"This tip is for most ships, have read many posts/reviews saying that it is very hard finding a seat at the Lido deck during Breakfast/Lunch times once they have their food. My tip is look around for a seat FIRST and then you can take your time getting the food and go straight back to your table." 
Contributor Level:
Purser
Lido Buffet
9 Answers
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Good tip! What my wife and I do is one of us goes to find a table while the other goes to the buffet. The thing that ticks me off the most is people that will sit at a table for 4 by themselves and spread their food out to make it look like others are sitting there. The other thing is the people that sit at the tables during a meal time playing a board or card game.
Some ships have parts of the Lido that a lot of people do not notice. On the Carnival Glory in the Lido you can go upstairs to the Fish and Chip level and tons of open tables.
Contributor Level:
Captain
Originally posted by:
nswsteampower
"This tip is for most ships, have read many posts/reviews saying that it is very hard finding a seat at the Lido deck during Breakfast/Lunch times once they have their food. My tip is look around for a seat FIRST and then you can take your time getting the food and go straight back to your table."
This is our game plan, usually works pretty well. Cruisin Tim, I agree with you about people playing games, especially during peak dining hours. They could wait until the off hours.
Contributor Level:
Captain
Did that when Fish & Chips was not open and we were asked to leave! 
Contributor Level:
Admiral
We usually go to the far end of the Lido Buffet where there are more vacant seats. We don't mind walking farther.
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
When it is extremely crowded, my husband and I have no problem asking a single person at a larger table it we can join them. Most times they are happy to oblige and it's a great way to meet new people!
Contributor Level:
Captain
I just hover over someone and I keep repeating " are you done yet ? Are you done yet ? ". I always seem to get a table in about 5 minutes. 
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Originally posted by:
Bubba54
This is our game plan, usually works pretty well. Cruisin Tim, I agree with you about people playing games, especially during peak dining hours. They could wait until the off hours.
Maybe this is one reason it's hard to find a seat. People saving space just takes it away from someone ready to sit and eat. We have taken food to our cabin when it's really busy. Some ships have counters where singles can comfortably sit and eat.
Contributor Level:
Captain
I usually go before or after the rush hour. Never a problem finding seats.
