Dining onboard. What options are available?

Many people ring to ask what dining options are available on particular cruise lines.

There are two set dining times on many ships.  Early dining (around 6.30pm) Late dining (around 8.30pm).  With these dining times you will sit on the same table with the same people throughout your cruise.

Cruise companies are now offering Mytime or Freedom dining.  This gives people the flexibility of times to dine.

PandO and Princess – Personal Choice –

The dining area will be open from around 6pm through to 10.30pm.  You will need to reserve a particular time with the Maitre De.  Also you will be seated on different tables.  A small gratuity will be added to your onboard account because you will be served by different waiting staff.

Royal Caribbean (My time) Celebrity (Celebrity Select)

For these dining options you have to pre pay your gratuities.  As above you will need to book a table place with the Maitre De.  Again, you will be served by different waiters so this is why you have to pre pay your gratuities.

On all cruise lines they repeat the shows twice a night so you will not miss out on any of the entertainment.  It just gives you a flexible dining option as not everyone wants to eat at certain times each day.