Early vs late seating...did you know...

[misswit]

On disembarkment day (I think that is what they call the day you have to get off the ship, and reenter the real world.), if you are early seating for dinner you breakfast time is 0645! You are required to get off the ship straight from the dining room. If you are late seating, your breakfast time is 0800. We had early seating and changed to late. It worked out great for our family of 4 (dd15y, dd7y).

 

[ThreeCircles]

We actually prefer the later dining time. It's fun to go to the show first and then discuss it over dinner with your tablemates!

And, as you mentioned, you get to sleep in a little later on "Depression Day."

 

[atigeg]

If you prefer early dining but want to sleep in on the last day, remember that you can get breakfast at Topsiders/Beach Blanket Buffet, too. You can go up there any time.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I avoided the late seating during our recent cruise because I thought it would be too much on my little children, but I quickly learned that it probably would have worked out better for us. We were late to 2 out of 3 dinners. They remind you over the intercom to try and be prompt, so I went with a tail tucked between my legs each time. BUT the servers were ever so friendly and didn't make us feel one bit bad for being late. I think being late however, did make them have to work a bit harder (and that made me feel bad). I could see how it might of been a bit of an inconvenience to be going after our starters when they are preparing to serve others a main course (or dessert). We were lucky enough to end up with a table for 4 (unrequested). That was by God's mercy, because I would have been so embarrassed. One night, I had to leave AP because my son was so wild. Attila said he'd keep my dinner warm for when I returned and my friend said, 'don't count on it'. I ended up ordering room service that night. I am so sorry. I can get off the subject so easy!

I think we will consider the late seating next time.

 

[Señor Ferrari]

It's never been my experience that you have to get off the ship right from the dining room if you have early dinner seating. Most times, the ship has not even cleared customs by 7:30 am, so you are not able to get off the ship. You are free to roam the ship after breakfast and get off at your leisure. Or, as Barb noted and I posted on another thread, you can eat at the buffet and go at your own pace.

Please, please, please don't let this dictate when you schedule your dinner seating. Once you get there, you'll see that it's unnecessary, and I'd hate for someone to have the wrong dinner seating based on this.

 

[lUVTOGO]

We also had the early seating, and on the last day we went to breakfast at 7, then went back to our room to collect our carryon bags. We didnt clear customs till close to 8 so is all you do is stand in line and wait to leave the ship. Or if you chose roam the ship till they start to let you off.