21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

From browsing menus in advance to notifying Royal Caribbean of dietary restrictions, here are 21 tips for the best cruise ship Main Dining Room experience.

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[markwestplate]

We usually cruise with family members and use traditional meal time. We do our own thing during the day but eat dinner as a family. We tell our teenage sons that they don't have to be "attached" to our hips all day but dining time is 5:30 so be at our table dressed appropriately at that time. Works for us!

[waynebrowne]

Last year we did the My Time Dining, and we ended up having the same table and wait staff every night that we used the dining room. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this!

[reneeblack]

I miss formal night where everyone dressed up! It was always enjoyable and everyone looked great!

[lerouxly]

Just spent 2 weeks on Oasis. Ate all but 3 of my dinners in the MDR. One: due to excursion, two: show moved to 5pm and the third was last day. Enjoyed every meal. Got to try some items I would not normally choose but because they were featured that day, I tried it and enjoyed it. The food was delicious, warm to hot, and I was out of the MDR within 60 minutes most nights, and once, in 33 minutes. Be mindful that the larger the table, the longer it takes. During my 2nd week, I was able to sit by myself (solo cruiser this time). I did enjoy having the same servers of the set-time dining routine and they made an effort to know what I like: they always brought me a diet coke soon after I sat down. Was very disappointed to hear of Ben and David's experience on Symphony. All I can say is that my experience on Oasis last week and the previous one, was (the complete opposite) amazing.

[merriebaldwin]

We do the my time dining each night, but we request the same servers. We have never had to wait more than 5 to 15 minutes. We just got back from a five day on the Navigator and Vipin and Simon were absolutely fabulous. They anticipated our every need and were the best waiters we have ever had.

[Rob-dpvr]

I almost hate to share this secret, because it may get overused and perhaps stopped.
On one cruise, we got into a conversation with our main server about popular native dishes from their country. This is what they are all eating behind the scenes we found out. Russians, Filipinos, Indians, etc. The ship prepares all of their favorite, common comfort food for THEM.
So we asked if we could try the dish he mentioned. He was proud to bring us some. "Some" he brought us a ton of his favorite native food. So each night, we asked the different servers if they would bring us some of their food to sample, and each one was very happy to do so, and it seemed the ship had given them the green light on this request in advance, if asked. So every night, we had a guest entree from the menu, as well as a dish or 2 of a more "exotic" foreign dish. They were all delicious and just made dinner just so much more memorable. We started skipping the bread and salads because we knew we'd have a big dinner.
We got to try some dishes that very possibly we may have never had in our entire lives. Every dish was something we never had. Not your stereotypical American version food from those countries, but rather their "go to" dishes they'd eat at home often.

[mrssirrea]

It’s something about Matt that always get me hyped to cruise! I haven’t been on a cruise or travel with my husband for a getaway since 2019 that is about to change very soon

[stevedavis]

Just returned from my first RC cruise. Adventure of the Seas. I was only on cruise prior to this. Video is spot on. We did the buffet often, but the main dining room is fantastic. We made reservations and had no trouble getting in and seated. Waiter and Assistant Waiter were great. Food is excellent and you can order what you want from the complimentary list. We ordered two shrimp cocktails and two onion soups each time.

[moonbeammimi]

GREAT tips!! Also, with My Time, we've been able (with reservations) to request the same table/waiters. The Head Waiter for that area of the MDR came by on the first night and asked if we would like to keep the same table and waiters. It worked for us!

[fatmanchew]

We cruised with our little ones on Carnival and the food was much better than than the specialty dining or lido deck. Our kids actually enjoyed dressing up both nights having the same staff treat them like royalty just made it worth the dining experience. My daughter was able to order the steak from the main menu with a side of fries instead of the kids menu.

[jonathantitus]

These are great tips. We have tried the specialty ones, but are now back to just the MDR for dinner as well as some breakfasts and lunches. We love the MDR because of the wait staff--we have made friends who we have run into on another ship in the future AND they remembered us. As you might guess we got outstanding service. We love learning about their homes and you are totally correct as to them learning our favorites. I almost always order more than one item; although usually not the entree.
I have been viewing these videos recently as our countdown has begun for our next one in July and I want to make sure I haven't forgotten anything or nothing has changed i do not know. Thank you!

[elphabatran]

I love the main dining room! Would choose the MDR over Windjammer any day.

[rinne_moo]

Thanks for all the great info! I haven’t cruised yet (going in Dec :) but it sounds like the MDR dinner is classic fine dining set up. I think that’s why you order your whole meal in one go (the kitchen will get the ticket knowing all your courses spec your entree snd be able to time your meal correctly in conjunction with your server.) Additionally portions for course meals are typically smaller because you are eating more courses overall. I think this is true rather on land or sea.

I think I will really enjoy the main dining room when we sail as I love to experience this kind of meal! Thanks again!

[jenniferfranklin]

I really like the main dining! I love that the portions sizes are smaller. I always eat too much on a cruise.

[lynneshapiro]

Great idea re: the dining restrictions. I just put information about my bariatric/gastric surgery to the 'special needs' folks, and I'll also mention this to my server and the MDR supervisor.

[chrismartin]

Thank you for these tips! So super helpful and makes me feel like a veteran cruiser to have them; I’m very much a newbie.

[YourFavoriteRN]

Thanks Matt!
Good to know portions are small and we can order more than one Entree. We have My Time Dining on day 1, wanted to assess our experience. If Great we’ll Dine on Casual days for more intimate experience!
I must say… your Video has really been helpful for me ( we are first time Cruisers) this is my Birthday trip.
I must say, I feel that my experience will be smooth transition.
See Some of you on Saturday on the Harmony ❤️🚢❤️

[darrindoss]

I am not disagreeing with you Matt but in regards to formal nights on a cruise I do miss the old days when formal meant tuxedos or dark suits and gowns for women.

[TheWeekendCruiser]

Great video as always!! Love the segment at the 13:13 mark! That's one rowdy Chef's Table!

[terrelldrakelv]

I love all the tips...it helps to know all the changes since my last cruise 16 years ago