Planning a cruise vacation is an exciting experience filled with anticipation about destinations, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, and of course, dining. On Holland America Line cruises, dining plays a central role in the overall journey. With its reputation for elegant service and fine cuisine, passengers often look forward to their mealtime experiences almost as much as the ports of call.
However, once you’ve booked your cruise, you might find that the dining time you initially selected doesn’t fit your plans anymore. Maybe you want to attend a show that conflicts with your current dinner slot, or perhaps you’ve realized that you prefer a more relaxed or flexible dining experience.
So, can you change your dining time after booking a Holland America Line cruise? The answer is yes—though it depends on availability, the type of dining you’ve chosen, and how early you make the request. Let’s explore in depth how Holland America dining works, what your options are, and how you can modify your dining preferences even after booking your voyage.
Before discussing changes, it’s important to understand the dining formats that Holland America offers. Unlike older cruise traditions that required passengers to dine at fixed times, Holland America has introduced more flexibility over the years. Guests can now choose between Traditional Dining and As You Wish Dining, each designed to accommodate different preferences.
1. Traditional DiningTraditional dining offers two fixed seatings in the main dining room:
Early seating (usually around 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM)
Late seating (typically between 7:45 PM and 8:15 PM)
Passengers choosing this option will dine at the same table each night, with the same companions and waitstaff. This creates a familiar and social dining atmosphere, perfect for guests who enjoy a structured schedule and want to develop connections with their servers and tablemates.
2. As You Wish® DiningAs You Wish Dining provides flexibility, allowing passengers to dine at any time during the main dining room’s operating hours, generally between 5:15 PM and 9:00 PM. You can make a reservation daily or simply walk in when it’s convenient. This is ideal for travelers who want to adapt their mealtimes to excursions, evening shows, or spontaneous plans.
The key difference between these two lies in the level of structure. Traditional dining is pre-scheduled and fixed, while As You Wish dining is adaptable to your daily routine.
Yes, Holland America Line allows guests to request a change in their dining time after booking—both before and during the cruise—subject to availability. However, there are a few nuances to understand:
Before Sailing:If you realize after booking that your chosen dining time doesn’t suit your plans, you can contact Holland America or your travel agent before embarkation. Dining times are often managed through your booking profile, so changes can be made in advance if there’s space in your preferred seating.
After Boarding the Ship:If your cruise has already begun, you can still request a change. The ship’s dining room manager or maître d’ will assist you once you’re onboard. You’ll usually find a designated time on embarkation day when you can meet the dining staff to discuss seating changes or preferences.
That said, since dining times fill up quickly—especially early seatings—it’s best to make changes as soon as possible. Early requests have a much higher chance of being approved than last-minute adjustments.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to changing your dining time with Holland America Line:
1. Contact Holland America or Your Travel Agent
Before your cruise departs, you can reach out to Holland America directly by phone or through your booking portal. If you booked through a travel agent, they can also modify your request on your behalf. Provide your booking number, the current dining option, and your preferred new time.
2. Use the Cruise Personalizer or Navigator App
Holland America’s online tools and mobile app (Navigator) allow you to manage many aspects of your reservation, including dining. Depending on your cruise, you may be able to view available dining times and request changes digitally.
3. Visit the Dining Room Manager Onboard
Upon embarkation, head to the main dining room or the customer service desk to find out when the maître d’ will be available. There’s usually a designated period during embarkation day when passengers can make or adjust dining arrangements.
4. Confirm the Change
Once the change is processed, check your cabin’s welcome packet or your Navigator app for confirmation of your updated dining time and table assignment.
Many travelers modify their dining time after booking for practical or personal reasons. Here are some common scenarios:
Excursion scheduling conflicts: Early dinner might clash with late-returning shore excursions, or late dining might interfere with early morning tours.
Showtime preferences: Holland America’s evening entertainment often includes performances around 8 PM. Guests may shift to earlier or later meals to enjoy these shows.
Family needs: Families with young children may prefer early seating, while couples seeking quieter evenings might opt for later dining.
Health and dietary considerations: Some guests prefer eating earlier for better digestion or to avoid heavy meals late at night.
Social reasons: You might want to dine with new friends you meet onboard who are on a different schedule.
The cruise line understands that travel plans evolve, which is why they offer the flexibility to adjust your mealtime whenever possible.
Since dining times are limited by seating capacity, there’s always the possibility that your preferred slot might be fully booked. However, don’t lose hope—Holland America offers several alternatives:
1. Waitlist Option:If your chosen dining time is unavailable, you can request to be added to a waitlist. The dining team regularly reviews these requests and often accommodates changes as other passengers adjust their own plans.
2. Flexible Dining (As You Wish):If fixed dining is full, you can switch to the flexible As You Wish Dining plan. This allows you to choose your dining time daily, giving you freedom even if your first choice isn’t available.
3. Specialty Restaurants:Holland America ships feature several specialty dining venues—such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind, and Rudi’s Sel de Mer—where you can book a meal at any preferred time (subject to availability). These come with an additional charge but offer a luxurious dining experience with premium service and cuisine.
4. Lido Market and Room Service:If you prefer not to wait, the casual buffet-style Lido Market remains open for extended hours. You can also enjoy room service, available 24 hours a day, for private dining convenience.
Changing dining times is easier when you plan strategically. Here are some insider tips to increase your chances of success:
1. Book Early:Dining assignments are typically made in the order bookings are received. Booking early gives you the best shot at securing your desired seating.
2. Make Requests Before Embarkation:If you anticipate wanting a different time, it’s easier to request it weeks before sailing rather than onboard when availability may be limited.
3. Arrive Early on Embarkation Day:If you need to visit the dining manager to make changes, do it as soon as you board. Many other passengers will have the same idea, and requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Be Flexible and Polite:The dining staff does their best to accommodate all requests. Showing patience and courtesy can often help in securing a better time, as staff will remember your kindness when cancellations open up.
5. Try Specialty Dining:If your main dining room time isn’t available, consider reserving specialty dining experiences for certain nights. These restaurants allow you to dine at your chosen hour and often provide quieter, more intimate settings.
Whether you’re on a fixed or flexible plan, the main dining room on a Holland America Line cruise is a highlight of the voyage. The ambiance blends elegance with comfort—crisp linens, attentive service, and a diverse menu inspired by world cuisines.
Each evening features new selections, including vegetarian and lighter fare options. Menus may include signature dishes created by Holland America’s Culinary Council, which includes renowned chefs from around the world.
If you change your dining time, rest assured that the quality and experience remain consistent. Early diners may enjoy a bright, lively setting with panoramic ocean views, while late diners experience a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere under soft lighting and music.
If you’re traveling with family or friends, it’s important to coordinate dining arrangements together. Holland America can seat groups at the same table upon request, but it’s essential that all group members share the same dining preference (e.g., early, late, or As You Wish).
If one member changes their dining time, the entire group’s arrangement may need adjustment. Therefore, if you plan to dine together, make dining time changes collectively to avoid being split across tables or different meal slots.
Changing your dining time doesn’t affect your ability to accommodate dietary needs. Holland America is known for catering to various preferences—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and more.
If you’ve already informed the cruise line about dietary restrictions, those details remain on file even if your seating time or dining plan changes. The staff ensures that your meals continue to meet your dietary requirements, regardless of when you dine.
However, it’s always wise to remind your new waiter or maître d’ about any special requests after your seating change to ensure smooth service.
Many modern cruisers find that switching to Holland America’s As You Wish Dining gives them greater freedom. If your schedule varies due to excursions, spa appointments, or showtimes, flexible dining ensures you don’t have to rush.
Here are some advantages:
You can dine when it suits you rather than around a fixed schedule.
You can request tables for two or join new friends for a shared experience.
You can experiment with different dining times each night.
It’s ideal for travelers who value spontaneity and variety.
If you’re unsure whether you’ll prefer an early or late fixed time, opting for this flexible option from the start—or switching to it later—can be a practical solution.
On longer cruises, Holland America hosts Gala Nights or Dressy Evenings, where guests enjoy a more refined atmosphere with elevated menus and dress codes. Changing your dining time won’t exclude you from participating in these events.
You’ll still be able to attend Gala dinners at whichever time you’ve selected. However, if you want to attend specific shipboard activities before or after the Gala meal, you might want to adjust your dining slot accordingly.
If you’re sailing consecutive Holland America voyages (back-to-back cruises), dining preferences don’t always automatically carry over. If you wish to maintain or change your dining time for the second leg, confirm it with the dining staff or your cruise consultant in advance.
This ensures a seamless experience throughout your extended journey without needing to renegotiate dining preferences mid-trip.
Even if your main dining room seating doesn’t perfectly align with your schedule, Holland America’s ships offer several other excellent options:
Lido Market: A buffet-style venue serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with flexible hours. Perfect for casual dining without time constraints.
Pinnacle Grill: A refined steakhouse offering exceptional cuts and fine wines.
Canaletto: Italian cuisine in an elegant, yet relaxed setting.
Tamarind: Pan-Asian dishes featuring Thai, Japanese, and Chinese influences.
Rudi’s Sel de Mer: A French-inspired seafood brasserie.
Dive-In and New York Deli: Casual bites for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
These restaurants can be reserved through the Navigator app or onboard, providing flexibility for those whose main dining room times are less ideal.
Changing your dining time is more than a logistical choice—it can influence the pace and rhythm of your day at sea. Early diners often have more time for post-dinner entertainment, while late diners can enjoy a relaxed day without feeling rushed before meals.
Your dining schedule can also affect how you experience ports of call. For example, early seating allows you to dine and rest earlier, making it easier to rise early for morning excursions. Conversely, late dining may suit those who enjoy leisurely afternoons and nighttime activities.
Ultimately, the goal is to align your dining schedule with your personal lifestyle and the kind of cruise experience you envision.
Yes, you can absolutely change your dining time after booking a Holland America Line cruise. The cruise line’s commitment to exceptional guest service extends to its dining flexibility, allowing passengers to modify their mealtime preferences to match their onboard schedule and comfort.
Whether you’re switching from early to late seating or opting for the freedom of As You Wish Dining, the process is straightforward and guest-friendly. The key is to act early, communicate clearly, and remain flexible in case your first choice isn’t immediately available.
Dining is one of the highlights of any Holland America voyage. With its world-class cuisine, attentive staff, and elegant atmosphere, every meal is crafted to make your journey memorable—no matter what time you choose to dine.
So, go ahead and request that dining change if it better suits your plans. After all, your cruise vacation should revolve around your preferences, not your dinner schedule.
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