Can I change my dining time after booking a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines?

Dining is one of the highlights of cruising with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. From traditional dining in elegant restaurants to casual meals with ocean views, mealtimes are an integral part of the onboard experience. However, many passengers wonder: “Can I change my dining time after booking a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cruise?”The answer is yes, it’s usually possible, but it depends on factors such as availability, your booking details, and how early you make the request. Dining arrangements on cruises are highly sought-after, especially at popular times, so changes are subject to space and scheduling.This article will walk you through everything you need to know about changing dining times with Fred. Olsen, including policies, procedures, restrictions, and practical tips to maximize your chances of securing the dining experience you want.

Dining on Fred. Olsen Cruises: An Overview

Fred. Olsen offers a classic cruise dining experience with a mix of:

• Fixed Dining Times: Guests are assigned a table and dining time, typically early or late seating.

• Open Seating (Flexi-dining in some venues): Guests may dine more casually, choosing when to eat within restaurant opening hours.

• Specialty Restaurants: Some ships feature alternative venues offering different styles and timings.

Because dining is central to cruise culture, many passengers book with a preferred dining time in mind. Early seating is popular with those who prefer lighter evenings, while later seating appeals to travelers who enjoy long afternoons ashore.

Can You Change Your Dining Time After Booking?

Yes, Fred. Olsen allows guests to request changes to dining times after booking. However, approval depends on:

1. Availability: If your preferred time is already full, you may be placed on a waiting list.

2. Booking Channel: Changes must be requested through either Fred. Olsen directly or your travel agent.

3. Timing: The earlier you request the change, the more likely it is to be accommodated.

4. Cruise Duration: Longer cruises often have more flexibility for dining adjustments.

5. Ship and Restaurant Layout: Some ships have larger dining rooms with more capacity, while others may have limited seating.

How to Request a Dining Time Change

If you want to change your dining time after booking, here are the steps:

1. Contact Your Travel Agent or Fred. Olsen

   • If you booked through a travel agent, they must handle the request on your behalf.

   • If you booked directly with Fred. Olsen, call or email their reservations team.

2. Make the Request Early

   • Ideally, request the change as soon as you decide, rather than waiting until embarkation.

3. Check for Confirmation

   • Fred. Olsen may confirm your new dining time immediately or place you on a waitlist.

4. Speak to the Maitre d’ Onboard

   • If your request isn’t confirmed before departure, you can visit the restaurant manager or maitre d’ after boarding to ask about availability.

Availability and Waitlists

Dining time availability is one of the most important factors. Popular slots—such as early seating—can fill up months before departure. If your preferred time is full, Fred. Olsen may:

• Place you on a waitlist and notify you if space becomes available.

• Offer you an alternative time or a different restaurant option.

• Allow you to speak to the maitre d’ once onboard to see if changes can be arranged.

In practice, many guests who request changes early enough are accommodated, while last-minute requests may require flexibility.

Costs and Fees

Changing your dining time with Fred. Olsen is generally free of charge. Unlike cabin changes or itinerary modifications, dining adjustments are considered a guest service rather than a booking amendment.

However:

• Specialty dining venues may require a supplement fee.

• If you cancel a specialty dining reservation close to the date, charges may apply.

For main dining rooms, though, there are no fees for changing dining times.

Factors That Affect Dining Time Flexibility

Several variables influence whether you can change your dining time:

1. Cruise Length

   • On shorter cruises, demand for specific times can be higher and harder to change.

   • On longer cruises, dining tends to be more flexible.

2. Ship Size and Layout

   • Smaller Fred. Olsen ships (like Balmoral or Borealis) may have limited seating compared to larger vessels.

3. Passenger Demographics

   • Cruises with more retirees may see higher demand for early dining.

   • Cruises with younger travelers may lean toward late seating.

4. Season and Itinerary

   • Mediterranean cruises often see later dining preferences.

   • Northern Europe itineraries may have higher early seating demand.

Onboard Options if Changes Aren’t Possible

If your dining time cannot be changed before departure, you still have alternatives once onboard:

• Buffet Restaurants: Casual dining options are open for extended hours.

• Specialty Venues: Reserve a table at a specialty restaurant with flexible times.

• Room Service: Order meals to your cabin for maximum flexibility.

• Informal Dining Areas: Some ships have cafes and lounges offering lighter meal options outside of fixed times.

Practical Tips for Success

1. Book Early: Select your preferred dining time when booking your cruise.

2. Request Immediately: Don’t delay if you need to make a change—space fills fast.

3. Stay Flexible: If your ideal time isn’t available, consider alternatives like open dining or specialty venues.

4. Check Onboard: Visit the maitre d’ on embarkation day—changes are often easier to make in person.

5. Travel Insurance: While insurance won’t cover dining issues, it’s wise to protect your trip in case of larger booking changes.

Passenger Scenarios

To make this clearer, here are some example scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Jane booked late dining but realized she prefers early meals. She called Fred. Olsen three months before departure and was able to switch at no extra cost.

• Scenario 2: David booked through a travel agent and wanted to change to early dining two weeks before sailing. The time was full, but he was added to a waitlist. On embarkation day, he spoke to the maitre d’ and secured an early slot.

• Scenario 3: Emily and Tom wanted more flexibility, so instead of changing fixed dining times, they booked specialty restaurants on alternate nights.

FAQs

Q1: Can I change my dining time after boarding?

Yes, but it depends on space. Speak to the maitre d’ as soon as you board.

Q2: Is there a fee to change dining times?

No, main dining room changes are free. Specialty venues may have extra charges.

Q3: Can I choose flexible dining instead of fixed times?

some itineraries and ships, yes. Ask Fred. Olsen or check availability.

Q4: What if I’m traveling with a group?

Group dining changes can be trickier. Request as early as possible so you can all sit together.

Q5: Do suite guests get priority for dining time changes?

Guests in higher accommodation categories sometimes enjoy greater flexibility.