Dining is one of the highlights of any Royal Caribbean vacation — from elegant main dining rooms to casual buffets and specialty restaurants, every meal becomes a memorable experience. But what if your dinner time doesn’t fit your plans once you’ve already booked your cruise?
A common question guests ask is: “Can I change my dining time after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise?” The answer is yes, you usually can — depending on availability and your chosen dining style. Whether you prefer traditional dining or Royal Caribbean’s flexible My Time Dining, the cruise line offers several ways to adjust your meal schedule to match your vacation routine.
Before you can change your dining time, it’s important to understand the two main dining systems offered onboard:
Traditional dining means you’ll have a fixed dining time each evening — either early seating (around 5:30–6:00 PM) or late seating (around 8:00–8:30 PM).You’ll sit at the same table each night with the same wait staff, creating a familiar, personalized dining experience.
If you booked traditional dining, your time was chosen during your cruise reservation. However, if you wish to change from early to late seating (or vice versa), you can request it before sailing or once onboard.
Royal Caribbean’s My Time Dining gives you more flexibility. You can dine anytime between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM without being tied to a fixed schedule.This option is ideal if you like to plan dinners around your daily activities or shows. You can make reservations for preferred times in advance through the Cruise Planner or directly in the Royal Caribbean app.
Yes, you can change your dining time both before your cruise and while onboard, subject to availability.
Royal Caribbean allows guests to modify dining preferences easily through several methods, whether you want to switch to My Time Dining, adjust your fixed dinner schedule, or make new reservations.
Let’s look at how to do it step by step.
You can adjust your Royal Caribbean dining time before boarding using one of these convenient methods:
Log into your account at portjourney
Click “My Cruises” and select your upcoming sailing.
Go to the “Dining” section in your Cruise Planner.
If you’re in traditional dining, you can request a time change (early or late seating).
For My Time Dining, you can choose new time slots or switch to traditional dining if space is available.
The Royal Caribbean mobile app also allows you to review and adjust dining reservations:
Open the app and log in to your upcoming cruise.
Tap “Dining” or “My Reservations.”
Choose your existing reservation and look for the “Modify” or “Change Time” option.
Select a new time or switch dining types if allowed.
If your preferred time is unavailable, check back periodically — other guests often cancel or adjust their bookings, opening new spots.
If you encounter issues online, call Royal Caribbean’s customer service for help with dining changes.U.S. & Canada: Their team can check dining availability and assist with switching from traditional to My Time Dining, or vice versa.
Once you’re onboard, you still have opportunities to change your dining time — especially on embarkation day.
Here’s what you can do:
On embarkation day, go to the main dining room (MDR) during open hours (usually listed in the Cruise Compass).Speak directly with the maître d’ or dining staff. They can:
Switch your early or late seating.
Move you to a different table.
Adjust your My Time Dining preferences.
Changes are granted based on table and seating availability, but the staff always do their best to accommodate requests early in the voyage.
If you’re on My Time Dining, you can manage your dinner times directly in the Royal Caribbean app once connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi.You can:
Reserve new dining times daily.
Cancel or shift existing reservations.
Browse available slots at any time during the cruise.
If you prefer assistance, you can also visit Guest Services on Deck 5 (on most ships). They’ll connect you to the dining team to help modify your schedule.
If your cruise still has open spots, you can switch between Traditional Dining and My Time Dining either before or after boarding.
Example:
If you booked Traditional Early Dining but prefer flexibility, you can switch to My Time Dining.
Conversely, if you started with My Time Dining but want a fixed schedule, you can request to move to a traditional seating time.
However, note that availability varies depending on how full the ship is and how many guests have already selected each option. It’s best to request the change as early as possible.
Royal Caribbean’s My Time Dining offers the most flexibility for guests who prefer to plan meals around their daily schedule.
Key benefits include:
Choose dining times daily via the app or onboard.
Option to make advance reservations or walk in.
Enjoy a variety of table companions or dine privately.
Tips for using My Time Dining effectively:
Reserve in advance: Popular time slots (7–8 PM) fill quickly.
Arrive early: If walking in, early or late times (before 6:30 PM or after 8:30 PM) have shorter waits.
Be consistent if you want the same waiter: Let the staff know your preference to help them assign you a similar table nightly.
If you’ve booked specialty dining (like Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, or Izumi), you can also modify those reservations through the same channels:
Royal Caribbean website or app
Onboard restaurant reservation desk
Guest Services
Changes depend on availability, and some specialty restaurants charge a fee if you cancel too close to your reservation time.
Act early: The sooner you request changes, the better your chances.
Be flexible: Consider dining a bit earlier or later than peak times.
Use the app daily: It’s the easiest way to view open time slots.
Check your Cruise Planner regularly: New times can appear when others cancel.
Visit the maître d’ in person: They have the most direct control over seating.
ProblemSolution
My preferred dining time isn’t available online.Check again closer to sailing — cancellations often open new slots.
I’m traveling with another reservation.Use the app or call Royal Caribbean to link bookings so you dine together.
I missed my reservation time.Visit the dining room — they’ll usually accommodate you later if space allows.
I want to change my table size.Request it with the maître d’ on embarkation day.
I want consistent wait staff with My Time Dining.Ask the dining host to assign the same section each night.
So, can you change your dining time after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise? Absolutely. Royal Caribbean’s dining system is designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you prefer fixed times or the freedom of My Time Dining, you can easily modify your meal schedule online, through the app, or with onboard staff.
By planning ahead and communicating your preferences, you’ll enjoy a dining experience that fits perfectly with your vacation schedule — ensuring every evening meal complements your perfect Royal Caribbean adventure.
1. Can I change my Royal Caribbean dining time before the cruise?
Yes, log in to your Royal Caribbean account or use the app to modify your dining time through the Cruise Planner.
2. Can I change from early to late seating after booking?
Yes, if there’s space available, you can switch between early and late traditional dining before or during your cruise.
3. How do I change my My Time Dining reservations?
You can adjust or cancel My Time Dining reservations via the Royal Caribbean app or website at any time before or during your cruise.
4. Can I change my dining time once onboard?
Yes, visit the main dining room on embarkation day or use the app to request a different dining time.
5. Is My Time Dining more flexible than traditional dining?
Yes, My Time Dining lets you choose dinner times daily, offering more flexibility to fit your schedule.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Portjourney.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
