In the mood for a melt-in-your-mouth steak served with a velvety Béarnaise sauce? How about a cheeseburger and fries on the Lido deck or a pizza delivered to your stateroom? Whatever your food preferences, chances are you can find what you desire on today’s cruise ships.

The main dining rooms are generally reserved for the traditional cruise guest. Dinner is served in two seatings. Main seating is usually around 6 pm, and late seating is 8 or 8:30 pm. Guests dine at the same table, at the same time, with the same dining companions and wait staff. Menu selections change daily and are usually built around a theme such as Italian or Caribbean. During breakfast and lunch hours, main dining rooms have an “open seating” policy, which means guests can eat anytime during hours of operation at any available table.

For those who prefer a less structured dining experience, casual dining venues like lido buffets and specialty gourmet restaurants are popular options. Also, room service is available 24 hours a day on most ships, and some cruise lines offer a flexible dining program. Princess Cruises, for instance, has a program called Anytime Dining that enables guests to dine when they like, alone or with friends, anytime from 5:30 to 10 pm.

All cruise lines offer healthy alternative menus to accommodate diners who prefer options such as low-fat, low-salt, or vegetarian. Celebrity Cruises’ Lean and Light low-fat dining options, for example, are offered on lunch and dinner menus, and the line’s Aquaspa Cafés serve light and healthy cuisine from breakfast until evening. And if you have special dietary needs such as salt-free or Kosher, simply alert us, and we’ll notify the cruise line regarding your special food requests.

One of the latest innovations in cruise ship dining is elegant, “reservations only” gourmet bistros that are comparable in quality to the finest restaurants on land. (There is a small service fee for the exceptional food and service provided in these specialty restaurants.) On Princess ships, for example, you can choose from a selection of upscale offerings like Sabatini’s, featuring a multi-course Italian feast, or Sterling Steakhouse. In addition, you can enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner served on your own balcony—complete with wait staff.

With so many dining options available, you’re sure to experience a delectable adventure in taste during your time onboard.

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