Tips for Enjoying Cruise Dining

Taking a cruise is a wonderful experience full of memorable moments, and for many passengers, the first dinner onboard is one of the most anticipated. If this is your first cruise, you probably have many questions: Where will I dine? What dinner seating is assigned? Can I change it? Where will I sit? This article answers these questions with practical tips and useful advice to help you make the most of your dining experience from day one.

What Are Dinner Seating Times on Cruises?

Most cruises organize dinners by assigned seating and fixed dinner times, especially on popular cruise lines. Typically, there are two seating times per restaurant: an early seating around 6:30 PM, and a later one between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Some premium or flexible service lines offer open seating, allowing you to dine at any time within scheduled hours.

If traveling with friends or family, it’s essential that when you book, you link everyone's reservations to ensure you all share the same restaurant, seating time, and table. This info will appear on your cruise card when you board.

What if You're Assigned a Seating Time You Don’t Want?

Don’t worry. If your assigned dinner time isn’t the one you requested, you can try to change it. On embarkation day, visit the information desk or the assigned restaurant to discuss it with the maître d’. Act quickly as other passengers may be requesting changes too, and space is limited.

• Pro Tip: Bring all cabin cards for your group. This helps staff manage seating changes and secure a joint table.

Your First Night: What to Expect

Your first dinner onboard introduces you to the restaurant, the staff, and the ship’s dining routine. At the entrance, a crew member will scan your cruise card and escort you to your assigned table. This will be your table for all nights of the cruise.

It’s an unwritten rule that each guest sits in the same seat every night, although it’s not mandatory and changes can be made if all tablemates agree.

While the atmosphere may feel a little formal at first, you’ll soon see how friendly and personal relationships with the wait staff develop — courtesy and kindness are key to excellent service.

What’s Included in Cruise Dinners?

Many passengers assume 'full board' means everything is included—but that’s not always the case. Dinner inclusions vary by cruise line, but generally include:

• Food: Starters, main dishes, and desserts are usually included with no extra charge. You can order several dishes and mix as you like.
• Drinks: Tap water, American coffee, and some teas are included only at the buffet. Other drinks like wine, soda, or cocktails generally cost extra unless you have a drinks package.
• Menu: There’s usually a daily changing menu, a selection of fixed items, and some pay-per-item options.

If you’re unsure, ask your waiter or request a printed menu if you’re not comfortable using QR codes.

Changing Tables or Seating After the First Night

Sometimes, after your first dinner, you might feel your table or seating time isn’t ideal — maybe you don’t click with your tablemates or you want an earlier dinner. No problem. On day two, you can ask the maître d’ at the restaurant entrance if a change is possible. They can usually help right away if space allows.

Don’t Want to Dine in the Main Restaurant?

Dining in the main restaurant is not mandatory. You can choose the buffet or specialty restaurants onboard (some free, others require additional payment). Your reserved table in the main restaurant will be waiting for you if you want to return on another night.

Important: Some guests avoid the main restaurant thinking it costs extra. Make sure to get informed — it's included in your cruise fare and is a key part of the cruise experience.

Do Dinner Times Clash With Shows?

No. Cruise lines carefully schedule dinner times and entertainment so they don’t overlap. While one seating dines, the other can enjoy the show, and vice versa. You can plan your evening with ease.

Elegance and Glamour: Dress for the Occasion

Each night, the onboard daily newsletter suggests recommended attire. Following it isn’t mandatory, but adding a touch of glamour and fun makes the evening special. Formal nights are perfect opportunities to dress up and capture memorable photos.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack Times: How Do They Work?

Breakfast: Can be buffet-style or served at the restaurant with table service and some à la carte options.

Lunch: No assigned seating. It’s à la carte, so it’s important the whole group arrives together.

Snacks: Check the daily newsletter. Snacks are usually offered at various times and locations throughout the ship.

Final Tips for Enjoying Dinner Onboard

• Arrive on time — not too early or late.
• Be kind and polite to the staff for better service.
• Try new flavors — you're on vacation!
• Don’t fill up too much on the first night — enjoy without overdoing it.
• Ask the staff if you have any questions — they’re there to help.

In Summary

Dinner onboard isn’t just another meal — it’s a moment to connect, relax, and enjoy after an exciting day at sea. Following these tips will help avoid misunderstandings and let you focus on what matters most: enjoying your journey.

Have questions about your first dinner onboard? Leave them in the comments — we’re happy to help!