On Princess Cruises, what many guests call “My Time Dining” is officially known as Anytime Dining. It’s the line’s flexible dining option for those who don’t want a fixed early or late seating. Instead of eating at the same time and table every night, you can choose your meal times within the open hours of the designated main dining rooms.
While this style is more relaxed than traditional seating, there are some basic dining rules and restaurant policy guidelines you’ll want to know. Understanding the rules for Anytime Dining on Princess Cruises helps you plan your evenings, avoid long waits, and know what to expect when you show up for dinner.
Anytime Dining is Princess’ flexible dining program in the main dining rooms. Instead of a fixed table and specific time, you have more control over when you eat.
Key points:
You can arrive for dinner during the posted meal times instead of at a fixed traditional seating.
You may be seated at different tables and with different waitstaff from night to night.
You can dine alone, as a couple, or ask to share a table with others, depending on availability.
In other words, how My Time dining works on Princess is simple: you’re not locked into early or late traditional dining; you have more freedom to design your evening around shows, port times, and personal routine.
Even though it’s flexible, Anytime Dining still follows certain dining rules and restaurant policy guidelines to keep things smooth for everyone.
Common rules include:
Assigned dining rooms
Guests with Anytime Dining are assigned to specific main dining rooms that operate on the flexible model.
Traditional dining guests use different dining rooms with fixed seating.
Meal times within posted hours
You can come during the open meal times (typically an extended evening window).
Turning up very late near closing might limit how long you can linger over dessert.
Wait times during peak hours
At prime times (e.g., right before a big show), you may receive a pager or be asked to wait.
Arriving earlier or later than the most popular times can shorten wait times.
Seating flexibility
You can request a table for two, or ask to share a table with others.
Specific requests are honored as space allows, but not always guaranteed.
These core dining rules keep Anytime Dining feeling relaxed but organized.
A common question is whether you can make reservations for Princess flexible dining. Policies may vary by ship and sailing, but there are some general patterns:
On some cruises, you can make reservations in advance for certain times within the Anytime Dining window.
Other sailings may operate on a walk-up basis only, where you check in at the podium and wait to be seated.
Sometimes you can reserve preferred meal times for multiple nights, especially on longer cruises or less crowded sailings.
If reservations are offered:
Booking earlier in the cruise helps you secure favorite times.
If you miss your reserved time, you may need to wait for the next available table.
Even with the option to reserve, Anytime Dining is still considered flexible dining—you are not as locked in as with traditional seating, but planning ahead can reduce wait times during busy evenings.
The dress code for Anytime Dining Princess essentially follows the same guidelines as the main dining rooms overall. The restaurant policy usually depends on whether it’s a regular evening or a formal-style night.
Smart casual most nights
Slacks or nice jeans, skirts, casual dresses, or dressy tops.
Collared shirts or neat tops for men.
Closed-toe shoes or neat sandals (no pool flip-flops).
Dressier nights (formal or “dress to impress”)
Cocktail dresses, elegant tops with skirts or dress pants, or suits/jackets for men are commonly seen.
While requirements can be flexible, the atmosphere is generally more polished.
Items often discouraged in the main dining room during dinner:
Swimwear, pool cover-ups, or gym attire.
Very casual beachwear or torn clothing.
Even with Anytime Dining, the expectation is that guests follow the same overall dining rules for attire as those with traditional seating.
Here’s what a typical day might look like with Anytime Dining:
Plan your evening around shows and activities
Decide when you’d like dinner based on the entertainment schedule and port times.
Arrive during the Anytime Dining window
Show up at the assigned dining room during your preferred meal times.
Request your table type
Ask for a table for two, or let the host know you’re happy to share.
Wait if necessary
During peak hours, expect possible short waits. This is normal with flexible dining.
Enjoy different tables and staff
You might experience new tablemates and waiters each night, which some guests consider part of the fun.
Knowing these steps makes the rules for Anytime Dining on Princess Cruises feel natural and easy to follow.
Before you commit to Anytime Dining, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of My Time dining Princess–style.
Flexible meal times
You can work dinner around shows, spa appointments, or port days.
Variety in experience
You may meet new people and try different table locations or servers.
Freedom from strict schedules
Ideal if you don’t like being tied to a specific hour every evening.
Possible waits during peak hours
Unlike fixed traditional seating, you might wait for a table when the dining room is busy.
Less consistency
You may not get the same tablemates and waitstaff each night.
Reservations not always guaranteed
Depending on the sailing, you might not be able to pre-book your exact dining slot every night.
If you love control over meal times and don’t mind occasional waits, the flexible dining approach is a great fit. If you prefer predictability and the same table every night, traditional dining may suit you better.
To get the best experience under the restaurant policy for Anytime Dining:
Avoid the busiest window
Try dining a bit earlier or later than the main rush to minimize waiting.
Ask about reservations early in the cruise
If your sailing allows bookings for Princess flexible dining, secure your preferred times in advance.
Communicate preferences
Let the host know if you prefer a shared table or a private one, near a window or quieter area.
Dress appropriately
Following the dress code for Anytime Dining Princess ensures you’re never turned away or uncomfortable.
Stay flexible
Embracing the spontaneous aspect of Anytime Dining helps you enjoy the My Time feel without stress.
1. What are the basic rules for Anytime Dining on Princess Cruises?
Anytime Dining lets you choose flexible meal times within the evening window in specific main dining rooms. You may wait during busy periods, and seating is based on availability and your preferences.
2. How does My Time dining work on Princess compared to traditional dining?
With traditional dining, your meal times and table are fixed. With the My Time–style Anytime Dining, you can arrive when you like (within the set hours), and your seating and servers may vary each night.
3. Can I make reservations for Princess flexible dining?
On many sailings, yes. You may be able to make reservations for certain times in the Anytime Dining rooms, though availability and policies vary. Reservations can reduce wait times but are not always required.
4. What is the dress code for Anytime Dining Princess?
The dress code for Anytime Dining Princess generally follows main dining room standards: smart casual most nights, with dressier options on formal evenings. Swimwear and very casual beach clothing are not appropriate at dinner.
5. What are the pros and cons of My Time dining Princess style?
Benefits include flexible meal times, a relaxed schedule, and variety. Downsides can include waits during peak times and less consistency in tables and staff. Your preference for routine vs flexibility will determine if Anytime Dining suits you.
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