A cruise vacation is one of the most fabulous trips you'll ever take, and you want it to be perfect, from hitting the destinations you've always dreamed of, to dining in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere where you can enjoy both the food, and the other guests.

When booking your ticket, you'll need to choose between the early or late sittings for breakfast and dinner. The scheduling of these varies between cruise lines, and it helps to remember that a trans-Atlantic trip involves significant time changes which put your body's clock off a little. Early breakfasts allow you to get away to other things right away, whereas late ones are there for the night owls who really enjoy the evening entertainment. For the dinner hour, there is a standard early sitting, and a later one for those who are more continental in their tastes. The later hour is also good if you like a leisurely dinner, as you won't need to worry about another sitting to be arranged after yours.

Your meal schedule will include times and table sittings, with a choice of tables for 2, 4, 6 or 8. Couples on a honeymoon may want a table for two, but these tend to be the first to go, so book early and be prepared to take a second choice. Tables for six and eight offer more socializing, but a table with only four can be difficult if you don't mesh with the other guests. If there are any difficulties at all with your times and table as requested, and it does not show on your reservation, contact the company before you set sail. After you're aboard, if things are not working out with the time or your dinner companions, speak to the maitre d' as soon as possible, and allow them some time to sort out a better arrangement.

You are always free to sample other dining venues, including the specialty restaurants, which generally require a reservation, and often levy a surcharge above your cruise package price. If not using your table at a particular meal, it is courteous to notify your waiter, so that they will not be holding your seating.