Dining aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship is one of the most enjoyable parts of the voyage. Guests can choose from multiple options — from elegant main dining rooms to laid-back buffets and specialty restaurants. Among these, My Time Dining has become a popular choice for travelers who prefer flexibility over fixed schedules.
If you’re planning your trip and wondering how My Time Dining works on Carnival Cruise Line, this detailed guide will walk you through everything — from the rules, reservations, and benefits to expert tips on making the most of it.
My Time Dining is Carnival Cruise Line’s flexible dining option that lets guests decide when they want to eat dinner each night. Instead of being assigned a fixed time — such as early (around 6:00 PM) or late (around 8:15 PM) — guests can dine anytime between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM.
This flexibility is perfect for travelers who like to enjoy port excursions, attend shows, or simply relax without being bound by a strict meal schedule.
The concept behind My Time Dining is simple: it allows you to dine at your own pace, with or without a reservation. Here’s how it generally works:
When booking your cruise, choose “My Time Dining” instead of “Early” or “Late” seating.
Once onboard, you can reserve your dining time daily using the Carnival HUB app or by visiting the dining room host station.
If you prefer spontaneity, you can also walk in without a reservation, but there might be a short wait during peak hours.
You’ll dine in the same Main Dining Room as other guests but won’t have a fixed table or waiter each night (though Carnival tries to seat repeat guests with the same waitstaff if possible).
My Time Dining typically operates during the following hours:
Dinner Service: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Last Seating: Around 8:45 PM
These times may vary slightly depending on the ship and itinerary, but you’ll always have a wide window to enjoy dinner at your convenience.
To avoid waiting in line, Carnival encourages guests to make reservations through the Carnival HUB app each evening or earlier in the day.
Open the Carnival HUB app on your smartphone.
Go to the “Dining” section.
Select “Check In for My Time Dining.”
Choose your desired time and party size.
Wait for a notification when your table is ready.
You’ll typically receive a message to head to the dining room within a few minutes.
If you don’t use the app, you can still visit the dining desk or host stand to make your reservation in person.
Here are the main rules and policies you should know before selecting My Time Dining on your Carnival Cruise:
While walk-ins are allowed, guests with reservations through the HUB app are seated faster.
Walk-ins during prime dinner hours (6:00–7:30 PM) may experience longer waits.
Large parties or groups who want to dine together should link their bookings in advance.
If not pre-linked, you may be seated at different tables or at different times.
Unlike fixed dining, My Time Dining doesn’t guarantee the same waiter or table each night.
However, Carnival often tries to assign you to the same section if you dine at similar times daily.
Even with flexible timing, guests must follow Carnival’s Cruise Casual or Cruise Elegant dress codes, depending on the night.
No swimwear, gym clothes, or flip-flops are permitted in the Main Dining Room.
If you arrive earlier than your reservation time, you may have to wait until your table is ready.
Guests must arrive before the final seating time (usually 8:45 PM) to be accommodated.
My Time Dining offers numerous advantages that make it appealing to many Carnival guests:
Flexibility: You can plan dinner around shows, excursions, or personal preferences.
Less Rush: No need to rush back from shore excursions to make an early dining slot.
Choice: Eat early one night and later the next — the decision is entirely yours.
Convenience: Reservations are easy to make through the Carnival HUB app.
Private Dining Experience: You can dine alone, as a couple, or with friends — no random seating required.
It’s particularly popular with couples and families who value freedom and convenience over routine.
While My Time Dining is flexible, there are a few considerations:
Wait Times: Walk-ins during prime hours may face 20–30 minute waits.
No Fixed Waiter: If you enjoy having the same waitstaff who remember your preferences, fixed seating may suit you better.
Group Coordination: Large families or friends traveling together need to plan ahead to ensure seating together.
However, most guests find these minor compared to the flexibility My Time Dining provides.
To get the best experience with Carnival Cruise Line’s My Time Dining, keep these practical tips in mind:
Reserve Early Each Day: Use the HUB app before peak dinner hours (around 6 PM) to avoid long waits.
Arrive on Time: Show up promptly when you get your table notification. Late arrivals might lose their slot.
Avoid Rush Hours: Dine before 6:00 PM or after 8:00 PM for shorter wait times.
Be Flexible: If you’re asked to wait, explore the ship’s bars or lounges while your table is prepared.
Check Special Nights: On Cruise Elegant evenings, demand is higher — reserve extra early.
Link Bookings: If sailing with family or friends, link your bookings so the system recognizes your group for shared seating.
Feature Fixed Dining My Time Dining
Schedule Early or Late (set time) Flexible (5:30–9:00 PM)
Wait staff Same each night Varies, not guaranteed
Reservation Needed Not needed Recommended
Group Dining Consistent table mates Changes daily (unless arranged)
Flexibility Low High
If you prefer predictability and consistent service, Fixed Dining may be better. If you value freedom and flexibility, My Time Dining is ideal.
Carnival Cruise Line’s My Time Dining option is a game-changer for guests who prefer to dine on their own schedule. It blends the charm of the Main Dining Room with the freedom to decide when and with whom you eat.
By following Carnival’s My Time Dining rules — like reserving early, respecting dress codes, and arriving on time — you can make the most of this flexible dining experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a romantic evening, dining after a day of adventure, or enjoying dinner with new friends, My Time Dining gives you the flexibility to enjoy meals your way — truly embodying Carnival’s “Choose Fun” philosophy.
1. What time does My Time Dining start on Carnival Cruise Line?
My Time Dining usually begins around 5:30 PM and continues until 9:00 PM, giving guests flexible dinner options.
2. Do I need to make a reservation for My Time Dining?
Reservations are recommended through the Carnival HUB app, though walk-ins are also accepted based on availability.
3. Can I request the same waiter every night with My Time Dining?
Carnival does its best to accommodate such requests, but the same waitstaff is not guaranteed.
4. What is the dress code for My Time Dining?
Guests must follow the ship’s Cruise Casual or Cruise Elegant dress codes, depending on the evening.
5. Can large groups dine together with My Time Dining?
Yes, but it’s best to link reservations in advance to improve your chances of being seated together.
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