Dining on a luxury cruise is an essential part of the experience. Onboard Seabourn Cruise Line, food is not just nourishment — it’s an indulgent journey curated by some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs. One of the unique and highly appreciated aspects of Seabourn’s dining philosophy is its “My Time Dining” concept, which offers guests the freedom to enjoy meals whenever they wish, rather than being bound by strict meal schedules.
But as seamless as this flexibility sounds, there are certain rules, guidelines, and etiquette expectations that shape how “My Time Dining” works onboard. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned luxury traveler, understanding these rules ensures you make the most of your culinary adventures at sea.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Seabourn’s “My Time Dining,” from its basic structure to reservation etiquette, dress codes, and insider tips for a flawless dining experience.
Unlike traditional cruise lines that assign passengers fixed dining times and table arrangements, Seabourn Cruise Line operates an open-seating or “My Time Dining” system across its main restaurants. This concept allows guests to dine when and with whom they choose, offering the ultimate in flexibility and personal freedom.
“My Time Dining” is available primarily in The Restaurant, Seabourn’s elegant main dining venue, but elements of this flexible approach extend across other onboard venues, including The Colonnade, The Grill by Thomas Keller, and The Patio.
In essence, you are not restricted by fixed dining times. You can arrive at your convenience — whether you prefer a quiet early dinner at 6:30 PM or a leisurely late meal after 8:30 PM. This level of freedom is part of Seabourn’s signature “ultra-luxury, small-ship” experience.
While Seabourn’s “My Time Dining” feels relaxed and spontaneous, it still operates under certain guidelines designed to maintain the ship’s smooth dining flow and uphold service quality. These include rules about timing, reservations, group sizes, and dress code. Let’s examine them in detail.
Unlike many cruise lines where passengers are given a designated table and dining time, Seabourn guests enjoy completely open seating. You are free to dine at any table, at any time during the restaurant’s operating hours.
That means you can:
Dine solo, as a couple, or join other guests at a shared table.
Request a private table or be seated with others for a social evening.
Change your dining time each night, depending on your activities or preferences.
This open format encourages socialization, spontaneity, and relaxation — core values of the Seabourn experience.
Though flexible, “My Time Dining” still operates within defined meal service hours.
Typical dining hours on Seabourn are as follows:
Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM (varies slightly by ship)
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Guests can arrive at any time during these windows. However, peak hours — usually between 7:15 PM and 8:15 PM — can be busier, especially on sea days or formal evenings.
While reservations are not required for The Restaurant, Seabourn encourages guests to inform the maître d’ if they plan to dine at a specific time, especially if they have group preferences or special requests. This helps staff prepare for your arrival and ensures you receive prompt service.
While “My Time Dining” applies mainly to open-seating restaurants, some specialty venues on Seabourn may require or recommend reservations.
For example:
The Grill by Thomas Keller (a classic American-style restaurant) operates on a reservation-only basis, and each guest is typically guaranteed one reservation per cruise.
The Colonnade, though casual and flexible, sometimes offers themed dinners or chef’s table events that may require advance booking.
The Patio, located poolside, generally does not need reservations but may have limited seating during themed BBQ nights or special occasions.
So while the core of Seabourn’s dining remains open and flexible, certain experiences follow structured booking systems to ensure availability and quality.
Seabourn maintains a refined yet comfortable approach to onboard attire. The dress code applies to all dining venues, including those operating under “My Time Dining.”
The general rules are:
Daytime: Casual resort wear (shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, etc.)
Evenings: “Elegant casual” attire is standard. For men, this means slacks with a collared shirt or sweater; jackets are optional but often worn. For women, dresses, skirts, or slacks paired with stylish tops are appropriate.
Formal Evenings: Depending on the cruise length, one or more evenings may be designated as Formal Optional. In that case, men may wear a suit or tuxedo, and women may choose cocktail dresses or evening gowns.
Guests dining in The Restaurant are expected to adhere to the evening dress code. However, The Colonnade and The Patio remain more casual for those preferring a relaxed meal.
“My Time Dining” on Seabourn is designed to accommodate every preference. Whether you enjoy private dinners or sociable gatherings, the staff will cater to your needs.
Guests can:
Request a private table for two if they prefer intimacy or quiet.
Ask to join a shared table with other passengers for a more social experience.
Inform the maître d’ in advance if they’d like to dine with specific guests or repeat a preferred seating arrangement.
This flexibility means you can adapt each night to your mood — a hallmark of Seabourn’s service philosophy.
Although there are no fixed dining slots, courtesy and communication remain important. If you make an informal reservation or express an intended dining time, it’s polite to arrive promptly.
If you anticipate being late or wish to cancel your dinner plan, a quick word with the maître d’ ensures smooth service flow for everyone. Seabourn’s dining staff is renowned for personalization, so communicating preferences and changes helps them deliver seamless service.
Seabourn is exceptionally attentive to dietary restrictions and culinary preferences. The “My Time Dining” system allows flexibility in accommodating various dietary needs, including:
Vegetarian or vegan menus
Gluten-free or lactose-free meals
Diabetic or low-sodium diets
Religious or cultural meal preferences
Guests are encouraged to inform the line about dietary needs before sailing and remind the restaurant staff upon embarkation. With Seabourn’s small guest-to-crew ratio, the chefs often create customized dishes on request, even for spontaneous meals.
All beverages, including wines, cocktails, specialty coffees, and soft drinks, are included in the fare on Seabourn. Guests can order drinks at any dining venue without worrying about additional charges.
“My Time Dining” allows guests to enjoy wine pairings recommended by sommeliers or choose from premium selections (some available at an extra charge). If you have a preferred wine or cocktail, you can even request it be served at your table nightly.
Traveling with friends or family? Seabourn makes it simple to dine together, even under “My Time Dining.”
Larger groups (four or more guests) are encouraged to:
Inform the maître d’ early in the cruise of preferred dining times.
Pre-book specific evenings for group dinners.
Specify table arrangements (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor, near the window, etc.).
The crew will do their best to reserve adjoining tables or accommodate your party at a single large table, depending on space availability.
An extension of the “My Time Dining” concept is Seabourn’s 24-hour in-suite dining service. Guests can order from the full restaurant menu during dining hours, served course-by-course in their suite.
For those who prefer a private dinner on the balcony or a relaxed breakfast in bed, in-suite dining is an elegant and flexible option that mirrors the same standards as The Restaurant.
On larger cruise lines, passengers are often required to choose between early seating (around 6 PM) or late seating (around 8:30 PM), with the same table companions each evening. While this can be enjoyable for some, it limits spontaneity.
Seabourn’s “My Time Dining,” in contrast:
Eliminates fixed meal times.
Offers diverse table options.
Encourages mingling with different guests.
Allows complete freedom to match your dining schedule with onboard entertainment, excursions, or spa appointments.
This open-seating system is one of the reasons Seabourn stands out among ultra-luxury cruise lines, appealing to travelers who value independence and unhurried elegance.
This is the heart of Seabourn’s dining experience and the main venue for “My Time Dining.” It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a refined atmosphere with ocean views. No reservations are needed; guests simply arrive during open hours.
A casual alternative, The Colonnade serves buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, transforming into a semi-formal à la carte venue for dinner. On select nights, it may feature themed menus or chef-led dinners requiring reservations.
A reservation-only specialty restaurant inspired by classic American grills. While not technically “My Time Dining,” it aligns with Seabourn’s flexible philosophy, allowing guests to choose their preferred evening during the voyage.
An open-air poolside venue perfect for casual dining and relaxed evening meals. Guests can arrive at any time — ideal for those who prefer a more informal dining atmosphere.
Offers ultimate privacy and flexibility, extending “My Time Dining” into your suite with the same menus and impeccable service.
Be Flexible: Even though dining times are open, peak hours can mean short waits. Being flexible with timing helps you get the best tables and swift service.
Communicate Preferences: If you prefer certain servers, table locations, or wine pairings, mention it early — Seabourn’s staff will remember and personalize your experience.
Be Courteous to Staff and Fellow Guests: Patience and politeness enhance the shared dining atmosphere onboard.
Plan Specialty Dining Early: The Grill by Thomas Keller and other themed nights fill quickly — secure your preferred slots soon after embarkation.
Try Shared Dining: Meeting new people at dinner often leads to lasting friendships on Seabourn voyages.
Seabourn’s fleet consists of intimate, all-suite ships carrying between 450 and 600 guests — far fewer than mainstream cruise liners. This smaller scale allows the line to maintain open dining without long waits or overcrowded restaurants.
Moreover, Seabourn’s crew-to-guest ratio ensures highly personalized attention. Waitstaff and sommeliers quickly learn your preferences — your favorite wine, how you like your steak cooked, or your preferred dessert — even if you dine at different times each evening.
This personalized luxury is why many guests describe dining on Seabourn as “like being welcomed into a private members’ club at sea.”
1. Do I need to book my dinner time in advance?
No, not for The Restaurant or most venues. However, reservations are recommended for specialty restaurants like The Grill by Thomas Keller.
2. Can I request the same table each night?
Yes, simply inform the maître d’ — they will note your preference and do their best to reserve it for you.
3. What if I have dietary restrictions?
Seabourn chefs accommodate all dietary needs. Inform staff in advance or upon boarding for personalized options.
4. Are there extra charges for dining?
No, all dining venues are included in your fare, except for certain premium wines or champagne selections.
5. Can I dine after 9 PM?
Dinner service in The Restaurant usually ends around 9:00 PM, but The Colonnade and in-suite dining options remain available later.
Dine Early or Late: If you prefer quieter surroundings, aim for 7:00 PM or after 8:30 PM.
Mix Venues: Try The Colonnade for themed dinners and The Patio for al fresco evenings.
Enjoy Sea Days for Lunch: The Restaurant’s lunch service on sea days is a hidden gem with creative menus.
Ask About Chef’s Specials: Each night features unique dishes, often inspired by the ship’s itinerary.
Use In-Suite Dining for Romantic Dinners: Dining on your private veranda under the stars is unforgettable.
Seabourn Cruise Line’s “My Time Dining” concept represents the pinnacle of luxury, flexibility, and personal choice at sea. It’s designed for travelers who value freedom over formality — allowing every meal to be an unhurried, tailor-made experience.
The rules that guide this system are few but essential — centered around courtesy, timing, and simple communication. In exchange, guests receive a dining experience that feels effortless, elegant, and entirely personal.
Whether you’re savoring a five-course dinner in The Restaurant, enjoying a themed night in The Colonnade, or indulging in in-suite dining, Seabourn ensures every meal feels like it was crafted exclusively for you.
That’s the beauty of “My Time Dining” — not just eating when you want, but doing so your way, in true Seabourn style.
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