What are the rules for “My Time Dining” on Azamara?

One of the joys of an Azamara cruise is fine dining at sea. With multiple restaurants, specialty dining, and flexible options, passengers often ask: “Can I change my dining time after booking an Azamara cruise?”

Whether you booked My Time Dining, Classic Dining, or specialty restaurants, Azamara provides options to adjust dining times or preferences to suit your itinerary, activities, or personal schedule.

This comprehensive guide explains how to change dining times, the policies and procedures involved, available dining options, and strategies for maximizing your dining experience on an Azamara cruise.

1. Understanding Azamara Dining Options

Azamara offers multiple dining formats, each with different rules for changing reservations:

A. Classic Dining

Fixed dining time with assigned table
Ideal for passengers who prefer a set schedule
Changes may be limited due to table assignment policies

B. My Time Dining

Flexible dining where you choose your preferred time each night
Highly customizable for schedules, excursions, or onboard activities
Easier to modify times than Classic Dining

C. Specialty Restaurants

Includes Prime C, Aqualina, and Windows Café
Require advanced reservations, typically booked through Guest Services or the Azamara app
Reservations may be changed depending on availability and cruise itinerary

2. When Can You Change Dining Times?

Passengers may request a dining time change:

Before the cruise – Highly recommended to ensure availability at preferred times
During the cruise – Subject to restaurant availability and table scheduling
Special occasions – Birthday or anniversary dinners may require prior notice

3. How to Change Your Dining Time Before the Cruise

A. Online Through Azamara Account

Log in to your Azamara account
Navigate to “Manage My Cruise” or Dining Reservations
Select the current dining time and choose a new available slot
Confirm the changes and receive updated confirmation via email

B. Contact Your Travel Agent

Travel agents can modify dining reservations on your behalf
Especially useful for passengers who booked through third-party agencies

C. Call Azamara Guest Services

Provide your reservation number, dining time, and preferred new time
Guest Services can update your schedule if availability allows

Tip: Changing times early improves your chances of getting your preferred slot and ensures seating together if traveling with family or friends.

4. How to Change Dining Times During the Cruise

A. Approach Guest Services

Visit the Guest Services desk onboard
Request a new dining time based on availability
Staff will check the restaurant schedule and table availability

B. Use the Azamara App

Open the Dining Reservations section
Select your current booking and choose a new time if available
App updates in real-time to show open slots and availability

C. Speak Directly With the Restaurant

For specialty dining, sometimes speaking directly to the maître d’ can secure a better time
Especially useful for last-minute adjustments or special occasions

5. Factors Affecting Dining Time Changes

A. Cruise Capacity

Peak season cruises may have limited flexibility due to high demand
Smaller ships may have fewer tables, reducing available time slots

B. Type of Dining

My Time Dining allows more flexibility
Classic Dining may require waiting lists or compromise on preferred times

C. Table Size and Guest Count

Larger parties may face more constraints when adjusting times
Notify Guest Services if you are traveling with family, friends, or large groups

D. Excursions and Onboard Activities

Consider your shore excursion times when changing dinner slots
Early or late dining may be preferable for evening entertainment or port days

6. Specialty Restaurant Considerations

A. Prime C Steakhouse

Advanced reservations recommended
Changing time may depend on existing bookings and cruise occupancy

B. Aqualina

Italian cuisine specialty dining
Reservations may be adjusted onboard, but preferred times may be limited

C. Windows Café

Offers flexible seating
Time changes are often possible, especially for lunch or casual dining

Tip: Specialty restaurants often require nominal cover charges or per-person fees, which remain the same even if the time changes.

7. My Time Dining Flexibility

A. Overview

Guests select a start time each evening
Seating is first-come, first-served within your selected slot

B. Changing Times

Can be modified daily via the Azamara app or Guest Services
Ideal for passengers who plan excursions or spa treatments during dinner hours

C. Best Practices

Book earlier in the day for popular times (6:00–7:30 PM)
Later times (8:30–9:00 PM) are generally less crowded
Adjust your time for special events, shows, or shore excursions

8. Dining Etiquette and Rules

Arrive on time for your reserved slot
Notify staff if you need a last-minute change
Avoid repeated cancellations to maintain good relations with the dining staff
Special dietary needs or allergies should be communicated in advance

9. Tips for Maximizing Dining Experience

Plan Around Shore Excursions – Book early or late dinner based on port arrival and departure times
Coordinate With Fellow Travelers – Ensure dining times suit all members of your party
Use the App for Updates – Monitor changes and available slots
Reserve Specialty Dining Early – Some restaurants book up weeks in advance
Celebrate Special Occasions – Notify Guest Services for birthday or anniversary surprises

10. Common Challenges and Solutions

A. No Available Time Slots

Check for alternate restaurants or seating arrangements
Split the party into two tables if necessary
Ask Guest Services for waitlist options

B. Conflicting Excursion Times

Adjust dining time to avoid overlap with shore excursions
My Time Dining offers maximum flexibility in such cases

C. Large Group Adjustments

Plan well in advance for parties of 6+
Contact Guest Services to secure contiguous tables

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change my Classic Dining time?

Yes, but subject to availability and table assignment rules

Q2: Is there a fee to change dining times?

Generally, no fee for changes, except in specialty restaurants if it requires premium seating

Q3: Can I change dining times daily?

My Time Dining allows daily adjustments; Classic Dining may be fixed

Q4: How do I change specialty restaurant reservations?

Via Guest Services or the Azamara app; time changes are subject to availability

Q5: Do changes affect loyalty points or onboard perks?

No, loyalty points and benefits remain unchanged with dining time adjustments

12. Advantages of Flexible Dining

Maximized itinerary – Adjust times to suit excursions and onboard activities
Better seating options – Choose less crowded times for a more relaxed experience
Special occasions – Align dining times with celebrations or events
Improved experience – Flexibility reduces stress and enhances enjoyment

13. Planning Ahead for Dining Changes

Review your itinerary before departure
Decide if you prefer early or late dining based on port days and activities
Book specialty dining months in advance
Use the app to monitor open slots and availability

14. Process and flexibility

Yes, you can change your dining time after booking an Azamara cruise, but the process and flexibility depend on the type of dining, cruise occupancy, and timing. My Time Dining offers the most flexibility, while Classic Dining and specialty restaurants may have restrictions or require advance notice.

Use the Azamara app or Guest Services to adjust times
Consider shore excursions, group size, and special occasions when changing times
Specialty restaurants may require advance notice and reservations
My Time Dining allows daily adjustments for ultimate flexibility

By planning ahead and using Azamara’s resources effectively, passengers can enjoy a tailored dining experience that complements their cruise itinerary, lifestyle, and special celebrations.