Freedom Dining

At the end of this post are 3 of the same photo, sorry!  I can't see beyond a certain point when using the iPad and the photo didn't load where I meant it to, so I thought it had not worked. Now I cannot delete til I get onto a better computer!   Sorry!

When we first started going on cruises, there were only 2 dining options, buffet or formal seating times with assigned table mates. In an ideal world, these options are bearable, even though Alan prefers the informality of eating anytime, as in the buffet. He is a very kind man though and we always do the formal dining bit because he knows I enjoy it!

Our last cruise was a dining disaster though! We always request the largest table, but this time were seated at a table for 4. Then the other couple never showed up! The table next to us was in the same boat ( sorry, couldn't resist!). But, even after a few days when it was obvious these missing couples were not ever going to join us, the management of the dining room were opposed to allowing us to sit together! This did happen eventually, but has made us a bit leary of the formal dining times and seating arrangements.

We were very pleasantly surprised yesterday when we learned we were assigned Freedom Dining! We can eat in the formal dining room anytime and ask for as big or small a table we want. Last night - a full table of four couples, great conversation and good food. Just what we wanted!

Then we saw Will Martin, extremely talented young man from New Zealand. He sang and played piano.

This was enough for one day, since we went to bed at 10:00 pm in Manchester, got up at 2:00 am to fly to Genoa and Will's show started at 10:30pm.....
We will see what happens tomorrow in Livorno!