Dining is one of the most anticipated experiences on any cruise, and American Cruise Lines has designed its dining program to be flexible, relaxed, and guest-focused. One of the most popular options offered is “My Time Dining.” This dining style allows passengers to enjoy meals without being restricted to rigid schedules or fixed seating assignments.
However, even though My Time Dining offers freedom, it still follows certain rules and guidelines to ensure smooth service, fairness to all guests, and a high-quality dining experience. Understanding these rules before boarding helps guests avoid confusion and make the most of their cruise.
This article provides a complete and detailed explanation of the rules, structure, and expectations of My Time Dining on American Cruise Lines, including reservations, seating, timing, dress code, behavior, menu policies, special dietary needs, and overall etiquette.
My Time Dining is a flexible dining system that allows guests to choose when and with whom they want to dine rather than being assigned a single fixed dinner time or table for the entire cruise.
Instead of having to show up at exactly 6:00 pm or 7:30 pm every night, guests can select a dining time that suits their personal schedule. This system is especially appealing to travelers who want freedom to attend shore excursions, relax on deck, or enjoy onboard entertainment without worrying about missing dinner.
The concept behind My Time Dining is built on three principles:
Flexibility – Guests are not locked into one time slot.
Choice – Guests can dine alone, with companions, or meet new people.
Comfort – Dining should feel relaxed and personal, not rushed.
Despite this freedom, My Time Dining operates within organized rules to keep dining rooms running smoothly.
One of the most important rules is that My Time Dining generally requires a reservation. While some ships may accept walk-ins when space allows, guests are strongly encouraged to book their dining times in advance.
Reservations can usually be made:
Before the cruise begins
On the first day onboard
Through the ship’s dining staff or front desk
This rule helps the kitchen and service team prepare meals efficiently and prevents overcrowding in the dining room.
Guests must choose a time within the dining hours set by the ship. For example, dinner might be available between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Guests cannot request dining outside of these official windows.
Arriving too early or too late without notice may result in longer waiting times or missed service.
Guests may modify their reservation, but they should inform the dining staff as soon as possible. Failing to show up for a reserved time without notice can disrupt seating arrangements for other guests.
With My Time Dining, guests are not permanently assigned a table or waiter for the entire cruise. Each night, seating may vary depending on availability.
This system allows:
Couples to dine privately
Families to sit together
Solo travelers to meet other guests
Groups to request larger tables
However, seating is subject to availability and ship capacity.
If guests choose to dine without specifying private seating, they may be placed at a shared table with other passengers. This is common and encouraged for social interaction.
Guests should respect that others at the table may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. Politeness and courtesy are expected at all times.
Guests can request:
Window tables
Quiet areas
Group seating
Accessibility-friendly tables
These requests are not guaranteed and depend on ship layout and availability.
While American Cruise Lines maintains a relaxed atmosphere, dining still follows a dress code.
For most evenings, the dress code is casual or resort casual. Acceptable attire usually includes:
Slacks or khakis
Dresses or skirts
Polo shirts or blouses
Closed or neat footwear
Guests should avoid:
Bathing suits
Bare feet
Tank tops in main dining rooms
Torn or excessively casual clothing
Some cruises may host special dinners such as welcome nights or captain’s dinners. These evenings may encourage slightly more formal attire, though strict formal wear is rarely required.
Guests who fail to follow the dress code may be asked to change before entering the dining room.
Being on time is one of the key rules of My Time Dining.
Guests are expected to arrive within a reasonable window of their reserved time. Arriving more than 15 minutes late without notice can result in losing the reservation slot.
Late arrivals may be placed on a waiting list or offered an alternative time.
This rule exists because:
Meals are prepared based on reservations
Staff schedules depend on guest flow
Delays affect other diners
American Cruise Lines typically offers rotating menus that change daily. Guests can choose from multiple courses such as:
Appetizers
Soups or salads
Main courses
Desserts
Menus often feature regional cuisine related to the cruise destination.
While some substitutions may be allowed, the kitchen cannot always accommodate unlimited changes. Guests should select from the available menu options rather than creating entirely new dishes.
Guests can request smaller portions or additional servings, but these requests are subject to availability and discretion of the dining staff.
One important rule is that guests with dietary restrictions must inform the cruise line in advance. This includes:
Vegetarian or vegan diets
Gluten-free requirements
Low-sodium meals
Food allergies
Religious dietary rules
Early notice allows the culinary team to prepare suitable meals safely.
Guests should also remind the dining staff once onboard to ensure correct preparation.
While American Cruise Lines strives to accommodate special diets, extreme or highly customized diets may not always be possible due to limited kitchen space and supplies.
Guests are expected to treat servers and staff politely and respectfully. Harassment, shouting, or rude behavior is not tolerated.
Dining rooms are shared spaces. Loud conversations, phone calls, or disruptive behavior should be avoided.
Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Running, shouting, or disturbing other diners is discouraged.
Basic etiquette is expected, such as:
Waiting for others before starting
Using utensils properly
Keeping phones off the table during service
My Time Dining is designed to be relaxed but not unlimited.
Guests are generally expected to complete their meal within a reasonable time frame, especially during peak hours. Prolonged seating can prevent other guests from being accommodated.
If guests wish to linger, they may be invited to continue their conversation in lounge areas after dessert.
Groups traveling together can request group seating, but they must inform the cruise line in advance.
Large groups may be seated at multiple tables near each other rather than one long table, depending on space.
If a group wants to dine together every night, they should make consistent reservations. Without advance planning, seating together every evening cannot be guaranteed.
American Cruise Lines aims to provide accessible dining for guests with mobility challenges.
Rules include:
Reserving wheelchair-accessible tables
Allowing extra time for seating
Providing staff assistance when needed
Guests requiring special seating should notify staff early in the cruise.
Guests should wash or sanitize their hands before entering the dining room.
Guests who feel unwell are encouraged to stay in their cabins and request room service if available. Dining while sick can risk spreading illness to others.
Taking food out of the dining room or sharing plates with others may be restricted for safety reasons.
Alcohol service follows ship policies and legal regulations.
Guests must be of legal drinking age to order alcoholic beverages. Overconsumption or disorderly behavior can result in service refusal.
Some dining packages may include beverages, while others require additional charges.
Understanding the rules of My Time Dining is easier when compared to traditional fixed dining.
Traditional dining:
Fixed time
Same table and waiter each night
Structured schedule
My Time Dining:
Flexible time
Changing tables
More personal choice
However, My Time Dining requires more responsibility from guests to manage reservations and punctuality.
When guests follow My Time Dining rules, everyone benefits:
Faster service
Less crowding
Happier staff
Better food quality
Relaxed atmosphere
The dining room becomes an enjoyable place rather than a stressful one.
Some common mistakes guests make include:
Forgetting to reserve dining times
Arriving late without notice
Ignoring dress code
Not informing staff of allergies
Expecting unlimited customization
Occupying tables too long during peak hours
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth dining experience.
To enjoy My Time Dining fully:
Make reservations early
Arrive on time
Communicate dietary needs
Be flexible with seating
Dress appropriately
Treat staff kindly
Try new menu items
Enjoy the social atmosphere
Planning ahead turns My Time Dining into a highlight of the cruise rather than a challenge.
My Time Dining on American Cruise Lines is designed to give guests freedom, comfort, and choice while still maintaining structure and organization. Although it feels informal, it operates under clear rules regarding reservations, seating, dress code, punctuality, menu selection, behavior, and safety.
These rules are not meant to restrict enjoyment but to create a smooth and pleasant dining experience for everyone onboard. By understanding and respecting these guidelines, guests can enjoy high-quality meals at their own pace, socialize with fellow travelers, and relax without the pressure of fixed schedules.
In the end, My Time Dining represents the balance between flexibility and order. It allows guests to feel in control of their cruise experience while ensuring that the dining room remains welcoming, efficient, and enjoyable for all.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Cruisebookinghub.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
