Believe it or not, some cruisers will go on a 7-day sailing and never once darken the door of the main dining room. But that’s the cool thing about cruising; you can do it however you’d like.
But for those who want a more organized and “formalish” dining option that’s already included in the cruise fare, these MDR tips can help avoid some issues.
When you’re on a cruise you have a few options to consider when it comes to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some people don’t realize that dinner is not the only meal you can eat in the main dining room.
You can eat lunch or breakfast in the main dining room (usually). It just takes longer to eat since it is a more formal or semi-formal setting, so many people just opt for the buffet, quick-service spots, or room service for a quick bite to eat before they hit the pool, fitness center, or excursions.
Here are a few updated tips for eating in the main dining room on a modern cruise ship:
1. Always go to the main dining room at least the first night
I know some people that have gone on cruises but never ate one time in the main dining room. Not only is the food usually much better in the main dining room, but the service is excellent as well.
Check it out the first night to see if you like it. It’s better than waiting until the last day and regretting not going sooner. If you want a more laid-back atmosphere, you always have the buffet, grills, or other casual spots, but most cruise lines take great pride in the quality of their main dining rooms.
2. Know the rules for ordering multiple entrees
Ordering food on a cruise ship used to be a completely unlimited, boundary-free experience. While you can still order multiple appetizers and desserts without issue on most lines, the days of ordering three or four lobster tails or steaks for free are largely gone. Major cruise lines now implement a cap, which is typically allowing two complimentary entrees per person, with a nominal fee (anywhere around $5 to $20 depending on the item) for each additional entree.
Read the menu carefully or ask your server so you aren’t surprised by the bill and remember to only order what you can actually finish to help reduce food waste.
3. Master the flexible “Anytime Dining” system
Traditional fixed dining (early or late seating) is no longer your only option. Most modern ships place a massive emphasis on flexible dining, known varyingly as “My Time Dining,” “Your Time Dining,” or “Anytime Dining.”
This allows you to show up whenever you are hungry during dining hours. However, going flexible means you need to strategize. Peak dinner hours (6:30 PM to 8:00 PM) can bring long wait times. If you choose flexible dining, utilize your cruise line’s app to join a virtual queue before walking over, or make reservations days in advance.
4. Dress codes are casual, but follow the line’s vibe
The era of mandatory tuxedos and floor-length ballgowns on mainstream cruise lines is mostly in the past. Today, terms like “Evening Chic,” “Dressy Casual,” or “Cruise Elegant” have replaced the strict “Formal Night.” While many passengers still love to dress up for photos, nice jeans and a collared shirt or a sundress are perfectly acceptable on most mass-market ships. A few cruise lines have abandoned dress codes altogether. Check your specific cruise line’s app before packing so you know exactly what to expect.
5. Let the smartphone app dictate your dining flow
Virtually every element of modern cruise dining is managed from your phone. Download the cruise line’s app before you even leave home. Once on board, you will use it to view menus, check wait times, join virtual lines for open seating, and manage reservations. Also, make sure to input any food allergies or specific dietary needs (like vegan, gluten-free, or halal preferences) into your guest profile via the app well before your sail date so the galley kitchen can prepare.
6. Pace yourself or keep to that diet
It’s easy to gain weight on a cruise, but you don’t have to eat everything in sight. Pick your favorites and leave the rest. Most ships now offer lighter spa or wellness options, robust vegan and vegetarian sections, and clear allergen labeling on their menus. If you see something you want to try but don’t want a massive portion, you can often ask your server for a half-portion or appetizer-sized serving of certain dishes.
7. Get to know your wait staff
These are some of the nicest and hardest-working people you will meet. If you choose traditional fixed dining, you will have the same crew every night, and they will quickly memorize your preferences, from your favorite drink to how you like your steak cooked. Gratuities are usually added automatically to your onboard account these days, but extra cash recognition for outstanding service at the end of the week is a meaningful way to thank them.
8. Request a table for two well in advance
Tables for two are limited because ships try to maximize space by seating larger groups together. If you are on your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want privacy with your partner, request a private table during the booking process or via the app as early as possible. If you wait until you board, these smaller tables are often already completely spoken for.
9. You can switch tables if there is a problem
Many people don’t realize they can request a different table or a different dining time if their initial assignment doesn’t work. If you are assigned to a large, shared table and find that you aren’t comfortable with your tablemates, or if the physical location of the table is too noisy, speak to the Maitre d’ as early as possible on the first night.
Most dining teams are incredibly accommodating and will do everything they can to move you to a better spot for the remainder of your sailing.
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1st time cruiser: Alaskan cruise on the Carnival Legend out of Seattle. Heat wave in Alaska during the last week of June, 2019. 80’s in Skagway, middle 60’s in Seattle (where we live). Great timing!! Ship gets a 5 out of 10 rating. Rooms not equipped with enough outlets for all of our chargers/CPAP, etc. We were on the deck just below the main deck and had to listen to chairs being moved around on the deck above all the time. WIFi costs extra. (While in port, we tapped into a neighboring ship’s FREE WiFi.) Ship had hand sanitizer dispensers, but I never saw a crew member wiping down public surfaces/handrails. (They probably did, but I never noticed them.) 4-hour port calls are ridiculous. Overall, a “nice” time was had by our group of 6, but not a “great” time. Lots of crew members. They kept the eating tables cleared in the buffet areas and the ship looking clean.
I think before booking any cruise you need to do some research on the atmosphere/style of cruising to expect. The atmosphere and “rules” vary from one cruise line to another. I have been on 8 different lines and the only one I try to avoid it Carnival. To me it feels like I’ve gone on spring break with a bunch of adults trying desperately to relive their college days. Under dressed for the dining room, loud obnoxious behaviour around the pool, kids allowed to run wild while their parents ignore their antics, and just generally kind of tacky on every level. I clearly remember a fellow in a suit staggering down the hall with a bucket of beers. Dressed up for formal night but couldn’t hide the lack of class. I know it makes me sound like a snob but if I’d rather not be trapped on a ship with a bunch of loud drunken morons. I’ve taken 3 Carnival cruises over the years. The first one without knowing what to expect, and the other two because the group of friends I was travelling with insisted on them due to the cheap price. I’ve come to the conclusion that Carnival cruises are generally among the cheapest because they are expecting to make their profits selling lots of alcohol once you are on board. If you don’t drink a lot yourself, and can find a quiet place to avoid the drunken nonsense of other passengers you can cruise very cheaply and in peace. After many years of cruising I now just want a fun but respectful atmosphere where I’m not constantly hunting for a quiet corner to read a book or gaze at the ocean without children and drunks bumping my lounge chair.
Chill out Shelly, it’s obviously going to be cruise line dependent. What a shame the line you chose was so poor. Try Celebrity, they are truly awesome and the food is amazing at all venues.
We saw people wearing shorts and t-shirts during a formal dinner. No one was turned down. The whole tux or suit thing is way too exaggerated.
Your advise sucks!!! I just came back from an Alaskan cruise on Princess and the food sucked! Actually the food in the buffet was better than the formal dining room. I was told that your waiter would cater to you but that was not the case. Silly reviews like yours leave people with a false assumption.
My husband has never taken a tux or a suit. A navy blazer, dress shirt and tie are really all that is necessary. Especially if you are on a long cruise and want to travel on the light side luggage-wise.
Must be the staff or that particular ship because I was on carnival in October and we could order as much as we wanted in the dinningroom.
I love the escargot on the Disney Cruise Line. It’s only offered on the menu of one of the restaurants. But because we have the same waiter follow us to each restaurant each night, I make the request on the first night to have the escargot ready at my table during the appetizer portion of the dinner each night, regardless of which restaurant I’m in.
We are booked on the NCL epic out of Barcellona. Do the taxis take you right to the ship ?
I Barcelona is an easy port. The bad news is that I wouldn’t take NCL anywhere. Poor food and non friendly staff for the most part. Blame Top Management for this. Room stewards are great as they do work hard. Take it from a 40 year cruiser on most all lines. Just my opinion.
My son and new daughter -in-law just went on a cruise with Carnival. The dining room dinner was not endless anymore they told them.
Needless to say they were highly disappointed. Not only that the buffets opened at 12:00pm and closed at 2:30pm. I am writing Carnival at the dissatisfied service as this was their honeymoon getaway.
Really, you are going to send a message and you didn’t go on the cruise but your son and daughter in law did? That is in poor taste. This sounds like a “Dear Abby” letter.
I agree with you 100% cruise fever
We have sailed Royal Caribbean 8 times and have enjoyed every time anytime dining.
We are not rushed, and have been satisfied every time, sometimes seated alone at a table for 2 and with others. Royal Caribbean has given us the best dining of any ship/
They don’t even mention the spa steam room, and the sauna on each ship. I have enjoyed a day in the sunshine and swimming, and enjoy going to the steam room before showering and going to dinner. It is wonderful how the steam just seems to be the best thing to awaken you for the evening. Every ship has a steam room.