order to be with others in our party, we will stick with second seating, we enjoy it much more. In your case, you prefer early seating and I would stick with that, even if it means you won't be dining together. Of course you may be able to get them to switch when you check in as well. Also, I would keep having her call back at least once a day, sometimes things change as well.

 

[mmouse37]

OP has stated that her friends are now on main dining with her.

We much prefer late dining. We have only cruised main dining once and that was our first cruise. After that it was late every time, even when our kids were young. Just works out better for our family.

We often cruise with very large groups and I tell everyone up front that we do not have to do everything together. I realize what we like to do is not what everyone else may wish to do. It takes the pressure off people to feel obligated to do what we want. It works out great and greatly lessens any hard feelings along the way. We have a huge group going in August on the Fantasy and some are main dining, some late dining. Excursions are up to each individual family to plan out. We always have a great time onboard.

MJ

 

[cijay]

Please excuse me, while I rant!

We booked a April DCL Fantasy cruise over a year ago. I'm very detailed oriented, Checked the cruise portal about 2 dozen times, checking everything out making sure everything is in order. We have smaller kids and we like to eat at the main seating for dining. Also, I enjoy going to the show after and getting some popcorn. We are traveling with another couple this Disney cruise who also has young kids.

So the other couple went to make final payment and tells me she just notices that she is on the second seating dining. I'm like #$@#& how can that be. It's impossible when you booked I told you make sure you tell them that you want to seat at the main dining and give them my reservation # so we will be linked. I'm guessing she didn't do that!

She called DCL and asked to be switched but they are full for main dining now (She had an entire year to notice that she was in the wrong dining) They put her on the waiting list.

Now I have a dilemma, if they doesn't get main seating do I move to second seating, in the past on other cruise lines my kids always fell asleep at the second seating. I feel like telling them "oh well, we are eating at different times." The only thing that gives me hope is on the Disney cruise my kids have always stayed awake for the main dining and the show after because they wanted to go to the Disney oceaneer club after the show.

SORRY about me venting but I'm an over planner and not see how something like this could be missed on her part. I guess I should have asked her to send me her reservation info to double check. (I'm guessing I will do that in the future)



Thanks
Ron

YOU don't have a dilemma at all. They're the ones who do. Tell them to enjoy themselves while you eat and wnjoy their meal when you're done.

 

[papertraveller]

There are always ways to make it happen.
We were in line for our muster drill on the Jewel of the Seas, and it was taking forever, so I struck up a conversation with the people standing next to us.
One lady from Alabama, who couldn't have been more than five feet in her stocking feet, told about being on an MSC cruise. She went to Guest Services to change from early to late.
The response from them: Too Bad.
She was a soft-spoken person, but clearly feisty when crossed. She was pretty upset at the insensitive response, but then discovered back in line there was another couple who wanted to change from Late to Early.
She literally grabbed the people by the hand, pulled them back to the desk, and put all of their respective cards on the counter and ordered: "Change 'em".
The transaction was completed!