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What are the rules for “My Time Dining” on Celebrity Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

My Time Dining is a flexible dining option offered by Celebrity Cruises that allows guests to enjoy the main dining room at a time that best suits their schedule. Unlike traditional dining, which requires passengers to dine at set times each evening, My Time Dining offers freedom to select a preferred time for each meal, providing flexibility to accommodate shore excursions, entertainment, or personal preference. Understanding the rules for My Time Dining helps guests maximize this option and ensures a smooth dining experience throughout the cruise.

What Is My Time Dining

My Time Dining is designed for passengers who want the convenience of dining in the main dining room without being restricted to a fixed schedule. Guests can choose when they want to dine each evening, within the operational hours of the dining room. This option is ideal for travelers who want to attend shows, participate in activities, or simply enjoy a more relaxed pace without worrying about arriving at a specific time every night.

Guests who select My Time Dining are seated at different tables each night depending on availability. This allows flexibility in scheduling, but it also means you may dine with different people throughout the cruise unless you request a specific table or companions.

How to Sign Up for My Time Dining

When booking a cruise with Celebrity, guests can select My Time Dining as their preferred dining option. This can be done at the time of booking or by contacting the cruise line or a travel agent afterward. Once My Time Dining is selected, guests receive access to make reservations for their preferred times each evening.

It is important to note that My Time Dining may be limited on some sailings, especially during peak travel seasons. Guests are encouraged to select this option early to ensure availability.

Rules for Making Reservations

Selecting a Dining Time

Guests using My Time Dining can choose their dining time within the hours that the main dining room operates. Typically, the dining room opens in the early evening and remains open for several hours, allowing guests to select times that best suit their schedules.

Reservations can be made in advance through the Celebrity Cruises website, mobile app, or by contacting the reservations team. It is recommended to make reservations as early as possible to secure preferred times, especially for larger groups.

Table Assignments

Unlike traditional dining, My Time Dining does not guarantee the same table or wait staff each evening. Guests may be seated at different tables each night depending on availability and the number of diners requesting similar times.

However, guests can request to be seated with specific companions. If traveling with family or friends, it is important to specify the request when making reservations to ensure the party can be accommodated together.

Changing Dining Times

One of the main benefits of My Time Dining is flexibility. Guests can change their dining time each day based on their plans. This can be done online, through the app, or in person at the dining desk on board the ship.

While the option to change times exists, it is subject to availability. Popular dining times may fill quickly, so guests are encouraged to plan ahead and make changes early when possible.

Special Requests

Guests with dietary restrictions, allergies, or other special requests can communicate these needs when making reservations or by speaking with the dining staff on board. Celebrity Cruises strives to accommodate dietary needs for all passengers and provides menus suitable for a variety of preferences and requirements.

Special requests may include vegetarian options, gluten-free meals, or other modifications. Guests should notify the dining team in advance to ensure proper preparation.

Policies for Guests Traveling in Groups

When traveling with a group, guests using My Time Dining should be aware that larger parties may require additional planning. Celebrity Cruises recommends that groups coordinate their dining times in advance to ensure that everyone can be seated together.

If a group is unable to secure the same time, the cruise line will attempt to accommodate the request, but flexibility may be necessary depending on the number of passengers and the popularity of the desired time.

Onboard Procedures

Checking In for Dining

Guests should arrive at the dining room a few minutes before their reserved time. While My Time Dining allows flexibility, it is important to check in promptly to ensure seating is available and to avoid delays.

Upon arrival, the host or hostess will confirm the reservation and assign a table. If the requested time is not available, guests may be offered an alternative time or seating option.

Wait Times

Even with a reservation, there may be brief wait times during peak dining hours. Guests are encouraged to be patient and enjoy the lounge or bar area while waiting for their table.

Interaction with Staff

Guests may encounter different wait staff each night due to the flexible seating arrangements. Staff members are trained to provide consistent service regardless of table assignments, ensuring a high-quality dining experience throughout the cruise.

Advantages of My Time Dining

  1. Flexibility: Guests can adjust their dining schedule daily to fit their itinerary or personal preferences.

  2. Variety: Dining at different tables each evening allows guests to meet new people and socialize with other travelers.

  3. Convenience: Guests can coordinate dining times around shore excursions, entertainment, or onboard activities.

  4. Customization: Special dietary needs or seating preferences can be accommodated by notifying the dining staff.

Potential Limitations

While My Time Dining offers many benefits, guests should be aware of certain limitations.

  • No Fixed Table Guarantee: Because seating varies each night, guests may not have the same table or companions consistently.

  • Popular Times May Fill Quickly: Peak dining hours may have limited availability, so planning and early reservations are recommended.

  • Group Coordination: Larger groups may require flexibility to ensure everyone can dine together.

Tips for a Smooth My Time Dining Experience

  1. Book Early: Secure preferred times as soon as possible to avoid limited availability.

  2. Communicate Preferences: Specify companions, special dietary needs, or table preferences when making reservations.

  3. Check Online or App: Adjust dining times and view availability through the mobile app or online account before and during the cruise.

  4. Arrive on Time: Even with flexible seating, punctuality ensures smoother service and minimizes wait times.

  5. Be Flexible: Popular times may require compromise, so consider alternative times to avoid disappointment.

Conclusion

My Time Dining on Celebrity Cruises offers guests the freedom to enjoy main dining room meals at times that fit their schedule, making it a popular choice for travelers who value flexibility. By understanding the rules, making reservations early, and communicating preferences, guests can take full advantage of this dining option.

While there are limitations such as variable seating and potential wait times, the benefits of flexible dining, social opportunities, and convenience make My Time Dining an appealing choice for many cruise passengers. Proper planning and awareness of the rules ensure that every dining experience aboard a Celebrity ship is enjoyable, seamless, and tailored to individual needs.

My Time Dining enhances the cruise experience by combining excellent cuisine with the freedom to choose when and with whom to dine, allowing guests to fully enjoy all aspects of their vacation without being tied to a fixed schedule.

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