One of the highlights of any Royal Caribbean cruise is the dining experience. With world-class menus, attentive service, and beautifully designed dining rooms, mealtime is more than just eating—it’s part of the vacation magic. Traditionally, cruise lines offered set dining times, but today’s travelers often prefer flexibility. To meet this demand, Royal Caribbean introduced My Time Dining—a more relaxed approach that allows guests to dine at times that best fit their schedules.

But like any cruise program, My Time Dining comes with specific rules and guidelines to ensure smooth operations. If you’re considering this option, it’s important to understand how it works, what rules apply, and how to maximize the benefits while avoiding common mistakes.

This article offers a complete guide to the rules for My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean, including booking requirements, scheduling tips, and insider advice for an enjoyable dining experience.

What Is My Time Dining?

My Time Dining is a flexible dining program offered in the Main Dining Room (MDR) on most Royal Caribbean ships. Unlike traditional dining where guests choose either an early seating (around 5:30 PM) or late seating (around 8:00 PM), My Time Dining allows guests to:

• Choose a dining time each evening based on their schedule.

• Reserve times in advance or show up when they are ready (subject to availability).

• Sit with different companions or request the same table each night.

• Enjoy the same menu and service as traditional dining guests.

Rules for My Time Dining

To keep things organized and fair for all guests, Royal Caribbean has specific rules for My Time Dining. Let’s break them down in detail:

1. Advance Reservations Are Recommended

• Guests can book dining times before the cruise through the Cruise Planner or the Royal Caribbean app.

• Reservations can also be made daily onboard.

• While walk-ins are allowed, wait times can be long during peak hours if you don’t reserve.

2. Prepaid Gratuities Are Required

• One of the most important rules: you must prepay gratuities if you select My Time Dining.

• This ensures all dining staff and housekeeping receive tips fairly since you may have different servers each night.

3. Dining Times Are Flexible but Subject to Availability

• Guests may choose times between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, depending on the ship.

• Prime times (around 7:00 PM–8:00 PM) fill up quickly, so booking early is key.

4. Dress Code Still Applies

• My Time Dining follows the same dress code rules as traditional dining.

• Expect Casual, Smart Casual, and Formal Nights depending on the cruise length.

• No swimsuits, flip-flops, or overly casual attire is allowed in the MDR.

5. Group Seating Rules

• Larger groups may need to book together in advance to sit at the same table.

• If you do not reserve together, your group may be split.

6. Specialty Dining Is Separate

• My Time Dining applies only to the Main Dining Room.

• Specialty restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, etc.) require separate reservations and fees.

7. Children Can Join Without Restrictions

• Families with kids can use My Time Dining.

• Royal Caribbean provides children’s menus and faster service if requested.

8. Loyalty Benefits Apply the Same Way

• Crown & Anchor Society members receive the same dining privileges regardless of whether they choose My Time Dining or traditional seating.

9. Once Selected, Switching May Be Limited

• While some ships allow guests to switch between My Time Dining and traditional dining, this is subject to availability.

• It’s best to decide before final payment.

10. Service Consistency Is Not Guaranteed

• Unlike traditional dining where you have the same wait staff every evening, My Time Dining may assign different servers each night unless you request consistency.

How to Book My Time Dining

1. During Cruise Booking

When booking your cruise, you can select My Time Dining instead of early or late seating.

2. Through Cruise Planner

• Log into your Royal Caribbean account.

• Go to the Dining section.

• Reserve preferred times for each evening.

3. Onboard the Ship

• Use the Royal Caribbean app to book daily times.

• Visit the dining reservations desk or speak with the maître d’.

Benefits of My Time Dining

1. Flexibility – Perfect for those who don’t want to be tied to fixed schedules.

2. Convenience – Easier to match dining times with evening shows, excursions, or kids’ activities.

3. Variety – Option to meet new tablemates or request a private table.

4. Control – Choose earlier or later dining depending on your daily mood.

Drawbacks of My Time Dining

1. Must Prepay Gratuities – Some guests prefer paying tips at the end.

2. Inconsistent Service – You may not always have the same wait staff.

3. Limited Prime-Time Availability – Popular slots book quickly.

4. Wait Times Without Reservations – Walk-ins may experience delays during peak hours.

Comparison: My Time Dining vs. Traditional Dining

FeatureMy Time DiningTraditional Dining

FlexibilityHigh – choose your timeLow – fixed schedule

Server ConsistencyVariesSame wait staff nightly

GratuitiesMust prepayCan pay at end

ReservationsNeeded for best timesNot needed (pre-assigned)

Best ForGuests with variable schedulesGuests who prefer routine

Tips for a Smooth My Time Dining Experience

1. Reserve Early – Book dining times before your cruise for the best availability.

2. Be Flexible – Consider off-peak times (before 6:30 or after 8:30) for shorter waits.

3. Use the App Daily – The Royal Caribbean app makes it easy to manage reservations.

4. Request the Same Waiter – If you enjoy a particular server, request to be seated in their section again.

5. Coordinate with Show Times – Book dining before or after entertainment events.

6. Arrive on Time – Being late may cause delays or loss of your table.

7. Consider Specialty Dining – Mix My Time Dining with specialty restaurants for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change from traditional dining to My Time Dining once booked?

Yes, but availability may be limited. Check with customer service or the maître d’ onboard.

2. What times are available for My Time Dining?

Usually between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, depending on the ship.

3. Do I have to make reservations every night?

Not required, but recommended to avoid wait times.

4. Can large groups use My Time Dining?

Yes, but reserve in advance for the best chance of sitting together.

5. Is the menu the same as traditional dining?

Yes, the menu is identical. Only the timing differs.

6. Can I still have the same waiter each night?

Yes, if you request it and availability allows.

7. What if I miss my reservation?

You may need to wait for the next available table.

Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: Couple Who Loves Shows

A couple books My Time Dining at 6:30 PM to finish dinner before evening theater shows. They pre-book all nights in Cruise Planner to avoid conflicts.

Scenario 2: Family with Young Children

A family with kids selects My Time Dining but always books early slots to accommodate bedtimes. They also request quicker service.

Scenario 3: Solo Traveler

A solo cruiser enjoys the social aspect of My Time Dining by sharing a table with new companions each evening.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean’s My Time Dining is designed for travelers who value flexibility over routine. While it comes with some rules—like prepaid gratuities, reservations for best times, and adherence to dress codes—it provides freedom to tailor mealtimes around your schedule.

By understanding the rules, booking in advance, and using the app or maître d’ services onboard, you can enjoy smooth, stress-free dining on your cruise.

Whether you’re a couple who loves late-night entertainment, a family juggling kids’ schedules, or a solo traveler wanting variety, My Time Dining ensures you enjoy delicious meals on your own terms.