Dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise is one of the highlights of your vacation experience. From exquisite multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room to casual bites at the Windjammer Café, food plays a major part in setting the tone for your journey at sea. Among the dining options offered, Royal Caribbean My Time Dining has become increasingly popular with guests who prefer flexibility over fixed meal schedules.
If you’re wondering, “What are the rules for My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?” this guide explains everything you need to know — how it works, what to expect, how to make reservations, and how it compares to traditional dining.
Royal Caribbean My Time Dining is the cruise line’s flexible dining program that allows guests to choose when they want to eat dinner in the Main Dining Room each evening. Unlike traditional dining, which assigns a fixed seating time (usually early or late), My Time Dining lets you dine anytime between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, depending on your ship’s schedule.
This program is perfect for travelers who prefer to plan their days spontaneously — perhaps after a long shore excursion or an evening show — without being tied to a set dinner schedule.
The concept of My Time Dining is simple: you decide when to dine. You can either make advance reservations for specific times through the Royal Caribbean website or mobile app, or simply walk in each evening and wait for the next available table.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
You’ll dine in a dedicated area of the Main Dining Room reserved for My Time Dining guests.
You can reserve a time each night or show up when you’re ready.
The dining staff will assign you to a table based on your preference (private table or shared).
You’ll enjoy the same menu and service quality as traditional dining guests.
Tips (gratuities) are pre-paid when selecting My Time Dining.
You can select My Time Dining when booking your cruise or add it later via the Cruise Planner before your sailing.
Here’s how to do it:
Log in to portjourney.
Go to “My Cruises” and select your upcoming sailing.
Navigate to the Dining & Beverage section.
Select My Time Dining and make reservations for your preferred dining times.
It’s a good idea to book your dinner times early, especially if you prefer prime dining hours (7:00–8:00 PM), as these fill quickly.
If you didn’t pre-book your dining times before sailing, don’t worry. Once onboard, you can make reservations in several ways:
Royal Caribbean App: Log in, go to “Dining,” and select available time slots.
Dining Desk: Visit the Main Dining Room on embarkation day to confirm or modify times.
Guest Services: They can help you with dining changes or connect you with the dining team.
You can also choose to walk in without a reservation, but there might be a short wait during peak hours.
Both dining options offer excellent food and service, but they cater to different preferences.
Feature My Time DiningTraditional Dining
Meal Time Flexible (6:00–9:30 PM)Fixed (Early or Late Seating)
Table Assignment Changes nightly (optional)Same table and companions every night
Wait Staff May vary by night Same servers throughout the cruise
Reservations Optional but recommended Pre-assigned
Prepaid Gratuities Required Optional
Ideal For Guests who prefer flexibility Guests who enjoy routine and consistency
Many guests enjoy My Time Dining because it fits easily into the cruise’s entertainment schedule. You can attend shows, explore the ports, and dine when it’s most convenient.
While Royal Caribbean’s flexible dining is designed to make your experience easy, there are some key rules and guidelines you should know:
Prepaid gratuities are required. Guests choosing My Time Dining must prepay service gratuities at the time of booking.
Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins are allowed, but during busy times you may experience a short wait.
Dining times vary by ship. The My Time Dining schedule usually runs from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, but check your Cruise Compass or app for ship-specific hours.
Consistent table and wait staff are not guaranteed. Unless you request the same table, you may be seated with different staff or tablemates nightly.
Dress code still applies. On casual nights, resort wear is fine, but on formal nights, My Time Dining guests are encouraged to follow the same attire guidelines as traditional diners.
Group dining requires linked reservations. If traveling with friends or family, make sure to link your bookings in advance so the system recognizes your group for shared dining times.
The Royal Caribbean mobile app is the easiest way to manage your My Time Dining reservations. Once your cruise is linked to the app, you can:
View dining hours and available times
Make or modify dinner reservations
Receive reminders for upcoming meals
Explore restaurant menus
You can also use the app to manage other Royal Caribbean restaurant options, such as specialty dining (Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, Izumi, etc.) if you’d like to mix things up during your cruise.
Yes, but it’s based on availability. If you prefer consistent service, ask the maître d’ or dining host to seat you in the same section each evening. This allows you to have the same waiter, which many guests appreciate for personalized service.
However, since My Time Dining is flexible, this arrangement isn’t always guaranteed — especially if you vary your dining time each night.
While My Time Dining covers meals in the Main Dining Room, specialty dining restaurants offer a completely different experience.
Specialty venues, such as Giovanni’s Table, Wonderland, and Chops Grille, operate independently of your My Time Dining schedule. You can make separate reservations for these restaurants in advance through the Cruise Planner or onboard via the app.
If you plan to enjoy multiple specialty dining experiences, consider purchasing a Dining Package for better value and flexibility.
Reserve early: Especially for prime dining times (7:00–8:00 PM).
Arrive on time: Your table will only be held briefly for reservations.
Plan around shows: Check entertainment schedules before booking dinner times.
Mix it up: Try a combination of My Time Dining and specialty restaurants for variety.
Link bookings for groups: Ensures you dine together without scheduling confusion.
IssueSolution
My dining reservation isn’t showing in the appLog out and back in, or confirm via Guest Services.
I can’t find my preferred timeCheck again later; cancellations often open new slots.
I want to dine with friends in another cabinLink your reservations online before the cruise.
I missed my reservationVisit the Main Dining Room; the staff will seat you as soon as possible.
My gratuities aren’t showing as prepaidConfirm with Guest Services or check your cruise account.
Royal Caribbean My Time Dining is ideal for those who value freedom and spontaneity. You can dine at your pace, enjoy conversations without rushing, and adapt to your daily plans.
It’s also a great way to explore other Royal Caribbean restaurant options — from the buffet and casual eateries to fine dining experiences.
For families, couples, or groups with varying schedules, My Time Dining offers the flexibility to make every evening at sea fit your preferences perfectly.
1. What are the rules for My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?
Guests must prepay gratuities, make or modify reservations as needed, and follow Main Dining Room dress codes.
2. Do I need to make a reservation for My Time Dining?
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, but walk-ins are accepted.
3. Can I have the same waiter with My Time Dining?
Yes, you can request the same section or waiter, though it depends on availability.
4. Is My Time Dining available on all Royal Caribbean ships?
Yes, nearly all Royal Caribbean ships offer My Time Dining in the Main Dining Room.
5. Can I switch between traditional dining and My Time Dining?
Yes, if space allows. You can contact Royal Caribbean customer service or the maître d’ onboard to request a change.
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