# What Are the Rules for My Time Dining on Holland America Line?

Holland America My Time Dining offers flexible dinner seating call **[phone]** to understand rules like reservation options dress guidelines and smooth check in procedures for stress free evenings

Dining on a cruise is one of the most enjoyable parts of the vacation experience, and Holland America Line offers several flexible meal options to make sure every guest can enjoy dinner in a comfortable and relaxed way. One of the most popular choices is My Time Dining, a system designed to give guests more freedom and flexibility when planning their evenings. Instead of following a strict dinner schedule, you can choose when and where you want to dine inside the main dining room during available hours. While this option gives travelers more control over their evenings, it does come with a set of guidelines that are important to understand before boarding the ship.

This detailed guide explains how My Time Dining works on Holland America Line, what the rules are, what guests can expect, and how to get the most out of this dining style. Whether you are a first time cruiser or a returning guest, understanding these rules can help you plan your meals more easily and enjoy a smooth dining experience every night.

### What is My Time Dining on Holland America Line

My Time Dining is a flexible dining option offered in the main dining room onboard Holland America ships. Unlike traditional dining, where guests are assigned a fixed time and table each night, My Time Dining lets you choose when you want to eat. You can arrive within the dining rooms open hours and request a table, or you can make a reservation for a specific time each day. This option works well for guests who prefer spontaneous evenings, want to attend shows without rushing, or simply enjoy having more control over their activities.

### How to Sign Up for My Time Dining

Guests can select My Time Dining at the time of booking. Since space is limited, it is recommended to choose this option early. If you change your mind later, you can contact Holland America or your travel advisor to request a switch. Sometimes the ship may accommodate changes once onboard, but it depends on availability. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred dining style.

### General Rules for My Time Dining

Though My Time Dining allows flexibility, it operates within a structure designed to maintain smooth service and proper seating for all guests. Here are the main rules and expectations.

#### You Must Dine Within Posted Hours

The dining room has specific evening hours for My Time Dining. Guests can come anytime during these hours, but seating may vary depending on how busy the dining room is. Arriving earlier offers more available tables and shorter wait times.

#### Reservations Are Recommended but Not Always Required

One of the most important rules is that reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak dining times. You can make a reservation each day or reserve an entire week of times in advance. This helps the dining staff plan seating and reduces wait times. Walk ins are accepted, but you may have to wait for a table if the dining room is full.

#### Guests May Need to Wait for a Table

Since My Time Dining does not involve fixed seating, some waiting may be required during busy periods. The staff works to reduce wait times, but guests should be prepared for short delays if they arrive during the most popular times. This is especially true for larger groups.

#### Group Seating May Not Always Be Available

Guests traveling with friends or family may not always be seated together unless they make a reservation as a group. Walk in groups may have to wait longer or may be offered separate tables. It is recommended that groups book their preferred dinner time in advance.

#### Dress Code Rules Still Apply

Even though the dining time is flexible, the main dining room dress code must be followed. Holland America has two types of evening dress codes. Smart casual nights require guests to dress neatly, while dressy nights allow for slightly more formal attire. These expectations apply to all dining styles, including My Time Dining.

### How the Reservation System Works

Holland America allows guests to book dining times using several convenient methods. You can make your reservation through the Cruise Personalizer before sailing, through the Navigator App once onboard, by calling the dining desk, or by visiting the dining host stand.

Reservation slots are available in fifteen minute intervals, making it easy to fit dinner into your evening plans. If you decide to attend a show, explore the ship, or stay longer at the pool, you can shift your reservation time as long as there is space available.

### Arrival and Seating Rules

When you arrive at the dining room for My Time Dining, a few rules help the staff manage seating efficiently.

#### Check In Required

Guests must check in with the host desk before being seated. Even if you have a reservation, checking in ensures the staff can escort you to your assigned table.

#### Table Requests Can Be Made but Not Guaranteed

Many guests have preferences such as wanting a window table, a booth, or a table for two. You can request a specific type of table, but availability depends on how busy the dining room is. Staff will try their best to accommodate requests, but requests are not guaranteed.

#### You May Have Different Servers Each Night

Traditional dining gives guests the same table and same team of servers throughout the voyage. My Time Dining does not. Because you may be seated in different areas each night, your servers may change. Some guests enjoy meeting different staff members, while others prefer familiar service. If you enjoy a particular server, you can request their section, but availability varies.

### Special Dietary Requests and My Time Dining

Guests with dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten free, or low sodium options can still enjoy My Time Dining. The kitchen can prepare special dishes when notified in advance. It is helpful to inform the dining staff early in the cruise so they can plan meals accordingly. Guests with more complex dietary needs may benefit from making dinner reservations to ensure proper timing.

### How My Time Dining Works on Days With Special Events

On themed nights or evenings with special activities, more guests tend to dine at similar times. This can create higher demand during certain windows. To avoid long waits, booking a dining reservation in advance is recommended. The dining staff will follow the same rules even on special event nights, and reservations help maintain smooth service.

### Benefits of Choosing My Time Dining

Many travelers choose My Time Dining because it complements the relaxing style of a cruise vacation. Benefits include

More freedom in planning evening activities
Flexibility for shore excursions that run late
No need to rush to a scheduled meal
Ability to dine earlier or later depending on mood
Option to dine with different guests throughout the cruise

For travelers who value spontaneity, My Time Dining enhances the overall experience.

### Tips to Make the Most Out of My Time Dining

To enjoy the best experience, follow these tips

Make reservations whenever possible
Arrive early if you want minimal wait
Communicate dietary needs ahead of time
Be flexible with table types
Allow some buffer time before scheduled shows

These simple steps help make dining smooth and enjoyable.

### Conclusion

My Time Dining on Holland America Line combines flexibility with high quality dining. Although there are rules to ensure smooth service, these guidelines are easy to follow. Understanding how the system works allows guests to enjoy dinner on their own schedule without sacrificing the elegance and comfort that the main dining room offers. For travelers who prefer relaxed evenings and personalized timing, My Time Dining is an ideal choice.