We had booked 18 months in advance of sailing and had requested a table for two. We were told that there were a limited number of this type of table and the cruise line could not promise we would be allocated one. Once on board we had a chat with our Maitre'd who was excellent and found us a table straight away with no problems. The plus side of our table was that we didnt have to wait for other diners and we seemed to be one of the first tables to be served and our food was always piping hot. What you must remember is there are always alternative dining options from the more formal although our cruise with Carnival the dress options on board was excellent asI personally have to wear a shirt and tie at work and wanted to get away from this regime. The two formal evenings on board we just didnt bother to go to the dining room and ate elsewhere on the ship as there were plenty of options.

Most ships have a limited number of tables for two and they are often filled on a first come first served basis ie the earlier you book the better your chances of securing one however this is never guaranteed. Be warned also that a table for two on some ships can mean a row of small tables seperated by just a few inches so you could have people very close on both sides. There are nearly always alternative dining locations anyway so you shouldn't be too worried about finding some privacy while eating but remember you are literally all in the same boat and cruises by their very nature are somewhat more social than you may be used to.