Cruised on the American Queen from St Louis, MO to St Paul, MN on August 2, 2015.

Trip began with an overnight stay in St Louis. While at the hotel, we completed embarkation paperwork. I was informed that I had been moved to second seating for dinner. This was after being confirmed for early seating dinner since I reserved the trip in November of 2014, 9 months prior to sailing. I met with the Maitre D to ask for early seating again. He asked me to meet him on the ship, at the dining room, 15 minutes prior to dinner. I did this. The Maitre D explained that he would check with a group leader about my joining one of their tables, but until then he had arranged for me to sit at a table, alone. I gratefully accepted this.

So I ate alone, each of the 7 nights of the cruise. At a table alone. At a table set into the server's prep station. Alone. Never did the Maitre D follow up on getting me to be included with others in early dining. Even after I complained to the purser's office. Read more