dinner seating in which tables are not assigned
Extra tables are placed, but not fully set; these can be prepared quickly if more guests show up than expected.
Nautical term describing the ability for passengers to dine at any unoccupied table at any time during the restaurant opening hours (as opposed to an assigned table and dining time).
Access at any time to unoccupied tables in the ship's dining room, as opposed to specific table assignments.
Free access to unoccupied tables in the dining room, as opposed to assigned seating.