Late Seating

[Lisa D]

I just noticed (silly me) that we are listed for late dinner seating and wailisted for early seating on my DVC confirmation for our 4-night cruise in April. If we don't get the early seating, how bad in the late? I'm thinking maybe it will give us more time to enjoy the ship - my two kids can always grab some pizza late in the afternoon if they're hungry. For those of you who've had late seating, did you prefer it ? We had early seating on our last cruise, and it was a bit rushed being showered and dressed by 6:00 when you only have one bathroom. Thanks for any advice!

Lisa

 

[Verandah Man]

We prefer the late dining ourselves.

At home we eat early, but on the ship, the late dining worked out best for us. We went back to our stateroom after the shows, then got ready for dinner.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

Lisa, we had the early on our first sailing Feb. of 2000. We liked it but yes, we were rushed. When we were cancelled Nov. 02 (Eastern) we replaced it with a Dec. 1 Wonder and "had to take late seating". WE LOVED IT!!!! And our next 2 sailings we booked late. I have told the story before when this subject was asked. I was down by the internet cafe looking for my DD after a day of shore excursions. I was sipping one of my favorite beverages enjoying a peaceful walk around the ship when a family of 8 came running down the stairs yelling at each other "hurry up we are late"! Late is definately better.......and remember, I don't know where you live but we are from the mid-west and there are two time zone changes so 8:30 is 6:30 out time!!

 

[NYGiantsRule!]

We had early seating on our first cruise and decided never again. Our DS were 13 and 10 on our last cruise, so not that young. But as Andy said, we liked going to the shows and then going back the room to change for dinner. Also, breakfast on the last morning is at 8AM for late seating, it's 6:45AM for first seating.

 

[Lisa D]

I think we just may keep the late seating. Our DS will be 10 & 12 so staying up late will not be an issue. On the last cruise they wanted to eat in the Lab half the time anyway (lucky for us, so we could do Palo).

Lisa

 

[jlawall]

I love late seating!!! It gives you plenty of time to get ready for dinner, you can enjoy port visits w/o pressure.....my DDs like it b/c all their friends are LATE.....you won't be sorry!

 

[tvguy]

I can't imagine being ready in time for early seating. I was a little unhappy that DCL has the shows BEFORE late seating, so we were a little rushed to get to the shows. I was VERY happy that in the case of the Golden Mickeys, they had 3 shows, 1 before late seating dinner, 1 after early seating dinner, and 1 at 11 pm for anyone that didn't want to go to their assigned show, or wanted to see the show a second time.
And on a sea day, they did have an afternoon 2 pm presentation of one show in addition to the 2 evening shows.
Also with late seating you can take advantage of the 4 meal plan, breakfast at 9 or 10 am, lunch at 1, burger fries and ice cream at 4 pm and dinner at 8:30.