Royal Caribbean My Time Dining: Dine Anytime You Like!

Dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise is more than just having a meal, as it is part of the adventure. Some guests enjoy a set dinner schedule, while others prefer the freedom to choose when and where to eat.

This is where My Time Dining comes in. It is a flexible and popular option that allows you to enjoy your meals your way, at your own pace. In this blog, we will take a closer look at what makes it special and why many cruisers prefer it over traditional dining.

What is My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean and How Does it Work?ย 

Royal Caribbean My Time Dining offers a liberating dining experience, allowing guests to tailor their meal schedules according to their preferences. It provides a flexible dining option, giving guests the freedom to select their meal times and dining partners.

It differs from the traditional dining setup, where fixed meal times and seating arrangements are assigned to each guest.ย 

You will have a specific dining area reserved for passengers on the flexible plan, which will be indicated on your Sea Pass cruise card. Apart from specific venues, nothing else is assigned.

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You are free to choose your dining time within the specified serving hours of the My Time Dining rooms each day. You can choose when to eat between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

The exact times may change depending on the ship and schedule. You can check the details on the Royal Caribbean app, your cabin’s interactive TV, or the Daily Cruise Compass

Royal Caribbean My Time Dining Gratuities

To use My Time Dining, you need to pay tips upfront. It costs $9.75 per day, covering both the wait staff and room steward. The tips are combined to avoid confusion.

The gratuities are shared equally among the wait staff. If you prefer to tip generously each night, you can do so instead of paying in advance for the service.

How to Reserve My Time Dining Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean My Time Dining reservations is a simple and effortless process. Passengers can reserve My Time Dining by following three ways:

Online Reservation

It is recommended to book your My Time Dining online before your cruise for best dining experience. You can easily reserve your dining times through the Cruise Planner on their website or on Royal App.

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Onboard Reservation ย 

If you decide to make a reservation for Royal Caribbean My time dining after boarding the ship, just head to Guest Services or the main dining room.

Guests in the Star Class Suite can ask their Royal Genie for help with reservations. Guests in Grand Suites and higher can also ask the suite concierge in the suite lounge for reservations on certain ships. 

Through a Travel Agentย 

If you use a travel agent to book your cruise, ask them to arrange Royal Caribbean My Time Dining for you.

Do I Need to Make Reservations for My Time Dining?

If you choose My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean, making a reservation is highly recommended. While walk-ins are allowed, booking in advance gives you a better chance of getting your preferred dining time, especially on sea days when many guests dine around the same hour. You can easily reserve your spot through the Royal Caribbean app before your cruise or call the dining room once onboard.

The Royal Caribbean app is also a great tool for planning your meals. You can view menus for your specific sailing once your cruise dates are near. Just log in, select your upcoming cruise, or tap โ€œBrowse our shipsโ€, then choose a ship and date to explore available dining options and menus for that day.

Where can I Eat When I Choose My Time Dining?

On Royal Caribbean ships, the Main Dining Room offers My Time Dining, which lets you reserve a table during a flexible time window instead of having a fixed dining schedule.

The Buffet, on the other hand, lets you dine whenever you like without reservations, making it perfect for casual meals. Specialty restaurants also require reservations but allow flexible dining times, similar to My Time Dining.

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Keep in mind, if you donโ€™t select My Time Dining within the first two days of your cruise, you will be automatically assigned traditional dining times, which can limit your flexibility in the Main Dining Room.

Even if you plan to eat there only occasionally, opting for My Time Dining gives you more control over your dining schedule and makes your cruise experience more convenient.

How to Change My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?

You can change your Royal Caribbean dining schedule either through the website or by calling the dining hotline from your stateroom phone.

If you want to switch between My Time Dining and traditional dining, be sure to contact Guest Services within the first two days of your cruise. After that, availability may be limited, so itโ€™s best to make changes early.

Can I Choose My Time Dining for every Cruise?

You have the flexibility to choose between My Time Dining or traditional seating, and you can switch between them depending on your preferences for each cruise.

Keep in mind that dining options may become limited as the cruise gets booked up, which could result in you being assigned a different dining option than you wanted. If this occurs, it’s recommended to visit the main dining room as soon as you board to see if any changes can be made. 

How My Time Dining is Different from Traditional Dining on Royal Caribbean?

Traditional Dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise means you have a set dining time and table. You enjoy dinner with the same group of people and the same waiter every night, which can feel familiar and consistent.

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In contrast, My Time Dining allows you to choose when you want to eat within the main dining room hours, depending on table availability. This option gives you more flexibility and freedom during your cruise.

Is the Dress Code Same for My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?

My Time Dining has a casual dress code, but formal wear is still required on certain nights. This option offers a more relaxed cruise experience. 

Families with kids are picking My Time Dining more, so the dress code is getting more relaxed on certain nights. You still cannot wear swimwear, ripped jeans, athletic clothes, or shorts. 

Are the Menus Same for Early and late Dinners as they are for My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, the main dining room menus are the same for both traditional and My Time Dining groups every evening. This ensures that all guests have access to the same delectable dishes and culinary experiences regardless of their preferred dining style. ย 

FAQs – Royal Caribbean My Time Dining

What is My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?ย 

My Time Dining is a flexible and popular dining choice on Royal Caribbean. It’s different from the usual fixed meal times at 5:30 PM or 9:30 PM.

How to Book My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?ย 

You have the option to book reservations either through the Cruise Planner, by contacting your travel agent, or while you are onboard.ย 

Who Should Pick My Time Dining Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean My Time Dining is ideal for families with children, busy travelers, and those who want flexible dining. It also suits outgoing guests and close groups who prefer not to dine with strangers.

Can our Friends Join us for Dinnerย if we Choose Royal Caribbean My Time Dining?ย 

Friends who select My Time Dining can join your table, but anyone with set dining times will lose their assigned slot if they dine with you, per Royal Caribbean rules.

What Time is My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean?ย 

Royal Caribbean My Time Dining offers flexible seating from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, letting you choose a time that fits your schedule each night.

How do Tips Work for Royal Caribbean My Time Dining?ย 

Royal Caribbean My Time Dining requires pre-paid gratuities which are shared among all waitstaff. You can also give extra tips to individual servers if you choose.

Does My Time Dining Prefer Small Groups or Large Groups?ย 

Smaller groups have more flexibility. When you ask for a table for your group, there are usually only a few tables available for 6 or more people.

Is My Time Dining Free on Royal Caribbean?

My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean is not free. It’s a flexible dining option that allows you to choose when you want to eat dinner each night, but it’s still part of the main dining room experience that’s included in your cruise fare.

Can I have the Same Waiters Every Night with My Time Dining?

If you book for the same time every night, you’ll probably get the same waiters. You can ask for a specific waiter each night, but it might make you wait longer, even if you have a reservation.

Zoe Lynn

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