Dinner Rotations

[halestrm]

Hi,

OK, I am confused. I am trying to get information (and advice) about dinner rotation. This is my first cruise and although I am loving this board, I sometimes end up more bewildered than when I started. It looks like there are certain preferred dinner rotations, and a REAS might help you to get it.

We are on the Magic Nov 26, 2005. We have late dining but are on a waiting list for early. We will be celebrating 2 b-days, my daughter (I believe I am suppose to be using DD) will be 6; and my mother (is there an abbreviation for that one?) will be 58. I have booked REAS. I understand that I cannot add my Mother to our Palo res. What dining rotation are we likely to get and what dining rotation do I want and why.

Thank you in advance for your time and patience with a newbie who is tooooooo excited for words and a detail freak who is terrified that 126 days is not enough time to make sure I have all my ducks in a row.

 

[kcashner]

Some people really stress about being in Lumiere's on formal night and Parrot Cay on what used to be Tropicali...night. Of course, since tropicali became Mexicali on Western cruises and then became pirate night, that doesn't fit as well any more. As to being in Lumiere's on formal night--yes, the setting fits the clothing best that way, but it really isn't a big deal.

The rotations are done somewhat on the basis of the ages of the children in your party. One rotation is primarily little kids, another primarily school aged, another primarily older children and adults travelling alone. You can't really draw a line as to what is a "little" vs a "school aged" kid as the magical DCL computer does this based on the mix on each cruise. Logically, a cruise during the school year will have relatively fewer teens and more younger kids; during the summer, you will have more older/teen kids. In addition, none of the rotations are purely by age. DCL tries to meet requests such as REAS and concierge being allowed to request a rotation....other people may request a rotation or server when they make a booking, but there is no guarantee that they will get it, etc.

So, after 12 cruises, do I feel that one rotation is better than another? No. It does feel more appropriate to be in Lumiere's when wearing your "dress up clothes," but it really doesn't matter. Now that I am the parent of a teen, I like being in the "older people" group so that I don't have nearly as many preschoolers crying, spilling things, etc. at dinner. No flames, please....just enjoying being on the other side of that. The thing that I like best is having my favorite server, no matter what rotation that puts me in.

Enjoy your cruise, and don't sweat the really small stuff. My other hint to first time cruisers is that you can't possibly do it all. Enjoy number 1, and then book cruise number 2!

 

[halestrm]

Thanks for the quick response. Actually, I kinda enjoy trying to find out the things that might make it a little more special; like the REAS and other things. I am amazed at how much 'stuff' there is to do. The hard work helps keep me from losing my mind over the fact that this is soooo far away. What is worse my hubby wants to keep this a secret from my daughter until we are at the ship.

Now I really will sound silly, when is formal night on a 7 nite Eastern?

THX

 

[Mickeyhugger]

First of all, welcome to the boards.

Second, reading these boards can be overwhelming, especially to a new DCL cruiser.

I think trying to pick 'the best dining rotation,' is overrated. In fact, I'm not even going to suggest what would be the best rotation for you, because someone else here will post why they think another is better.

I didn't even know these boards existed the first two times our family sailed DCL, and we still had a blast.

I suggest reading these boards for ideas and tips, but don't stress over what will be a great vacation.