Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises are renowned for offering exceptional dining experiences. Every meal onboard is a celebration of global cuisine, fine wines, and impeccable service. However, many first-time cruisers wonder how flexible these arrangements are, especially when it comes to dining times.
One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Can I change my dining time after booking a Regent Seven Seas Cruises cruise?” The good news is that Regent Seven Seas offers a highly flexible and personalized approach to dining. Unlike traditional cruise lines that enforce strict dining schedules, Regent’s all-inclusive and open-seating concept allows guests to dine when, where, and with whom they please.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dining time changes with Regent Seven Seas Cruises — including how reservations work, when you can make changes, and tips for getting the most out of your onboard dining experience.
Before talking about changing dining times, it’s important to understand how dining works on Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Regent Seven Seas operates under a “freestyle” or “open seating” dining concept. This means that, for the main restaurants, there are no assigned dining times or fixed seating arrangements. Unlike some cruise lines that have set dinner times (such as 6:00 PM for early seating and 8:30 PM for late seating), Regent allows guests to dine whenever they wish during restaurant hours.
This flexibility is part of what makes the Regent experience so luxurious. Guests are encouraged to enjoy their day at leisure — whether they spend it onshore exploring or relaxing on the ship — and then dine at their preferred time without being bound by a strict schedule.
That said, some specialty restaurants onboard Regent Seven Seas ships do require reservations. These include venues such as:
Prime 7: A refined American steakhouse serving premium cuts of beef and seafood.
Chartreuse: A French-inspired restaurant offering gourmet dishes and elegant ambiance.
Pacific Rim: An Asian fusion restaurant with creative dishes and modern décor.
Compass Rose: The largest and most versatile restaurant onboard, offering an extensive à la carte menu without fixed times.
While Compass Rose generally doesn’t require reservations, the specialty restaurants have limited seating and thus require advance booking. This is where questions about changing dining times typically arise.
The short answer is yes, you can change your dining time after booking a Regent Seven Seas cruise. However, how and when you can do it depends on the type of restaurant and when you make the change.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises aims to provide maximum flexibility to guests, so modifications to dining plans are usually simple and handled efficiently. Here’s how it works:
Before your cruise: You can make or modify dining reservations through Regent’s online guest portal, called “My Regent.” Once you’ve booked your cruise and your reservation is confirmed, you can log in to view and adjust your dining schedule.
Each suite category has its own timeline for when specialty dining reservations open. For example, higher suite categories like the Concierge or Penthouse Suites may have earlier access to make restaurant reservations.
After boarding the ship: Once onboard, you can still change your dining time or even switch restaurants by contacting the Maitre d’ or using the onboard reception desk. The staff are usually very accommodating and will do their best to honor your new request, depending on availability.
Because Regent Seven Seas ships carry fewer passengers compared to larger mainstream cruise ships, there is often more flexibility and better availability in specialty dining venues.
Same-day changes: If you suddenly decide you’d prefer to dine earlier or later on a particular evening, you can usually walk up to the restaurant and speak with the host. If there’s an open table, you’ll be seated promptly; if not, the staff may suggest an alternative time or venue.
Regent’s open-seating model makes these spontaneous changes quite seamless, ensuring guests always feel at ease.
The My Regent portal is a valuable tool for planning your cruise experience in advance. Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll be able to log in and manage several aspects of your trip, including:
Specialty restaurant reservations
Shore excursions
Spa appointments
Airport transfers and pre/post-cruise hotel stays
When it comes to dining reservations, the system allows you to view restaurant availability for each night of your voyage. If you see an open time slot that suits you better, you can change your reservation instantly.
If your preferred dining time is not available, you can check back periodically — guests often cancel or change plans, so openings appear frequently.
It’s also worth noting that not all guests make specialty dining reservations in advance, especially those who prefer spontaneous dining. Therefore, even if a restaurant appears fully booked online, you can often secure a table once onboard by speaking directly with the restaurant staff.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers several suite categories, and the priority for making dining reservations depends on your suite level.
Here’s a general overview of how it works:
Regent Suite & Master Suite Guests: Usually have the earliest access to make specialty dining reservations — often up to 90 days or more before sailing.
Penthouse & Concierge Suite Guests: Gain access approximately 75 days before sailing.
Deluxe Veranda and Superior Suite Guests: Can typically book around 60 days before departure.
This system ensures that higher-category guests — who have invested in more premium accommodations — have the first opportunity to secure their desired dining times.
However, this doesn’t mean others miss out. Regent limits the number of advance reservations per guest, ensuring everyone has fair access to specialty venues. And remember, Compass Rose and other casual restaurants like La Veranda or Sette Mari at La Veranda operate without reservations, allowing you to dine freely any evening.
Even after embarkation, you retain full flexibility over your dining preferences. Many travelers adjust their dining plans as they settle into the rhythm of the voyage or discover new onboard activities.
If you’d like to modify your dining time once onboard:
Visit the restaurant directly: The Maitre d’ or host desk is usually available during meal times or throughout the day. They can check the seating availability and adjust your booking.
Call from your suite: Each suite has a phone that connects you to the dining concierge or reception desk. You can request changes directly without leaving your room.
Use your onboard app (if available): Some Regent ships offer digital options to view daily programs and dining times.
If you prefer an earlier dinner before a show or want a later meal after a shore excursion, the staff are always willing to accommodate your preferences whenever possible.
Another reason guests may want to change their dining times is to coordinate with special dietary needs. Regent Seven Seas is renowned for catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and low-sodium diets.
If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s best to inform the cruise line when booking your cruise or at least 90 days before departure. This allows the culinary team to plan accordingly.
Once onboard, you can discuss your preferences directly with the restaurant staff or executive chef. They’ll not only ensure your meals are prepared according to your dietary requirements but may also suggest ideal dining times to enhance your experience — especially if custom meal preparation is involved.
This level of personal attention means that even if your dining plans change, Regent’s culinary team will seamlessly adjust to meet your needs.
While specialty restaurants are popular, Regent Seven Seas also offers several casual and elegant venues that do not require reservations. You can dine at these locations anytime during operating hours, which gives you complete flexibility without worrying about booking times.
Some examples include:
Compass Rose: The flagship main dining room, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can simply walk in at your preferred time.
La Veranda: A buffet-style restaurant during the day that transforms into Sette Mari at La Veranda in the evening, serving authentic Italian cuisine.
Pool Grill: A casual outdoor spot for burgers, grilled fish, and salads — perfect for a relaxed meal.
Room Service: Available 24 hours, allowing you to enjoy meals in the privacy of your suite.
For guests who prefer spontaneous dining or dislike rigid schedules, these venues make the cruise experience even more enjoyable.
To make the most of your culinary experience onboard, here are some practical tips:
Plan early but stay flexible:Even though Regent offers open seating, specialty restaurants fill up quickly. Make initial reservations early, but don’t hesitate to modify them once onboard.
Consider shore excursion timings:When selecting dining times, factor in the end times of your excursions. Many guests prefer later dinners on port days to allow time for relaxation before dining.
Take advantage of lunch options:If you can’t get your preferred dinner time at a specialty restaurant, see if it’s open for lunch on sea days. Some venues, like Prime 7, occasionally serve lunch.
Coordinate with your traveling companions:If you’re traveling in a group, designate one person to handle reservations so everyone dines together.
Communicate with the staff:Regent’s service is exceptionally personalized. If you have a special celebration or dining preference, simply let the staff know. They’ll make it happen.
Try different restaurants:One of the pleasures of a Regent cruise is the variety. Experiment with different venues and cuisines throughout your voyage.
If you miss your reserved dining time at a specialty restaurant, don’t worry. Simply notify the restaurant or reception as soon as possible. Depending on availability, they may be able to reschedule you for a later time that evening or another night altogether.
Regent Seven Seas has a reputation for being understanding and guest-oriented. They know travel plans and moods can change, and they strive to make dining as stress-free as possible.
In addition to dining times, guests sometimes wish to modify their table size or companions — for example, switching from a private table for two to a larger table with friends.
This is entirely possible on Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Simply inform the Maitre d’ of your preferences. Whether you prefer an intimate dinner or a social evening with other travelers, they’ll do their best to accommodate you.
Many guests appreciate the chance to meet new people during open-seating dinners, which creates a warm and friendly onboard atmosphere.
Dining on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is more than just a meal — it’s an integral part of the luxury experience. The line prides itself on world-class cuisine, fine wines, and attentive service in every restaurant.
Some highlights include:
No extra charges: All specialty restaurants are included in your cruise fare, unlike many other lines that charge additional fees.
Unlimited fine wines and premium spirits: Every meal is paired with complimentary drinks, enhancing your dining experience.
Regionally inspired menus: Depending on your itinerary, you’ll find dishes inspired by the destinations you visit, allowing your palate to travel the world.
Elegant ambiance: Each restaurant features refined décor and ocean views, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Because of these features, guests often want the flexibility to tailor their dining schedules — and Regent makes that easy.
1. Do I need to pre-book my dining times before the cruise?
No, but it’s recommended for specialty restaurants. The main dining venues operate on an open-seating basis, so reservations aren’t required there.
2. Can I change my dining time multiple times?
Yes, you can adjust your dining times as often as you wish, depending on restaurant availability.
3. What if my shore excursion runs late and I miss my reservation?
Notify the restaurant or front desk. They will usually offer an alternative time or rebook you for another evening.
4. Is there a dress code for dining?
Regent maintains an elegant-casual dress code. Formalwear isn’t required, but guests typically dress smartly for dinner.
5. Can I request a specific table or server?
Yes, you can. Many returning guests develop preferences, and the staff does their best to honor these requests.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises stands out in the world of luxury cruising because it understands that true luxury means freedom of choice. By eliminating rigid dining schedules and embracing an open-seating concept, Regent ensures every guest enjoys a truly personalized experience.
Whether you want an intimate dinner at sunset, a late-night meal after a show, or a leisurely lunch overlooking the sea, the staff will cater to your preferences with grace and professionalism.
Even when reservations are involved — such as at specialty restaurants — the process of changing dining times is straightforward and handled with care. This adaptability is one of the reasons Regent consistently earns top marks for guest satisfaction.
So, can you change your dining time after booking a Regent Seven Seas Cruises cruise? Absolutely.
Regent’s commitment to flexibility and guest comfort means you can modify your dining plans both before and during your voyage. Whether through the My Regent portal, by speaking with the Maitre d’ onboard, or by simply showing up at a convenient time, you’ll find the process smooth and stress-free.
From the open-seating elegance of Compass Rose to the gourmet delights of Prime 7 and Chartreuse, every meal onboard is designed to delight. And the freedom to dine when you wish ensures your cruise experience remains as luxurious and effortless as it should be.
In short, Regent Seven Seas Cruises gives you complete control over your dining schedule — so you can focus on what truly matters: savoring every moment of your unforgettable journey at sea.
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