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Luxury cruising is synonymous with personalized service, exquisite cuisine, and the freedom to enjoy life at your own pace. Seabourn, one of the world’s most awarded ultra-luxury cruise lines, exemplifies this philosophy through its dining options. Among its most appealing features is “My Time Dining”, a flexible dining concept that allows guests to dine when, where, and with whom they wish — without the rigid schedules or fixed seating times common on traditional cruise lines.This detailed guide explores the rules, reservations, etiquette, and experience of My Time Dining on Seabourn. Whether you are a first-time cruiser or a returning Seabourn guest, understanding this flexible dining style will help you make the most of your luxury voyage.
Seabourn’s My Time Dining is a hallmark of its ultra-luxury service model. Unlike mainstream cruise lines that assign guests specific meal times (e.g., early or late seating), Seabourn allows travelers to dine at their preferred time within the restaurant’s open hours.
This means you can:
Arrive at The Restaurant or any main dining venue at your leisure.
Choose to dine solo, with a partner, or join new friends.
Adjust your dining schedule daily based on excursions, spa appointments, or entertainment.
In essence, My Time Dining is Seabourn’s version of open seating, blending flexibility with fine dining and personalized service. It’s not just about when you eat — it’s about crafting your own culinary rhythm throughout your voyage.
Seabourn’s dining philosophy revolves around uncompromised quality, spontaneity, and social connection. The cruise line understands that luxury travelers value choice and control over their experiences. Thus, My Time Dining ensures that guests aren’t bound by strict schedules.
The key pillars behind Seabourn’s My Time Dining include:
Flexibility: You decide the time and pace of your meals.
Socialization: Guests can choose intimate tables for two or share larger tables to mingle.
Personalization: The staff remembers your preferences, including table location, favorite wine, and dietary needs.
Seamless Service: Even with open dining, the level of attention remains impeccable, with white-glove service and fine dining standards.
The Restaurant, Seabourn’s main dining room, typically operates during set open hours:
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Within these hours, you can arrive at your convenience. While reservations are not required, guests can request specific dining times in advance if they have preferences for seating or companions.
For most guests:
No reservation is needed for The Restaurant or The Colonnade during regular hours.
Specialty venues, such as The Grill by Thomas Keller, require advance reservations.
Guests can make these reservations onboard via the Seabourn Source app, in-suite TV system, or through the Guest Services Desk.
Solo dining: Ideal for travelers seeking quiet, reflective meals.
Couples: Private tables available for two.
Social tables: Larger tables encourage mingling with other guests — perfect for those who enjoy meeting new people.
My Time Dining follows Seabourn’s elegant-yet-relaxed atmosphere:
Daytime: Resort casual (e.g., slacks, skirts, collared shirts).
Evening: Elegant casual or formal night attire depending on the schedule.
No formalwear required, though many guests enjoy dressing stylishly in the evenings.
Seabourn’s relaxed dining policy still maintains an air of sophistication and respect for all guests. Here are the unspoken and formal rules to ensure a smooth dining experience:
While you can dine at any time, it’s best to arrive within posted dining hours. Arriving too late may limit available tables or menu options.
Luxury cruising emphasizes decorum. If you have specific seating preferences, inform the host courteously rather than demanding. Seabourn staff always strive to accommodate requests.
Respect the evening dress code. On most nights, “elegant casual” means collared shirts, dress slacks, or dresses. On formal nights, guests may opt for cocktail dresses or dinner jackets.
If you choose to share a table:
Introduce yourself and engage in polite conversation.
Be mindful of differing dining paces.
Respect privacy if others prefer a quieter meal.
For specialty dining venues (like The Grill by Thomas Keller or Sushi), reservations are limited. Cancel if you cannot attend, so others may enjoy the experience.
Seabourn’s chefs accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and other dietary needs, but advance notice ensures smooth service.
While flexible, arriving near closing time repeatedly may inconvenience staff or limit full menu options. Plan ahead for excursions or evening shows.
Seabourn offers My Time Dining across multiple venues, each offering unique cuisine and ambiance:
Main fine dining venue.
Offers an extensive à la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
No reservations required.
Features dishes curated by world-renowned chef Thomas Keller.
Casual yet elegant buffet and table-service restaurant.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and themed dinner nights.
Guests can dine indoors or alfresco on the deck.
My Time Dining applies — arrive anytime within open hours.
Poolside grill offering casual meals, from fresh salads to grilled seafood.
Ideal for relaxed, anytime dining without reservations.
Reservation-only fine dining experience.
Inspired by classic American chophouses with contemporary flair.
Although not fully “My Time,” you can select your preferred time slot in advance.
Intimate Japanese dining venue (available on select ships).
Open for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended for dinner.
Offers My Time flexibility 24/7.
You can order from the in-room menu anytime or request full-course meals during restaurant hours.
Meals can even be served course-by-course on your veranda — the pinnacle of personalized My Time Dining.
Seabourn’s open-seating approach is distinct even among luxury cruise lines:
Cruise LineDining StyleFlexibilityReservation Needed
SeabournMy Time / Open SeatingFully flexibleNo (except specialty)
SilverseaOpen seatingSimilar flexibilityNo (except La Dame)
Regent Seven SeasOpen diningHighly flexibleOnly specialty venues
OceaniaAssigned and open seatingModerateSome venues require reservations
Crystal CruisesOpen diningFlexibleSome pre-booking available
Seabourn’s version is among the most relaxed and guest-centered, emphasizing freedom without compromising quality or service.
Vary your schedule to experience different atmospheres — early diners enjoy quieter settings, while later dining tends to be livelier.
Book The Grill by Thomas Keller or Sushi early in your voyage to secure preferred times.
If you favor a particular server, table, or wine, the staff will note your preferences for future meals.
Seabourn ships feature outdoor dining — perfect for sunset dinners or breakfast with ocean views.
Align dining times with excursions, spa treatments, or evening shows to create a seamless day.
The Colonnade often hosts regional or themed dinners (e.g., Mediterranean night, seafood feast). These are part of My Time Dining and worth planning around.
Seabourn prides itself on its culinary inclusivity. Guests with dietary restrictions can still enjoy full My Time Dining flexibility. To ensure a seamless experience:
Inform Seabourn of allergies or restrictions during booking or check-in.
Notify the maître d’ upon boarding.
Seabourn chefs can prepare low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher meals upon request.
Menus are clearly labeled, and servers are knowledgeable about ingredients.
You can still enjoy spontaneous dining while adhering to your health or dietary needs.
Seabourn’s My Time Dining extends to special events and experiences, including:
Caviar in the Surf: A signature Seabourn event where staff serve champagne and caviar to guests wading in tropical waters.
Galley Market Lunch: A behind-the-scenes culinary experience where guests explore the ship’s galley and sample dishes from around the world.
Private Deck Dinners: Arrange a romantic meal under the stars, fully customized to your taste and schedule.
These experiences uphold Seabourn’s philosophy of spontaneity — you can arrange them to fit your My Time Dining rhythm.
While Seabourn emphasizes flexibility, it retains a sense of occasion. The Elegant Casual dress code generally applies:
Men: Collared shirt and slacks (jackets optional except on formal nights).
Women: Dress, skirt, or dress pants with blouse.
Formal Nights: Optional, but many guests enjoy dressing up.
Each evening, the Seabourn Herald (daily newsletter) notes the dress code and dining theme. Even with My Time Dining, guests often coordinate attire to enhance the onboard atmosphere.
Seabourn’s staff are central to the seamless My Time Dining experience. Expect:
Personalized greetings: The maître d’ may address you by name after your first night.
Consistency: Your preferred wine or bread selection might be ready before you even ask.
Memory for detail: Returning guests often find their past dining preferences remembered from previous cruises.
This attention to detail makes My Time Dining feel luxurious yet effortless.
Plan your meals around your schedule, not the ship’s.
Dine at your own pace — linger over dessert or enjoy a long conversation with fellow travelers.
Choose different venues and cuisines every day.
Staff tailor dining to your preferences — favorite drinks, table location, or meal style.
Seabourn’s My Time Dining lets you decide in the moment, enhancing the feeling of freedom and luxury.
No, reservations are not required for The Restaurant, The Colonnade, or The Patio. Specialty venues, however, do require booking.
Yes, simply ask the maître d’ to reserve your preferred table for future evenings.
Yes, though Seabourn primarily caters to adult travelers, families with children are welcome and accommodated courteously.
You can inform Seabourn in advance to arrange a regular dining schedule if you prefer consistency.
Formal nights still apply; attire rules are followed, but arrival times remain flexible within dinner hours.
Book early for specialty restaurants. Availability is limited.
Mix and match venues to enjoy the best of both formal and casual settings.
Be open to social dining — Seabourn guests are often well-traveled and engaging conversationalists.
Use the Seabourn Source app to check menus and hours daily.
Try in-suite dining for a private, elegant meal with full restaurant service.
Seabourn’s My Time Dining redefines the luxury cruise dining experience. It offers the perfect balance of freedom, personalization, and sophistication, ensuring every meal feels like a special occasion tailored to you. Whether savoring Michelin-quality dishes in The Restaurant, enjoying sunset meals at The Colonnade, or ordering caviar and champagne to your suite, Seabourn’s flexible dining model embodies the essence of modern luxury travel — your voyage, your time, your table.
With Seabourn, dining becomes more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of taste, elegance, and personal choice.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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