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Cadet
Group: Members
Last Login: 30 October 2009 01:24
Posts: 4,
Visits: 36
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| Hi all, I am taking my wife and three and half year old daughter on our first cruise on the Oceana transatlantic cruise at the end of October. When we booked the travel advisor recommended 1st sitting dining on a table of 6. Although our daughter is very well behaved and has very good manners she can get a little messy at meal times and I would hate to offend anyone else who might be seated with us, as I know some folks can get irratated with small children, therefore would we be better asking for a table of 4. Also do they provide any sort of booster seats in the dining rooms for small children as she's to old for a high chair but can sometimes be too small for a normal dining chair. I understand there is a childrens meal time but as it is a family holiday we would like to generally have meals together a majority of the times. Thanks for any advice.
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Commodore
Group: Banned Members
Last Login: Today @ 00:32
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| Hi & welcome to our world... 1st thing, one of the most contentious things on this board is children....some say it is good for them to mix with other people to socialise them, some say that is an imposition on the good nature of your fellow diners. On Oceana you can have "freedom dining'' where you can get a table & time of your choice, this may be more suitable than a fixed arrangement. There is always the self serve restaurant with less formality. Do you think your child would be able to sit through a 2 hour formal dinner or would another option be better all round?
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Senior Captain
Group: Members
Last Login: 15 November 2009 14:17
Posts: 211,
Visits: 488
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| JTD makes a very valid point. Although my children have on 2 occasions managed to sit through a VERY long lunch (with plenty of colouring/puzzles at the table), I would not put a 3 1/2 year old through a formal dinner nearly every night on a cruise ship. I think freedom dining would be a good option. That way, when you do want to eat in the main restaurant, you could always have a table to yourself, enabling you to skip the odd course (eg sorbet/cheese and biscuits). This might be kinder than abandoning fellow diners.
Jam
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Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 21:41
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| There's something very special about small children dressed up to the nines on formal night and it's an experience not to be missed. Don't go for self service - that's not the cruising experience. But freedom seems ideal. You can choose a time that's convenient to your routine. Also, sometimes you can let her go to children's tea and then eat 'a deux' as a treat
MegCruised: The Baltic, Norway, Canaries and 4 in the Med.
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Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 21:41
Posts: 1,666,
Visits: 4,840
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re booster cushions: I have no idea, but I do knowe that the waiting staff will move heaven and earth for the tinies and they'll find a solution for you!
MegCruised: The Baltic, Norway, Canaries and 4 in the Med.
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Captain
Group: Members
Last Login: 27 October 2009 11:50
Posts: 95,
Visits: 207
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| Freedom dining sounds a good option as you can eat when you like and on a table size you may like. The normal sitting dinner may be a bit too long for your tot as other diners like to take their time making it quite late. You will love the ship. Its very family friendly and has a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Have fun!
DolphingirlSearch and review cabins at www.yourcruisecabin.com
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Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 09:49
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Hi JTD, silly question - does dinner really take 2 hours? Gosh! I suppose because I live life at such a rushed pace it sounds like a long time.
HC ------, -------, ---, ---- .
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Commodore
Group: Banned Members
Last Login: Today @ 00:32
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| Emma.. can do, a relaxed affair,5/6 courses lots of chat hopefully.1st sitting will be less as you lot have to be out in order for the late sitting to arrive.
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Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Today @ 08:31
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Emma, with your experience of Golf Club Dinners etc, it shouldn't really surprise you that Formal Dinners would exceed 2 hours.
Jo x
Growing old disgracefully !!!
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Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Today @ 08:00
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We were rarely out from dinner before 10.30 on our previous cruise...usually the last to leave because we had such smashing dining companions!
Amanda J
Oriana - X515 (2005), Oriana - X916 (2009), Queen Victoria (2009) NB: Please note all comments posted are my own personal opinions and I am not a member of any legal or medical profession.
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