After taking more than 30 Royal Caribbean cruises, I’ve learned that embarkation day lunch can either be a relaxing start to your vacation or a stressful one.

Like many cruisers, the first thing I usually want to do after stepping onboard is grab something to eat. Between the excitement of finally boarding, exploring the ship for the first time, and carrying around my luggage after a long travel day, lunch quickly becomes a top priority.

While Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer Marketplace buffet is the most popular choice for embarkation day lunch, it’s often packed with passengers dragging luggage through crowded buffet lines. When staterooms aren’t ready yet and everyone is trying to start their vacation at the exact same time, many people naturally head straight to the Windjammer.

Last year, I sailed on Utopia of the Seas for the first time with my parents and grandparents. After completing our muster drill, we made the mistake of heading straight to the Windjammer for lunch. It was an absolute zoo! My poor grandma struggled to navigate through the crowds with her walker, and finding a table large enough for all of us felt nearly impossible.

Because of experiences like this, I usually try to avoid the Windjammer if the ship has enough alternative dining venues. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean’s newer ships make this much easier with more dining options.

For instance, I recently sailed on Odyssey of the Seas and chose to dine at El Loco Fresh on embarkation day. I love the selection of Mexican options here, so I grabbed a quesadilla for lunch. It was much quieter than dealing with the buffet crowds and ended up being a more relaxing way to start the cruise.

Of course, not every ship has endless dining choices. If you’re sailing on an older Vision or Radiance Class ship, the Windjammer may still be your best option for embarkation day lunch. 

With fewer complimentary dining venues onboard, your choices are more limited. Smaller spots like Park Cafe or Cafe Latte-tudes are often available too, although seating and menu selections can be minimal.

If you’re wondering where to eat after boarding your Royal Caribbean cruise, here are the restaurants that are usually open on embarkation day and the spots I personally think are worth trying first.

Complimentary restaurants open on embarkation day

The good news is that Royal Caribbean always has several complimentary dining venues open once passengers begin boarding, although what’s available depends on the ship you’re sailing on.

Windjammer Marketplace

The Windjammer Marketplace is the main embarkation day lunch venue across Royal Caribbean’s fleet. This large buffet typically opens first and remains available throughout most of the boarding process until sailaway approaches.

You’ll find a huge variety of food, from salads and sandwiches to pasta, burgers, international dishes, desserts, and fresh fruit. Some ships even offer special embarkation day food events, like Utopia of the Seas’ Seafood Extravaganza, which some passengers don’t realize is only available on the first day.

For first-time cruisers, the Windjammer can feel exciting because there are so many choices immediately after boarding. However, it’s also usually the busiest dining venue during embarkation day. On larger Oasis, Icon, and Quantum Class ships, I personally think it’s worth seeking out smaller venues instead.

Park Cafe

One of my favorite alternatives is Park Cafe, especially on Oasis Class ships. Located in Central Park, this complimentary cafe serves lighter options like sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts.

Many passengers forget about it on embarkation day, which means it’s usually less busy than the Windjammer. You can also enjoy the fresh air in Central Park while visiting this restaurant on Oasis and Icon class ships, making it one of my favorite spots for embarkation day lunch.

Cafe Promenade and Cafe Latte-tudes

Cafe Promenade and Cafe Latte-tudes can also be good options if you only want something quick after boarding. Depending on the ship, you’ll typically find pastries, pizza, finger sandwiches, cookies, and coffee drinks. Seating can be limited, but these venues are often much less chaotic than the buffet.

If you’re sailing on an older Royal Caribbean ship, this will be your main alternative to the Windjammer Marketplace on embarkation day.

Sorrento’s Pizza

Sorrento’s Pizza is another great option for embarkation day lunch after boarding your ship. If you board later in the afternoon and don’t want a large meal, grabbing a few slices of pizza while continuing to explore the ship can be an easy option.

In my experience, Sorrento’s Pizza can still be pretty busy on embarkation day. Since passengers typically enter the Royal Promenade area when boarding the ship, Sorrento’s Pizza is a convenient place to grab a bite to eat. Because of this, many people tend to gravitate here for a slice of pizza, as it’s one of the first places they see after boarding.

El Loco Fresh

On select ships, El Loco Fresh has become one of my favorite embarkation day lunches on Royal Caribbean. Available on Icon and Oasis class ships, along with select Quantum and Freedom class vessels, the casual Mexican venue serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos near the pool deck. The atmosphere usually feels much more relaxed than the Windjammer during boarding.

Solarium Bistro

Another hidden gem on some Oasis and Quantum Class ships is the Solarium Bistro. While many passengers head straight to the buffet, the Solarium Bistro often has a quieter atmosphere and lighter buffet-style offerings for lunch on embarkation day. I’ve found it to be one of the best places to escape the crowds while still enjoying a full meal.

AquaDome Market

Royal Caribbean introduced the AquaDome Market on its Icon Class ships as a food hall-style dining venue with several different food stations. It’s quickly become one of the best embarkation day lunch spots in the fleet because it helps spread passengers out while offering far more variety right after boarding. Depending on the station, you can find everything from crepes and Mediterranean dishes to Asian specialties, BBQ, and South American favorites.

Other venues

Depending on your ship, you can also find complimentary venues like Dog House, Wipeout Cafe, Surfside Eatery, Surfside Bites, or Basecamp open during embarkation day lunch hours. Royal Caribbean’s newest ships generally offer the widest variety of complimentary dining choices on the first day.

Is the Main Dining Room open for lunch on embarkation day?

In most cases, Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room is not open for embarkation day lunch, so this won’t be an option for most passengers.

However, there is one major exception. Guests who purchase The Key program typically receive a complimentary embarkation day lunch in the Main Dining Room. This can be one of the more relaxing dining experiences onboard during the busy boarding process.

Specialty restaurants open on embarkation day

If you don’t mind paying extra, several specialty restaurants may also open for lunch on embarkation day.

One advantage of booking a specialty lunch on the first day is that these restaurants are often far less crowded than complimentary venues. If you purchased a specialty dining package, you can usually begin using it immediately after boarding as well.

Common specialty restaurants that may open for lunch include Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen or Giovanni’s Table, Jamie’s Italian, Johnny Rockets, and Playmakers Sports Bar. Unlike dinner reservations, embarkation day lunch at specialty restaurants is usually first-come, first-served.

Personally, I avoid the Windjammer buffet whenever possible on embarkation day

After many cruises with Royal Caribbean, I have a pretty basic embarkation day routine. After boarding, I’ll arrange specialty dining meals for the cruise, complete my muster drill, and then grab a bite to eat.

If I’m sailing on a newer Oasis, Quantum, or Icon Class ship, I avoid the Windjammer whenever possible. Instead, I usually head straight to one of the smaller complimentary venues because they’re significantly less chaotic during the first few hours onboard.

For instance, I cruised across Asia last year aboard Anthem of the Seas. As a Quantum class ship, we were able to visit The Cafe at Two70 for lunch on embarkation day.

This is one of my favorite places on the entire ship, as it’s located inside the stunning aft-facing Two70 venue with massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. During the day, the space is typically very calm and relaxing compared to the busy pool deck. This makes it a great place to grab a snack any time, but especially on embarkation day. The cafe serves lighter options like sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries on embarkation day.

However, if I am sailing on an older ship with fewer dining venues, the Windjammer buffet is often unavoidable. In those cases, I try to board early before the buffet becomes completely packed. If that’s not possible, I try to wait until staterooms are announced as being open, as this usually clears out the crowds in the Windjammer.

I’ve also learned that embarkation day can feature unique menu items or special food events that don’t happen later in the cruise. For example, Utopia of the Seas offers a Seafood Extravaganza in the Windjammer Marketplace, but it’s also usually available in the Solarium Bistro.

How to check what restaurants will be open on your ship

One of the easiest ways to see what will actually be open on embarkation day is by checking the Royal Caribbean app for your specific sailing. You can click on the dining section and scroll through the different restaurants to view each venue’s hours. In my experience, most dining venues are open for lunch on embarkation day, including both complimentary spots and specialty restaurants.

Royal Caribbean tends to keep embarkation day dining schedules fairly consistent between sailings, so you can also review recent Cruise Compasses online. This can give you a good idea of what to expect before you board if the app hasn’t updated yet for your sailing.

Dinner on the first night is less confusing

By dinnertime on embarkation day, Royal Caribbean’s dining operations are usually fully running. That means nearly all complimentary and specialty restaurants onboard will be open as normal, including the Main Dining Room.

By this point in the day, most passengers have already dropped off their luggage in their staterooms, explored the ship, and settled into vacation mode. Instead of everyone rushing to grab food immediately after boarding, passengers are more spread out across the ship during dinner service.

Whether you choose traditional dining, My Time Dining, specialty restaurants, or casual venues, dinner on the first night is usually much less confusing and chaotic than embarkation day lunch.

Although modern-day cruise ships have endless food on board, some passengers like to get creative and come up with clever hacks to make their dining experience even better. 

Newer ships, like Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, have an unbelievable amount of restaurants available. However, one TikToker recently shared a unique buffet hack that transformed simple buffet items into a makeshift lobster roll.

Since it was posted on April 16, the viral TikTok has garnered over 85,000 views, 1,600 likes, 380 shares, 130 saves, and 70 comments. 

"I have an idea for a cruise hack [on Utopia of the Seas]. They have lobster in the Windjammer and in the Solarium on Day One. They also have hot dog buns [and] Old Bay aioli," explains @findmeatsea. 

(Credit: @findmeatsea / TikTok)

Although Utopia has a specialty seafood restaurant, this hack is smart for guests who might love the taste of a buttery lobster roll but don't want to pay extra. 

She then proceeds to load up the hot dog bun with lettuce before dunking generous pieces of lobster meat in the aioli and layering them on the bread. 

"That looks amazing," she says as she takes the first bite of her creation and nods in satisfaction, "Mmhmm, it's a hack." 

She tries the hack again on another sailing but swaps the Old Bay aioli for melted butter

(Credit: @findmeatsea / TikTok)

TikToker @findmeatsea posted another video on May 11, sharing that she returned to the Windjammer for lunch on embarkation day to revise the hack based on other comments. 

"I'm going to use [the lobster] to make my own lobster roll, but this time, with melted butter," she explains.

Once again, she uses a hot dog bun because she claims that the buffet does not have any sub rolls in the bakery section.

(Credit: @findmeatsea / TikTok)

Continuing on, she says, "The lobster tails are split in half so [they are] easy to separate." 

After removing the meat from the tails, she dunks them in the melted butter and places them into the hot dog bun, which has already been layered with lettuce. 

Although she does not state which version she prefers more, she nods to the camera and gives a thumbs-up for approval. 

"That's... a crazy good idea"

People flocked to the comments to praise the creativity of the hack and share how they would spruce up their lobster roll on Utopia of the Seas. 

"A little lemon but genius!" said @airdanone. 

"That's the best [cruise] hack I've seen since... the mozzarella stick fried chicken sandwich and cookie ice cream sandwich hack on [CocoCay]," @Jackie Cel adds. 

@Stacy walsh suggests adding tartar sauce next time, writing, "[Use] tartar sauce next time with Tabasco if you would like ... chilled lobster roll made with tartar is so yummy and add the shrimp cocktail to the lobster to make it even better." 

"I'm gonna need some Mayo on that please," comments @Yondie.

Unfortunately, this is not a hack that can be done fleet-wide

Lobster is not commonly found in the Windjammer aboard Royal Caribbean ships. Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas are (currently) the only vessels in the fleet that offer a special seafood buffet on embarkation day. 

Still, this idea highlights just how far a little creativity can go and encourages other cruisers to take a lap around the buffet and come up with their own customizable dish. 

For example, if you grab a cup of vanilla soft-serve and head over to a drink machine, you can turn it into a yummy frozen treat by pouring lemonade on top of the ice cream. 

Another idea is to get a plate of fries from the buffet and go to El Loco Fresh, where you can top it with everything from nacho cheese sauce to jalapeños, seasoned beef, and salsa to create your own loaded fries. 

Read more: I found the best free food hack on Royal Caribbean that changed how I snack

Whenever I go on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I almost always go to the ship's buffet first.

There are many restaurants on every ship, but the Windjammer buffet is a staple and its wide selection is why I'll eat there on every single cruise I take.

Even though I cruise about once a month, I actually look forward to eating at the buffet because I've found it delivers a mix of fan favorite dishes and a few surprises too.

Plus, the sheer selection of options is perfect for everyone in our family, including the picky eaters. I love the Asian food choices, while my kids go for the chicken fingers and burgers. Everyone gets what they want with very little fuss.

Over the years, I've learned to do five important things every time I eat at the Windjammer, El Loco Fresh, or any other ship buffet to make the meal more enjoyable from the start.

I always wash my hands before I enter

Even though there are fun crew members to remind me, I make it a point to wash my hands before I go to any buffet.

On most ships, there is a handwashing station at the entrance and while no one will force you to stop, you really should wash your hands for your (and everyone's) benefit.

No one wants to get sick on vacation, and a buffet setting more easily spreads germs because of the shared utensils.

There's even hand sanitizer for anyone in a rush, but health experts say handwashing is a safer bet.

I'm frankly surprised how many other passengers walk by hand the handwashing stations, like they didn't see them at all. 

I get it, you're hungry and you "just washed your hands a few minutes ago", but it really is worth stopping and doing it again.

I'll find my family a table first, so we know where to go

It can get very busy in the Windjammer and at other buffets, nearby table seating is limited. That's why the first thing I do is find a table for all of us.

I've learned from experience telling my kids "we'll be in this general area" doesn't work.  It seems like my kids have "Mr. Magoo vision" when they need to find us.

Instead, I'll grab an open table and sit down to reserve it.  Always leave one person at the table, because a random cup or bag alone isn't clear if you reserved the table or forgot your belongings.

Then, as soon as the first person returns with their food, I get up and get my food.

Reserving a table first is important for breakfast or at lunch sea days when the buffets get really busy.

I will look to see all the food choices before I start piling food on my plate

It's a rookie mistake to grab a plate and load up on the first thing you see.

I cannot tell you how many times I've done that, only to discover food I'd much rather have elsewhere at another buffet station.

Then you're left in a situation where you don't want to be totally wasteful and discard a full plate of food.  So you eat some or all of it before getting to the food you really wanted the most.

Take a quick walk around the buffet, and be sure to look for the cooking stations towards the back to see what specials are being offered.

The cooking stations are the hidden gem of the Windjammer

Speaking of cooking stations, you should look for these as a primary target in your food quest.

The Windjammer usually has at least one cooking station that changes what it offers every day for lunch and dinner.

At breakfast, it's an omelet station to cook eggs exactly the way you prefer it.

Later in the day, it could serve custom-made pasta, Asian stir fry, or some other cuisine.  

There's no cost to order food at the cooking stations, and the best thing is it's all freshly prepared.  

If there's outdoor seating, I'll always sit there

Certain types of Royal Caribbean ships have outdoor seating at the back of the Windjammer, and you really should go there to eat your food. This is one of my favorite spots on a ship.

On Radiance, Freedom, and most Quantum Class ships, the Windjammer has outdoor seating towards the very back.

I think there's something so enjoyable with having your food along with the sea breeze and endless ocean views. Plus, most of the seating is covered, so you're safe from rain.

There's a chance you would have to sit with other passengers for a meal during your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Sharing a table with other guests is a cruising tradition going back decades, and it's still in use in a few situations.

Some people like the idea of being seated with others because it adds a social aspect to the meal, and it's a way to connect with others.  You rarely encounter such opportunities in today's society outside of cruising.

However, some people would greatly prefer not to deal with making conversation and other pleasantries during their meals.  Or they simply prefer to enjoy time with their own family.

Here's what you should know about being seated with strangers on a cruise ship, and when you can avoid it.

The best chance to sit with other passengers is in the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the highest chance you'll be seated with someone outside your party is at dinner.

With Traditional Dinner, Royal Caribbean comes up with a seating arrangement to accommodate as many people as possible. There are small and large tables, and it's not uncommon to see a few couples seated together at the same table.

There's no way to know in advance what your table assignment will be, so you'll have to wait until you board the ship to see.  

Dining room table assignments are indicated at the bottom right corner of your SeaPass card, but you can also go to the Main Dining Room on embarkation and ask the staff there to verify for you.

If you have selected My Time Dining for dinner, the choice to be seated at a larger table or wait for a private table will be handled as you check-in.

Breakfast and lunch don't have pre-assigned tables, so you'll be seated on a first-come basis. 

Generally, you don't get asked to sit with other passengers, but if the dining room is busy, they sometimes will. Especially with small groups.

You could ask for a private table, but you may have to wait longer.

How to request a table alone

You can make a request pre-cruise to for a private table at dinner. 

A few weeks before your cruise, send an email to [email protected] asking for a table without anyone else. Provide them with your name, ship name, sail date, and cabin number.

You can also change your table assignment on embarkation day by speaking to the Head Waiter.

As you walk into the Main Dining Room, there's usually a crew member at a kiosk who can assist. It's not a guarantee that they can change it for you, but in my experience they almost always can offer you some kind of an alternative.

If you want to change tables later, that's an option too

If the idea of meeting new people and enjoying a lively dinner conversation sounds great, but the people you're seated with end up being dull or frustrating, you can always change to a different table later.

Ask the Head Waiter or Maître d for a new assignment, and they can usually work with you.  Their goal is for everyone to be happy and enjoy their meals.

You can't avoid sitting with strangers at two restaurants

Nearly every other restaurant doesn't require being seated with strangers, but there are two specialty restaurants where you don't have a choice.

Chef's Table is an intricate multi-course meal, paired with glasses of wine, and it's a special occasion where everyone is seated around the same table.

Because this is an intimate meal, there's just one table and it's limited to just a dozen or so passengers.  Therefore, you'll be seated with others.

The other restaurant with mandatory communal seating is Izumi Hibachi and Izumi Omakase.

Each hibachi table can accommodate around 10-12 guests.  This is very unlike Chef's Table, but because there's such high demand and limited times, you'll be seated with other passengers.

Of course, you could avoid being seated with someone you don't know by buying out the table.  Bring a large group with you and make reservations and you'll circumvent the issue because you're bringing the party!

I've been seated with other passengers for meals during shore excursions

The other situation where you could be seated with other passengers is on a shore excursion where a meal is included.

Tours that take you to a restaurant or home for a meal often have limited seating, so it's not uncommon to have to share a table.

Sitting with people you don't know could be a great social opportunity

Some people that cruise a lot swear by how much fun it is to sit with strangers for a meal.

In every situation where I've had to share a table with others, it's never been an awful experience. At worst, they're quiet and don't talk so I'll talk with just my family.

Plus, sitting with others could be a great idea for solo cruisers who wouldn't mind an opportunity to chat.

If you do share a table, be sure to arrive on time and avoid any controversial topics.  I recommend talking about your cruise and experiences onboard to keep it light.

Before specialty restaurants and late-night pizza became the norm, cruise ships had a different after-hours tradition: the legendary midnight buffet.

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Today, nearly every Royal Caribbean cruiser is familiar with the Windjammer Marketplace, El Loco Fresh, and Sorrento's. However, these dining options weren't always around. In fact, there's one that, if given the option, many cruisers would gladly bring back — even if it meant replacing greasy late-night pizza.

The cruise ship midnight buffet was once a beloved tradition at sea. Even today, with ships larger and more technically advanced than ever before, nothing quite captures the mystique of the midnight buffet's gorging and excitement in the same way. 

The midnight buffet was more than a grand feast (though without fast-casual options like Sorrento's, it was needed to satisfy late-night cravings). At its core, the midnight buffet was a spectacle and a form of entertainment during a time when AquaTheaters, high-quality musicals, and more did not exist. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

The Main Dining Room was transformed into a dazzling display of culinary artistry — think the Seafood Extravaganza at the Oceanview Café on Celebrity Cruises, but on an even grander scale — and before cruisers could dig in, they were allowed to walk through and admire the carefully arranged tables. 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean began phasing out the elegant ice carvings, fruit sculptures, and chocolate fountains in the 1990s and early 2000s. Now, the once-popular midnight buffet, also known as the "Gala Buffet," exists only in memories, photographs, and home movies. 

Read more: What it was like to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the 1970s

The Royal Caribbean midnight buffet was replaced with other dining options

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Over the years, late-night venues like Sorrento's and Café Promenade rose in popularity, reflecting a bigger shift in the cruising industry. While these included spots offer around-the-clock snacks, from simple sandwiches to cookies, fruit, and hot slices of pizza, they also highlight that today’s ships cater to a more casual, flexible crowd. 

Unlike the midnight buffet, towering displays of food aren't set out for one hour and then discarded. Instead, fast-casual food options are prepared and replenished as needed throughout the day, ensuring that less goes to waste. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Plus, these spots just easily adjust production as needed, rather than pumping out massive quantities of food when many passengers are already asleep. 

That said, although mega-ships place a greater emphasis on the economy of scale (meaning that the costs of successfully executing a midnight buffet don't make a lot of business sense), many cruisers fondly remember the specialty and would be happy to see it return to Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

"Went on my first cruise in 2005 (18 years old) and all i talked about was the food. 14 years later and my wife books an alaskan cruise for our honeymoon and in some weird twist of fate it was the same exact boat...," explained Worldly_Project_6173 on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread. 

"She had heard all our stories, saw the pictures, and was disappointed when we got there and all the food options were so generic and there was no midnight buffet. Feels like they switched from chefs to food warmer uppers."

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Burnt_Crust_00 added, "Loved them! Ice carvings, bread sculptures, fruit carvings, etc. One of the highlights of the cruise!!!"

 "My first cruise was [on] Majesty in 1994 and they had afternoon tea and a midnight buffet every night!! You walked through the dining room to admire all the fruit and ice sculptures then a second walk through to serve yourself," said AutumnOpal717. 

"I was lucky enough to be alive at a time when this was still a thing. It was the best part of the cruise," reminisced another cruiser.

The Royal Caribbean food options past 10:00 p.m. are limited

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Compared with the elaborate midnight buffets of decades past, the late-night options on Royal Caribbean's ships are disappointing, especially if you're on an older ship. Generally speaking, you are limited to pizza and whatever pre-made options are available at the coffee bar. 

Comparatively, Carnival Cruise Line reintroduced a late-night buffet a few years ago. Although it is not as extravagant as its predecessor, with impressive dessert displays and fruit carvings, the options are plentiful — ranging from chips and salsa to hot dogs, chicken tenders, French fries, potato salad, and more. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Even Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's premium sister brand, has a section of its buffet open at night, allowing guests to choose from salads, meats and cheeses, pizza, and more. On some ships, you can request made-to-order pasta, too. 

Will Royal Caribbean ever bring back its midnight buffet? Only time will tell. However, if they decide to appease nostalgic cruisers, the buffet would likely be more about efficiency than boasting elaborate displays to brag about on social media. 

Read more: 4 things that are different about dinner on a cruise ship in the 80s vs today

Within the past two years, Royal Caribbean has made multiple dining changes that are helping to reshape and simplify the line's food experience. 

Dining is a central part of any cruise vacation. Whether you enjoy the vast options of the buffet, indulgent three-course meals in the Main Dining Room, or intimate specialty restaurants, a lot of your decisions revolve around when and where you're going to eat. 

Not only that, but mealtime serves as a built-in social time, where you gather with friends and family to reconnect, talk about the day's activities, and plan the rest of your time on board. 

As such, small tweaks to menus, seating times, or better reservation systems can feel significant when planning a cruise. Cruises are all about convenience, so any well-thought-out update isn't just about the food itself — it's about making your vacation flow as smoothly as possible. 

Introduced a third seating time in the dining room

Historically, Royal Caribbean offered two traditional dinner times on its ships, seating guests around 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Although the traditional seating worked for many, others thought the times were either too early or too late. 

Consequently, in 2024, the cruise line added a third dining time to fit other passengers' schedules, ensuring that dinner remained a convenient and enjoyable part of the daily cruise experience. The exact time of the extra seating depends on the ship and itinerary, but it typically starts between 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

While My Time Dining lets guests choose when they want to eat each night, the third traditional seating offers a middle ground for those who still enjoy having the same wait staff but want something more flexible.

According to Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, the change was made to give cruisers "more choice and variety and flexibility for their vacation."

"We're just trying to create more convenience, variety, and options for our guests," he said during an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean Blog. 

He added that early tests of the new third set dining time were overwhelmingly positive, with cruisers giving the seating higher ratings than the early, late, and My Time Dining options. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean introduces third dining time

Added a feature to pre-book specialty restaurants with dining packages

Specialty restaurants are popular add-ons on Royal Caribbean cruises — from the classic Chops Grille to interactive hibachi experiences, indulgent Italian feasts, and more. 

Many cruisers prefer the specialty experience over the Main Dining Room, citing the intimate vibe, higher-quality food, and personalized service as making the meals more memorable. 

With the cruise line's dining packages, guests can now enjoy specialty meals without the hassle of paying for each experience separately. 

In the past, one of the major caveats with the packages was that you had to wait until you were on the ship to confirm your reservations. 

Now, however, you can pre-book specialty restaurants for the Unlimited Dining Package, along with the 3-Night Dining Package, on the Cruise Planner. This means you do not have to scramble to the reservations desk on embarkation day! 

You can make reservations for dinner or lunch (when available). Plus, the online portal indicates all available dining times, blocking out those that are fully booked.

Read more: Royal Caribbean extends a fix to a huge dining package problem

Began charging no-shows at restaurants

On a similar note, with specialty restaurants being in such high demand, the cruise line implemented a policy to cut down on last-minute cancellations caused by no-shows. 

In Sept. 2024, Royal Caribbean sent an email to travel agents informing them that it had plans to begin charging for no-shows at its specialty dining restaurants. 

"We will be implementing charges for no-shows at specialty dining reservations across the fleet. Our goal is to preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options. By encouraging guests to honor their reservations, we aim to enhance the overall experience," the notice read. 

Modifications to the reservation are not allowed within 24 hours of the scheduled dining time. According to the cruise line's website, cancellation fees start at $25 per person and increase to $50 for restaurants like the Empire Supper Club, Lincoln Park Supper Club, Chef's Table, Royal Railway, and Izumi Hibachi, where seating is more limited. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will now charge for no-shows at specialty restaurants

Simplified how cruisers can request a dining change

Most recently, Royal Caribbean made it easier for guests to change their preferred dining time through its website. 

Previously, you had to either call the cruise line or your travel agent, which could be time-consuming. Now, with just a few clicks online, it's easier than ever to move from the early seating to the late seating. 

You can also request to change from one of the traditional seatings to My Time Dining, giving you the option to choose when you'd like to eat each night (and vice versa). 

If an option is full, such as the early seating, you can select the box to be put on the waitlist. Should a spot open up, the system will update to reflect the change. 

To access the new dining change feature, you must first log in to your Royal Caribbean account on the website. From there, navigate to your upcoming cruise and click "Manage Reservation," followed by "Room and Guests."

Your current dining selection will appear under "Preferred Dining Time." However, you can easily click “Edit” to choose a new time or put yourself on the waitlist for your preferred option. Note that if you booked through a travel agent, you may still have to contact them to change the dining time on your cruise. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean simplifies dinner planning with website update

There's no denying that cruising today is vastly different than in the 1980s. Back then, cruises were more formal affairs, with strict dress codes, lengthy meals, and fewer onboard thrills.

Cruise ships were significantly smaller than the mega-ships that Royal Caribbean builds today. With fewer guests, it was easier for the cruise line to maintain consistency and closely oversee quality control. 

As ships have grown larger, the focus has shifted from luxury to prioritizing attractions, higher passenger capacities, and mass-market appeal. 

One of the biggest differences is the main dining experience. In the past, the dinner service was a cornerstone of the entire cruise. 

While many guests still enjoy eating in the dining room, it no longer carries the same importance it once did. Flexible dining times, specialty restaurants, and a solid lineup of casual venues have changed how passengers dine. 

Here's a look at how cruise ship dining was different in the 1980s — and why so many guests miss the tradition and formality of the dinner service. 

More traditional menus

(Credit: Adams Nicholas/Facebook)

In the 1980s, the menus lacked modern variety. 

Today, you'll find classic favorites like French onion soup and Caesar salads, alongside plant-based dishes and a wide variety of other options designed to cater to dietary restrictions. Back then, however, menus were smaller, and the choices were limited. 

Adams Nicholas shared images of old Royal Caribbean menus from the Song of America ship on Facebook. "The new themed menus sure don’t measure up to the old ones!" he wrote. 

(Credit: Adams Nicholas/Facebook)

Song of America entered service for Royal Caribbean in 1982 as the third-largest passenger vessel at sea. She operated for the cruise line for over 15 years until she was sold to Sun Cruises in 1998. 

Similar to Royal Caribbean's current menus, the nightly menus aboard Song of America had different themes, including French, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, and the famous Captain's Gala. 

However, the dishes were far more refined than what's available today. For example, on French night, the entrées included saumon a l'oseille, coquille St. Jacques, baron d'agneau roti, coq au vin, and contrefilet de boeuf roti preigueux.

(Credit: Adams Nicholas/Facebook)

Similarly, appetizers on Captain's Gala night ranged from pear nectar to Baltic caviar, melon with prosciutto, pineapple juice, quiche florentine, and egg skobeloff with smoked salmon. 

Even the desserts were thoughtfully curated to reflect a higher level of sophistication, with options ranging from cherries jubilee to rum raisin ice cream, swan chantilly, and pear conde. 

Dinner was a much more formal affair

(Credit: Adams Nicholas/Facebook)

Back then, dinners in the Main Dining Room were more formal than today. As such, guests abided by strict dress codes, whereas today, it's common to find passengers dressed in casual t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. 

Additionally, dinners were elaborate seven-course affairs that began with appetizers and soups. This created a leisurely dining experience unlike today, where many guests prefer to rush through dinner to enjoy the evening's entertainment lineup. 

In fact, part of the reason that Royal Caribbean launched its new menus in 2023 was to expedite the service. Before the change, guests typically spent anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes in the dining room. The standard with the new menus is serving passengers a 3-course meal in around 75 minutes or less. 

Read more: Photos show what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s

No specialty restaurants

Older, smaller ships had fewer amenities. There weren't any water slides, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, or mini-golf courses on board. Additionally, older Royal Caribbean ships lacked specialty restaurants.

While the specialty dining experience has become a major selling point on modern cruise ships, with options ranging from sushi to premium cuts of beef and freshly-made pasta, it did not exist in the 1980s. 

As such, expectations for the Main Dining Room were higher since it was the primary restaurant on the ships. It was common for all guests to look forward to the elegantly plated meals, highly attentive service, and world-class cuisine. 

Read more: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room

Flexible dining wasn't an option

Finally, My Time Dining wasn't an option in the 1980s. All passengers had an assigned dining time — guests did not have the option to enjoy the dining room on their own time. 

Like today's traditional dining, passengers were expected to dine at the same time each evening. They were also seated at the same table with the same travelers and waitstaff. 

As such, dinners in the Main Dining Room were more formal and structured. Throughout the sailing, waiters learned everyone's preferences, which added a personalized touch to the mealtime experience. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining

What time should you pick to eat dinner on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship so you don't miss out on the best things to do onboard?

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when you book a cruise is what time you want to have dinner.

If you opt for Traditional Dinner (instead of My Time Dining), there are three seating times and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

I've found there isn't a single dinner time that is universally best, as it really depends on what your priorities are during the sailing.

Here are the recommendations for which dining time to pick, depending on what you prioritize the most.

Pick early dinner if you have kids or want to eat before everything happens

From the early days of cruising, early dinner has always been popular among families with younger children.

When my kids were younger, it was always advantageous to go to early dinner so you they could eat and then be dropped off at Adventure Ocean. Kids club opens at 7pm, so having dinner before heading there was the perfect timing.

Another advantageous of early dinner is you'll finish right in time for just about everything happening later that evening. 

If my dinner is at 5 or 5:30, I'm probably out of the Main Dining Room by 6:30pm or so, meaning I can see shows, bar performances, or any of the late night stuff.

The problem with early dinner is it eats into your afternoon.  

If you're the type of person that wants to shower and change before dinner, this means you'll likely need to be back in your stateroom to prepare by mid afternoon or so.  I found it cuts into the pool deck time or even some shore excursion plans.

Some people also complain early dinner is, well, too early.

Pick middle dinner if you want your late afternoons back

Royal Caribbean added the "goldilocks dinner" option last year as a way to give passengers more choice in when they eat.

For anyone that thought early dinner was too early and late dinner was too late, middle dinner is right inbetween. 

There are two advantages to middle dinner that I can see.

First, you can enjoy more of your afternoon plans compared to early dinner, especially when you have a full day of touring in port.

When I'm on an Alaska cruise or European cruise, many days we'd get back to the ship and not have enough time to get ready for an early dinner. And of course, we'd feel famished if we waited for late dinner.

Second, middle dinner means you get the benefits of Traditional Dinner without having to go to My Time Dining.  

Many cruisers would pick MTD because they wanted a middle ground of dining times. But there are some inherent benefits to Traditional Dinner.  Now there's no compromise.

The problem with middle dinner is the evening shows don't usually line up for middle dinner and cause a conflict.

Royal Caribbean traditionally has scheduled its evening shows around early and late dinner times, so middle dinner means you're going to have to get creative on seeing the featured shows onboard.

It doesn't mean you can't see shows, but it might be more difficult to plan around dinner and entertainment.

Pick late dinner if you'd rather see shows and then eat

When I first started cruising, I'd always pick late dinner for two reasons: early dinner was too early and it meant we could enjoy entertainment before dinner.

Typically the evening show schedules are arranged such that there are two show times per night, with an early and late show that compliment the early and late dinner.

With late dinner, we could enjoy our afternoon and then transition into evening fun before heading to dinner. That would mean a show, dinner, and then late night fun afterwards.

There's no question late dinner is better for not compromising on your afternoon, and it works well for getting to start your night with fun things.

As I got older, I started to dislike coming out of dinner at around 10pm and feeling like all that was left was late night activities. I preferred having more of the evening in front of me to look forward to after dinner.

I always pick early dinner because it opens up my evening

From a simplicity standpoint, I pick early dinner for my cruises.

Yes, eating at 5pm isn't my personal favorite time to eat dinner, but I think the advantage of having shows fit into my schedule is worth it.  

Plus, I like getting out of dinner and feeling like I have a lot of time still to enjoy what's happening around the ship.

As I mentioned, I started off doing late dinner when I was younger to avoid eating too early and getting more time in port or at the pool.  But I've shied away from it because I didn't want to get out of dinner at 10pm and feel like my night was over.

I'm no stranger to cruising alone, but eating by myself always feels a little strange.

I booked a 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas without my family because I wanted to review the ship again and see some of the changes that have been made, like a new casino offering.

If you ask my wife, I never shy away from booking a cruise alone.  It's not ideal, but I've cruised solo enough times that I immerse myself in my work to keep me busy. Plus, the ship always has a lot of activities I can indulge in as well.

But the only time I truly ever feel alone is at dinner because I enjoy a nice sit down meal to round out my day, and sitting alone at a table makes me feel sort of left out. 

I decided to embrace the solo cruise experience and go to dinner the way I prefer.

I would have chickened out if I didn't have a table alone

I'll admit that my entire decision was pinned on having a table with no one else at it in the Main Dining Room.

Royal Caribbean may assign you a table for dinner with strangers or just for your party. It's kind of a crapshoot as to what you'll end up getting.

Your table assignment is written on the bottom of your SeaPass card.  It has a deck number and dining time.  Your dining time is something you select when you book the cruise, and you have the choice of My Time Dining or Traditional.

On embarkation day I walked into the Main Dining Room, and found my table. Sure enough, it was a table for two and that meant I'd certainly be seated alone.

As an added bonus, my table was right by the window.  Unfortunately due to daylight savings time, it was too dark to see anything out of the window.

No one really cares if I'm eating alone

The singular truth about eating alone is that no one else cares what you're doing, and few barely even probably notice.

My concern with eating alone stemmed from the notion I'd feel out of place, in the way someone might feel if they showed up to a black tie party in shorts and a t-shirt.

The truth is it never felt anything like that. 

Any time I scanned the area around me, everyone was immersed in their own conversations and meals.  Plus, I was either enjoying my food.

When I didn't have something to eat, I had my phone to keep me occupied.  Fear not, I wasn't "one of those people" that had music or audio playing.  I used my phone to text friends and family, check social media, and otherwise keep me quietly occupied.

The downtime between servings is probably when eating alone would feel awkward, but the phone helped bridge that gap.  I suppose reading a book would be another option too.

The speed of service helped tremendously

One of the top reasons I came back for dinner in the Main Dining Room on night two was how quick the meal was.

When I first started cruising, dinner could take two hours or more. While I enjoy a relaxed meal, I think that's just too long.

One of the initiatives Royal Caribbean undertook as part of its Main Dining Room overhaul in 2023 was to address speed of service.

The cruise line saw this as an opportunity to serve hotter and fresher food while also addressing consistency. 

All of my dinners took between 45-60 minutes from start to finish. Full disclosure, I skipped dessert every night, so that saved some time too.

Because I knew I could enjoy a plated meal without fear of feeling "stuck" there, I enjoyed the experience even more. To be clear, the servers never made me feel rushed. They just served my food at the pace I was consuming it.

Why didn't I just go to the buffet?

If you are wondering why I didn't just opt for the Windjammer buffet instead, it's because I was eating other meals there and I wanted something different.

I love the cruise buffet, but the quality of the food in the Main Dining Room is always going to be a little bit better. As an example, the French Onion Soup served in the Dining Room is always going to be presented better than the DIY version at the buffet.

Part of the appeal of cruising is the level of service it comes with, and I enjoy what the Main Dining Room represents in that regard.

I'll gladly eat alone in the Main Dining Room again

I think this was the solo dining experience that solidified I could do it again without any trepidation.

I had a great team of waiters (shoutout to Renz and Jonathan) who made it all flow so easily.  One night I asked Renz to have a bowl of French Onion Soup waiting for me before they close for the evening, and he was happy to oblige.

The truth is few other passengers notice you're alone, and fewer care.

Some might have read this article and wondered why I didn't ask to sit at a larger table with strangers so I wouldn't feel alone.

My issue with sitting at a table with others and being alone is inevitably there are down times in the conversation and I'd feel rude being on my phone or reading a book. If I'm cruising with my wife and we are seated with others, then I have her to fall back on for a quiet conversation.

Anyone who's concerned about eating alone in the Main Dining Room should remember it's not as big a deal as you probably think it is. Bring something to keep you occupied between servings, and enjoy the added service.

If you’ve sailed with Carnival Cruise Line, chances are you’ve indulged in a burger from the beloved and iconic Guy’s Burger Joint. While Royal Caribbean doesn’t offer a comparable venue, there is one surprising place onboard where you can find a burger that holds its own - the main dining room.

One of the most popular dining venues on Carnival Cruise Line is Guy’s Burger Joint, and it’s become a staple for many loyal Carnival cruisers. You can find this burger joint across Carnival's fleet, even on their older vessels. The venue quickly became a fan favorite after launching in 2011 through a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

Most cruisers would argue this poolside eatery serves up some of the best burgers at sea. As a burger lover myself, I’d have to agree! After sailing with Carnival Cruise Line multiple times, I’d consider myself a bit of a Guy’s Burger Joint aficionado. 

The crafted burgers at Guy's Burger Joint are far from basic. They're served with bold flavor and indulgent toppings, such as bacon patties, onion rings, melty cheese and more. Even better, it’s fully included in your cruise fare, so you can enjoy as many juicy, freshly made burgers as you want throughout your sailing. All burgers are served with well-seasoned and hand-cut, crispy French fries.

Although Royal Caribbean serves basic build-your-own burgers daily in the Windjammer buffet, the cruise line lacks a dedicated burger stand like Carnival. 

If your ship has a Johnny Rockets or Playmaker’s Sports Bar, you could pay extra to have a top-notch burger during your cruise. In addition, you could treat yourself to lunch at Chops Grille, one of Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants, where they serve an elevated and higher quality burger for an extra charge.

However, there is one underrated venue that serves one of the best burgers for free on Royal Caribbean. During lunch or brunch in the main dining room, keep an eye out for a hidden gem on the menu: the Royal Burger.

Even though I’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean more than 30 times, I’ve rarely visited the main dining room for lunch. However, while cruising on Anthem of the Seas earlier this spring, I decided to have lunch in the main dining room before our afternoon arrival in Tokyo, Japan.

One of the entrees caught my attention immediately, the Royal Burger. While I’d seen other Royal Caribbean cruisers praise the Royal Burger, I had yet to actually try it myself. My mom and I decided to order this crowd favorite for our lunch, and we were honestly blown away!

On the menu, Royal Caribbean describes the Royal Burger as, “A 1/4-pound patty served on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, fried onions, cheddar cheese, special sauce and a side of fries.”

To start, the Royal Burger features an impressively large 1/4-pound beef patty, and it’s cooked to your preference. I prefer ordering mine medium well, with just a little bit of pink in the middle. The toppings are stacked high with flavorful fried onions and sharp cheddar cheese, along with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles. There’s even a special burger sauce drizzled on top!

I ordered my Royal Burger with a side of ranch for both the burger and the crispy fries. In addition, I skipped the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, instead opting for a side of bacon. My mom ordered her Royal Burger as advertised. After taking one bite, we both said, “Wow! This is wonderful!”

The Royal Burger was super flavorful and juicy, and the special sauce gave it a small kick that pulled everything together. The fries were served hot and crispy, just as I would have hoped! I also added a little ranch to my burger, and it was a delicious touch that paired perfectly with the other flavors. 

My mom and I absolutely loved the Royal Burger, and couldn’t stop raving about it throughout the day. Sadly, this was our final day onboard so we couldn’t return for another Royal Burger on this cruise. Because of this, we couldn't wait to try the Royal Burger during our recent cruise on Ovation of the Seas. 

Overall, the Royal Burger was everything you could want in a good burger during a cruise. The patty was well-seasoned and cooked perfectly, with a nice sear on the outside that added great flavor and texture. I loved how the bun was lightly toasted, and I prefer the hint of sweetness with brioche buns. 

The Royal Burger is definitely a step up from the build-your-own burgers in the Windjammer. The patty feels much heartier, and I’d guess it’s about twice the size of the burgers served at the buffet.  The overall quality is also noticeably better in the main dining room. 

In my opinion, the Royal Burger easily rivals the burgers served at Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line. In fact, I actually prefer this more elevated option compared to Carnival's burgers. While this certainly comes down to personal preference, I appreciated how the Royal Burger wasn’t quite as greasy as the burgers served at Guy’s Burger Joint.

With the Royal Burger, I was able to enjoy the rest of my day without any gastrointestinal repercussions. I enjoyed my afternoon exploring Tokyo on foot without feeling weighed down from a greasy lunch. Now that I’ve experienced the hyped Royal Burger myself, I will definitely look for this crowd favorite on every future Royal Caribbean cruise. After all, one of the biggest highlights of cruising is indulging in all of the delicious cuisine onboard.