Dining on a cruise is one of the most enjoyable experiences of any voyage. With the endless food options, world-class chefs, and beautifully designed restaurants, cruise dining often feels like a five-star restaurant experience every evening. Princess Cruises, known for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, offers passengers several dining choices to match their preferences. One of the most popular options among guests is the “My Time Dining” program—an approach designed to give travelers the flexibility to dine when they want, with whom they want, and without being restricted to fixed meal times.
However, as with any cruise experience, there are specific rules, guidelines, and etiquette that come with choosing this option. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about My Time Dining on Princess Cruises—how it works, how to make reservations, what to expect with dress codes, and expert tips to ensure you make the most of your dining experience.
“My Time Dining” on Princess Cruises, often referred to as Anytime Dining, is a flexible meal arrangement that allows passengers to choose when and where they dine in the main dining rooms each evening. Unlike traditional cruise dining schedules—where passengers are assigned a specific time (early or late seating) and table for the entire cruise—My Time Dining lets you enjoy dinner at a time that suits your schedule, between the restaurant’s designated hours.
This means you’re not bound to rush back from excursions or entertainment just to catch your dinner seating. You can dine early one night and later the next, depending on your plans. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer spontaneity and don’t want to be tied down to a rigid schedule.
Although the program offers great flexibility, there are still some rules and best practices you should understand to make the most of it. Princess Cruises has set clear guidelines to ensure smooth service and fairness for all guests using the flexible dining system.
Princess Cruises allows My Time Dining guests to make reservations in advance or walk in for dinner. However, to ensure you don’t have to wait for a table during busy periods, reservations are highly recommended.
Advance Reservations: You can book your dining times through the Cruise Personalizer before your trip or via the MedallionClass App once you’re onboard. Reservations can be made for each night of your cruise or selected evenings depending on your plans.
Walk-In Dining: If you prefer complete flexibility, you can simply arrive at the dining room and request a table. However, there may be a wait during peak hours, typically between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
Group Dining: If you’re traveling with friends or family and want to dine together, you can make a group reservation in advance. Princess recommends groups larger than six to book early to secure suitable seating arrangements.
Each Princess Cruises ship may vary slightly, but My Time Dining restaurants typically open between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM. Guests can arrive anytime within that window. However, it’s best to confirm exact hours upon boarding, as they can differ slightly depending on itinerary or ship size.
Princess Cruises maintains a smart-casual dress code in the main dining rooms. On My Time Dining evenings, the same rules apply as traditional seating guests.
Smart Casual Evenings: Men are expected to wear trousers or slacks with a collared shirt, while women can opt for skirts, dresses, or dressy trousers with blouses.
Formal Nights: During the cruise, there are usually one or two formal nights. If you choose to dine in the main dining room on these evenings, you’re expected to follow the formal attire guidelines—men in suits or tuxedos and women in evening gowns or cocktail dresses.
Those who prefer a more casual approach can dine in the buffet or specialty restaurants on formal nights instead.
When choosing My Time Dining, you can decide whether to sit alone or share a table with other guests.
Private Tables: Perfect for couples or families who want a more intimate experience.
Shared Tables: Great for social travelers who enjoy meeting new people during dinner.
Your preference can be noted when making a reservation or requested upon arrival at the dining room.
Princess Cruises usually designates specific main dining rooms for My Time Dining, while others are reserved for traditional seating (fixed early or late times). Your Cruise Card or Medallion App will indicate which restaurant is assigned to you. You can’t use Anytime Dining privileges in traditional dining rooms unless space is available and approved by the maître d’.
Even though the program is flexible, it’s important to arrive on time for your reservation. If you are late by more than 15 minutes, your table may be released to walk-in guests.
If your group size changes from what’s listed in your reservation, notify the dining team in advance. Princess staff are usually accommodating, but space can be limited for larger parties, especially during prime hours.
The beauty of My Time Dining lies in its flexibility, but to truly enjoy it, a bit of planning and understanding of the onboard system goes a long way.
Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass App is a game-changer for dining flexibility. Through the app, you can:
Check real-time table availability.
Make, modify, or cancel dining reservations.
Request specific seating preferences (e.g., near a window or quieter corner).
View menus in advance to decide which nights to dine in the main restaurant.
The app ensures you don’t have to wait in line at the dining room host stand—everything is at your fingertips.
If you want a relaxed and quieter atmosphere, avoid peak dining hours between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Dining early (around 5:30 PM) or later (after 8:15 PM) generally means shorter waits and faster service.
Princess Cruises offers world-class entertainment, including live shows, musical performances, and deck parties. Review the daily schedule in the Princess Patter newsletter or app, and plan your dining reservations accordingly. Dining early gives you more time to enjoy evening entertainment without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have food allergies, inform the dining team in advance. The My Time Dining program accommodates special requests just like traditional seating does. The staff will note your preferences and ensure your meals meet your dietary needs.
Service charges (gratuities) are typically included in your onboard account, so you don’t need to tip your waiter directly after every meal. However, if a particular server provides exceptional service, a small personal tip is always appreciated.
The popularity of this program is no accident. It offers multiple benefits that align with the preferences of modern cruisers.
Flexibility and Freedom – You choose when to dine each evening, allowing for spontaneous plans or relaxation without rushing back from excursions.
Variety of Companions – You can dine solo, as a couple, or with new friends each night.
Less Formal Atmosphere – Perfect for guests who prefer casual sophistication over rigid routines.
Better Time Management – Coordinate dinner times around entertainment, sunset views, or special events.
Personalized Experience – The ability to make reservations and choose seating preferences adds a customized touch to your cruise dining.
While My Time Dining is highly convenient, there are a few potential drawbacks—most of which can be easily managed with a bit of preparation.
Waiting Times: During peak hours, you may experience waiting if you haven’t made a reservation. Solution: Reserve your preferred dining times in advance or dine during off-peak hours.
Different Waitstaff Each Night: You may not have the same server nightly, unlike traditional dining where the same staff learns your preferences. Solution: If you prefer the same staff, request it at the maître d’s desk early in your voyage.
Limited Group Seating Availability: Larger parties may face limited table options without advance booking. Solution: Make group reservations early or coordinate a fixed time for consistency.
It’s important to remember that My Time Dining is just one component of the broader Princess Cruises dining system. Understanding the available dining choices can help you make better decisions for your voyage.
This is the classic cruise dining setup where you’re assigned a fixed time (early or late) and a table for the entire cruise. It’s ideal for guests who enjoy consistency and building rapport with their waitstaff.
This is the flexible option discussed throughout this article. You choose your own dining times and can dine at different tables nightly.
Princess Cruises offers specialty restaurants such as the Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, and The Salty Dog Gastropub. These venues operate separately from My Time Dining and require reservations, often with an additional cover charge.
For a more relaxed experience, the World Fresh Marketplace (buffet), International Café, and Alfredo’s Pizzeria provide casual alternatives—open for extended hours without the need for reservations or dress codes.
To maintain a pleasant experience for everyone, a few etiquette practices should be followed:
Be Respectful of Staff and Fellow Guests: If there’s a wait, remember that staff are doing their best to accommodate everyone.
Notify the Host if Plans Change: If you won’t make your reservation, cancel it in the app or by phone to free the table for others.
Dress Appropriately: Even on casual nights, avoid swimwear or overly informal attire in the main dining room.
Arrive on Time: Respect your reservation slot to help maintain smooth service for everyone.
Make Reservations Early: As soon as you board—or better yet, before your cruise—reserve your preferred dining times to avoid disappointment.
Try Different Dining Rooms: Some ships offer multiple My Time Dining rooms, each with unique ambiance and service styles. Explore them during your voyage.
Use Off-Peak Times for Scenic Dining: If your ship sails near scenic coastlines during sunset, book an early or late dinner to enjoy the view through the restaurant windows.
Communicate Special Requests: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or specific table preference, inform the staff early. Princess Cruises is known for accommodating special occasions beautifully.
Balance Variety with Routine: If you find a waiter or table you enjoy, ask to be seated with them again—it adds a personal touch to your trip.
The My Time Dining program on Princess Cruises is a testament to the line’s dedication to passenger comfort and flexibility. It caters perfectly to the modern traveler—someone who values choice, spontaneity, and freedom over fixed schedules.
By understanding the rules and guidelines, making smart use of the MedallionClass App, and planning around entertainment schedules, you can ensure a seamless and delightful dining experience each evening. Whether you want a romantic dinner for two, a casual night with friends, or the freedom to decide on the spot, My Time Dining ensures that every meal aboard a Princess Cruise becomes an experience worth savoring.
In essence, My Time Dining blends luxury, convenience, and personalization—allowing you to dine your way, every day. It’s one of the many reasons why Princess Cruises continues to stand out as a favorite among seasoned cruisers and first-timers alike.
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