If you prefer to eat dinner on your own schedule instead of a fixed early or late seating, you’ll be drawn to my time dining–style options on Holland America Line. While Holland America may brand this system as flexible dining, open seating, or a similar name depending on the ship, the concept is the same: you have more freedom to choose when you dine in the main cruise restaurants instead of being locked into one set time.
Understanding the basic Holland America my time dining rules will help you get the most from this style of dining. How Holland America flexible dining works, how reservations and wait times are handled, what to expect from open seating, and how the Holland America my time dining dress code fits into the overall experience.
On many Holland America ships, guests can choose between:
Traditional seating – fixed early or late dining time, same table and servers each night.
Flexible / “My Time” style dining – a more relaxed approach where you dine within a broader window.
Exact terminology can vary, but the flexible system generally offers:
The ability to arrive at different times within the dinner service window.
The option to request a table for just your party or to share with others.
More control over when you eat in relation to shows, excursions, or spa appointments.
These Holland America flexible dining options are especially popular with guests who want their mealtimes to adjust to daily plans rather than the other way around.
The basic idea behind flexible, my time dining–style service is simple:
Choose flexible/open seating when you book
Instead of early or late traditional seating, you select the flexible option in the main dining room.
Arrive within the open dining hours
Dinner is served during a set range of times (for example, from early evening to later evening).
You can usually choose any time within that window, though very popular times can be busier.
Request your preferred table type
Ask for a table for two, four, or more, or let the staff seat you with other guests if you enjoy socializing.
Wait briefly if the restaurant is full
Like a land-based restaurant, there may be a short wait during peak times, particularly if you prefer a specific table size.
These core principles define how Holland America flexible dining works, giving you more choice while maintaining a structured main dining room experience.
A common question is how Holland America open seating reservations operate. Depending on ship and itinerary, you may find one or more of these approaches:
Advance reservations for a time window
You can reserve a preferred time each night, or for selected evenings, helping reduce or eliminate wait times.
Same-day reservations
You may be able to request a specific time earlier in the day through the app, a service desk, or the dining host.
Walk-up only system
In some cases, you simply arrive when you’re ready and are seated as tables become available.
In all versions, the general dining rules for flexible seating are similar to a popular restaurant on land: the busiest times tend to be around peak dinner hours, while early and late times are often quieter. If you have a schedule that revolves around shows or activities, using Holland America open seating reservations when possible can help you coordinate your evening.
While specific details differ by ship and sailing, the following dining rules are common to Holland America’s flexible system:
You still dine in the main restaurant
My time dining is part of the standard main dining room offering, not a separate specialty venue.
You can request the same wait staff, but it’s not guaranteed
If you enjoy continuity, you can ask to be seated in the same section most nights, but because of the open style, exact consistency may vary.
Arrive on time for reservations
If you book a specific time, arriving reasonably close to it helps the restaurant manage tables efficiently.
Be prepared for short waits at peak times
Prime times (often around the most popular show schedules) may involve a brief wait, especially if you want a specific table type or do not have a reservation.
Group seating requests should be made early
If you’re traveling with family or friends, let the team know so they can plan for a larger table or adjacent seating.
Overall, Holland America dine when you want policy lets you choose your own rhythm, as long as you recognize that flexibility may sometimes involve a few minutes of waiting when the restaurant is particularly busy.
Even though seating is more flexible, dress expectations generally follow the main dining room’s overall standards. That means Holland America my time dining dress code typically reflects the night’s classification:
Smart casual evenings
Collared shirts or nice tops, slacks or skirts, dresses, and closed-toe shoes for most guests.
Swimwear, gym clothes, or overly casual items are usually not appropriate in the main cruise restaurants at dinner.
Dressy or gala evenings (if applicable)
Many guests choose more elegant attire such as dresses, dress shirts, slacks, and optional jackets.
While specifics can vary, flexible diners are expected to respect the same overall standards as traditional diners.
So even if you’re enjoying Holland America dine when you want policy, you’ll still want to follow the guidelines listed in your cruise documents and daily program regarding what’s suitable to wear in the main dining room on each night.
Choosing a my time dining–style option can offer several benefits:
Control over schedule
You can plan dinners around entertainment, shore excursions, spa appointments, or simply how you feel that day.
Flexibility for families and couples
Parents can adjust meals around kids’ bedtimes or activities, and couples can dine early one night and later the next.
Variety in social experience
You can request a private table some nights and a shared table on others, depending on your mood.
Less pressure to rush
Instead of racing back from port to make a fixed seating, you can choose a slightly later time if the ship schedule allows.
These benefits make Holland America flexible dining popular with guests who see their cruise as a chance to create a more spontaneous daily routine.
To enjoy my time dining at its best, keep these tips in mind:
Reserve popular times when possible
If the system allows reservations, book the times that align with shows or important activities.
Arrive a bit before peak times
If you prefer walk-up, arriving slightly earlier than the busiest window can reduce waiting.
Communicate your preferences
Let the host know if you prefer a two-top, a larger table, or the same server section when available.
Stay flexible and patient
On sea days or gala evenings, Holland America dining rules require some juggling by staff, and short waits can happen.
Coordinate with specialty restaurants
If you plan to dine in alternative venues on some nights, consider how that affects your flexible main dining schedule and reservations.
While each ship and itinerary can have its own nuances, the core concept of my time dining on Holland America is straightforward: you enjoy more freedom over when you dine, within the structure and standards of the main cruise restaurants.
By understanding the essential Holland America my time dining rules, knowing how Holland America flexible dining works, and respecting the Holland America my time dining dress code, you can tailor your evenings to fit your ideal cruise lifestyle—whether that’s dressing up for a late dinner after a show or enjoying an earlier, relaxed meal before sunset.
1. What is “My Time Dining” on Holland America?
“My Time Dining” refers to Holland America flexible dining options that allow you to eat in the main dining room within a broader time window, rather than at a fixed early or late seating. It’s a form of open seating where you can dine closer to when you personally prefer.
2. Do I need reservations for Holland America flexible dining?
It depends on the ship and sailing. Some itineraries allow Holland America open seating reservations, while others primarily rely on walk-up seating. Reservations, when available, are especially helpful during busy dinner periods.
3. Can I still request the same waiter and table with My Time Dining?
You can ask to be seated in the same section, and staff will often try to accommodate, but my time dining is more flexible by design. Because guests arrive at different times, having the exact same table and server every night is not guaranteed.
4. Is the dress code different for flexible dining vs. traditional dining?
No. The Holland America my time dining dress code follows the same guidelines as the main dining room in general. On smart casual nights, dress nicely; on dressy or gala evenings, plan more formal attire, regardless of whether you use fixed or flexible dining.
5. How does Holland America’s dine-when-you-want policy affect wait times?
Because you can dine when you want, peak times can be busy, which may lead to short waits, especially if you prefer specific table sizes or haven’t booked a reservation (when available). Arriving a little earlier or later than the rush and staying flexible can help minimize waiting.
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