10 Big Dining Mistakes NOT to Make on a Cruise

Cruises are different that other types of vacations, & this includes food & dining. These are the dining mistakes that cruise passengers are making, that you want to avoid!
Whether you're going on a cruise for the first time or you're a frequent cruiser, these cruise tips will help you have the best cruise main dining room experience. Good tips and cruise information for Carnival cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity cruises & more. If you're cruising with food allergies & restrictions, this video is full of helpful cruise advice & cruise mistakes to avoid.
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travelers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

[@bobbigeehan7221]

We are seasoned cruisers. I’ve been on 35+ cruises. We always select open time dining, *but*, did you know that on the first day, you can request to have the same wait staff?! You may not sit at the exact table every night, but you will be placed within their section, so you will have the best of both worlds! We have done this for years! It always works ❤️. Pro tip! 😉

[@michealmeyer822]

Ordered you planner

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@michealmeyer822 thanks for your purchase:)

[@carlospadilla1642]

Great video. I’ve never been on a cruise and I am thinking about finally going but I have a question about the menu’s. Are the menu’s always in English or do they also have menu’s in Spanish, Italian or Portuguese?

[@azchangeling]

@@carlospadilla1642 I believe they do have various languages probably depends on the ship you are on. I would guess the Spanish is most common though.

[@druegillis1744]

In our 70’s and usually cruise just the 2 of us. After many cruises, we have developed a dining system. We book in advance so we get Early Dining and a table for 2. This way, we know where our table is and have the same waiters. Usually take in the show after, so I can ask for expedited dining and the wait staff will really help. Take a book and get to the theater early to have a good seat. Have cruised with a group and have found that the larger the group, the longer the time in the MDR. Then you are late for the show. We tip our waiter on the 2nd night for taking care of us during the cruise. Also address them by name. Goes a long way. Same with cabin stewards. This may seem anti-social, yet we really enjoy the intimate dining experience, with just the 2 of us. Your suggestion of asking the waiter to honestly suggest a menu item is spot on. They know what is good and what’s not. Especially soups. Fruit plates are great if you are starting to gain weight! After the show, I escort my wife to the cabin where she picks a movie and I hit the casino. Works for us! Keep up the enjoyable videos, Ilana!

[@daryltalley8242]

Wait, u put her n room for Movie, you hit casino for fun? What’s up with that? Nope! Watch a movie at home! Go have fun! Don’t have to spend lot of money, play nickel machine or watch others. Listen to music, meet new friends, Karaoke, piano room etc. Look at amazing stars. And No, don’t have to drink Alcoh to have fabulous time. I tried silent disco 1st time alone, was a blast! And even More fun watching others. If staying n room is what u want/need, ok, but have fun like spouse. Hell, (whoops) beat him in poker :) watch TV later. Get out, Live! If not feeling great, rest, isolate. Have room service, deliver Free items. Feel special! So many great shows, music, games and fun on ships. 🚢 Even Bingo gives away Free cruise if win. We’ve Never had a bad cruise, been on many! If middle age +, Last one, MSC, loved it!! RC, Norwegian, Princess, fabulous too, Carnival is reasonable, crowded, younger crowd seems, mostly partiers may or may not remember their cruise😳, kidding, kinda. 😂. Save for MSC private island, not crowded, Hawaii Islands or Alaska someday! Fantastic! I’m Thinking I should be a cruise agent love so much. They could send me to review all, I tell all about? Have fun, be safe, be smart on excursions. And most important, Take care of those that care of you on ship! They work so very hard to make all have a great memory. Lovely people from all areas. Another important tip: Purchase travel insurance! It’s SO worth it if anything happens. Know a young family that needed. Was a Save money big time and get treated promptly! Have Fun All!

[@toddylu6869]

I’m looking forward to my next cruise. My parents are octogenarians and do not want to leave the ship at port… fine with me. I do not like casinos as I have never been lucky. I’m going to enjoy just sitting on balcony with my Parents and help them as needed. My idea of cruising isn’t all the stuff going on it is the beautiful scenery and no phone calls. That’s why they offer something for everyone. My last cruise with friends, we watched an old black and white movie and sang the song the rest of the trip. It was a fun memory.

[@stephie8978]

@@toddylu6869We are taking my 89 yo parents on a cruise, too. We will celebrate their 65th Anniversary 🎉. Same plan, to just spend fun, quality time together! It’ll be different than our previous cruises, but I think will be more special ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kimloose1214]

My son is a foodie, and at 6 years old was sick of the kids menu on night two in the main dining room. Our server asked if he wanted an adult menu and the boy was in heaven. Escargot, calimari and a cheese plate for dessert. I’m so grateful to that server because we were first time cruisers and didn’t even think to offer my son that. Meanwhile, my 8 year old ordered the same thing every night with perfect happiness.

[@jonathanleslie9100]

I think cruise ships are missing a great opportunity to reach out to single people by not have a "singles meet and greet" table that is always set where singles can meet and at least have a meal with some conversation. Just keep the place setting ready and people can just sit down, maybe do something like that green/red coaster thing to alert the server you are ready or need attention.

[@elouise5593]

They do have that on Carnival. I haven't participated, because I am usually with a group of singles already, and I like hanging with my own group.

[@jonathanleslie9100]

@@elouise5593 well, I'm not single as it happens, but I wasn't aware of it being a regular thing. So if you are with a group of singles, why wouldn't you want to sit at the mingling table to eat even if it is as a group. The best I've seen on cruise is when they get busy they will ask you if you want to share a table with other people. Not the same thing, but we have always enjoyed that, and we still have the option to dine at a table for two if we don't

[@jonathanleslie9100]

@@elouise5593 I guess my point is, they don't really reach out to the singles community as a place to meet people.

[@youbyoubalancedliving9700]

I think you can probably reach out to the cruise program director and ask to have the single meet up on the itinerary. Like using the conference room

[@jonathanleslie9100]

@@youbyoubalancedliving9700 that is not the point. I'm pointing out that REGULAR things on the cruise do not cater to singles. They already have single meetups, but what about the regular stuff like meals?

[@richardhuard4492]

My wife and I cruise Royal Caribbean. They use to have shrimp cocktails on the menu, then we noticed they were no longer on the menu. So we asked the waiter if they had them any more, and he said sure if you want them they would make them up for us. Some of the other guests asked us how we got them and we told them all they had to do was ask. After that night they were always at our table when we arrived. To me that was extra tip worthy. Many of the other guests were ordering them as well.

[@kathrynstewart5863]

Royal Carribean is horrible on many levels

[@fredrosenbaum8630]

We are older and prefer early fixed time dining and then go to the show.

[@jbob1548]

@@kathrynstewart5863 How so? Cruise newbie

[@susancook1448]

@@fredrosenbaum8630on our Celebrity cruise in a few days shows are at 7 and 9 so unless you eat at 5:30 it’s going to be tough to make the early show. Esp because I’ve heard you should go 30 min early.

[@marcospark2803]

And when you have excursions?@@fredrosenbaum8630

[@druegillis1744]

I was turned away on a HAL cruise at the MDR because I had on shorts. This was my fault, totally. I had worn shorts to dinner on embarkation day and there was no problem because our suitcases had not arrived at our cabin. This turn away happened the next day. I was not mad and didn’t complain. Just went back to our cabin and changed. Problem solved. Rules have reasons.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing

[@lizzy9975]

"Rules have reasons". You are paying thousands for a cruise. Sometimes tens of thousands, yet your happy to have the cruise company pontificate to you about what you should wear! Seriously.

[@mellyzaurora1277]

@@lizzy9975 ✅️

[@lorenadugan6355]

I appreciate this. A simple thing to separate the beach from nice eating venues.

[@canuck8228]

@@lizzy9975your comment is the definition of entitlement. If you're paying that much for a cruise, I'm sure you can afford a pair of pants.

[@zakkaryzoah1386]

We went on a family Thanksgiving cruise. Our niece has Crohn’s and we made sure they knew about it in advance. The maître d' and our waiter really outdid themselves trying to find yummy things she could eat. They definitely earned our loyalty (and extra tips!)

[@marlawade2588]

We always choose early dining. This allows us to enjoy all of evening activities and to walk off dinner long before bedtime.

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

Same here! I prefer early dining and can usually get out of there just in time for shows. Once I traveled with friends (I'm usually a solo cruiser), and they wanted the 8pm dining. I was miserable! I wondered if anything was worse than that. Welp, turns out, YES, there is! We all went on a cruise earlier this year because my son was proposing to his girlfriend. He insisted we do Anytime Dining. It was torture for me!!! 😵

[@lexa_power]

In my normal life I dine very late but on the cruise ship I like early dining as well! Then again, if someone else wanted to pay or treat me and they preferred later dining I’d be happy to try it. But as a solo traveler, the only way to make the solo supplement worthwhile is to do what you want to do and make the best of it! If I ever find a travel buddy or travel with a partner, it would be nice to compromise and do what they want to do sometimes.

[@kpl-CA]

Dining preferences often depend on *which* cruise, and *where* the cruise is, and *who* the cruiser is. For example, on a DCL cruise, early dining is generally the "families with kids" dining time. If you don't like kids, or want a quieter dinner, early dining on DCL won't be it. But it's the opposite on HAL, the early dining times will be a lot of seniors, and very quiet. Also, bunch of jet-lagged east coast passengers on a Pacific Coast or Hawaii cruise may find 8pm dining far too late for them (midnight their time) - at least until they have adjusted to the time change. Meanwhile, west coasters on a Bermuda cruise may find 5PM dining *far* too early - practically lunchtime for them. The difference is even worse for those on opposite sides of the planet. Also, some people, particularly those with T1D/T2D may need to eat at specific times, or time medications with meals. Those needs absolutely matter. About dress codes - disregarding a dress code is fundamentally disrespectful to other passengers, crew and the cruise line. The customer refusing to respect guidelines is assuming THEY are "above" the rules that apply to everyone else. Cruise company websites are *very* clear about dress codes. If a customer CHOOSES to REFUSE to comply with a dress code or regulation, then THEY have CHOSEN to exclude themselves - and they also CHOOSE the consequences. A guest who continues to CHOOSE to defy/disrespect cruise standards is making a deliberately belligerent, selfish behavioural CHOICE. Other passengers are perfectly capable of complying/being respectful of others. Many ENJOYING dressing up. The reality is, cruise ships are private property, and as such they are absolutely entitled to enforce dress and behaviour standards as THEY wish. Simply purchasing a ticket does NOT grant anyone the "right" to bad, rude, disrespectful or disruptive behaviour. If a customer doesn't *like* standards on a cruise... don't go. 🤷 Plenty of other customers *want* and enthusiastically support guidelines.

[@mmommo10]

great tip

[@sharoneh8929]

Me too. Then I can get my late night snack....

[@haroldhburris2849]

We Were eating in the main DR on Royal Caribbean. I wanted the Surf & Turf but it cost extra. Our waiter suggested ordering either the steak or lobster tail and getting the other as a side dish. No extra charge. It was great and he got a little extra at the end of the cruise. So if you want two main meals you can order one as a side dish.

[@paularoberts866]

What an amazing idea

[@maggienary5897]

What cruise line was this?

[@stephenkern5784]

Cruise lines have started charging for good meals, just like the "specialty restaurants" for about $40 each. Wine extra of course.

[@stephaniehargrove]

I think a dress code video would be excellent

[@aspencrochets]

Hi Ilana. I love watching your videos!!My fiance (soon to be husband) and I will be going on our first cruise Sept. 30-Nov.7th for our Honeymoon!! On Carnival Vista. Your videos have helped me so much on what to do on almost everything!!! When we planned on doing a cruise I then began to panic because I have no idea what to do,but then i came across one of your videos and now watch only your videos because you explain so well what to do in each video. Makes me feel like I now know what to do. I'm sure I'll make a few mistakes here and there but I am so appreciative of your videos. Thank you for all you do!! Keep up the great work and videos!!

[@KyleGray-nx3bg]

My sister, niece, and I sailed on the Navigator of the Seas on November 11 and had a wonderful experience in the dining room on Deck 3. When the Head Waiter stopped at the table I asked about the cold soups they used to offer as appetizers - strawberry, peach, watermelon, etc. I would always order if they were available. He did remember them and noted that the menu had changed. The next night, and every dinner after that, our waiter brought me a different cold soup. I was very surprised and thankful. I also received Grand Marnier Soufflé on nights when it wasn't on the menu as I had told our waiter that it was one of the favorite things I love about RCCL. The collaboration between the HW and waiter was obvious; I made sure to thank them for their extraordinary effort. Many smiles all around this cruise!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Wow! Amazing

[@staciee1126]

Thanks for your review my husband and I will be on that ship next month for my 60th birthday!

[@KyleGray-nx3bg]

@@staciee1126 You're welcome! This was the first time I have ever posted a comment. In the 20 years that I have been cruising I have never been disappointed in the dining room on RCCL. My husband will sometimes just order multiple appetizers rather than an entree. If a food choice wasn't what I expected, the wait staff will happily exchange it for something else. We also enjoy the dining room for breakfast and lunch. The wait staff and crew work very hard to make our vacation a pleasant experience and I truly appreciate all their efforts. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

[@jlawrence0181]

I worked with many Filipinos over the years as I have run call centers. I noticed that my waiter on a Carnival ship was a Filipino and after a while, I asked him what night would abobo (the national dish) be served. On the last night, we were served a plate of chicken adobo which I thought was pretty cool.

[@HanNguyen-vb3eo]

Do you eat to live, or you only live to eat ? 😢

[@AshlynnS1113]

Love Carnival because they have your time dining where you can check in and they send you a message when your table is ready

[@scottyphillips7799]

We loved this last cruise, we literally would get the text and by the time we came down they were ready for us. I think we are going to try the MDR out for brunch.

[@doodiehutchison4463]

In 40+ cruises, one of the waiters has always guided us to our table for the first time. No need to look for it ahead of time. I have even had waiters offer an arm when walking me to my seat!

[@SassyC18]

Agree!

[@ponytalesnola4576]

Correct, no NEED, but if you might want a different location better to check it out first!

[@dorothywillis1]

Good advice! We enjoy eating in the main dining room for any meal, and taking our time. You are definitely right about asking your waiter for something you want. One night on Princess there was onion soup and my husband liked it so much he told our waiter he wished he could have it ever night. Our waiter said, "I'll see what I can do!" So every night afterwards my husband had his onion soup! I once asked our waiter on HAL, "This is a Dutch ship. Do you have any Edam cheese? I really like it." He brought me a plate of cheese and crackers that night and every night afterwards he had a little package of crackers and Edam cheese to take with me for a midnight snack!

[@FraserAtSea]

I totally agree that cruising is a great time to eat what you usually wouldn't eat. As a solo traveller who lives alone, there's some dishes I just wouldn't cook at home due to waste, so it's amazing to get some of these meals on the ships!

[@LifeWellCruised]

So true!!

[@MrJenten10]

Shorts, a wife beater t shirt and sandals with socks is not a good look clean it up next time

[@haroldwilson8357]

Adventure of the seas March 😀 Can't wait Woo Hoo !!

[@jonathanleslie9100]

what I still can't understand is why there isn't a big 20-30 seat table always set for singles to come and go as a meet and greet situation.

[@willgaukler8979]

... sure beats eating the same entree for three meals ...

[@philipallard8026]

My wife and I went on our first cruise and assumed we had to have a table for two. One of the most fun we had was to ask to be seated with other people. We often sat with four strangers. We were all friends by the end of the meal. Great fun.

[@mdduet]

A flexible dining tip. If you find that you enjoyed your table wait staff don't hesitate to ask the host to seat you at that wait staff station on the next night. I always ask for a name card from a wait staff that I like. This might involve a slight wait but we have never experienced anything longer that a couple of minutes to be seated. I have found that the wait staff feel good that requested them again.

[@deenanixon4103]

We've done that too! One cruise there were two tables available in a certain area, and a family was about to be taken to the table of the guys we especially like. He saw us, and kept them going to the other table. Then they seated us at his! He said, "So glad you got here before anyone else was seated at my table! :D We had such fun with him and the rest of his team! We've done that on other cruises as well!

[@tarkheenameyer5499]

We did the Chef Table on the Carnival Valor and our son was Vegtarian. They did a complete Vegetarian menu just for him making a separate item for every course. It was Such an amazing experience.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing

[@lexa_power]

That sounds so nice! I would love to see a video of the vegetarian food on Carnival. I have heard so many mixed things and a lot of negative things but also a lot of positive and would love to see some videos that focus on the more positive aspects.

[@manckrank]

I traveled around the Mediteranean with MSC (around 2017) and told them beforehand that I needed a gluten free meals. Each time I visited the main dining room they would come to me to talk through the menu to tell me which items would be good choices. After a couple days they came to me without asking. Then they offered things that weren't on the menu that the chef was very proud to cook. My table mates started joking that I had my own 'waiter and chef' and that's how it felt. Speak, be nice and the staff will be much more receptive. Much better than I could have imagined. After this P&O and Cunard were a let down.

[@barbborja1910]

I think using the traditional dining if you have a group of 8 or more, or if you have younger children, is definitely the way to go. We used to cruise with our sons a lot, even when they were very young. The wait staff was always fantastic and would bring their favorites even if they were not on the menu that evening. For instance, on Princess, they would bring out the alphabet soup for them as soon as we were seated because the boys were always hungry after playing all day. Then a bowl of strawberries for younger son and a bowl of broccoli for older son because it was their favorites and helped us get something healthy into them right away. I even have fantastic pictures of my young boys asleep at the table, laying across two chairs each, with tablecloths draped over them. The amazing waiters saw them nodding off at dinner and rather than my husband and I having to rush through dinner, they wanted us to enjoy our meal and let our little guys get some sleep. I can’t say enough wonderful things about our waiters on Princess! Sorry so long.

[@pauladavis115]

i was on my first cruise at age 10. The family next door had a kid who discovered ripe olives and he kept that waiter hopping.

[@sandradummer4726]

How nice of these waiters to be so.,helpful.

[@sarahhollingsworth7259]

Love it!!

[@whodaman81]

A new video on dress codes, particularly with Carnival would be great.

[@bethlangford8632]

My last cruise we ate in the MDR every night and I ate strictly Carnivore. I spoke to our waiter the first night about my preferences and he told me to order my meals "naked"...that means just the featured meat dish with no sauces or sides (the meat is naked, not me 😉). Every night I had the beef entre, the fish or seafood entree and a NewYork Strip steak, all on one plate with a little dish of melted butter to pour over everything. Then 2 pieces of cheese for dessert. They were very accommodating and everything was delicious and satisfying. Because we told them not to serve us any bread or sides, nothing was wasted. Lots of great options for lunch at the buffet too....they got to know me very well at the Carvery Station. A cruise is a terrific place to stick to your preferred way of eating... amazing professionals preparing and serving you exactly what you ask for. I can't wait for my next cruises coming up in Jan & Feb 2023. (Note: I lost 5.5 lbs on that 2-week cruise eating that way which is way preferable to the 5-10 lbs I used to gain eating all the things on previous cruises).

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much for sharing! I know a lot of people worry about how they can keep up their dietary lifestyle on a cruise. Smart to mention so you don’t waste as well

[@kathryncashner3294]

So many things vary with different cruise lines. One hint--find out in advance what the policy is about changing reservations, as well as whether those reservations need to be made in advance or after you board. We were encouraged to make dining reservations in advance of embarkation for our recent cruise, but the show schedule wasn't available till after boarding. However, there was no problem with altering our dining reservations and the app let us see what was available as well as times. We couldn't always get the "perfect" restaurant and time, but could move things around across a couple days to make it all work out. In addition to dietary issues, DO make the Maitre'd aware of any physical needs you might have. These may include a chair without arms so facilitate transferring from a wheelchair or a chair with arms to help an older person get out of the chair...or, in one case, "not one of those bar stools without a back." No matter what the "standard" chair in that dining room, there are a few "other" chairs that can be brought for people who need them. If you do traditional dining, you should only have to make them aware on embarkation day. But don't limit yourself to traditional; this is a simple request that should be met at any restaurant whether thru choice of table or them bringing a chair that will work. Sorry--I've cruised with 2 people with physical limitations. Yes, I have seen 2 cruise line menus--one was a special vegan menu, the other was a primarily vegan/vegetarian menu with a few meat dished listed separately. Every menu on that ship noted items that were "gf" for gluten free, "v" for vegetarian, and something else for vegan. And yes, DEFINITELY try breakfast and lunch in the regular dining rooms, MDRs, or whatever your line calls them. Again, depending on the line, we've found little things that make a difference. For instance, the MDRs served real brewed iced tea while the buffet area only had the stuff made from syrup. And the food in the MDRs is typically wonderful! Also, tell your server if there is something you or your child really likes. For instance, my daughter had something that came with broccoli one night and mentioned to the server that it was her favorite vege. EVERY night, there was a bowl of steamed broccoli for her, even when it wasn't on the menu.

[@willgaukler8979]

...look at shore excursions too. book them along with the cruise if they let you ... cxcl later if you have to ...

[@laurenschenck5355]

SO EXCITED!! 🍃❤️❤️🍃🤎🤎🤎🤎🍁🍁🤎🍃🍃❤️🍃🧡🤎🍃🧡🧡❤️❤️🧡🍃❤️❤️🦃🦃🦃🦃🤎🤎🧡🧡🍃❤️🍃🍃❤️❤️🧡🤎🤎🧡🧡🍃❤️❤️🧡🤎🤎🧡🍃❤️❤️🍃🦃🦃🍁🤎🍁🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🍁🤎🍂🍂🍂🍂🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️🛳️

[@johnwisniewski8712]

I am definitely all about utilizing the main dining room. I thought all of your tips were spot on!

[@Westcoastjazzer]

Detailed dress codes would be great! Thank you for all that you do to make our cruises more enjoyable!

[@matthowe5193]

Thank you, lovely practical helpful suggestions, love the bonus tip!

[@carolyntemplin488]

We absolutely looove trying lots of the cruise food, my son included…and love the service on breakfast and lunch in dining room!

[@alicefrancini5769]

We were on a recent cruise where my husband commented to the head waiter how he loved Indian food. On our Italian cruise there were Indian dishes on the menu every night. Next night at dinner we were treated to a feast! So much food, we literally ate like kings that week. Every night he brought us small samples of Indian food, it was great. You just have to ask!

[@amberanthony883]

Our last cruise on Serenade of the Seas I told our Indian server that I wanted to try more Indian food. He was overjoyed at describing dishes and making recommendations. It was phenomenal ❤

[@AlexHernandez-yb9rx]

I did have the “My Way” dining years ago. It was alright but at the same time, I do like traditional dining. I enjoy having the same waiter or waitress every day. I love that they remember your name, your preferences (Coke, iced tea, etc). It takes special people to be able to do that. I love it! Also, I do like earlier dining. My first cruise, it was 7 day cruise and we had late dining. And it seemed like most shows were at 8pm and we always stayed late, eating and talking, etc. that was nice, but we missed out on shows and special events.

[@icedteamama176]

Love MDR for breakfast & lunch! Helpful tips!

[@cherylbleyl1924]

I LOVE flex dining. There were so many times in the past when I didn't want to leave the pool area because of dinner being early or I was tired after Port Day and wanted to take a nap, so flex dining works perfect for me.

[@marshas9255]

We took our 8th Holland America cruise over Christmas this year. Fun to have all those decorations up without having to do it - or out them away - including the gingerbread village with the model train. The first night people were dressed very casually in the main dining room (MDR) but the second night was Christmas Eve and a sea day, “gala night” so the expectation was higher. There were still a few men who showed up in tank tops for that, but starting Christmas Day they were turned away. We enjoy sitting at a table for two, having a relaxed dinner, dressing up, and not having to put up with people who don’t understand dress codes. We always enjoy eating there, including occasional breakfasts and lunches. The variety and freshness are superb.. thanks for focusing on MDR and possibilities.

[@mreed71]

I love having breakfast in the dining room. It is the best!

[@inthegreatwide]

Great tip to check out where your table will be on embarkation day! We will definitely use that one.

[@patriciachirgwin3238]

Hi! We love to cruise with Saga (we’re in the U.K.) - and we always book into the specialty restaurants during our cruise. The bonus with Saga is that their specialty restaurants (which are intimate, so really nice) are at no extra charge! We love it!

[@garyjohnson679]

I like the fact that they put a dress code I've taken over 35 cruises on I don't know six different Cruise Lines it's just kind of part of the ambience of the cruise get with it

[@motownmami]

I love the Your Time/Any Time dining option. It allows for flexibility in planning your evenings on the ship. If you make a reservation in the morning for a specific time that evening, most times they can accommodate your request. Love it.

[@lilianlee7078]

I must not get this right! I cannot get the time I wish to dine on a recent Celebrity cruise and found that I had to line up to enter the dining room. Having cruised for many years and never have I been subjected to this. I prefer a fixed time dining and efficient service!

[@StyleWithCathyOver50]

Congratulations on 100K subscribers!!!! So happy for you Ilana. And I loved your tips!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you so much!! Hope you’re having a wonderful cruise Cathy!

[@theresascibetta6517]

i did eat in the Main Dining room for breakfast a few mornings and it was fabulous thank you your channel is great!

[@TheTravelScouts]

Hey Ilana! Wanted to say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS on 100k SUBS! Outstanding job and you are producing amazing content! ~Kellie & Jason

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much Kellie & Jason!

[@janinallentown8801]

Three things: 1. We always book the <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="480">8:00</a> seating because we found that on port days it gave us time for a nap and to get a snack on some buffet items that were in the MDR menu as a preview. 2. If you're sharing a table with others at a fixed seating time and will either be late or not attending dinner that night, please do let the head waiter know so that it doesn't hold up dinner service for the rest of your tablemates. 3. How can we preview menus either before the cruise or at the very beginning for the entire cruise? We're on Princess and knowing this in advance would make planning for a specialty restaurant much easier. TIA.

[@crazy4dariver]

Hunni, you are the only person I know that cruises more than me. I don't share my good or bad but glad you do. All your advise is GREAT.

[@elizabethrosario2877]

Thank you so much! First time cruiser and loving your videos. Great information!

[@RC-fh2lk]

We always try to have breakfast in MDR..absolutely worth the effort. Buffet seems easier but there’s no comparison.

[@DanetteSWhite]

I prefer the traditional dining at the same time each night. I like that there's a dress code in the main dining. There's casual areas in plenty other places.

[@Lesqueek]

I went on the cruise and did my time dining. Our waitstaff was amazing. It was wonderful seeing the same people every night. It was a wonderful experience.

[@susancook1448]

We reserve dining for around <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="405">6:45</a>-<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="420">7:00</a> in between traditional times and worked out great for getting to the evening shows.

[@marianspitzig9714]

Congratulations on reaching that magical 100,000!! You deserve many more! I really enjoy your channel!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much!

[@sadiePIAveres]

We’ve seen the dress code change a great deal over 40 years of cruising and years ago really enjoyed dressing every night and the gowns & tuxes but even us old folks find lessening up a bit on formality makes it nice as well. We will dress on formal nights now but leave the tux & gowns in storage.

[@contessalouannec8064]

Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers. Thank You for the updates. Great channel.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you very much!

[@loisbushman5183]

I appreciate the tip about checking out your table ahead of time. I love sitting next to a window if I can get it

[@angelastinnett4411]

Going on my first cruise next July. I'm so excited, and thank you for all the great tips.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome!!

[@bernicequigley4629]

I have had both types of dining and I just prefer open dining. I'm about to go on a Norwegian Cruise (2nd time) and I loved going to eat when I wanted. We mostly ate in the Main Dining rooms but we did have several Specialty restaurants included in our package and they were fabulous. I'm not a fan of the buffet, preferring pubs or bar areas. These videos are great and I love to watch just in case there is anything new going on I should know about. Thanks for all your hard work keeping us informed.

[@simulationlab]

I love eating in the MDR for Breakfast. It’s so nice!!

[@jeffreydow7369]

My wife and I cruise about once a year. We like the open dining option, and will typically eat at the main dining area. We’ve never had a problem asking the hostess to seat us at a server’s table that we have gotten to know. It sometimes takes a few minutes more after arriving, but we are always seated with the serving staff we’ve asked for. We’ve also asked to sit at a particular table as well, and the hostess has been able to make it happen most of the time. We also like to eat at the specialty restaurants at least once on a cruise. The food and atmosphere are usually amazing at these restaurants, and we love the experience of this fine dining.

[@janaimaughan3599]

We really like the traditional dining and prefer the early seating around <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="330">5:30</a> or 6 because by the time we finish the show, I’m ready for another little treat. 😊

[@philkhk]

That's exactly what we do. I often see the same people from the show and then at the buffet again. LOL

[@maryalice578]

I’m a pretty good home cook and I agree completely with choosing dishes you wouldn’t have at home. Lamb, short ribs, cold soups, salads with unusual ingredients are always on my radar since those are things my husband doesn’t really care for so I don’t make them at home.

[@thatonegirl570]

Congrats on 100k! I love your videos. I don’t cruise or plan on cruising, in fact the idea of cruising kind of scares me, but I just find you charming and enjoyable so I continue watching. 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much!

[@dannabittner5567]

Love your videos! Cruising to AK in June. All your info is so helpful! And thanks for sharing the cute pics of you and your little fam!

[@cafsixtieslover]

We definitely prefer set dining although we have open dining on our next cruise. My husband has multiple food allergies and we need to get to know our waiting staff so they can familiarise themselves with his requirements. We have always found them to be very helpful and give us a menu a day in advance for planning purposes. He has had a card printed with his allergies on it to save time.

[@Sweets___]

I have always preferred the main dining room at 6pm. That way by 8pm I’m off to all the night life activities. I still make sure that I experience a couple of specialty restaurants as well.

[@kimberlytate2623]

Thank You for this helpful information💜

[@jenniferperez946]

I ♥️ the main dining room for breakfast and lunch! I usually order a light breakfast and coffee delivered to my room to nibble on while I'm getting ready. Then head to the main dining room for a regular breakfast. On HAL I also love the afternoon tea offered in the main dining room.

[@lynnlong7246]

Learning so much from you and Gary Benbredge. I am beyond excited for our first cruise--land & sea, Alaska, on Holland America!

[@harrietdunderwood2986]

Booked our 2nd trip for June,can't wait,Alaska is amazing

[@kimkearney7639]

When my sister and I cruise we always use open dining but usually make a reservation each day after we plan our evening. Sometimes we ask to dine alone and other times to join others at a table. We have met some wonderful cruisers and enjoyed hearing of their adventures. On longer cruises we he have also requested to sit in a certain section once we get to know the staff. We enjoy that you need to "dress up a little" for the dining room...it makes it feel more special! On the next cruise we plan to have at least 1 breakfast in the main dining room since we haven't done that yet! Congratulations on 100 000! 😁

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great comments & thanks so much!

[@peggyfang186]

Thank you so much for the info. We are getting on a cruise trip soon.

[@philliprattai7090]

You are spot on with all your recommendations! You know going to a good golf course you need a collared shirt, and no blue jeans…..Not sure why you want to dress down on a good cruise ( flip flops & shorts in the main dining room). We love cruising! Keep up the good work!

[@annewallace3474]

I love open dining. Sometimes with traditional dining I often felt rushed to get there on time.

[@paulgerrard9227]

Many also ignore there are two showtimes so you wont miss out unless you start dinner late then are slow.

[@yvonneboyd3690]

Was recently on a Carnival cruise in Oct to the Mexican Rivera. My husband and I were not sleeping well so we were up early every day and had to have breakfast at the buffet because breakfast wasn’t served until <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="510">8:30</a>am in the MDR. We were able to eat and then find prime seating in the serenity section of the boat. I’m hoping on our next cruise in June we are able to have at least a couple of breakfasts in the MDR.

[@janethunt4037]

Some great ideas - Love the fruit plate idea! I might want that with breakfast.

[@geriatricptxer2362]

I'm a traditional diner as well. It's easier to plan your evening, if you know you won't have to wait to eat. I'm am early diner, so the 6pm seating is perfect for me. I also agree about scoping out your table early. I have minor mobility issues, and I prefer to be close to the main entrance and off to the side. I don't want to have to hike across the length of the ship to eat my meal.

[@betsybrady8520]

I try to come back home after a cruise around the same weight that I arrived at. Working out at the ship gym, walking a lot, ordering all sauces and butter on the side and eating fruit 90% of the time for dessert has helped a lot!

[@tixximmi1]

That fruit has as much sugar as that dessert.

[@ladyc3205]

That’s an awesome goal. Though I enjoy a delicious man-made sugar filled desert too.😂I’m going to include more fruit on my next cruise since fruit has nature’s sugar and not man-made sugar. Thanks for sharing.

[@tixximmi1]

@@ladyc3205 It's still glucose and sucrose. The chemistry is the same. Have the Cheese as the dessert.

[@barbaraswindlehurst4386]

My experience on HAL has been terrific. I am gluten free and HAL has that in my profile. When I am dining at the MDR and the speciality restaurants, I consult with the head waiter in my section on the first night. Then I am provided with the menu for the next day and I can pre-order my items. The service and attention has been outstanding on HAL.

[@kialwade8335]

I am getting ready to go on my first cruise I have been saving and I watch this channels videos so much as I learn so I can have the best cruise experience.

[@dhoward5941]

It would be great to have a dress code that we could find here on KZbin. Princes Cruse would be great! Although knowing what the other cruse lines have would help in making a better decision as to who to book with! Thank you! Your information has been very helpful!

[@mikeeno104]

You are a much more advanced cruiser than I, but I have over 200+ nights on Holland America... You are spot on with your suggestions. Thanks for your vetted info, keep the videos coming... Mike

[@karenvonbargen4472]

You get the free laundry on HAL, congrats!

[@edlilli]

Congratulations, Ilana! You made it to 100 thousand subscribers! Good for you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much! I’m excited 😂🎉

[@leenankoo8730]

My next cruse will be on the NCL your video help me a lot thanks for all the super cool advice can't wait for my next cruse in May

[@grandmasmagic3858]

on my recent Carnival cruise I'd order all three courses but found I was pretty full by dessert so I would ask my table staff to leave the lid on and I'd take the plate back to my cabin...normally at home I'll have dessert an hour or so after dinner so being able to do the same on my cruise was most helpful..and surprisingly enough I actually weighed less after my cruise than before, even though I was eating more than when at home...

[@cberry6751]

I always lose at least 5 lbs on a RCL cruise. The food is just not very good.

[@arokh72]

I went on the Pacific Jewel (ret) in 2014, and I tried snails for the first time. It was so good, and though I've not had snails since, due to where I live, it was a dining experience to remember. As for dining times, I find traditional times are either too early or too late, so go for "my time".

[@elouise5593]

Love escargot! I didn't see it on my cruise on the Paradise, though. I hope it was only because it was one of Carnival's smallest ships and not because Carnival has stopped serving it!

[@jenbrooks5872]

We love open dining! I do make reservations for 2 out of 3 or 4 of our specialty dinners (we usually do 4-6 meals in specialty depending on the length of cruise), but the rest is when we feel like eating! If we have a full day of excursions, I do make reservations on those nights because we will be kinda tired and not feeling like waiting and often famished. Even for specialty, we have never waited longer than 30 minutes for our table.

[@annnedeau3670]

I have been watching your site. I am planning a cruise and welcome your hacks. Thank you

[@lynn6221]

I love the dress code. I cruise on Oceania. I have casual wear for day trips, the cocktail dress for high tea. Then I enjoy going formal for supper. One of the things I love about Oceania is that you aren't stuck at one table with the same people. You sit wherever you want.

[@alid83]

Congrats on 100k!!🎉

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you so much!

[@DELACREMEDELA]

Thanks for updating this info based on the new MDR price updates ~

[@carmencollins2704]

Have had crazy experiences on my time dining and we always love a table for 2. Last week on explorer of the seas a man shows up on formal night with a bathrobe running shorts tank top. I try to imagine that his luggage was stolen so he had no choice. We also saw him by the pool in same outfit with a bottle of champagne……. That was his attire for the week.😊

[@lisakoehler7313]

My husband is country. Formal wear is a new pair of jeans. It was our first cruise so I told him no jeans. He got these nice jean like pants that were in khaki, black, dark gray and dark blue. He loves them and they looked very nice with a collared shirt.

[@cyd282]

I like the more relaxed dress codes, but am fine with defining what 'relaxed' or casual means. Trust some would show up to the dining room with wet bathing suits or no shirts, not considering how long it takes for that type of seating to dry...But not having to be formally dressed for dinner every night thankfully cuts down on the amount of clothing I have to pack.

[@Philippa-]

Well done amazing . 100.000. So richly deserved. I have been known to order a steak and chips if there really isn’t any thing I like for a main. I like late dining / 2nd sitting then go to 10 o’ clock show. Fills my evening perfectly.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you! That sounds perfect

[@nancyannesunboxings]

I'm so happy to find out about the fruit plate!

[@donnakraus4993]

About 6 years ago on Royal Caribbean we noticed people underdressed for dinner even though there was a sign at the door. The head waiter told us they have difficulty enforcing it. Our last cruise even on dress nights there were people with hats, shorts, t shirts and it really took away from the special feel of the evening. I remember my first cruise which was Celebrity every night people were dressed up. Now you are hard pressed to find a tux, suit or gown/fancy dress. I know people want to be relaxed on vaca but if you choose not to dress up on the fancy nights hit the buffet. We primarily cruise Royal Caribbean and I do wear jeans with heels or sandals with a nice blouse/ shirt to dinner but I miss the elegance of those dress nights. I still bring a fancy dress or gown and my husband wears a suit.

[@bobbigeehan7221]

I absolutely agree with you %100 on all points. And you’re right, it takes away from the ambiance of the entire evening. We go all out for formal night and it chaps my ass when people stroll in with a Tommy Bahamas tshirt, cutoff shorts and flip flops. Go up to the buffet or the pizza place on formal night if you choose to dress like that. 😡

[@LMFuqua]

You sound so stuffy and out of touch with anything of value. God forbid cruise ships really change their procedures for people who are not old. I don't mind wearing nice pants and a nice shirt but having to pack a damn tux or gown for dinner is wasteful in so many ways. You want formal stick to Cunard.

[@genitagray6126]

I always wear what I call casual work clothes ( pants with a nice shirt) in the dining room, never shorts, halters or bathing suits, but on 20+ cruises I’ve never worn a formal & I never intend to. I could care less what others wear. I love a drama free life & I don’t sweat the small stuff.

[@mercyrodriguez5780]

We were recently on Symphony with the family, one daughter in law is vegan, they were so helpful with her meals. The head waiter would come every night after our meal to get her to decide what she wanted to eat the next night. It was excellent service, that is why we always do Celebrity or Royal. Their service is exceptional!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing!! Great to hear 👏

[@lexa_power]

I saw someone do this on my MSC cruise with a person at the table next to me who was gluten free. I’m regular vegetarian & they just told me to order off the regular menu haha which is fine for me though as I like to jet off to the evening show right after dinner & wouldn’t have enjoyed having to linger. As a solo traveler whose usually really eager to make friends on the ship, I probably wouldn’t want to back myself into the hole of having to pre order - I’d feel guilty if I wanted to stay in bed and order room service or made a new friend on an excursion or at the club or something and went to the buffet with them instead. The best part about solo traveling for me is the spontaneity you can have when you don’t have to okay the days plans with anyone except yourself and can do what you really want to do (or not do) every day. I did enjoy eating most days in main dining with the other solo friends I made but I did spend 2 days in bed on my last cruise and I loved having the flexibility to do that.

[@glendacollins2898]

As a vegan I had that same experience with Princess. I couldn't believe the level of personal attention night after night!

[@lexa_power]

@@glendacollins2898 I’m glad to hear they accommodated you! I hope to be able to take a cruise with them soon!

[@leslilounsbury1604]

My husband and I always cruise with Princess. We are both Vegan and now get our own menu in the dining room. They are super helpful and friendly. Thank you for your wonderful videos. ❤

[@laurenschenck5355]

CONGRATULATIONS 100K SO PROUD OF YOU!! YOU DESERVE IT!! CHEERS! 🥂🥂🥂🥂🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥂🥂🥂🥂🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised of course 😀😀

[@haydenswhear]

Leaving in 2 weeks from today on a 11 day celebrity cruise! Been watching all your videos to prepare. Thanks!

[@traveler320ak7]

How exciting!! Have fun!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jenbrooks5872]

I do sometimes order from the kids' menus! There are times I just want a good old grilled cheese sandwich or a corn dog. You are so right about off menu items, too. We went to the casual 24- hour restaurant for breakfast on my first cruise. (This was not my hubbys first but was my first. L) They did not offer fruit on the menu. I asked for a side or a bowl as my husband told me they had ordered things like that in the past off menu. I was provided a lovely platter of fruit with a small side of cottage cheese and a small side of plain yougart. The presentation was beautiful and it was delicious 😋 We shared it. It never hurts to ask. I was very impressed, lol. This was my very first breakfast onboard.

[@judyfullhart6947]

we are cruisers that like antime dinning.. never worried about a small wait.

[@laurenschenck5355]

BEST TIPS thanks so much! 🍃🧡🍃🤎❤️🛳️🍁🍁🛳️❤️🍂🍂🛳️🍁🍁❤️🍂🦃🍂❤️🛳️🍁🍁❤️🦃🦃❤️🛳️🛳️🛳️❤️🍃🍃🤎🍃🧡🍃🤎🦃🍂❤️🍁🍁🛳️🍂🦃🦃🦃🤎🍃🧡🧡🍃🤎🦃❤️🛳️🍁🛳️❤️🍂🦃

[@juliemarshall3550]

Hi, we have just been on a 36 night cruise with Princess. Our allocated table was great at first but after the first hr we were freezing. We asked to be moved away from the air con! We did get moved but I would still recommend taking a wrap for the ladies. We got a bit sick of the same ish meals so changed it up a bit. We asked for things not on the menu like pizza and lasagne. They were delicious. We also asked for changes to vegetables and extra potatoes or chips ( fries) Princess were very accommodating and nothing was too much trouble.

[@janinallentown8801]

This is great to know. We're booked on our first Princess cruise in March and I'll have to remember this.