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
Dining is one of the most anticipated parts of any luxury cruise experience, and Scenic Luxury Cruises has mastered the art of combining fine cuisine with flexibility and choice. One of the most appreciated innovations in cruise dining is the “My Time Dining” concept, which gives guests the freedom to dine when and where they wish, without being bound to traditional dining schedules.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at Scenic Luxury Cruises’ My Time Dining program, explaining how it works, its rules, etiquette, advantages, reservation systems, and insider tips to make the most of your onboard culinary experience.
Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a seasoned luxury traveler, understanding how “My Time Dining” works on Scenic Luxury Cruises ensures a seamless and indulgent dining journey.
“My Time Dining” is a flexible dining concept allowing guests to choose their preferred dining time each evening, rather than following fixed early or late seating arrangements.
Instead of being assigned to a specific table or dining time, guests can:
Dine at any time during restaurant operating hours.
Choose between intimate tables or communal settings.
Experience diverse menus, including international and local specialties.
This dining style reflects Scenic’s all-inclusive, guest-focused philosophy, giving travelers the freedom to enjoy meals on their own schedule—whether after an evening excursion or before a show.
Scenic designed this concept to complement its ultra-luxury approach. Guests on Scenic cruises expect personalized experiences, and rigid dining schedules often clash with spontaneous exploration or leisurely evenings.
“My Time Dining” supports:
Flexibility: No fixed seating times.
Personal Choice: Eat when you wish.
Relaxation: No rushing to fit meal times around excursions or events.
Guests can dine at any time during designated restaurant hours. Most venues open between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM, but hours may vary based on itinerary and restaurant.
Advance Reservation: Guests can book their preferred dining time in advance (via the Scenic app, onboard concierge, or reception).
Walk-In Dining: Many guests simply arrive when ready to eat, and staff will seat them as soon as possible.
Scenic accommodates preferences for:
Private dining: For couples or solo travelers wanting quiet meals.
Social dining: Shared tables with fellow travelers.
All main dining venues and many specialty restaurants on Scenic ships support flexible dining, including:
Crystal Dining: The main restaurant serving gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Portobellos (River Cruises) / Elements (Ocean Cruises): Specialty fine dining with multi-course menus.
The Grill / Azure Café: Casual venues offering relaxed, flexible dining options.
While My Time Dining is flexible, Scenic encourages guests to make reservations for prime dinner hours (7:00–8:30 PM) to avoid wait times.
Scenic maintains a “Smart Casual” dress code for evening dining.
Allowed: Collared shirts, dresses, trousers, blouses, elegant tops.
Avoid: Swimwear, flip-flops, and gym attire.
Guests with reservations should arrive punctually. Late arrivals may forfeit reserved tables during busy periods.
“My Time Dining” depends on smooth turnover and courteous behavior. If you need to modify your reservation or are delayed, notify staff promptly.
Dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should be shared with staff or the Scenic culinary team in advance to ensure personalized preparation.
While main dining rooms allow walk-ins, specialty venues (like Portobellos or Elements) often require pre-booking due to limited capacity.
Even with flexible seating, Scenic ensures white-glove service with multi-course menus, fine wines, and attention to detail, maintaining its all-inclusive luxury standard.
No fixed dining time—eat when you wish. Ideal for:
Late return from shore excursions
Early dining before entertainment shows
Relaxed evenings without time pressure
Guests can dine solo, as couples, or with friends met on board. Crew accommodate seating preferences, ensuring comfort and ambiance.
Unlike traditional cruises, Scenic does not assign you permanent tablemates—unless requested.
Whether you dine early or late, you’ll receive the same gourmet menu options—no limited selections.
The staff-to-guest ratio on Scenic cruises ensures prompt, attentive service, even during peak times.
FeatureMy Time DiningTraditional Dining
SeatingFlexibleFixed (early or late)
ReservationOptionalPre-assigned
Dining CompanionsYour choiceSame tablemates nightly
FlexibilityHighLow
AtmosphereRelaxedStructured
Menu AvailabilityFull menu anytimeFixed meal sequence
Dress CodeSmart CasualOften Formal on Gala nights
Scenic’s My Time Dining is designed for modern travelers who value independence and spontaneity without sacrificing luxury or service.
Log in to your MyScenic portal or Scenic app.
Choose preferred dining times or make special requests.
Use your in-room tablet or contact Guest Services to reserve dining slots.
Concierge can assist with specialty venue reservations.
Simply arrive at the restaurant when you’re ready to dine.
During busy times, staff will advise on estimated wait times.
Scenic’s chefs cater to a range of dietary needs:
Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Gourmet plant-based meals daily.
Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Dishes: Prepared in separate areas when required.
Medical or Religious Diets: Special preparation on request.
Passengers should communicate dietary restrictions at the time of booking or before boarding. Scenic’s culinary team ensures all meals—regardless of restriction—are elegant, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
Plan Ahead: Reserve early for prime dining times.
Be Courteous: Inform staff if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Dress Appropriately: Smart casual attire reflects the elegant atmosphere.
Be Punctual: Arriving on time ensures smooth service flow.
Respect Quiet Zones: Some tables are reserved for quieter dining experiences.
Tip Gracefully (if applicable): Scenic is all-inclusive, but exceptional service can be acknowledged verbally or with gratitude.
Open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Elegant atmosphere with a full à la carte menu.
Fine dining with regional Italian specialties.
Reservation recommended; ideal for celebrations.
Multi-course fine dining blending European and Asian influences.
Casual dining option with flexible hours. Perfect for lighter meals or snacks.
24-hour room service offering full menus for guests preferring private dining.
Group Coordination: Scenic can synchronize dining times for families or travel groups.
Private Dining Rooms: Available for group celebrations or small gatherings.
Children or Younger Guests: Scenic primarily caters to adults, but family-friendly policies apply on select itineraries.
Yes, all Scenic river and ocean ships offer flexible dining options.
No. All dining options, including My Time Dining, are included in your cruise fare.
Yes, you can request specific staff, and Scenic will accommodate when possible.
Yes. Inform the maître d’ and they will seat you accordingly.
Scenic’s flexible hours ensure you can still enjoy a complete dining experience upon return.
Early Reservations for Specialty Venues: These fill up fast.
Try Different Times: Enjoy quieter settings by dining earlier or later.
Engage with Chefs: Scenic’s open kitchen and culinary events are interactive.
Sample Regional Cuisine: Menus change based on destinations—take advantage of local flavors.
Combine with Wine Pairing: Scenic offers premium wine selections at no additional cost.
Cruise LineDining ConceptFlexibilityCost
Scenic Luxury CruisesMy Time DiningVery FlexibleIncluded
Viking River CruisesFixed DiningLimitedIncluded
Uniworld River CruisesFlexibleModerateIncluded
SeabournOpen DiningHighly FlexibleIncluded
Oceania CruisesOpen Dining + Specialty RestaurantsHighSome Premiums
Scenic’s My Time Dining stands out for its balance of fine dining and relaxed freedom, a true hallmark of the brand’s “truly all-inclusive” promise.
Every Scenic ship is a floating fine-dining destination. The culinary team curates dishes inspired by destinations visited—fresh seafood in the Mediterranean, local wines along the Danube, or Asian-inspired plates in Japan.
Key features include:
Farm-to-table ingredients.
Daily menu changes reflecting local markets.
Expert sommeliers for wine pairing.
Michelin-trained chefs on select voyages.
“My Time Dining” enhances this culinary excellence by aligning fine cuisine with guest convenience.
Scenic Luxury Cruises’ “My Time Dining” is more than just a dining option—it’s a reflection of the brand’s philosophy: freedom without compromise. Guests can indulge in exquisite meals on their own schedule while still experiencing world-class service and cuisine.
With no assigned seating, no fixed times, and no additional charges, “My Time Dining” gives every traveler the freedom to shape their evenings exactly as they wish—whether enjoying a romantic sunset dinner, a lively social meal, or a quiet private affair.
When combined with Scenic’s all-inclusive luxury—covering fine wines, top-shelf spirits, excursions, and onboard service—this dining flexibility makes every evening a masterpiece of comfort, flavor, and freedom.
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
