Back to Blog

Can I change my dining time after booking an Avalon Waterways cruise?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 10 October 2025
  • 6 min read

Can I change my dining time after booking an Avalon Waterways cruise?

Dining is one of the highlights of an Avalon Waterways cruise, with gourmet cuisine, panoramic views, and flexible meal options. However, travelers sometimes wonder: “Can I change my dining time after booking an Avalon Waterways cruise?”Whether due to scheduling conflicts, personal preferences, or medical needs, understanding Avalon’s dining policies is crucial. 

1. Understanding Avalon Waterways Dining Options

Avalon Waterways offers flexible dining experiences to enhance passenger comfort:

a. Main Dining Room

  • Full-service dining with panoramic windows.

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options included in the cruise fare.

b. Open Seating

  • Many cruises allow flexible seating with no assigned dining times.

  • Guests may dine at their convenience within restaurant operating hours.

c. Specialty Dining

  • Some ships feature specialty or themed dinners (limited availability).

  • May require reservations in advance.

d. Private or In-Cabin Dining

  • Available for guests needing room service or special accommodations.

  • Timing can be coordinated directly with cabin stewards.

2. Can You Change Your Dining Time?

The answer is yes, but with certain limitations:

  1. Main dining room:

    • If assigned a specific seating time, changes are often possible based on availability.

    • Changes must be requested before the cruise begins or within the first day of boarding.

  2. Specialty or themed dinners:

    • Highly dependent on availability.

    • Some dining options may have fixed schedules that cannot be altered.

  3. Open or flexible seating:

    • No formal dining times are assigned. Guests can choose when to eat within service hours.

Avalon emphasizes that requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed.

3. Reasons Passengers May Want to Change Dining Times

  • Personal schedule conflicts: Excursions or tours may overlap with assigned dinner times.

  • Health or dietary needs: Specific meal timing may be necessary.

  • Social preferences: Guests traveling with friends or family may want synchronized seating.

  • Celebrations or special events: Birthday dinners or anniversaries may require specific time slots.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Dining Times

Step 1: Review Your Original Booking

  • Check your confirmation for assigned dining times.

  • Identify which meals or days you wish to change.

Step 2: Contact Avalon Customer Service

Provide:

  • Confirmation number

  • Cabin number

  • Preferred new dining times

  • Specific dates for changes

Step 3: Request Dining Time Adjustments Through the App

  • Use the MyAvalon app to check dining reservations.

  • Some cruises allow online modifications prior to boarding.

Step 4: Confirm Changes Onboard

  • Upon arrival, speak with the headwaiter or dining manager to finalize requests.

  • Changes are subject to availability, especially during peak dining hours.

Step 5: Document Confirmation

  • Receive a written confirmation or note from staff regarding your new dining schedule.

  • Keep it for reference during your cruise.

5. Restrictions and Considerations

  • Availability: Peak dining hours may be limited.

  • Specialty restaurants: Some may not allow timing changes due to high demand.

  • Group bookings: Larger groups may have fixed seating times to accommodate everyone.

  • Excursions: Shore tours often have staggered return times, which may impact preferred dinner slots.

  • Late requests: Requests made after boarding may not be honored if the restaurant is fully booked.

6. Tips for Smooth Dining Time Changes

  1. Plan ahead: Request changes before the cruise departs if possible.

  2. Use the MyAvalon app: Check seating availability and modify dining schedules online.

  3. Communicate with staff immediately: Cabin stewards or dining managers can provide real-time assistance.

  4. Be flexible: Peak times may be unavailable; consider early or late seating alternatives.

  5. Coordinate with travel companions: Ensure all group members’ preferences are aligned.

  6. Document requests: Keep confirmations to avoid misunderstandings.

7. Specialty Dining and Themed Meals

Avalon occasionally offers specialty or themed dinners:

  • Wine and culinary cruises: May have limited seating times for pairing dinners.

  • Seasonal or cultural events: Require advanced booking.

  • Private celebrations: May be arranged through guest services or concierge.

Tip: Specialty dining time changes are more restrictive. Bookings should be confirmed well in advance.

8. Dining for Dietary Restrictions

Guests with special dietary needs may request:

  • Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or low-sodium meals.

  • Medical diets for health conditions.

  • Timing adjustments for medications or medical schedules.

Process:

  1. Notify Avalon during booking or at least two weeks prior to departure.

  2. Confirm onboard with the headwaiter.

  3. Coordinate meal timing adjustments to accommodate health requirements.

9. Multi-Day Cruises and Flexible Dining

For cruises spanning multiple days:

  • Some passengers prefer consistent seating times for convenience.

  • Others enjoy flexible seating to accommodate excursions or port activities.

  • Avalon allows changes on a day-by-day basis in many cases, but some meals may be fixed due to group bookings or specialty events.

10. Group and Family Dining Considerations

  • Large families or groups may require synchronized seating.

  • Group dining requests should be made prior to departure to maximize availability.

  • Changes mid-cruise may be limited if the dining room is fully booked.

11. Using the MyAvalon App for Dining Modifications

  • Log in to your MyAvalon account.

  • Navigate to “Dining” or “Reservations.”

  • Check your assigned seating times.

  • Submit requests for changes, if supported by your cruise.

Benefits:

  • Convenience and early adjustment capability.

  • Reduces wait time upon boarding.

  • Ensures group members are seated together.

12. Onboard Dining Management

  • Avalon employs headwaiters and dining managers to handle seating and time adjustments.

  • Communicate early for best results.

  • They can suggest alternative dining times during high-demand periods.

  • Cabin stewards may assist with in-room dining if requests cannot be accommodated.

13. Common Challenges and Solutions

ChallengeSolution

Peak dining hours fullRequest early or late seating; specialty restaurants may offer alternatives

Group members’ schedules conflictAdjust dining for individual days; coordinate with dining manager

Shore excursions overlapSchedule meals before or after excursions; consider in-room dining

Dietary needsNotify during booking; confirm onboard with staff

Late requestCheck MyAvalon app or speak directly with headwaiter for real-time availability

14. Benefits of Flexible Dining

  • Enhances cruise experience and comfort.

  • Allows social flexibility with companions.

  • Accommodates excursions, entertainment, and leisure schedules.

  • Supports special celebrations and dietary requirements.

  • Provides peace of mind by confirming arrangements ahead of time.

15. Contact Information for Dining Assistance

16. FAQs About Changing Dining Times

Q1: Can I change dining times after boarding?

Yes, but changes depend on availability and restaurant capacity.

Q2: Are specialty dining reservations flexible?

Limited flexibility; confirm early or book in advance.

Q3: Does Avalon charge a fee for changing dining times?

No, generally there is no fee, but availability may be restricted.

Q4: Can I request private dining for special occasions?

Yes, contact guest services in advance.

Q5: How do dietary restrictions affect dining time changes?

Coordinate with Avalon in advance; staff will help adjust meal times as needed.

17. Avalon waterways

Changing your dining time on an Avalon Waterways cruise is possible with careful planning and communication. By understanding the policies, using the MyAvalon app, coordinating with staff, and acting early, you can ensure your dining experience aligns with your schedule, dietary needs, and social preferences. Flexible dining enhances your overall cruise experience, providing comfort, convenience, and memorable meals while enjoying the scenic waterways.

logo

Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.

© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service