When you book a Princess Cruise, one of the details you’ll be asked to choose is your dining time. Whether you prefer to dine early, late, or at your own convenience with “Anytime Dining,” your choice can significantly shape your onboard experience.
However, many travelers realize after booking that their original selection doesn’t fit their plans or preferences anymore. Maybe you want to enjoy sunset views on deck instead of rushing to dinner, or perhaps your travel companions chose a different time. Whatever the reason, you may wonder: Can I change my dining time after booking a Princess Cruise?
The simple answer is yes, you can — but the process and availability depend on several factors, such as your booking type, cruise itinerary, and how early you make the change. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about adjusting your dining arrangements, the types of dining available on Princess Cruises, and how to make the most of your mealtime experience onboard.
Before we dive into how to change your dining time, it’s essential to understand the dining systems available on Princess Cruises. The cruise line offers two main types of dining: Traditional Dining and Anytime Dining.
Traditional Dining follows a set schedule. You are assigned a specific dining time and a designated table for the entire duration of your cruise. You’ll eat in the same main dining room, usually with the same wait staff and fellow passengers each evening.
Princess typically offers two traditional dining times:
Early Seating: Around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM
Late Seating: Around 7:45 PM or 8:00 PM
This setup is perfect for those who prefer consistency, enjoy socializing with the same group each night, and want a structured schedule.
Anytime Dining offers flexibility. Guests can dine at any time between 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM at select restaurants. You are not assigned a specific table or time — instead, you can walk in when you’re ready or make a reservation through the Princess MedallionClass app.
This option works well for travelers who like to plan activities on the go, attend shows at varying times, or dine according to their appetite rather than a fixed schedule.
There are many reasons passengers decide to change their dining time after booking their Princess Cruise:
Travel Companions’ Preferences: If you’re cruising with friends or family who selected a different dining time, you may want to synchronize your schedules.
Show and Entertainment Timings: Evening entertainment on Princess ships is scheduled around dining sessions. If your preferred showtime conflicts with dinner, changing your dining time can make your evenings smoother.
Shore Excursions: Depending on your itinerary, late or long shore excursions may cause you to miss early dining.
Personal Routines: Families with young children often prefer early dining, while couples or solo travelers might enjoy a later, more relaxed meal.
Dietary or Health Considerations: Some travelers prefer to dine earlier or later based on digestion, medication schedules, or medical conditions.
Desire for Flexibility: If you initially chose Traditional Dining but now want a more relaxed schedule, switching to Anytime Dining can offer more freedom.
Whatever your reason, Princess Cruises makes it relatively simple to modify your dining preferences — as long as space allows.
Yes. You can change your dining time after booking — both before your cruise and sometimes even after you board.
However, availability is key. Since dining times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, your preferred time might already be full if you wait too long to request a change.
Here’s how it typically works depending on your booking stage:
If you decide to adjust your dining time before your cruise begins, you have several options:
Log in to your My Princess account.
Go to “Manage Booking” or “Cruise Personalizer.”
Under Dining Preferences, you can select or modify your preferred dining time and type (Traditional or Anytime).
Save your changes, and the system will update your reservation if your desired time is available.
Open the app and log in with your booking number.
Go to the Dining section.
You can request a change or switch to Anytime Dining.
The app will show available dining times and restaurants once your cruise is linked.
If you booked through a travel agency, they can handle the change for you. Simply provide your booking details and your desired dining time. Travel agents often have access to the Princess booking system and can check availability directly.
If you booked directly, call the Princess Cruises reservations department. Provide your booking reference, and the representative will tell you if your preferred dining slot is available or if you can be placed on a waiting list.
If you couldn’t secure your desired dining time before your cruise, you still have options once onboard.
Visit the Maitre d’ or Dining Room Manager:As soon as you board, go to your assigned dining room and speak with the Maitre d’. Explain that you’d like to change your dining time. They can check availability and may adjust your seating for future nights.
Use the MedallionClass App:If you have Anytime Dining, you can use the app to make same-day reservations or join a virtual queue for immediate seating.
Ask to Be Waitlisted:If your preferred dining time or type is full, request to be added to the waiting list. Changes often happen as other guests modify their preferences.
In most cases, early communication with the dining staff increases your chances of getting the dining time you want.
While changing your dining time is possible, here are some practical things to keep in mind:
Availability Is Limited: Early dining slots fill up fast, especially on popular itineraries and larger ships. The sooner you make the request, the better.
Group Bookings: If you’re cruising with a group, make sure everyone’s reservations are linked. Otherwise, you might end up with separate dining assignments.
Consistency: If you switch from Traditional to Anytime Dining, you won’t have the same table or wait staff each night. Some guests prefer the personalized experience of Traditional Dining.
Specialty Restaurants: Changing your main dining time won’t affect reservations at specialty dining venues like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, or the Salty Dog Gastropub. Those must be reserved separately.
Shore Excursion Conflicts: If you’re switching dining times to avoid excursion overlap, check your itinerary first — some port schedules change slightly.
Dress Codes and Formal Nights: Your dining time might influence your experience on formal nights. Earlier seating tends to have a livelier, family-oriented vibe, while later seatings are usually quieter and more adult-oriented.
To ensure you get the dining experience you want, here are some helpful tips:
Book Early: Dining times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking your cruise early gives you more flexibility.
Check Your Preferences During Final Payment: Reconfirm your dining time when making your final payment or during your online check-in.
Use the App Regularly: The Princess MedallionClass app allows you to check dining availability even after booking.
Arrive Early on Embarkation Day: If you plan to change your dining time onboard, head straight to the dining room or guest services right after boarding.
Be Polite and Flexible: Staff will always try to accommodate requests, but being courteous and open to alternatives (like switching to Anytime Dining) can increase your chances of success.
One of the most convenient tools for managing your dining experience on a Princess Cruise is the MedallionClass app. Beyond being your digital key and onboard guide, it helps you:
Make dining reservations in advance.
View available dining times and restaurant options.
Join a virtual waitlist for Anytime Dining restaurants.
Modify existing bookings or preferences.
If you prefer flexibility, the app is a must-have. It allows you to explore different dining venues across the ship, from casual buffets and poolside grills to fine dining and specialty experiences.
If your preferred dining time is already full when you request a change, don’t worry. Princess Cruises offers several solutions:
Waitlist Option: You can be added to a waitlist for your preferred time. Availability often opens up as other passengers adjust their plans.
Switch to Anytime Dining: If you can’t get your desired traditional dining slot, choosing Anytime Dining provides flexibility without rigid scheduling.
Alternate Dining Venues: Explore other options like specialty restaurants, the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, or casual poolside eateries.
Onboard Request: Once on the ship, the Maitre d’ can often accommodate your change request if new openings occur.
If you’re finding it difficult to stick to a fixed dining schedule, Anytime Dining might be your best option. Here are some benefits:
Flexibility: Dine when you want, without being tied to a schedule.
Variety: Try different restaurants and seating arrangements.
Freedom for Activities: Attend shows, excursions, or sunset walks without rushing.
Perfect for Couples and Families: Each person can dine at their own comfort time.
However, keep in mind that during peak hours (usually between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM), you may have to wait for a table, especially if you didn’t make a reservation.
Formal or “Dress to Impress” nights are highlights of the Princess Cruise experience. These evenings typically feature special menus and an elevated ambiance in the main dining rooms.
If you’ve changed your dining time or type before the cruise, your reservation will carry over to these nights automatically. But if you switch onboard, confirm your dining status with the staff to ensure you have a table reserved for formal evenings.
Guests who prefer a more casual option can always dine at specialty venues or buffets during formal nights, regardless of their dining type.
If you’re traveling with a large group or family, coordinating dining times becomes even more important. Here’s how to handle it:
Link Reservations: When you or your travel agent books the cruise, ensure all reservations are linked under one group.
Request the Same Dining Time: Choose a shared dining type (Traditional or Anytime) and the same seating.
Communicate Early: Inform the Maitre d’ onboard if your group wants to sit together.
Be Patient: Arranging large tables can take time, but Princess staff are known for being accommodating.
If you change your dining time, make sure everyone in your group updates their bookings accordingly.
Princess Cruises caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, diabetic-friendly, and kosher meals.
If you change your dining time, it won’t affect your dietary accommodations — but it’s always best to remind your new dining staff or note it in the MedallionClass app.
You can also inform the Cruise Personalizer or Onboard Services Desk before sailing to ensure everything is prepared to your needs.
Although Princess Cruises strives to meet every passenger’s request, there are rare cases where changes may not be possible — for instance:
Fully booked early dining slots on long or popular voyages.
Last-minute bookings close to sailing date.
Group travel where seating adjustments could disrupt others.
In such situations, consider alternatives like Anytime Dining, specialty restaurants, or casual venues to enjoy flexibility without missing out on great food.
While timing is important, the real magic of dining on a Princess Cruise lies in the experience itself. Each meal combines fine cuisine, warm service, and beautiful ocean views.
Princess chefs create menus inspired by global flavors, with fresh ingredients and daily rotating options. Whether you’re in the main dining room, enjoying a gourmet steak at the Crown Grill, or having a slice of pizza on deck under the stars, every dining moment adds to your overall cruise journey.
So even if your initial dining time isn’t available, you’ll still enjoy an exceptional culinary experience throughout your voyage.
So, can you change your dining time after booking a Princess Cruise? Absolutely. Princess Cruises offers flexible options that cater to every traveler’s needs. You can adjust your dining time or type before sailing via the website, app, travel agent, or customer service — and even once onboard by speaking with the Maitre d’.
Just remember that availability plays a big role. Early requests usually get the best results, and being flexible helps ensure you’ll enjoy a stress-free dining experience. Whether you stick with Traditional Dining or switch to Anytime Dining, Princess ensures your meals are memorable, delicious, and perfectly timed to your vacation rhythm.
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