Can I change my dining time after booking a Costa Cruises?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a Costa Cruises voyage is the dining experience. Costa Cruises offers a variety of options, including traditional dining, flexible schedules, specialty restaurants, and buffets.

Passengers often wonder:

“Can I change my dining time after booking my Costa Cruises cruise?”

The answer is yes, but there are important policies and conditions. Changing your dining time depends on availability, cruise type, and whether you have booked specialty dining or standard seating.

Costa Cruises dining options
Dining policies and schedules
Steps to request changes
Costs and availability
Alternatives if preferred times are unavailable
Tips for a smooth dining experience
Real-life examples

Understanding Costa Cruises Dining Options

Traditional Dining (Assigned Times)

Early Seating: Typically around 6:30 PM, suitable for families or early diners.
Late Seating: Typically around 8:30 PM, ideal for adults or those enjoying evening shows.
Guests are assigned a table and seating time for the entire cruise.

My Time Dining (Flexible Dining)

Some Costa ships offer My Time Dining, allowing passengers to select dining times within a flexible window.
Reservations can be made via the Costa app or onboard.
Offers more freedom to plan meals according to excursions, shows, or personal schedules.

Specialty Dining

Includes steakhouses, Italian trattorias, sushi bars, and other themed restaurants.
Requires a reservation and usually an additional fee.
Provides full flexibility in selecting dining times, often independent of traditional seating schedules.

Buffet Dining

Open for extended hours throughout the day.
Offers casual dining and accommodates passengers who cannot adhere to fixed dining times.

Policies for Changing Dining Time

Costa Cruises allows dining time changes after booking, but availability is not guaranteed. Changes depend on:

Ship capacity and occupancy
Number of requests for the same seating time
Cabin category and cruise package (premium passengers may have more flexibility)

Timing for Requests

Before Departure:
- Contact Costa Cruises customer service or your travel agent.
- Requests are more likely to be accommodated if made early.
During Online Check-In:
- The Costa app or website may allow you to select or modify dining times.
After Boarding:
- Visit the Maitre d’ desk on embarkation day.
- Staff can help adjust seating based on availability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Dining Time

Step 1: Review Current Assignment

Check your booking confirmation or the Costa Cruises app for assigned seating.

Step 2: Contact Costa Cruises

Call customer service or your travel agent to request a dining change.
Provide passenger names, cabin number, and preferred seating.

Step 3: Check Online Check-In Options

Log into your Costa account or app.
Verify or update your dining preference if the feature is available.

Step 4: Onboard Adjustment

Approach the Maitre d’ on embarkation day or during the first few days.
Be polite, flexible, and ask about available seating options.

Step 5: Confirm Final Assignment

Ensure your new dining time is updated on your cruise card or app.
Verify any changes to specialty dining or group seating arrangements.

Costs and Fees

Traditional Dining: Typically, no additional charge to change seating, but subject to availability.
Specialty Dining: Fees apply, but you gain more control over timing.
Premium Packages (Club, Suite, or Yacht Club): Often include priority seating and flexibility.

Alternatives if Your Preferred Time Isn’t Available

Use Flexible Dining (My Time Dining): Provides more options within a broad time window.
Book Specialty Restaurants: Pay an extra fee to guarantee your preferred schedule.
Buffet Option: Ideal for casual meals outside assigned seating times.
Room Service: Available 24/7 on most Costa ships, sometimes for a nominal fee.

Real-Life Scenarios

Family Example: A family initially assigned late seating switched to early dining by requesting changes onboard, allowing better coordination with kids’ schedules.
Couple Example: A couple who preferred early seating couldn’t secure it through online check-in, but booked specialty dining a few nights, which gave them flexibility.
Solo Traveler Example: Found flexible dining more convenient and adjusted meal times without issue by speaking to the Maitre d’.

Tips for Success

Book Early: Early requests increase chances of securing preferred seating.
Check Menus in Advance: Use the Costa app to plan meals and special dietary needs.
Be Flexible: If your first choice isn’t available, consider buffets or specialty restaurants.
Leverage Premium Packages: Passengers in higher-tier cabins often have priority for dining adjustments.
Coordinate with Travel Agents: For large groups, agents can help secure preferred times.

FAQs

Q1: Can I guarantee early or late dining when booking?

Requests can be made but are subject to availability; booking early helps.

Q2: Do premium passengers have priority?

Yes, Costa Club or suite passengers often enjoy flexible seating options.

Q3: Can I change daily between early and late dining?

Traditional dining usually requires consistent seating, while My Time Dining allows daily variation.

Q4: Can groups dine together if changing times?

Yes, but early requests are recommended to ensure availability.

Q5: What if I miss my assigned dining time?

You may need to wait for availability or use alternative dining options.

timing, availability, and cruise package.

Yes, you can change your dining time after booking a Costa Cruises cruise, but success depends on timing, availability, and cruise package.

Early requests, using the Costa app, or upgrading to specialty or flexible dining options maximize your chances of enjoying meals at your preferred time.

By understanding Costa Cruises dining policies, passengers can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and tailored dining experience throughout their cruise.