We always go for the early seating. You will not be able to make your choice until the last step in the booking process; all passenger names will have to be entered first! These include the main dining room, the popular Windjammer buffet, and many other casual options. First things first if youre new to cruising, one thing to remember is that there are two kinds of restaurants onboard: complimentary and specialty. Whether youre celebrating a birthday or anniversary, planning to propose, or just want to dial your family dinner up a notch, Royal Caribbean has several specialty restaurants that bump up the wow-factor and go above and beyond in every way. Some evenings our main show was before dinner instead of after. If not, just leave blank, How to change your dining time on a Royal Caribbean cruise, traditional dining times or My Time Dining. Additionally, if you are traveling with a large party, you might find Traditional Dining to be easier. Early seating isusually around 5:30pm, and late seating around 8:00pm. Price: $$$$. LauraS and were seated by or before 5:30 every time and out by 7 or a little after if we needed to be for a show, no problem. The approach of early/late dining is inconsistent with the way they run entertainment. nyletak, Monday at 08:43 PM in Royal Caribbean International. Pair your meals with a beverage package and save on your favorite drinks. Breakfast in the Main Dining Room is first come, first serve, regardless on whether or not you selected My Time or Traditional Dining. From global flavors at complimentary fan-favorites across the fleet like Windjammer, Caf Promenade and the Main Dining Room to elevated fare served at specialty restaurants, every bite onboard a Royal Caribbean ship is just as impressive as the record-breaking slides, spectacular shows, and game-changing family experiences that make these thrill-filled vacations so unforgettable. Even the Main Dining Room offers a kids dinner menu with crowd-pleasing finger-foods like crispy chicken tenders, fresh-baked pizza and juicy burgers not to mention decadent desserts. When booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, you have two options for dining: My Time Dining and Traditional Dining. Besides the price tag, Johnny Rockets is often a less crowded spot for breakfast, so if you need a break from breakfast in the Windjammer, head over to the Boardwalk and start your morning there. Or, is that just a glitch in their system? This is an especially great idea for budding chefs! A very common question we receive is, "when can I start booking specialty restaurants on my Royal Caribbean cruise?" Choosing between My Time Dining and Traditional Dining Regardless of what kind of food or setting youre in the mood for, youll never be short on opportunities to treat yourself when it comes to dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. With Traditional Dining, you will have the same reserved seating each night of your cruise, and there are two seatings to choose from: first (early) and second (late). At the core of any Royal Caribbean cruise is the Windjammer buffet, which offers all-you-care-to-eat choices throughout the day. Otherwise, resort casual attire (including nice jeans) is acceptable. When making a reservation you will be offered My Time or traditional dining times (i.e., 5:30 pm & 8:00 pm). Our Starbucks kiosks onboard are similar to any Starbucks location you have been to on land. Even if you have visions of riding the FlowRider, hanging by the pool and catching a show on your first Royal Caribbean cruise, first time visitors should not overlook the important of planning your meals. trust me if you dont turn up for dinner they get concerned unnecessarily. So basically the Early dining is not available so I am on waiting list. If you have multiple people in your stateroom or travel party, you can make multiple reservations each evening to accommodate everyone's preferences. DINING OPTIONS ON GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS. Frozen treats at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream*. I always do early. Also, restaurants in the Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods of Oasis class ships also offer outdoor seating. And if you want to keep lunch on the lighter side, WHERE TO DINE IF YOURE CELEBRATING (OR JUST WANT TO DO DATE NIGHT RIGHT), Steakhouse classics like succulent lobster and perfectly grilled cuts of prime meat at, At Izumi, fresh hand-rolled sushi and exotic Asian-inspired dishes will transport you to the Far East. I only have 2 data points since Ive only resumed MTD very recently, but on both Grandeur and Symphony, if you show up before 6:45, you stand in line until 6:45. Solarium Bistro, another buffet-style option, is a good adults-only alternative thats available on select cruise ships. Did you find you missed out on those activities? DINING OPTIONS ON RADIANCE OF THE SEAS Main Dining Room with complimentary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner Complimentary Park Caf Complimentary Boardwalk Doghouse for custom hot dogs More complimentary options including the Windjammer Caf, and room service* DESTINATION PORT/CITY EXCURSION TYPE Awards FOLLOW US Both restaurants are included in your cruise fare. Like what you see? This means whichever option you pick, you have a set dining time for the entire cruise. Sharing the title of the world's largest cruise ship with her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas, the ship brings back some favorite dining venues and adds several novel ones that cruise travelers will love. Be sure to ask your waiter about any exclusions, but a majority of cocktails, beers and liquors will be included in the drink package benefits. Basic beverages -- tap water, iced and hot tea, drip coffee, lemonade and some juices (with breakfast) -- are included in the price of your cruise. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions, Circled by oranges, vineyards, & blueberries. Usually voyages of a week or less in length will host one dress-up night, when passengers can feel free to wear anything from a sun dress or nice slacks with button-down shirts to ball gowns and full tuxedos. Buy-Out Available. Waiters walking around looking to drum up business for their restaurants can sometimes lead to a discount off the regular price. 25 must-read Royal Caribbean dining secrets, What to do if your Royal Caribbean dining preference is not available, First time cruisers: What to know before booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, Video: 19 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do on Royal Caribbean, First time cruisers: comparing Royal Caribbean's Oasis class to Voyager class, When is the best time to book a Royal Caribbean cruise, Video: Worst Royal Caribbean advice you will get. We are also doing a Mediterranean cruise with our kids (teens) this summer, and we chose later because I don't want to rush back from the ports. Not a huge deal, though. No matter what kinds of new discoveries you have scheduled on your itinerary, the ideal way to start any day is with something delicious. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. The perfect way to relax and unwind at the end of the day is with a glass of your favorite vino. Depending on when you go, you may have to wait until there is an available table. There will be a head waiter on duty to speak with, and that person can confirm they have your dietary needs on file and make any necessary changes too. Stop into El Loco FreshSMto satisfy your craving for fresh-made Mexican favorites, like burritos, tacos and salsas. If not, just leave blank, How to book My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean, What you need to know about Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining, Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining. Like really? Enjoying . cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Enjoy a world of dining options at your fingertips on your next cruise. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! This website uses cookies in order to offer you the most relevant information. February 13 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. Despite the ubiquitous nature of food on cruise ships, passengers have plenty of questions about the logistics of it all. All Royal Caribbean cruise ships serve complimentary dining in the, Specialty dining, like the contemporary American steakhouse Chops Grille, Izumi Japanese Cuisine, and Jamies Italian by Jamie Oliver, serve guests for an additional charge unless you purchase a, WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BREAKFAST ONBOARD YOUR CRUISE. We prefer to opt for this, but actually mostly if not always dine in the WJ. If, for example, two people would like to eat earlier around 6:30pm, you would make them their own reservation. TREAT THEM TO SOMETHING THEYLL LOVE AT THESE RESTAURANTS, Little ones can be hard to please, especially if theyre picky eaters. Anytime dining can be anywhere from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, but it will vary depending on the cruise line. Only onboard our Oasis-class ships, guests can indulge in a premium dining experience in the most exclusive and sophisticated restaurant onboard, offering 6-8 course tasting-style menus. Steakhouse classics like succulent lobster and perfectly grilled cuts of prime meat at Chops Grille available on most ships fleet wide will impress even the most discerning palates, while the whimsical dcor and avant-garde dishes at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine on Symphony, Harmony and Quantum Class ships will blow your mind and woo your plus-one. happy cruising. My Time Dining uses the same menu as traditional seating. Today, we are sharing our 25 must-read Royal Caribbean dining secrets to ensure you have the best possible cruise experience! The larger the ship, the more options you'll have. Usually how long is dinner? To request a call back from one of our cruise experts, kindly provide us with the details requested bellow and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you need to change or cancel a reservation for any reason, you will have to go into the specific order and cancel each reservation separately before you are able to rebook. For dinner, passengers can choose between assigned early (6 p.m.) or late (8:30 p.m.) dining, or opt for RCI's My Time Dining, in which you pick a preferred mealtime (anytime between 6 and. The best way to do this is by emailing[emailprotected]; please include in the e-mail the guests' names, booking number, ship name and sail date. I would hope that we can finish in a hour time. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Pick MTD -- if you like your "My Time" can be as late as the Late MDR. The best way to ensure that everyone has a great time on the cruiseis to make them all feel invested in the trip planning. Now I just have to plan accordingly for show's. For us, we've always chosen the later dining time. Taking away dining? Read more:What drinks are included with your Royal Caribbean cruise? Even if you initially booked Traditional Dining, you can call your travel agent or Royal Caribbean directly to change to My Time. While most charge for deliveries between certain hours, breakfast is usually included in the price of your cruise. On Adventure of the Seas, the 3-night dining package is priced at $89 and the unlimited dining package is $189 if purchased pre-cruise using the online cruise planner. On days you may return to the ship early then grab diner at the buffet, solarium bistro, El loco or one of the other pay places such as playmakers then attend your game shows, etc. Like what you see? Open 24 hours a day, its perfect for satisfying your late-night cravings. Royal Caribbean states the current pricing for 2022 sailings is between $12.99 and $15.00 per day of the cruise. Pasted as rich text. Perfect for after a workout or any time you need a quick refuel, Vitality Caf whips up fresh smoothies, specialty wraps, and healthy snacks like fruit and yogurt. We showed up at 5ish every night besides the two we ate in WindJammer (recommend doing this at least once!) Powered by Invision Community. Sample seasonal, locally-sourced menus. Soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, smoothies, milkshakes, most juices, energy drinks and alcohol cost extra. All Royal Caribbean cruise ships serve complimentary dining in the Main Dining Room, Caf Promenade and Windjammer Caf or Windjammer Marketplace (the name varies depending on which ship you're sailing on, but the dining experience is the same). Always a late dinner, aways a large table, always a pre request for a table near the balcony railing. Regardless of which you choose, here is how to change your dining times. My Time Dining is great for guests who wish to experience a flexible dining schedule onboard their cruise. While some are included in the price, others levy either a set per-person fee or a la carte charges. If you're a vegan or vegetarian, you've got food allergies, you keep kosher or you're on a special diabetic or low-sodium diet, simply let your cruise line know when you book your sailing, and the onboard chefs will work with you to come up with some tasty options. Purchase onboard or pre-reserve before you set sail. A Royal Caribbean cruise is a family vacation that millions of people look forward to taking each year, and good planning can enhance that vacation experience even further. When you log into the Cruise Planner, all you have to do is navigate to the "Dining" tab and scroll down until you see "My Time Dining.". Thank youuuuu! Leftover prepared food is disposed of in several ways, which include incineration, offloading in port as compost or fertilizer, and grinding it until it's liquefied enough to be released into the ocean (far away from land) as fish food. It's free and generally includes several stations with a selection of cuisines. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Regardless of what kind of food or setting youre in the mood for, youll never be short on opportunities to treat yourself when it comes to dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Although not required, it's polite (and appreciated) to tip a dollar or two to the person who delivers your order. Your previous content has been restored. Ask to speak to the head waiter onboard for assistance. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. And really the difference between 545 guarantee seating and the 630 you are hoping for is not worth the hassle. Your group can dine out at a restaurant or have it to themselves with our buy-out option. Royal Caribbean is a safe haven for those with specific likes and dislikes. MTD has been called basically a **** show lately. Choose from classic made-to-order deli items such as salads, paninis, and freshly prepared sandwiches. Do you prefer traditional or My Time Dining? When planning your other evening activities, make sure that you allot yourself at least 75 minutes for your Main Dining Room experience. I've not found a "can't miss" fun and games show on RCCL. It's the most flexible option. You can even switch from My Time Dining to Traditional if you booked before understanding the differences, but you might end up with late dining depending on when you make the change, as early tends to book up quickly. The craziest thing about it is just how good it is. Enjoy juicy steaks, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes, and sumptuous desserts in the elegant, classic Chicago atmosphere of Royal Caribbeans popular signature steakhouse. Guests can choose between 2, 3, or even unlimited specialty restaurants on their Royal Caribbean cruise with up to 40% off the price if they were purchased individually. If you need to change your assigned time or table, or would like to make any requests for dinner, just ask the MaitreD at any hospitality desks on embarkation day and theyll gladly assist you. Hopefully I can make it to A 8h30 Show. Good luck. Believe it or not, you do not have to pay an extra dime onboard for beverages on your Royal Caribbean cruise. Nonetheless, the cost savings offered by the dining packages is perfect for someone who wants to experience many of the best Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants. With sweeping, multi-level ambiance, world-class cuisine, and extraordinary personal service, our main dining room serves exceptional, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Royal Caribbean's large, epic ships have always intrigued me. With kids I would just take the 545 time. Im still not exactly sure what happened. And when you cruise with Royal Caribbean there are so many opportunities to dig into incredible meals especially if youre sailing on an Oasis Class or Royal Amplified ship. If booking my time dining just be sure to not screw it up as I did! Still need help? Perhaps some ships are being more fluid with the MTD reboot, but not on the 2 ships Ive sailed recently. The exact times will vary according to your cruise itinerary. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Try soups and stews, crepes, salad bars, fresh-cut fruits and more. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Check out the menus before you make your dining reservations to ensure there is something that everyone can eat. When I was invited to the Inaugural Voyage and naming ceremony of their new ship - Odyssey of the Seas, I was excited to attend. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. After years of eating on Royal Caribbean ships, we have amassed our own list of "must-eat" dishes, treats and snacks across the fleet. You will most likely be tired after long port days. JMHOif this is your first trip to Europe/Med, you will have fond and truly memorable memories of all your shore excursionsand the fun stuff onboard will be nothing but faint memories. Royal Caribbean dining choices, both complimentary and specialty, offer unique dishes andimpeccable service that has the potential to be every bit as memorable as time spent at the pool or onshore. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. You may find that you are split up at different tables that are not located near each other. Portside BBQ is the real deal, serving up authentic barbecue favorites cooked low and slow to perfection. My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children ages three to 11. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Our main dining rooms offer an elegant setting for mouth-watering four course dinners. And for the ultimate VIP dinner, head to Chefs Table and indulge in a five-course gourmet feast and wine pairing prepared and presented by the ships Chef de Cuisine and an expert sommelier in an intimate setting. Royal Caribbean is known to offer pre-cruise discounts on various aspects of the cruise experience, including specialty dining. Welcome to SeaPlex Dog House, where the first-ever food truck at sea serves up gourmet hot dogs for all to enjoy in the SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea. For these reasons, the Windjammer buffet can be a wise choice for keeping everyone happy. A hearty but healthful lunch destination in Solarium with lighter options for breakfast and lunch. PS, I usually get appetizers in the DL around 6 or hit Sorrento's for a few slices of pizza, never ruined my dinner. If you choose the former, you might also end up sharing a table with other cruisers. 1 hour? You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Onboard the ship, there is a dining hotline you can call from your stateroom phone to modify reservations. Throughout the cruise, you may be able to change your My Time Dining reservations on the app or by calling the dining hotline from your stateroom's telephone, but it is dependent on availability. please click here to update it. If not, just leave blank, What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare, How to eat healthy while on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Just head over to the Main Dining Room to speak with a head waiter, and they will assist you! Greater choice of dining times: My Time Dinner is available each evening between the hours of 6:00 and 9:30 p.m. Great for scheduling around shore excursion plans. Late pros: -less kids at this time. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Main Dining Room with complimentary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Still need help? The only caveat to the dining packages is one of the restaurants must be experience on the first or second night of the cruise. And if youre cruising in a Sky or Star Class suite, you can enjoy complimentary breakfast at the exclusive Coastal Kitchen, open only to suites guests and Pinnacle Club-level members of the Crown & Anchor Society. For the most part, food is available around the clock on most ships. With My Time Dining, you can simply walk up to the host stand to be seated or make reservations in advance for your preferred time. More complimentary options including the Windjammer Caf, Solarium Caf, and room service*. For dinner, you'll be assigned to a specific time if you select set seating and choose to eat in the main dining room. Finally, the evening shows are often scheduled around Traditional Dining times with early and late showings. Complimentary restaurants are completely covered by your cruise fare, no matter what time of day you choose to drop in for a bite. If you are choosing My Time Dining because you are not a fan of either set dining times, you will need to ensure that you make nightly reservations as soon as possible via the Cruise Planner. What drinks are included with your Royal Caribbean cruise? Impressive and delicious options might include watermelon and raspberry soup, crab cakes with corn and peppers, shrimp cocktail and escargot as appetizers; horseradish-crusted Atlantic salmon,. We chose My Time Dining and then went online to book for 7.30 every night, before we boarded. This option affords a ton of choice, making it great for picky eaters or cruisers with dietary restrictions. These events are a fun alternative to a typical mean, and offer entertainment in addition to the food and drink that these specialty restaurants are well-known for offering. If you are booked in traditional dining, then you are either in early or late eating. CC Help Jenn The general type of folks in Early are the same ones that towel the Solarium at 5AM, stand in line at the departure sally, push in front at WJ, elevators, theater entrances. The delicious stone-baked pizza at Sorrentos is a portable guest favorite, and the roast beef Kummelweck sandwich at Park Caf has achieved legendary status among cruisers. -get dinner out of the way and can do whatever you want for the whole night, -could go to buffet after dinner if you're still hungry, -may have to rush to make this dinner after getting back on the ship, -may miss the boat leaving the port which is fun to watch, -will be missing the last hours of sunlight on the cruise as it's in May and sun probably sets around 830, -get more daylight on the deck of the ship, -may miss fun activities going on that night, -may be hungry and ruin dinner by going to buffet or eating snacks prior, -will have to go to late shows even if tired from the day, or miss them altogether. Keep in mind that the United States has strict laws about bringing back certain fruits and vegetables, so be sure to read up on these laws prior to bringing anything home. Sometimes people will cancel. First things first if youre new to cruising, one thing to remember is that there are two kinds of restaurants onboard: complimentary and specialty. And you can get in on all the flavorful action with a beverage or specialty dining package keep reading for more information on those. On a waiting list for Early dining. Many Royal Caribbean guests are opting for dining packages, which allow guests to get a discount on multiple specialty restaurants. The best reason to book dining in advance is to guarantee a spot for you and your family, as well as break up the total cost of the cruise. Many of us go on a Royal Caribbean cruise and would prefer to eat chicken nuggets for every meal than try something new and that is okay! Let us know which you usually reserve and why in the comments below! The MDR is always open for dinner, and depending on the cruise line, passengers will have their choice of set seating or anytime dining (an assigned dining time at the same table with the same waiter each night, versus dining any time between set hours at the first available table). My Time Dining is now a choice within the booking process. The others could make a separate My Time Dining reservation for 8:15pm. Main Dining Room Izumi Hibachi & Sushi DINING PACKAGES LEARN MORE BEVERAGE PACKAGES LEARN MORE ALL INCLUDED COMPLIMENTARY DINING ( 15 ) Mini Bites Windjammer El Loco Fresh Dog House Splashaway Caf Solarium Bistro Restaurant Caf Promenade Noodle Bar Sorrento's Pizza Coastal Kitchen The Caf @ Two70 Park Cafe Vitality Caf Main Dining Room Fan-favorites, such as the Tutti salad bar, Labadoozie, escargot, savory bites and pretty much anything from Sabor are high priority when onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. Royal Caribbean cruises are the perfect vacation for honeymooners and anyone looking for a romantic evening out. We also do not like to miss the earlier activities like trivia & live music. For a port intensive med cruise I would pick late diner and enjoy the ports as long as you can. I scheduled 7:30 MTD every evening, and rescheduled frequently for late port call, tribute band at the wrong time, or Flowrider under the stars. Only onboard our Oasis-class ships, guests can indulge in a premium dining experience in the most exclusive and sophisticated restaurant onboard, offering 6-8 course tasting-style menus. With kids I would just take the 545 time. It truly depends, though. For an additional charge, you can start your day with unlimited bubbly by taking part in the Sip, Tour, Brunch. Aboard Royal Caribbean ships, enjoy dining options from four-course masterpieces served in elegant dining rooms to casual al fresco dining, made-to-order meals & more. The choice is yours onboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise. Hi. The actual times, however, will vary by sailing. In the main dining room, you can speak to the head waiter about any gluten-free, vegan or other dietary needs. LauraS gi333 There are plenty of drinks included in your cruise fare to keep not only your thirst quenched, but also satisfied. Guests who don't want to stick to a set dinner schedule each night can choose anytime dining, where you can go to the assigned dining room (which will be different than the set time dining room) at any point during dinner hours and be seated. My Family Time Dining is a dining option for families with children ages 3-11 years that aims to help kid's complete dinner within 45 minutes, freeing parents to enjoy coffee and . If your My Time Dining reservation is at 7:15pm, do not make any other reservations until 8:30pm or later. Started August 27, 2021, By My Time Dining is one of the options youll get to choose from when you book your cruise. On those nights, jeans are not allowed in the main dining rooms on most ships. In an effort to spur reservations, Royal Caribbean will discount specialty restaurant reservations and dining packages to guests that prebook on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site. Want in on a little-known secret? Although it may seem like specialty dining, the insanely delicious Mexican fare served quick and easy at this hot spot comes at no extra charge. Once you have decided on the perfect ship and itinerary, you are ready to move forward with the cruise booking process. Cue the applause for a smokin good meal. This is why we recommend making reservations for My Time Dining, whether that be in advance via the Cruise Planner or onboard by speaking with a head waiter. Most offer basic breakfast items for free, but you might have to pay extra for fare from the expanded breakfast and all-day menus. Unlike traditional dining where a dining time is assigned to you guests who opt for My Time Dining can eat in the Main Dining Room anytime they like during dinner hours, according to times availability. Cruise Dining 30% OFF ALL Guests + Kids Sail FREE + Instant Savings + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit 2nd Guest Sail FREE + FREE At Sea + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back Up to 30% OFF Fares + $400 Onboard Credit + FREE Upgrades + FREE Gratuities + Up to 4 FREE Amenities Up to 35% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guest Sail FREE + $100 Deposits