Carnival Cruises: Do you have to dine with strangers? Is the food good?

I'm planning a cruise on the Carnival Sensation in August for myself, my mom, and my son. Do we have to sit with strangers in the dining room? How big are the tables? Can we request to have our own table? Also, I've heard VERY mixed reviews about the quality of the food... Any opinions?
Thank you for your advice! :D






Answer :
Go to cruisecritic.com for individual reviews of past cruisers. Most cruise lines tables seat 6 or more, Check with your travel agent to see if you can get seating for three. I am going on Celebrity next year and have a table reserved for two.






Answer :
canival splendor..

You can request a table for 4 when you book.

I don't think it means you may get it but there is no harm requesting,
Tables can be made up for large groups as well.
Food in dining room ok but food from upstairs in the many cafe type areas was awful and a shambles being served..
Overall the food was just ok..and the dining room better out of the 2..






Answer :
yes, you do sit with strangers unlless you make a request for your own table. I think the food is pretty good. I think its just like anything else some times the food is better than other times, this happens even with your favorite restaurants.






Answer :
The carnival food in the dining room, to me, is fantastic.
Sometimes you dine with others, it depends though. There are tables that range from 2-10 seats. With 3 people chances are high you will be with other people. Its fun to dine with others though, you get to meet new friends.






Answer :
ive only gone on cruises with big groups where we have to split our group into two tables so i cant help you on the strangers part...
but the food on carnival is not bad. however i perfer Princess' and royal carribean's food and dining staff better.






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we just got back from a carnival cruise at the end of January-- I thought the food was good and if you request a table by yourself you should be able to get one.






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yes you'll get sit with strangers around a large table. the one I went on though, no one else hardly came to dinner at our table. the food is all right, not great but all right.






Answer :
The tables are different sizes and you are placed with people that have similar interests as you. For example, my husband and I are young and the last several cruises we've been at the honeymooners table with other couples about our own age.

They have tables that seat 8, 6, 4 and 2. However why do you not want to interact with others? That's what of the best parts. You seem very young and learning how to interact socially is a very important part of growing up. However you do not have to sit with strangers.

The food is very good. I've always been very impressed. Now I guess if you are used to 5 star restaurants, no the food would not be up to par. However in my case, I am not used to lobster and beef wellington every night so I find it excellent. If you order something you do not like, you can always exchange it for something else on the menu or you can get seconds. On my honeymoon, one of the girls at the table ordered 3 lobsters. The waiter didn't even blink. You can eat at numerous places on board though--you don't have to eat in the dining room. Some people don't to avoid formal night.

Keep in mind that the majority of people who complain about Carnival food do mention that their last several cruises were on Princess or Celebrity. And yes for three times as much money I expect better food. I completely believe that the food is much much better on the more expensive cruiseline but there is definitely no shortage of food. The only cruiseline I felt that with was NCL.

You will have a great trip. IMHO anticipation of the trip (and planning shore excursions) is half the fun so don't dread an overcooked lobster and just enjoy eating lobster in the first place. Have a great cruise!