Dining is one of the most memorable parts of a Royal Caribbean cruise. From elegant main dining rooms to specialty restaurants and casual buffets, guests look forward to enjoying a wide range of meals while sailing to their dream destinations. However, a common concern arises for many travelers: Can I change my dining time after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise?

The short answer is yes. Royal Caribbean provides flexible options to adjust your dining schedule even after your reservation is confirmed. Whether you prefer early seating, late seating, or the more adaptable My Time Dining program, you can request changes before sailing or even once onboard, depending on availability.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how dining times work on Royal Caribbean cruises, how to make changes, what restrictions you may face, and practical tips to ensure the best dining experience during your vacation.

Understanding Royal Caribbean Dining Options

Before exploring how to change dining times, it’s important to understand the types of dining Royal Caribbean offers in its Main Dining Rooms (MDRs):

1. Traditional Dining

• Guests choose a set dining time (early or late seating).

• You dine at the same table, at the same time, with the same wait staff every evening.

• Great for those who like routine and a consistent schedule.

2. My Time Dining

• Provides flexibility to dine at different times each evening.

• Reservations can be made daily or in advance.

• Perfect for travelers who prefer variety and freedom in their evening plans.

3. Specialty Dining (Optional)

• Paid restaurants with unique cuisines, such as steakhouse, Italian, or sushi.

• Reservation times are chosen at booking or onboard and can usually be modified.

Can You Change Dining Time After Booking?

Yes, Royal Caribbean allows guests to change dining times after booking. However, the ease of doing so depends on the timing of your request and the availability of slots.

Here are the main scenarios:

1. Before Your Cruise

   • Dining times can be adjusted through the Cruise Planner online portal or the Royal Caribbean app.

   • Contact your travel agent (if booked through one) to make changes.

2. After Boarding the Ship

   • If your preferred time is unavailable online, you can request a change once onboard.

   • Head to the dining reservations desk (usually open on embarkation day) to request adjustments.

3. During the Cruise

   • For My Time Dining, you can change reservations daily depending on your schedule.

   • Specialty dining reservations can also be modified, though prime slots may be harder to secure.

How to Change Dining Time Before Sailing

Royal Caribbean makes it simple to update dining preferences before your trip begins.

Steps to Change Online via Cruise Planner

1. Log into your Royal Caribbean account.

2. Navigate to Cruise Planner.

3. Select Dining.

4. Review your assigned dining time (early, late, or My Time).

5. Modify your choice if available.

6. Confirm and save your updated preference.

Using the Royal Caribbean App

1. Download and log in to the app.

2. Access your upcoming sailing.

3. Tap on Dining Options.

4. Change your assigned seating or book My Time Dining slots.

Via Customer Service or Travel Agent

• If you booked through a travel agent, contact them to manage changes.

• If booked directly, call Royal Caribbean’s customer service for assistance.

How to Change Dining Time Once Onboard

Sometimes dining times fill up quickly, especially on popular sailings. If you cannot secure your preferred time before departure, don’t worry—Royal Caribbean provides options onboard.

Steps Onboard

1. Visit the Dining Reservations Desk – Located near the main dining room, open on embarkation day.

2. Speak to the Maître D’ – They manage seating assignments and can accommodate changes when possible.

3. Adjust Through the App – Depending on the ship, the app may allow changes in real time.

4. Use My Time Dining Flexibility – If traditional slots are full, you may switch to My Time Dining.

Factors That Affect Dining Time Changes

Several factors determine whether you can successfully adjust your dining schedule:

1. Cruise Capacity – Fully booked sailings may have limited flexibility.

2. Dining Type Selected – Switching from traditional to My Time or vice versa may depend on availability.

3. Group Size – Larger groups may find it harder to change times, as seating together requires open tables.

4. Timing of Request – The earlier you request a change, the better your chances.

5. Ship Size and Dining Rooms – Larger ships often have more dining capacity, increasing flexibility.

Costs Involved in Changing Dining Times

• Main Dining Room Changes – Free of charge.

• My Time Dining Adjustments – No additional fees.

• Specialty Dining Reservations – Changing times is usually free, but cancellations may incur penalties if done late.

Benefits of Changing Dining Time

Changing your dining schedule can enhance your vacation experience.

1. Better Alignment with Activities – Avoid conflicts with shows, excursions, or kids’ programs.

2. Improved Family Experience – Families with young children often prefer early dining.

3. Flexibility for Couples or Groups – My Time Dining allows more freedom for mixed schedules.

4. Enhanced Dining Atmosphere – Some guests prefer quieter late seatings, while others enjoy lively early ones.

Tips for Successfully Changing Dining Times

1. Book Early – Secure your preferred dining time when booking the cruise.

2. Check Back Often – Availability may open as other guests modify their plans.

3. Be Flexible – If your ideal time isn’t available, consider My Time Dining.

4. Visit the Dining Desk Early – On embarkation day, spots sometimes open due to cancellations.

5. Split Dining for Groups – If traveling with a large group, book multiple smaller tables and request to be seated near each other.

Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: Family with Kids

A family books late dining but realizes their children struggle to stay awake. They request an early seating through Cruise Planner before sailing and successfully switch.

Scenario 2: Couple Who Enjoys Shows

A couple initially selects early dining but later finds it conflicts with evening theater performances. On embarkation day, they switch to late dining.

Scenario 3: Friends Traveling Together

A group of friends chooses My Time Dining, allowing them to dine at different times depending on their daily plans. They make reservations each morning using the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I switch from traditional dining to My Time Dining?

Yes, subject to availability. Requests are easier if made early.

2. What if all dining times are full?

You may be waitlisted, and adjustments are often possible once onboard.

3. Can I change my dining time every night?

Yes, if you choose My Time Dining. Traditional dining is fixed but may be changed once for the entire cruise.

4. Do specialty dining times work the same way?

Specialty restaurants allow flexibility in reservation times, but popular slots should be booked early.

5. Can large groups change dining times easily?

It may be more challenging, but Royal Caribbean works to accommodate groups. Request early and be flexible.

Conclusion

So, can you change your dining time after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise? Absolutely. Royal Caribbean provides flexibility for guests to adjust their dining preferences, both before and during the cruise.

• Before sailing: Use Cruise Planner, the app, or a travel agent to secure your preferred dining slot.

• After boarding: Visit the dining desk or maître d’ to request adjustments.

• During the cruise: My Time Dining allows ongoing flexibility for daily schedule changes.

Dining should be a highlight of your cruise, not a source of stress. With proactive planning and knowledge of the available options, you can easily tailor your mealtime to fit your vacation style.

Whether you prefer a structured routine with traditional dining or the flexibility of My Time Dining, Royal Caribbean ensures that every guest has the opportunity to enjoy meals at a time that best suits their needs.