Cruise Table Sharing – A Charmed Tradition or Just Plain Awkward?

Once upon a time, sharing a dinner table with strangers was just part of the cruise experience. Every evening, you’d take your assigned seat beside a group of unfamiliar faces and, for better or worse, you’d get to know them over bread rolls and beef Wellington.

But times have changed. These days, more cruisers want flexibility, freedom, and a little peace and quiet. While some still love the social side of shared tables, others find it awkward, outdated, or downright off-putting.

So, is cruise table sharing a treasured tradition worth keeping, or a relic of the past that needs to be left at sea?

A Snapshot of Cruise Dining Traditions

In the golden era of cruising, formal dinners were a nightly ritual. Guests dressed to the nines, arrived at the same set time, and took their designated seats at a large, shared table, often with complete strangers. It was all part of the charm: a chance to meet new people, exchange travel tales, and feel like part of a floating country club.

Cruise lines like Cunard still honour this tradition, especially on their more formal sailings. The dining experience is designed to evoke a sense of occasion, where shared tables are the norm unless you’re in a suite. For many cruisers, this old-school structure is a key part of the appeal; it’s elegant, structured, and just the way cruising “should” be.

The Case for Keeping the Tradition Alive

For some cruisers, table sharing is one of the highlights of the trip. It’s a chance to connect with people from around the world, swap cruise tips, and build unexpected friendships. Some even end up cruising together again in future years, all thanks to a single shared dinner table.

There’s also something nostalgic about the experience; it goes back to a time when cruising was more about elegance and less about endless options. For solo travellers, it can be a welcome source of company. And for extroverts, it’s like a built-in social event every evening.

As one cruiser told us: “We love meeting people from all over the world! If the dining partners aren’t to our liking, it’s simple to request a move.”

Another added: “We always ask for a sharing table — we’ve met so many others and made great friends.”

The Awkward Side of Table Sharing

Not every shared table turns into a lifelong friendship. Sometimes, it’s just plain awkward. Maybe you’re seated with someone who complains non-stop, talks over everyone, or insists on ordering every course (plus extras). Worse still, you might feel stuck, forced into polite conversation when all you really want is a quiet dinner.

There’s also the unpredictability. You don’t get to choose who you sit with, how long the meal takes, or whether you’ll enjoy the company. And since the pandemic, many people value their personal space more than ever, the idea of enforced socialising at mealtimes just doesn’t hold the same appeal.

As one commenter put it, “One of the husbands put his wife down all through the meal. Made the others very uncomfortable.” Another said, “The table for twelve kept shrinking — by the end, only the loud couple were left. Says it all.”

Then there are the more practical concerns. One reader noted, “We much prefer to have a table for two… it’s just too hard trying to make conversation with strangers when they can’t hear me, and my husband can’t hear them.”

Other readers shared similar frustrations:

• “We had to share with a family on an MSC ship — they coughed constantly, and we ended up catching something. Never again.”
• “I hate table sharing. One cruise, we were stuck with two other couples. One of the husbands was so rude that it made everyone feel tense.”
• “I like dining alone so I can catch a show after. When you’re at a big table, the service drags on far too long.”

The Rise of Modern Dining Freedom

While some passengers embrace tradition, many modern cruisers are looking for something more flexible. After a full day exploring ashore, not everyone wants to dress up, arrive at a set time, and make small talk with strangers. Instead, they want to eat when they’re hungry, with whoever they choose, or no one at all.

Cruise lines have responded. Norwegian Cruise Line introduced “Freestyle Dining” years ago, ditching set times and shared tables in favour of a dine-when-you-like model. Royal Caribbean’s “My Time Dining” offers similar flexibility, as does “Select Dining” on Celebrity Cruises. Virgin Voyages has gone even further, doing away with traditional dining rooms altogether in favour of multiple restaurants with private seating.

The message is clear: more choice, less pressure, and a dining style that fits your holiday mood.

Which Cruise Lines Still Encourage Table Sharing?

If you’re keen to avoid shared tables, it’s worth knowing which cruise lines are more likely to enforce them, and which ones have moved on.

Still Common:

• Cunard – Traditional through and through. Unless you’re staying in a suite, expect assigned tables and fixed dining.
• MSC Cruises – Table sharing is common in the main dining room, especially in lower cabin categories.
• Fred. Olsen – Expect the same table, time, and companions each evening.
• Holland America Line – Shared tables are still frequent, particularly for fixed-time dining.

Optional or Phased Out:

• Celebrity Cruises – “Select Dining” offers flexibility, and you can request a private table.
• P&O Cruises – On newer ships like Iona and Arvia, private tables are now the standard.
• Carnival Cruise Line – Offers both assigned dining (early/late seatings) and “Your Time Dining.” If you’re on fixed dining, you can request a private table at booking or on embarkation day. For more flexibility, “Your Time Dining” allows you to dine when you like and choose whether to sit alone or with others. Just note: some tables for two may be placed close together, giving the feel of shared dining even if technically private.

Rare or Never Enforced:

• Norwegian Cruise Line – With “Freestyle Dining,” you choose when, where, and with whom you eat.
• Virgin Voyages – No main dining room and no assigned seating.
• Royal Caribbean – Multiple dining options and flexible times make it easy to avoid sharing.

How to Avoid Table Sharing (If You Want To)

If you’d rather not share your evening meal with strangers, here are some effective strategies:

Make a request before your cruise
Ask for a private table when booking, whether directly or through a travel agent. If you’re on a fixed dining schedule, this can make all the difference.

Choose flexible dining options
Look for dining labels like “anytime,” “freestyle,” or “select dining.” These give you more control over when and how you dine.

Speak to the Maitre D’ on embarkation day
If you’ve been assigned a shared table, visit the dining room as soon as you board and request a change.

Use specialty restaurants or the buffet
These venues generally seat by party size and are ideal if you want a quieter experience.

Book a higher cabin category
Premium cabins often come with access to private dining venues where sharing isn’t required.

As one reader put it, “I asked for a table for two on the Virtuosa. My request was granted, but our table was six inches away from the next one. Luckily, the couple next to us were lovely.”

Another added, “They said it was a table for two, but with a 12-inch gap, we might as well have been sharing.

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Cruise Style

Whether you enjoy lively dinners with new people or prefer a quiet table for two, cruise dining has evolved, and there’s something for everyone. Shared tables still have their place, especially on more traditional lines, but they’re no longer the default.

For today’s cruisers, the trend is clear: more freedom, more flexibility, and more control over how you spend your evenings at sea.

As one guest said, “I wouldn’t dream of sitting with complete strangers when I go out for dinner at home — so why would I want to on a cruise?”

Another added, “As an introvert, the thought of sharing a table with strangers terrifies me. I can do it — but it’s exhausting.”

In the end, it’s all about knowing your preferences and choosing a cruise line that fits your style.

You Might Also Like To Read…