Enjoying Your Cruise Ship’s Main Dining Room

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Hubbard Glacier


 Lots of cruise passengers look forward to dining at the ship’s bountiful buffet, and at specialty restaurants that serve elevated cuisine. But there’s another choice that passengers sometimes overlook: the main dining room, or MDR.

MDRs are often quite large but also cozy, with soft carpeting, padded chairs, and tablecloths. Usually open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, MDR menus change daily (though some favorite dishes may be repeated). On some cruises, the MDR will feature specialties from the region you’re sailing in.

MDRs may offer a choice of set dining times, come-when-you-like dining, or both. You may love the flexibility of dining whenever you’re ready, but a set dining time might be the best choice if you’d like to eat with the same people each day.

The dress code in the MDR may be less formal than you think. On many ships, the only real requirement is to change out of very casual attire (such as swimsuits, shorts, very ripped jeans, graphic tees and flip flops) before going to the MDR.

If your cruise itinerary includes a formal night, the MDR may require dressy attire for dinner. And that can be a lot of fun – but if you know it’s not for you, you can always opt for the buffet or room service that night.

Here are a few more ways to get the best from the MDR:

Even if you informed the cruise line about your food allergies or other dietary restrictions, be sure to repeat them to your server in the MDR. It’s always good to give a reminder to the person who will actually serve you.

If you selected a set dining time but find you would rather be flexible, or if you asked to dine at a table of ten but would really prefer a table for two, just let the maître d’ know. He or she will accommodate you if possible.

If you need to know how a dish is prepared, just ask your servers; they are knowledgeable about the menus and can also provide recommendations.

If you find that you don’t like what you ordered, just ask your server to bring you something else. Some cruise lines have begun to charge a small fee for a second entrée, but it’s free on many ships. And, additional appetizers and desserts are almost always complimentary.

For more cruise ship dining tips, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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