Luxury cruising is all about freedom — the freedom to explore, relax, and indulge at your own pace. Among the many aspects that make Regent Seven Seas Cruises an epitome of ultra-luxury travel, dining plays a central role. With its “My Time Dining” concept, Regent allows guests to enjoy their meals on their own schedule, rather than being tied to strict seating times. This flexibility perfectly complements the line’s all-inclusive philosophy and personalized service.
In this guide, we’ll explain in detail what “My Time Dining” on Regent Seven Seas Cruises means, the rules and etiquette surrounding it, how reservations work, what dress codes apply, and insider tips to make the most of your dining experience at sea. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a loyal Regent guest, understanding the dining system ensures a smoother, more indulgent voyage.
On many cruise lines, traditional dining involves assigned tables and set times — typically early or late seatings. Regent Seven Seas, being a true luxury line, eliminates rigid dining schedules in favor of something more elegant and relaxed: “My Time Dining.”
This concept means you can dine whenever and with whomever you choose, within the restaurant’s opening hours. You’re not locked into a 6:00 PM or 8:30 PM seating. Instead, you can decide on your dining time daily — whether you feel like an early dinner before a show, a leisurely late-night meal after an excursion, or a spontaneous romantic dinner for two.
The philosophy behind My Time Dining aligns with Regent’s “Luxury Goes Beyond” approach. Every guest should feel as though the cruise is customized entirely for them — from the suite amenities to the dining arrangements.
Though flexible and guest-centric, My Time Dining does come with a few important rules and guidelines to ensure smooth service and a refined experience for everyone onboard. Here are the essential principles:
You can choose your preferred dining time within each restaurant’s open hours. Typically, the main dining venue — Compass Rose — is open for dinner from around 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, though exact hours vary by ship and itinerary.
Guests are welcome to arrive anytime during those hours, though popular times (7:00–8:00 PM) may have short waits during peak evenings if you arrive without a reservation.
While Compass Rose, the main dining room, operates on an open-seating basis, Regent’s specialty restaurants — like Prime 7 (steakhouse), Chartreuse (French), Pacific Rim (Asian fusion), or Sette Mari at La Veranda (Italian) — require reservations.
These specialty venues follow the same My Time Dining philosophy but need advance booking due to limited seating and their intimate ambiance.
Flexibility extends not only to timing but also to company. Solo travelers, couples, and groups can all be accommodated. If you prefer meeting new people, simply request to share a table. If you desire privacy, inform the maître d’ and you’ll be seated accordingly.
Regent Seven Seas enforces a smart-casual evening dress code. While there are no formal nights requiring tuxedos or gowns, guests are expected to dress elegantly. My Time Dining doesn’t mean casual dining — attire should align with the refined setting. Jeans, shorts, and casual T-shirts are typically not permitted in restaurants during dinner hours.
While flexibility is key, etiquette remains important. Arriving on time for a reserved slot, informing the staff if you’re running late, and being respectful about seating preferences all contribute to the relaxed, luxury atmosphere Regent is known for.
All dining — whether at the main restaurant or the specialty venues — is included in your cruise fare. There are no cover charges or hidden costs. “My Time Dining” is part of Regent’s all-inclusive luxury model, meaning you can explore every culinary option freely.
Guests with dietary needs, food allergies, or specific preferences can inform the staff or make arrangements in advance. Regent’s culinary teams are known for accommodating vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialized diets. With My Time Dining, such customization becomes even more seamless.
Traditional cruise dining revolves around structured meal times — early and late seatings with assigned tables and waiters. While that system works for some, it can feel restrictive to those seeking a more spontaneous experience.
Regent’s My Time Dining model eliminates such rigidity. Here’s how it stands apart:
AspectTraditional DiningMy Time Dining (Regent Seven Seas)
SeatingFixed (early/late)Flexible, anytime during hours
TableAssignedChosen each evening
CompanionsSame group each nightYour choice nightly
ReservationRequired for allOnly for specialty venues
AmbianceFormal & scheduledRelaxed, guest-driven
ServiceRepetitive (same waiter)Rotating, but equally attentive
This flexibility appeals to luxury travelers who prefer freedom over formality, without compromising service or quality.
To understand the full scope of the program, it’s helpful to know where My Time Dining applies. On Regent ships, each venue offers a distinctive ambiance, cuisine, and schedule.
Compass Rose is the centerpiece of dining onboard every Regent ship. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it features an open-seating policy during dinner — meaning true My Time Dining. Guests can arrive at any time during operating hours and enjoy an extensive menu that blends continental and international cuisines.
The dinner menu often includes customizable options — guests can choose their preferred sauces, sides, and preparation styles for meats and seafood, adding another layer of personalization.
This venue celebrates classic American luxury — prime cuts of beef, lobster tail, and rich desserts served in an intimate, club-like setting. Although it follows the flexible dining concept, guests must make a reservation due to limited capacity.
A sophisticated restaurant inspired by Parisian cuisine. Reservations are recommended, but guests can often choose their preferred dining time when booking onboard.
Featuring dishes inspired by Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean cuisines, Pacific Rim combines bold flavors with elegant design. It also operates under the My Time Dining window, though booking ahead is wise.
By night, the daytime buffet restaurant La Veranda transforms into Sette Mari, offering authentic Italian specialties à la carte. No extra cost, but seating is limited — arrive early for best availability.
For ultra-casual dining, the Pool Grill offers burgers, seafood, and salads throughout the day. Guests can also dine in-suite anytime — room service is available 24/7, another expression of the My Time Dining spirit.
Though My Time Dining is designed for spontaneity, making reservations can enhance your experience — especially for popular specialty restaurants and peak dining hours.
Before your cruise: Regent allows guests to pre-book specialty restaurants through their online Guest Services Portal, usually starting 75 to 120 days before sailing (depending on suite category).
Onboard: You can also book upon embarkation by visiting the dining desk or speaking with the maître d’.
Guests in Penthouse Suites and above get priority reservation access.
Try staggering your dining times — early or late seatings (6:30 PM or 9:00 PM) are usually easier to secure.
For spontaneous evenings, Compass Rose or Sette Mari are your best choices, as they always welcome walk-ins.
Although there’s no strict formalwear requirement, Regent maintains an elegant casual dress code throughout the evening. This is part of the line’s refined yet relaxed ambiance.
Men: Collared shirts, dress trousers, or chinos. Jackets are optional but common in fine dining venues.
Women: Dresses, skirts, blouses, or elegant pantsuits.
Not permitted: T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, flip-flops, or distressed jeans in restaurants during dinner.
During daytime, casual resort wear is perfectly fine across the ship.
Luxury cruising revolves around courtesy and shared enjoyment. While there are no rigid rules, following a few etiquette practices enhances everyone’s experience.
If you’ve booked a table, arrive on time. Staff may hold it briefly, but consistent lateness can affect service flow.
If your preferred time is full, consider adjusting slightly. Dining at 6:15 PM or 9:00 PM can often secure a better table with less waiting.
Whether vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergen-sensitive, inform the restaurant early in the day so the chefs can prepare special dishes without delay.
It keeps the dining environment sophisticated and enjoyable for all guests.
Regent’s all-inclusive fares cover gratuities. However, a warm “thank you” or a kind note of appreciation always delights the staff.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises are renowned for offering “The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience.” My Time Dining aligns perfectly with that philosophy. It combines freedom, personalization, and fine dining — creating an experience where every meal becomes part of your overall luxury journey.
Here’s how this dining concept elevates your voyage:
You’re never bound by a schedule. Each day at sea can unfold naturally — dine when hungry, not when the clock says so.
From Italian trattoria nights to Asian fusion and American steakhouse dinners, you can try a new cuisine every night without worrying about reservation rigidity or additional fees.
Regent’s service culture ensures you feel attended to, whether you dine at 6:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The staff remembers preferences, wine choices, and even favorite desserts.
If your excursion returns late, you won’t miss dinner. You can dine whenever convenient, a huge plus for port-intensive itineraries.
My Time Dining allows couples to enjoy quiet dinners for two, whether in the restaurant or on their private balcony through room service — all without coordination hassles.
While the concept of My Time Dining remains consistent across the fleet, each Regent ship offers subtle variations depending on size and restaurant configuration.
These newer ships offer the widest range of specialty venues, and reservations are especially recommended for Pacific Rim and Prime 7. Compass Rose serves as the flexible dining hub.
With slightly smaller capacities, these ships maintain open seating in Compass Rose and operate Chartreuse and Prime 7 under the reservation model. Expect shorter waits due to fewer guests.
Being the most intimate of the fleet, Navigator emphasizes personalized service. Dining is effortlessly flexible — nearly every evening feels like a private dinner party.
No. Only specialty restaurants like Prime 7 or Chartreuse need advance booking. The main dining room (Compass Rose) and casual options operate on open seating.
You can certainly ask, though staff rotations mean it might not always be possible. However, the entire dining team shares guest profiles to ensure consistency in service.
Arriving up to 15 minutes late is usually acceptable, but beyond that, your table may be released to accommodate others.
Room service menus often feature selections from Compass Rose, allowing guests to enjoy the same cuisine in-suite. However, cross-ordering between specialty restaurants is not standard practice.
Yes, Regent is family-friendly, though some specialty restaurants maintain a more adult atmosphere during late hours. My Time Dining makes it easy for families to choose early dinners.
Regent’s My Time Dining is part of a full-service, all-inclusive model — no tipping, no extra cost, and world-class culinary artistry in every restaurant.
Book specialty restaurants early: Popular spots like Prime 7 and Pacific Rim fill up quickly, especially on sea days.
Dine later for quieter ambience: After 8:30 PM, you’ll find more intimate service and a calmer setting.
Try different table sizes: Rotate between small and large tables to experience both private and social atmospheres.
Explore Compass Rose’s custom menu: You can personalize dishes — choose your sauce, sides, or preparation style for an entirely bespoke meal.
Enjoy wine pairings: Regent’s sommeliers can suggest complimentary wines for every dish, all included in your fare.
Use in-suite dining for private evenings: Have Compass Rose dishes delivered course by course to your balcony for a personalized romantic dinner.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises believes true luxury means freedom — freedom from limits, schedules, and surcharges. My Time Dining embodies this philosophy, giving guests the autonomy to design each meal experience as they please.
While other cruise lines use My Time Dining as a convenience feature, for Regent, it’s a core part of its identity. Every aspect — from open seating to customizable menus — is built to make guests feel that their preferences matter most.
It’s not simply dining without a clock; it’s dining without compromise.
Imagine a day onboard:
8:30 AM: You enjoy a relaxed breakfast at La Veranda overlooking the sea.
1:00 PM: After a morning excursion, you stop by the Pool Grill for a fresh salad and seafood.
6:45 PM: Feeling ready for dinner, you head to Compass Rose without reservations and are seated promptly.
7:30 PM: You savor a custom filet mignon with truffle sauce and a recommended Merlot, all served seamlessly.
9:00 PM: You finish dessert and stroll to the theater for an evening show.
At no point did you need to rush or adhere to a schedule — that’s the essence of My Time Dining. The flexibility allows your day to flow naturally, perfectly balancing leisure and indulgence.
Guests consistently praise the dining freedom Regent offers. Unlike mass-market cruise lines, where flexible dining often means limited availability or reduced service, Regent’s implementation feels elevated and effortless.
Travelers appreciate:
The no-reservation freedom at Compass Rose.
Personalized service even without a fixed table.
The variety of cuisines without extra cost.
No stress over timing, attire, or gratuities.
These details contribute to why Regent maintains one of the highest repeat guest ratios in luxury cruising.
“My Time Dining” on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is more than just a schedule-free meal plan — it’s a reflection of what modern luxury should feel like. The rules are simple: dine when you wish, dress with elegance, and let the staff handle the rest.
Every element — from reservation flexibility to the seamless blend of casual and fine dining — has been designed to remove the stress of planning and add the joy of discovery. Whether you’re savoring a French masterpiece at Chartreuse or enjoying a sunset dinner at Compass Rose, every bite reinforces the feeling of being utterly cared for.
When luxury travelers describe Regent Seven Seas as “uncompromisingly indulgent,” My Time Dining is one of the reasons why. It allows every guest to dine on their own clock — because on Regent, your time truly is your own.
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