Solo traveler dining room etiquette.

[Tarontagosh]

I'm departing on my first solo cruise in less than a week.  I don't particularly want to sit with other guests in the main dining room.  I know to go change the seating if that ends up being the case.  I'd like to know though is it bad etiquette to bring a tablet or book to read while I wait for my food to arrive.

[SpeedNoodles]

If you are by yourself, I see no problem with it (mostly because that's what I did).   If you have MyTime Dining you will have a table for one.  You will be seated with others if you chose Traditional Dining.  

Many of the tables are very close together.  I found that, as a solo, I was often invited into conversations with nearby tables.  Having your nose in a book will more than likely discourage this.

Enjoy!!!!

[deepwaterz]

Personally, I love traveling solo and meeting new people..but etiquette has never crossed my mind in relation to this matter. When you travel alone, the opportunity to encounter new people and talk to them or even become part of their circle increases. The decision ultimately lies in whether you want to connect with others or not. Bringing along a book or tablet is perfectly fine, but it may also decrease the likelihood of someone initiating a conversation with you..

[Ampurp85]

I mostly travel solo, I always do MTD because I don't want to be stuck at a table with couples, forced to make small talk. I did this once and hated it as my table consisted of two very Christian couples who were rude to an older couple and eventually me and my travel friend. 

Yes, the tables are close, and, in some cases, there may be an option to engage. I bring my Kindle and enjoy my dinner. I am never rude, I speak a friendly greeting as an acknowledgment, but I mostly avoid the small talk. I mostly want to eat my dinner and get out. 

[CruiseGus]

If you have traditional dining either early or late and want a table for 2 by yourself, email rcldining@rccl.com about 3 weeks before your cruise and request a solo table for 2.  Ido it all the time and get a 2 top alone.  I want to order, eat and go, I dislike the BS of other folks dictating my schedule, as they always want to wait for the whole table to be seated to take orders.

[happy cruisers 2]

On a recent cruise we frequently had a solo cruiser sitting at the small table next to us.  We learned that he is somewhat of a regular customer on the ship, as it leaves a port fairly close to his home and he likes to spend time in the casino.  I seem to recall that he had something to read or else he did some online game on his phone to pass time.  It didn't seem like bad etiquette to us at all.  We engaged in a bit of conversation at times, mostly about his day in the casino or what we each had done that day.  He was very good at not wanting to intrude on our meal enjoyment or conversation and keeping that bit of polite social distance.  I would think a book or tablet would make it easier on anyone you're seated near.  They won't feel the need to bring you into conversation, unless you encourage it.  Have a fabulous time on your cruise!

[HeWhoWaits]

Do you dine alone at land-based restaurants? Once you are able to secure a table to yourself on board, the MDR is just another restaurant. Treat it as such - do what is comfortable for you so long as you don't interfere with the experience of others.

[OCSC Mike]

4 minutes ago, HeWhoWaits said:

do what is comfortable for you so long as you don't interfere with the experience of others

That's kinda one of my main philosophies in life... and definitely applies to eating on a cruise, IMO.

[PG Cruiser]

I've mostly cruised solo.  I've had no issues asking for my own table with both MTD and Traditional Dining.  Most times I've even gotten tables by the windows.

[OCSC Mike]

1 hour ago, PG Cruiser said:

I've mostly cruised solo.  I've had no issues asking for my own table with both MTD and Traditional Dining.  Most times I've even gotten tables by the windows.

I know someone who has had the same experience (not sure about the window but the 2-top at least).