A rather large surprise!!

jacketwatch · December 16, 2006

I just checked with Princess and found out that we are #69 on the wait list for our seating preference (1st) This is for a cruise 6 mos. from now and I booked it about 10 days ago. I was really surprised to see how fast 1st seating preferences go, especially this far out. Has anyone noticed this B4? :cool2:

JoeyandDavid · December 17, 2006

wow I had never heard of that before with you booking so far out....

eagleforest · December 17, 2006

WOW,

I have never had a problem getting what I asked for. But to be on a list so long and so far from the cruise.

Whew.

Gregswife · December 17, 2006

We have requested 1st seating on our 10 previous cruises, and did so with this one that I booked 15 months in advance. I emailed our cruise agent at Carnival, and asked her what our chances were, and she emailed me back that it was guaranteed. I do not know if we have ever been on a list, have never been informed of such. I hope you get the seating you requested. Personally, I cannot eat as late as the 2nd seating - plays heck with my acid reflux when I try to sleep!!!!

KeithnRita · December 17, 2006

Perhaps there is a large group booked on this cruise?

sailingrose · December 17, 2006

Is it Princess???? I've been waitlisted with them many times and usually don't get what I want. Hope your luckier than I am.

jacketwatch · December 18, 2006

Yes it is with Princess. I didn't think about the possibility of a large group getting a block for that seating. At least we got the cabin we wanted. Rose have you had this issue with Princess even if the request is well in advance like ours? I am so surprised really because this cruise leaves from Copenhagen and thus I assume (could be wrong) that there are a fair number of Europeans on board who usually eat later and prefer the 2nd seating.

sailingrose · December 18, 2006

We've book 6-12 months out usually with Princess. I think some of the problems occur because of anytime dining and people requesting a regular seating and then they go to anytime and don't notify the cruise line. Makes it harder for all of us. I won't go on Princess if we can't have regular seating. I tried anytime but really disliked it. Some people do love it however and they make it work. I like the "regular" dining experience and feel like we get more personal attention that way.

I sure hope you clear that waitlist.

JohnG · December 18, 2006

This is not likely a problem because of a large group. It is very common on Princess to be waitlisted for the early seating of traditional dining. They have only one dining room on each ship set up for traditional dining. The other one(s) are reserved for anytime dining. Older passengers, and those passengers with children traveling with them, prefer early seating. So it is not unusual for 1st seating to fill up 6 months or more in advance. Chances are, with a waitlist in the 60's, that far in advance, you will make it. The sooner you make final payment, the faster you move up, generally.