How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works

[@RebelPickle]

We looooove the MDR with traditional dining times. The Windjammer is nice and certainly has a place, but it tends to feel chaotic and not very relaxing. Also, I think it’s really underrated to have the same waiter and assistant waiter each evening. I appreciate seeing the same friendly crew in the MDR who know our drink preferences and give exceptional service. It’s simply an elevated dining experience.

[@maureenkristofco621]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@wendytabon3029]

Agree the WJ is just crazy we also like MDR for breakfast and lunch when opened

[@judithcatalano9666]

We were a group of 11 on an Alaskan cruise in July. We ate at the dining room every night. We had my time dining and it worked perfectly for us. We would decide on a time and make a reservation for all of us about two or three in the afternoon for a 6 or 6:30 dinner time. We never waited more than 10 minutes in line as they go up and down the line asking names and if you have reservations. We had the same wait staff every night who knew our names even though we didn't sit in the same order every night. They also learned our preferences and would ask me if I wanted a shrimp cocktail even on nights it wasn't offered and then brought it to me. They were wonderful. Our experience was at least 90% of the people dressed nicely every night. It was a great experience and Royal did a wonderful job.

[@sl4193]

Helpful information on what to expect in a Royal Caribbean ship main dining room. Good to know ahead of a trip and especially useful when planning what clothes to pack. Thank you, Matt.

[@tarontagosh1127]

On a recent 4 day cruise I ate all but 1 of my meals in the Main Dining Room. I loved it. It feels much more relaxed that the Windjammer. I'd recommend people trying to go there more often for breakfast and lunch.

[@jbob1548]

That is my thought, breakfast and lunch seem more relaxed.

[@Oottee207]

We made our set timing for dinner..do we have to do that for breakfast and lunch?

[@degreesofshining]

On our last cruise we were able to have dessert delivered every evening to our suite! That way we could enjoy dinner fully and not get super stuffed before evening activities. We felt so spoiled coming back to our room and finding sweet treats! ❤😄

[@lerouxly67]

Love the MDR with set-time dining. I'm not terribly good at small talk though so sitting with strangers, I find awkward. As for the food, there is always something I like and I enjoy "getting to know" the regular serving staff. They do a fantastic job.

[@Pattylove826]

I am not good small talk either. I rather ask for a two seat table

[@lavans06]

Does the seating option for involving another family of guest(s) only happen for 1 dinner or for the duration of the cruise?

[@DanGilleland]

You can call Royal and ask for table to accommodate your party only. We just did that. We are doing traditional dining.

[@CatherineNg-g1t]

⁠

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

I had a great time in the MDR when we went. I wasn't feeling well one day and ordered a salad and Sprite that I just couldn't eat. I went to lay down in our cabin while my husband finished eating. They boxed my meal for me and he brought it back with him. They next night the waiter brought me a Sprite because he remembered that I had it the previous night. Our waiter also got a kick out of my husband because he ate his meal so fast and decided to pick with him. It was so funny. They brought him out another plate of food. It was then that I realized you could order seconds. (I didn't have RCB to give me info back then)

[@arthurmatthewf5406]

All too often people are afraid to try new foods. Definitely recommend doing this in MDR. Never had pumpkin soup? Order it and try it. Don't like it? No big deal. Get something else. They are happy to do it for you. Don't feel embarassed. And, don't be afraid to order OFF MENU. If you want something you don't see, ask for it. More often than not, it will be made for you at no charge unless it is one of the upcharge items. Just because it isn't listed, doesn't mean they can't do it. They can. And will.

[@ingridbethune7507]

I just disembarked today 11/11/23 off RCCL Radiance Of The Sea 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise, it was my 1st cruise, IT WAS PHENOMENAL. I enjoyed myself tremendously & found The Windjammer & Cascade food to b great. My daughter & I had a 2 seater table 330 by a window everynight. The cruise far exceeded my expection & i look forward to my next one

[@iversonjcameron]

what beverage package was best?

[@ingridbethune7507]

@@iversonjcameron we didn't get beverage package, we took our own wine & Coco cola on ship, 1 wine per person a room & 6 pk cola each

[@ctlt-pg4tm]

@@iversonjcameron The one we bought

[@nessundorma2000]

Thanks for the video. Good information. I’ve only sailed on Carnival but thinking about going on my first Royal Caribbean cruise.

[@vancekeith5642]

Your videos are very informative and well done. Thank you

[@Yah_Boi_Mike]

Thank you! My girlfriend is having her first cruise experience and this is going to be the perfect video to show her! I've been on royal before but I always feel videos are easier to explain.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@travelwithdebandnick]

great video matt :) i love the formalness of the main dining room :) makes me feel like im in some expensive fancy restaurant :) and the best part is i get that experience included in my cruise fare :)

[@tjtittle]

I was on the Odyssey of the Sea early Dec 2023. They did deny shorts at dinner time. Politely asked them to return after Changing and gave them other Dinning options

[@billybenson3834]

We love set time dining and often eat all 3 meals there. It doesn't bother me to put a button up shirt and long pants, it helps make it more special. We enjoy sitting with one or two couples from the cruise, makes good conversations. I consider it part of the experience. I am disappointed that adults find it difficult or needless to dress appropriately for dinner. We're not brigands

[@vanessamapel]

This was incredibly informative

[@tomgolledge7722]

On all the ships with a multilayer dining room we always try for a table for two along the second or third level balcony railing.

[@richardw2977]

Great video as always. A lot of useful information. We are planning an RC cruise in the near future and one of our party has never cruised before. Explain a lot about the MDR and answers a bunch of her questions. Appreciate the hard work. 🎉🎉

[@Knee-ko]

Thanks Matt. We've done a bunch of land-based travel since 'the situation' eased and the world opened back up. Going back to the high (but hopefully calm) seas in January so appreciate the refresher on how the MDR works. If memory servers me well - the food, and especially the service, was outstanding. 👍👍

[@kittydogcalendar8090]

I was on a Oasis a few weeks ago, and I really liked the MDR! The food was some of the best I've ever had. The creme brulee reminded me of a smore, believe it or not. Overall I loved it!

[@ChrisSl8]

MyTime Dining can work very well if you plan it out properly by reserving times. Was on Anthem earlier this year and booked My Time for 7pm every night (except for one night at Chops), I never waited more than 5 minutes in line and had the same wait staff every night. Not necessarily the same table, but in the same area. This was as a solo cruiser at my own table as well. I would honestly do Traditional Dining as the idea of a set time doesn't bother me, but only if they had a 7pm option, as I feel like this is the best time. You can really be lazy and lounge around the pool or your balcony in the early evening while half the ship is rushing to get to dinner, and its early enough that you can make plenty of shows/events afterward.

[@brittanydonnelly2208]

Thank you for pointing out the kids menu.

[@user-R1CK]

First cruise was March 2023 on AOS. Not knowing from experience but understood you could order multiple entrees in MDR but we were told by the waiter that it wasn’t the case and none of the people beside our table were able to order additional entrees as well.

[@darrindoss1042]

Hey Matt, love your videos. I just wanted to say concerning the dress code. It depends on the staff in the dining rooms and sadly, some guest. We were on the Feedom of the Seas and one I f the head waiters informed my friend that he had to change because he was wearing sh I rts. Now to your point he came back and stated that a few of the guest brought it to his attention. Another time someone was stopped before entering due to shorts and he also had a muscle shirt on.

[@carlosescobar2170]

Hi Matt!! Just saw that Icon has returned from SUCCESSFUL SEA TRIALS!! Can’t wait for your first video about the Icon experience!! Thanks for all your great videos!!

[@tishlee8262]

I loved the main dinning.

[@lesp6046]

I adore the fact that you can order multiple dishes from each course. When I was with family, we wound up trying almost everything on the menu every night between the three of us. I tried things I wouldn't have dared order, like escargot, because I would've been worried I wouldn't like them. Turns out I did, and now I know more about myself as a foodie :3

[@luvnailz]

We love the dinner party feel of a 10 person table and getting to know new people. We did a Norwegian cruise where we only could sit by ourselves the whole time and it suckkked. We with with each other every day!! The dinner parties are one of our favorite parts of cruises and we chat with table mates until we are kicked out or have a show to get to.

[@jcaseyoneseventy]

I remember the time when you WOULD be asked to leave the MDR if you breached the dress policy and honestly, I preferred it!

[@Bum_Hip]

From my experience on Liberty Of The Seas, the service was very slow, and the food was just OK. It surprised me that it would take about 15 to get a glass of wine, as the staff receive an automatic gratuity for every drink served. On two of the four nights we had to leave before dessert in order to have time to catch our show.

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Good point about ocean views.

[@zuffy8778]

I love MDR. I go there for breakfast, lunch and dinner whenever it's open. IMO, the foods are just better than Windjammer.

[@dmyers4712]

Absolutely! 💙

[@ruthbickerstaffe1915]

Thank you so much Matt. I’m going in December for my first cruise. I am so nervous. What is breakfast like in The Main Dining Room. I’m sailing on Explorer of the Seas. ☺️

[@neilengel3715]

On my last RCCL cruises the MDR menu Never Changes. All WEEK!

[@itsmeSHANGRILA]

😮

[@angelakirchner1130]

My sister and I were on the Liberty of the Seas for a 5 night cruise (9/30/2023) to celebrate her 50th birthday it was also her 1st cruise. We really enjoyed the main dining room. We tried many new dishes that we've never had before. I was however a bit surprised that I was changed for the single lobster that I ordered on formal night since they're usually included that night. Perhaps on shorter sailings they are not included? It wasn't a big deal the charge was less than $20.

[@genxx2724]

The charge is probably to deter people from being gluttonous or wasteful. It’s disgusting when people treat lobster or crab legs as a cheap all-you-can-eat buffet.

[@JoeSmith-gp5dm]

I wish they enforced the formal night attire. I remember cruising in the early 2000s and it was a big deal for formal night and everyone took a lot of pride in their formal night attire.

[@amywest6536]

Had a RC cruise to Alaska early this month June2024. The food was so bad in the main dining room my husband and I generally went to the wind jammer after. We were on a family cruise and got together for dinner every night with the family. I will say we had three three vegetarians in the group including my husband and I. We generally had 1 or maybe two options (including the curry which is not on the menu but can always ask for).

[@crisgaray]

I wore a dress shirt and slacks and I felt over dressed on our cruise in October on Freedom of the Seas.

[@LeslieAM32]

I love being able to take my food back to the cabin if necessary! And you're absolutely right, try as many new things as you can; you never know what will appeal to you.

[@toxicblendz45]

So, do I just show up to the main dining room at the specified times? I want to reserve our My Time Dining also. Our cruise is next month. 🎉

[@boysrus61]

My last cruise was thru the Panama Canal. We opted to eat in the Windjammer for dinner the majority of the time (sorta strange table mates) and it was delicious. This was our 7th cruise and first time eating every meal there. I was pleasantly surprised how open the WJ was, the variety of the evening meal, and how often the staff walked thru to chat.

[@sharonsmalls6846]

I have never had dinner at the Windjammer. Sounds as if it was fun.

[@DavidInSomnia]

Really explain allergies with your waiter and it may be best to do main dining if you have allergies instead of the buffet. They accommodate really well and sub items to your needs. We really wish there was a gluten free section in the Windjammer instead of hunting down a chef to explain ingredients. Also, the buffet gets so crowded that it's hard to find a seat and main dining solves that problem.

[@jedimindtrixr4kidz294]

6:00 Hmmm not sure I'd feel safe eating that lobster there...

[@kishorey1784]

do you have any vegetarian options in MDR.?

[@ST52655]

Are there dairy free options?

[@Bkdiva83]

This is on time. 1st cruise on Monday November 13th. Thank you!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Have fun!

[@wendytabon3029]

It can be very addictive but you will have a good time best vacation in my opinion

[@brandonneasham7989]

Matt, I’m going solo on Harmony next year. How do I get ahold of Royal Caribbean to sit with other guests in the MDR?

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Link your reservations together www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/05/16/how-link-royal-caribbean-cruise-reservations-together

[@mstauss2566]

Do you feel the Unlimited dining package is worth it? I was able to book it for 40% off.

[@lynneshapiro3248]

ON ITALIAN NIGHT, YOU MUST, MUST, MUST HAVE THE LASAGNA!!!!!

[@douggaskell4586]

Always enjoyed the MDR at dinner. 27 cruises at a Traditional seating and have always enjoyed our tablemates and the wait staff. Love having the same waiter and assistant waiter each night.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

What do they do with menus on a transatlantic 13 day cruise? Do they just repeat the menu?

[@ChrisGeeReacts]

If I don't do the main dining room on the first night, is that okay? When i booked the cruise the only time available was 7:45 pm. I really want to see Mamma Mia on the first night and it's at 8, so i won't be going to the main dining room for the first night

[@IrisP989]

How do they handle small kids? Do they offer a high chair?

[@NavyAviationVeteranRVer]

MDR on Navigator the 2 seat "private" tables are one ince from the other 2 seat tables, so no privacy.

[@ModernMyths]

I've wondered about what drinks where free during dining. I wonder if they would make an Arnold Palmer (just mixed tea and lemonade for those that don't know) and it be free? XD

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

They can make it, and since both iced tea and lemonade are free, I don't see why you'd be charged

[@Lorena-OT7]

Will the staff be able to know how many carbs are in each meal for type 1 diabetics?

[@DirectionlessStudent]

I usually pass on the MDR as the specialty restaurants are better and not that costly. Plus, I think I've done too many biz conferences eating in that grand dining style with courses rushed one after the other. It's personal preference really -- I don't like the "hit or miss" gamble of who your table mates will be (sometimes assholes who ruin your meal), and I don't care for the cheesy wait staff entertainment while dining. Since I usually take a suite, I can always order from the MDR menu for in-room dining at no charge if I really want what they're serving. The reality is they give you WAY TOO MUCH food, so skipping the MDR for a nice salad from the WJ or whatever is a good way to spare my body the excess calories and sodium they load onto everything. 😆

[@Noneya-bw5gm]

Are vegitarian offerings more than just salads and fake meats? Something like you'd see on Food TV's "Triple D" vegitarian places where they put a lot of thought and effort into the dish?

[@srirachahero4679]

Wow! I'm glad i watched this. I wish there was an option to sit alone - even if it was at additional cost. I cannot sit with people I don't know 😞

[@mikeverkest]

Those hash browns are the BIZNESS

[@fredyromero9621]

One lobster per guest on formal night? Well, im glad I don't et lobster, however I do recall that on my previous 16 RC cruises, it was unlimited lobster for all guest. 6:01

[@Charles.Wright]

How long

[@VeronicaMarce]

My husband and I went to the bistro on formal night. He was dressed in a polo and nice dress shorts. He had flip flops on (they weren't old or worn down) because he didn't feel like socks and dress shoes would be fitting with the shorts. The hostess turned us down and said he needs to change in order to eat there.

[@mph1ish]

Nobody needs to look at hairy toes whilst eating.

[@genxx2724]

He needed loafers. Being his wife, you could have helped organize his outfits when you were packing.

[@VeronicaMarce]

@@genxx2724 lol I don't force my husband to dress a certain way. He hates loafers. I packed what he wanted me to pack. He's a grown man

[@VeronicaMarce]

@@mph1ish ok? Is it normal for most people to stare at someone's feet at another table while eating?

[@genxx2724]

@@VeronicaMarce OK, so you’re showing us what class of people go on that cruise. Pretty much what I expected. Thank you.

[@sandrab2753]

We are a family of ten. Can the main dining room accommodate all of us at one table? (We will be traveling on the Star of the Seas).

[@borenkd]

@4:28 eating the Asian style pork tacos with fork??? 🙃

[@mamabar6811]

Do people actually wear jeans in the MDR on designated formal nights? Sounds like a major faux pas to me. 🙃 Not a fan of the increasingly casual nature that cruise evenings have become. So much for tradition.

[@karmalikegirl]

There’s two of us traveling so I only ordered one drink package. If I order one drink package can I order two drinks at a time?

[@wendytabon3029]

If you wait about 5 mins you can order a 2nd

[@kimkirksey562]

Cash tip...even if you paid your gratuities...I think the bartender are nice...I heard

[@wendytabon3029]

Yes I usually give cash they are very accommodating plus we are D+ so we get 5 drinks each daily

[@loopner4689]

If you're intent is to split the drink package with your cruising partner, that's a big no no.

[@Charles.Wright]

I believe they require everyone of drinking age in the same stateroom to get the alcohol package, if anyone does.

[@jasonlaboy]

Why would anyone pay the cost for like a fancy restaurant when this is free?

[@arthurbellick5950]

So if want to you can order more than item per course is great. MSC only alws 1.

[@HillaryAlex-kv8ug]

How I love to work on this ship.... Please kindly share the link to apply for the job

[@melvano4014]

What was going on with that guy‘s hair at 7:35?

[@ctlt-pg4tm]

Love the Oasis. Been aboard 5 times. Best food we ever had but when you exit the dining room on Deck 4 you are immediately smashed in the face with the disgusting smell of smoke from the casino which is less than 50' away. Unbelievable that given the amazing design of this ship they don't simply put glass entry doors on the casino. They have doors on the arcade, but not the casino. So stupid. PRO TIP: DON'T accept seating on Deck 4 !

[@kimkirksey3018]

I will be going on my 1st cruise for Christmas....I will be rather dressy every night

[@jenniefowler4968]

Can kids pick more than one thing off the menu. My daughter is picky but a big eater when she finds something she likes. Or could she order more of something.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Yes of course!

[@RaymondMullen-t9j]

I always wear Slacks and Dress Shirt , the Bride Dress or Slack Suit having gotten away from the Suits and Dress's with EXTER BAGGAGE ....

[@aquicktake]

I noticed that these cruises are staffed (99.9% of them anyways) by ethnic minorities ie. Filipinos, Indians, Sub-Saharan etc. Makes me wonder if it's the pay or the conditions?

[@Pattylove826]

How many formal nights does a 9 days cruise has

[@wendytabon3029]

Two usually the first sea day and second to last sea day there is also a White , Caribbean and some ships a red night

[@Pattylove826]

@wendytabon3029 thank you. I am wondering if the app will show me which nights is an all white night and such. I can't see until it's time to check in I guess. Thank you for responding

[@wendytabon3029]

The app tells you day of but it is usually around the fourth night

[@davee8113]

The tables next to the windows in the main dining room are never a table for 2

[@Kayw434]

Not true, sorry. We had a table next to the window (just for two). It was unexpected and we really enjoyed it! 😊 (We were really surprised by it!)

[@missboston87]

@@Kayw434 same for us, we didn't request it but was pleasantly surprised to have a table for 2 seated by the window for our anniversary cruise this past October. We loved our waitstaff so after dinner the first night, we requested to have the same table/waitstaff every night. We had my time dining with a 7p reservation every night! 😊

[@billwalters4338]

There is no "My Time" dining there is only three dining times. They call it my time but it is THEIR time only

[@JayCAlan]

UP NEXT!

[@susansmith2216]

Hi Matt. Is there a vegetarian menu offered as well?

[@mayLibertyprevail1a]

I think there is at least one vegetarian option on the menu each night--and even if not, they will accommodate you if you let them know you have special dietary needs.

[@susansmith2216]

@@mayLibertyprevail1a ~ thank you very much for your reply. If worse comes to worse, I can order a grilled cheese sandwich off of the children’s menu. 😉

[@lavans06]

Back in 2009 on Freedom it was fun seeing guests dress up formally suit/tie/dresses ... fast forward to 2024 - is it still in play? What's the verdict? I ask cuz after time has passed, got Mariner for April-2024. Must be culturally weird being underdressed/overdressed ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@terrilee734]

Cool..

[@Blitzburgh17]

I dont know why people care so much what others wear. When I’m at dinner with family I’m not paying attention to the people around me I’m talking to my wife and kids and eating. I really could not care less if someone else had on shorts or slacks. We’re on vacation to relax these are budget cruises that cater to kids and families. Go on a fancier adults only cruise if you want to be formal

[@NavyAviationVeteranRVer]

MDR was nice, BUT, we asked for a private 2 sear table. The other 2 seat tables were 2 inches from us. Not private. We had obnoxious neighbors that complained at every meal.

[@Charles.Wright]

What made you think you would have a "private" experience while 2000 people are eating??

[@NavyAviationVeteranRVer]

@Charles.Wright because when we picked our dining time the booking agent at Royal asked if we wanted to share a table or did we want a private table. Her words.

[@luvnailz]

Next time after the first dinner the the MD to put you at any other table. We usually get moved to large tables because we prefer larger dinner parties. But they can move you so there is no reason to spend all week with people you don’t enjoy.

[@NavyAviationVeteranRVer]

@luvnailz better yet, we stopped sailing on RC and that fixed it.

[@NavyAviationVeteranRVer]

@luvnailz we only put up with rudeness 2 meals, switching to specialty dining was better food and seating. RC let people in board shorts and tank tops in the MDR. On formal night.

[@kcgunesq]

Who wants to pack and dress in a tux only to sit next to someone in shorts and wearing ball cap?

[@MikeK02048]

Royal really needs to enforce their dress code in the MDR to some extent. On our last Royal cruise on the Harmony OTS, a guy showed up all week wearing a tank top and cutoffs. How is this acceptable??

[@AM-dr9qd]

No 1st and proud 😂😂😂

[@worrywart1311]

Better appointed than a cattle trough but just about as crowded. No thanks.

[@JaniceCrowell]

You say nobody will care if you wear shorts. While you can get away with it, it’s not sure nobody cares.

[@ObviousNoob11]

Sitting with strangers is the worst.... I hate it so much I stopped cruising on many cruise lines unless they can garauntee I can sit with only people I know.

[@luvnailz]

We enjoy dinner parties so much more than just sitting with each other like we do every other day of our lives. My husband doesn’t know strangers though. He super friendly and makes friends with everyone.

[@curtiswaagner]

Royal always gives you both options. No need to stop cruising

[@sharonh5399]

The person im traveling with does not dress up. Typical sweats and t-shirt guy. Will he be denied?

[@keithstone4443]

No, they would never deny him unless he tried walking in without a shirt. I was on Icon for seven nights and wore shorts every night

[@bitboycryptonews6773]

Third from India

[@melissacox7075]

So as a woman you shouldn’t wear open toe shoes?

[@sharongillis4531]

Shocking voice !

[@timtaylor4041]

Tipping?

[@larry4111]

Second?

[@Nrustica]

MDR is noisy AF

[@chrisscarfo1149]

First..wow!

[@c3dmf4s]

I do not want to dine with other people.. christ . This is not golden corral

[@seanaustin1914]

Just finished a Royal Cruise, all I can say is don't do it... dining was terrible :(

[@Charles.Wright]

Why?

[@sechie9166]

Personally, I do care when people got dress appropriately for dinner.

[@Sophie3647s]

As long as not naked so I don't lose my appetite I haven't noticed