When Do We Eat?
By Susan B. Barnes
AAA Going Places Magazine, September/October 2002

Not long ago, one thing remained constant in cruise ship dining: dinner was a formal, multi-course meal that was served at specific times in early or late assigned seating. Menu options varied daily, but dinner companions and servers stayed the same for the duration of the cruise. Passengers didn't have a choice of dinner options beyond time preference. How times have changed!

While the traditional dining experience remains the same on nearly all ships, most larger cruise lines now offer guests the opportunity to decide for themselves when, where and what they want to eat at least once or twice during the cruise. Some alternative dining options may incur additional charges from $5 to $25, so be sure to check with your AAA Travel counselor to find out if these charges apply to your cruise selection.

Traditional dining offers a more structured schedule for those to whom this appeals. Breakfast and lunch are generally open seating at sea with assigned seating on shore days. Or you can choose to indulge in the casual buffet on the Lido Deck. Those who choose traditional dining will find dinner scheduled at 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. You'll dine with the same people and enjoy the same servers each night. If you're traveling with children, want to hit the casino, see a show, relax with newfound friends in the evenings or retire to your
cabin early, the first seating may be the best option for you.

However, if you plan on venturing out on various shore excursions or are more of a night owl, the later seating is perfect for you. There's no need to rush back from ports to get ready for an early dinner. Take a quick cat nap, hit the gym or enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in one of the ship's lounges-you'll have plenty of time. After dinner, catch a late show, dance the night away in the disco or brush up on astronomy on deck as you float over the open sea.

For those who want to dine at their own discretion, plenty of options are available.

Although cosmopolitan and Indonesian meals are standard in the dining room aboard Holland America's ships, Italian dining reigns supreme in alternative dining rooms. Make a reservation to dine in the Odyssey Restaurant (Rotterdam) and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of a 17th-century Italian villa. If you're cruising on the Volendam, the Marco Polo Restaurant offers a contemporary Pan-European setting. Equally appealing opportunities are available throughout the other ships in the line. For something a little more downscale, the Lido Restaurant is open on select nights and offers casual fare.

For a spherical dining experience, opt for Disney Cruise Line's rotating dining. Three themed restaurants await to tempt and charm you with their unique flair. The only constant in this set up is that your server goes with you from restaurant to restaurant, ensuring the impeccable service you'll appreciate. Parrot Cay, featuring island-inspired
cuisine; Animator's Palate, with ever-changing scenery; and Lumière's or Triton's (depending on the ship), offer French and seafood delicacies. If you're looking for an
adults-only dining experience, be sure to make reservations for Palo, featuring sumptuous northern Italian cuisine and an extensive wine cellar.

Royal Caribbean has dining options for every passenger onboard. If you tire of the formal dining room, grab a burger and a malt at Johnny Rockets® on the Voyager class of ships, or a delicious, casual dinner for the entire family is waiting for you at the Windjammer Café. Hungry for steak or seafood? RCI's Radiance class ships serves up hearty cuts of steak at Chops Grill and fish and chips at Seaview Café. Ready for some quiet time? Send the kids off to dine with youth staff and friends they've made aboard through the Adventure Ocean Dining ProgramSM and enjoy an intimate dinner for two at Portofino.

In addition to casual dining options, Elegant Tea and Gourmet Bites, Celebrity Cruises invites you to experience exquisite tableside service in one of its elegant dining rooms. The
Olympic and Normandie restaurants promise a memorable dining experience. For a distinctive meal, make a reservation and enjoy the intimacy of the dine-in wine cellar or the lively demonstration kitchen.

Crystal Cruises brings delectable Asian fare to the high seas with its two restaurants, Kyoto and Jade Garden. Kyoto, found onboard Crystal Harmony, features traditional Japanese dishes, and Jade Garden, on Crystal Symphony, offers innovative Asian cuisine with a contemporary flair. Unique Italian cuisine can be found on both ships at Prego.

Indulge in Le Champagne, the elegant wine and champagne bar aboard Silversea Cruises' new vessels, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper. Unique to Silversea, this intimate gathering place is perfect for a toast to friends before joining them for dinner when and where you please. The Terrace Café is the choice for the discerning cruiser.

Princess Cruise Line revolutionized cruising in the mid-1990s with the introduction of Personal Choice Dining SM Passengers have the choice of times and venues when they are ready to delve into world-class cuisine. In addition to the traditional formal dining room, guests can choose from the casual pizzeria or 24-hour buffet, or make reservations in an Italian trattoria, southwestern café or premium steakhouse.

When booking your cruise, just let your AAA Travel counselor know which sitting you'd like. Alternative dining is arranged onboard with the mâitre d'. Bon voyage and bon appetit!