Cruise Planning Part II: Seven Questions to Launch Your Trip
#7 of 7: What Time Do You Like to Eat?
When you book your cruise you will also have to select your dining time: main or second seating. This means you could end up eating dinner as early as 5:30 p.m. and as late as 8:30 p.m. The other meals are usually open seating, unless otherwise listed in the daily planner.
Some ships have a freestyle-dining option where you can eat whenever and wherever you'd like. Many families with young children tend to take main seating -- although based on the time zone you live in, second seating might be a better option.
You can also indicate your table size, which can range anywhere from four to 12 seats. The is no guarantee you will get your own table, although some ships have more tables for four to six than others. If you are at a larger table, they will usually seat you with anotehr family whose children are close in age to yours.
Now that you've discussed these seven questions with your family,you're ready to take the next step in planning your family's cruise vacation: Selecting the line. So check out Part III of our Cruise Planning Guide, which will help you narrow down the possibilities with a look at the five family-friendliest lines out there.
More Tips for Cruising
- Part I: Why Cruise?
- Part III: The Cruise Lines
- Part IV: The Family Packing List
- Part V: Life Onboard
- Cruise Planning Guide
- Choose to Cruise Community Group
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