So i am a little confused with how my time dining works on royal. Have a cruise coming up next month, and it already allows reservations for my time dining? However, the first option is like 730 and 745 pm. This is...way too late with two little kids. But there are no other options. Will there be more options once on board? I chose my time dining cause its usually flexible, but what if i dont reserve anything then its sold out? The last time i cruise was on carnival, and you just jumped on the app and made a reservation on your way down to the dining room.
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
My time dining on Royal? Why do i need to book already?
3 Answers
Contributor Level:
First Mate
I like the flexibility of not having to eat in the main dining room are the time. You can alternate between additional charge restaurants and the buffet!-
On Royal their open seating dinner option (MTD) is more about not having to eat at the traditional seating times than about true passenger spontaneity about when to eat. On Royal the Early Traditional set time dining is the most popular choice and depending on the ship that is sat at 5:15, 5:30, or 5;45pm. The MTD dining room usually opens about an hour after that, but it appears the system doesn't accept pre-boarding reservations anymore for the first 30-45 minutes the venue is open. Some ships do accept on board or same day table reservations for the MTD dining area.
At the MTD host(ess) desk there are 2 lanes for seating 1 will be for those where able to make reservations and the other for those that are looking for stand-by seating. Since the line to get to the host(ess) desk can be anywhere from non-existent to 20 minutes long, it's advisable even if you made reservations to arrive at least 15 minutes a head of when those are to check in, as a reservation is released 15 minutes after the time if you are not checked in. Also even with a reservation, you are still not guaranteed a table at that specific time and could have a wait.
As with other cruise lines you can go on embarkation day to talk to the Maitre'D about changing you dining time to either of the set options if you don't think the way Royal operates their MTD will work for you. Unlike some other cruise lines you can also ask to keep MTD but have a static table and time that your party will be seated at. You will still need to check-in at the host(ess) desk each night, but you don't need to worry about making daily reservations.
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
There isn't a reservation system on Royal like that. You'll just be standing in a long line every night waiting on a table. They really haven't mastered the My Time concept.