Solo dining during covid restrictions

[roydsly]

I’m considering another solo cruise, but I'm wondering how the MDR handles solo cruisers now that people/cabins don’t mix in the dining rooms. Would I be seated at a table alone (with a waiter hovering over me…kind of uncomfortable as an introvert)?

 

[minorthr]

youd be seated alone. I doubt they would hover over you they have many other people to take care of as well.

 

[Cheburashka]

I’m considering another solo cruise, but I'm wondering how the MDR handles solo cruisers now that people/cabins don’t mix in the dining rooms. Would I be seated at a table alone (with a waiter hovering over me…kind of uncomfortable as an introvert)?

I sailed solo in October. Yes, they are seating all traveling parties at their own tables. The waiters serve you the same as they would anyone else. They are welcoming and amiable, but wouldn't have the time to hover even if they wanted to. You can expect a brief chat with them each day, but that would be the same even if you traveled with others. I've traveled both ways so I know from experience.

I'm an introvert, as well, and didn't find it uncomfortable. Unless you're positively anti-social, you'll likely welcome a few pleasant words with your servers each day. They're not long conversations and they don't hover. I always had a book to read on Kindle while dining, and was very comfortable at meals.

Treat yourself to a dinner at Palo, while you cruise. It's very nice solo, as well. More peaceful than the MDRs.

 

[roydsly]

Thanks very much for the replies…they put my mind at ease. And I'll certainly treat myself to Palo (I really enjoyed Palo on my EBTA)!

 

[MomOTwins]

I sailed solo in October. Yes, they are seating all traveling parties at their own tables. The waiters serve you the same as they would anyone else. They are welcoming and amiable, but wouldn't have the time to hover even if they wanted to. You can expect a brief chat with them each day, but that would be the same even if you traveled with others. I've traveled both ways so I know from experience.

I'm an introvert, as well, and didn't find it uncomfortable. Unless you're positively anti-social, you'll likely welcome a few pleasant words with your servers each day. They're not long conversations and they don't hover. I always had a book to read on Kindle while dining, and was very comfortable at meals.

Treat yourself to a dinner at Palo, while you cruise. It's very nice solo, as well. More peaceful than the MDRs.

Echoing this. I’ve never done a disney cruise solo (totally would though, but have kids now so likely won’t again until retirement) but I have traveled a ton solo and in my experience, the book/kindle in hand is a well understood signal to the staff that you just want to eat and be left alone for a bit.

 

[Pequod]

I’m considering another solo cruise, but I'm wondering how the MDR handles solo cruisers now that people/cabins don’t mix in the dining rooms. Would I be seated at a table alone (with a waiter hovering over me…kind of uncomfortable as an introvert)?

I will be cruising solo for the first time next month. I lost my husband two years ago so this will be my first Disney cruise without him. I’m an introvert and he was my extrovert.

I’ve been to the parks solo twice since he passed away and while not the same, I still had no regrets stepping out of my safe zone to travel to my favorite vacation spot.

I trust that this upcoming Disney cruise, my ninth, will bring back fond memories of our past cruises and provide new memories for me. I can’t wait

 

[TreeFalls]

youd be seated alone. I doubt they would hover over you they have many other people to take care of as well.

On our most recent (only) cruise, our serving team was only responsible for our family of 5 at first seating. I'm also an introvert and they did their best not too hover, but I still found it a little stressful. So I get what OP means!

 

[Dug720]

I almost exclusively cruise solo. It's really pretty easy - open your mouth on the first night and explain that you prefer to be left alone once you order. The servers want to please you and make you comfortable. But they are not mind readers.

If you're too much of an introvert to have that simple conversation the first night, take a book with you and read. That should have them leave you alone.

I would disagree that they are more likely to leave you alone at Palo - my experience is just the opposite. Yes, my server left me pretty much alone, but all the others had to stop by and say hi, make sure I had enough water/diet Coke/etc. - I felt like a pampered princess.

 

[auntlynne]

My take is that there is more hovering when children are present.

And they never mentioned giving a 5 rating on the survey on my last cruise. So thankful.