While booking a sea voyage on a ship of Carnival Cruise Line, you will need to decide on your preferred dinner time. The best thing about this cruise ship is that it provides unlimited food to its guests on board. Right from multi-course meals and beverages to fresh tacos and juicy burgers, Carnival Cruise Line ships are best known for their amazing food. You should keep in mind that without selecting your desired and suitable dining time, you will have to face issues. What if you have chosen a dinner time, but now you want to change it? To find out everything about the Carnival Cruise dining change, you must go through the post.

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Understanding Carnival Cruise Dining
In the Carnival Cruise Line, you will have options to choose between the YOUR TIME DINING or traditional seating (assigned seating). Furthermore, you can also enjoy casual bistro dining. This means you can decide your time in the dining area. However, these options come with certain pros and cons. Here are some more details regarding these options so that you can pick the most suitable one before knowing the methods of Carnival Cruise dining changes.
Your Time Dining
Before talking about the Carnival Cruise Line dining changes, you should know that “Your Time Dining” is a flexible option offered. Here are some more important points:
- With this option, advanced booking is not permitted.
- You just need to download and use the mobile app of Carnival HUB and check in when you want to eat.
- When it comes to dining time, it is typically between 5:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- You will be allotted a seat in the dining area based on “First Come and First Served”.
- You will usually find a seat within 15-20 minutes after reaching the area.
- To grab your favorite drink or beverage at the famous Alchemy Bar after checking in on the app.
- After logging in, you will not be required to stand in the queues. You will be notified once the assigned table is ready to serve you.
- Keep in mind that the table will be held only for 10 minutes. So, reach the spot as soon as you get the notification.
- If you follow a strict routine, it is an ideal option, but you may need to wait a little longer when there is a party or any event on the ship.
- In case you do not like the option, you can consider Carnival Cruise change dining time by contacting customer support or a travel agent.
Assigned or Traditional Seating
Another popular option for dining on a Carnival Cruise ship is the assigned or traditional seating. Before you consider any changes, you should know the ins and outs of this option:
- For this, the dining time is fixed for the guests.
- You can choose between late or early seating, depending on your needs.
- This dining option means no lengthy waits or advanced bookings of the table.
- The timings may vary from one ship to another.
- However, typical times are between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm for early seating.
- For late seating, the timings are from 7:45 pm to 8:15 pm.
- You may also get later options at some shops until around 9:00 pm.
- If you have kids or you want to enjoy the onboard entertainment in the evening, it is better to opt for the option with flexible dining time.
Note: With this, you will have two choices – Splendor and Luminosa. Splendor offers early and late dining at 5:15 pm and 7:45 pm, and 7:30 p,m respectively. YOUR TIME will be between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm in both options.
Casual Bistro Dining
In addition to the options discussed above, you can also have another dining option. This casual bistro dining is available at select restaurants on board. Below are some important points of this option:
- You can head to the Fahrenheit 555 or the Lido Deck Restaurant to enjoy this dining option.
- This is the best way to enjoy the finest quality and specialty meals and beverages.
- It is not a free service.
- Hence, you will need to pay an additional charge to enjoy casual bistro dining.
- Keep in mind that if guests are more than 8, you may need to reserve multiple tables, and wait times may be a little longer.
- Up to 2 entrées are free. For the third, you will need to pay USD 7.
How to Change Dining Time on a Carnival Cruise?
Now, you know the dining options available on Carnival Cruise. Many times it may happen that you want to change dining time Carnival Cruise for different reasons. However, changes are not a surefire way, as it will depend on the seat availability.
Still, here are the ways if you want to know how to change your dining time on Carnival Cruise:
Change Dining Time Via the Carnival Cruise website
- Go to the official website of Carnival Cruise.
- Sign in to the MANAGE MY BOOKING or CRUISE MANAGER.

- Find and book your preferred dining option.
- In case you want to change it, click on the CHANGE button.
- If you choose “casual bistro dining”, you will need to pay the applicable charges.
- Once the changes are done, save it.
Note: The cruise line will send an email to confirm the changes if dining space is available according to your needs.
Carnival Cruise Change Dining Time Via phone calls
- You can also make the changes to your dining time by calling the customer service team of Carnival Cruise Line.
- For this, you can dial 800-764-7419.
- Follow all IVR instructions to connect with the Carnival Cruise executive.
- Discuss everything and share the necessary details.
- They will validate everything and initiate the change of dining time process.
- If applicable, pay the charges.
- Once the dining time change request is accepted, you will be notified via email or SMS.
- Since the customer service team is available during specific hours, make sure you call them during operational hours.
- From Monday to Friday, timings are between 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (ET).
- On weekends, the team is available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (ET)
Note: If you have booked your Carnival Cruise Ship experience via a third party, call the travel agent to get assistance for a Carnival cruise dining change.
Things to Keep in Mind While Changing Cruise Dining Time
After knowing the dining options and methods for the Carnival Cruise late night dining changes, you must remember the following pointers to make the most out of your change and get an assured seat in the desired dining slot:

Before Boarding the Cruise Ship
- If you have not boarded the cruise ship, you must explore the Carnival Cruise Line website.
- Sign in to check your cruise booking and related aspects.
- Look for the dining preferences selected.
- Change immediately, if you want.
- To make things easier, you can also call the travel agent or Carnival customer care executive.
- They will not only help you with the changing process of dining time, but also guide you throughout.
After Boarding the Cruise Ship
- In case you want to change the dining time after boarding the cruise ship, immediately contact the dining room manager or talk to the Maitre’d.
- If possible, they will change the dining time in accordance with the specific policies and rules.
- You can also try editing or changing the time through the mobile app – the Carnival Hub.
- When nothing works, you can directly head to the Guest Services Help Desk to request a change in the dining time.
Quick Tips for a Successful Change
- Change the dining time as soon as you decide on the modifications.
- Be flexible, as it is not a guarantee that you will get the desired slot for dining.
- In many instances, your requests will not be fulfilled due to slot unavailability. So, be polite.
Check Here: How Much Does a Carnival Cruise Cost?
Final Takeaways,
Carnival Cruise Line is a popular option that is highly preferred by those who love food. They can choose a dining package with preferred timing. In case you want to change the dining time for any reason, you should do it immediately after deciding. Lastly, you should go through the Carnival Cruise dining change rules, methods, and other aspects to do it smoothly.
FAQs on Carnival Cruise Dining Change
How do I change my dining time on a Carnival cruise?
You can modify your dining time through the Carnival HUB app before your cruise or visit the Guest Services desk once onboard. Dining time changes are subject to availability and may require flexible scheduling during peak sailing periods.
Can I switch from traditional dining to anytime dining on Carnival?
Yes, you can request to change from traditional fixed seating to anytime flexible dining, though availability depends on restaurant capacity. Contact Carnival before your cruise or speak with dining staff during embarkation for the best chance of accommodation.
What’s the difference between Your Time Dining and traditional dining on Carnival?
Traditional dining offers fixed seating times (early or late seating) with assigned tables, while Your Time Dining provides flexible arrival between 5:45 PM and 9:30 PM without reservations. Your Time Dining may involve longer wait times during peak hours.
How do I make specialty restaurant reservations and dining changes on Carnival?
Book specialty dining through the Carnival website, HUB app, or onboard at guest services. You can modify or cancel specialty restaurant reservations up to 24 hours before your reservation time, subject to the restaurant’s cancellation policy.
Can I change my table assignment in the main dining room?
Table assignment changes are possible through the Maître d’ or dining room manager. Requests should be made early in your cruise, and accommodations depend on availability and dining room capacity during your sailing.
What happens if I need to change my dining due to dietary restrictions?
Carnival’s culinary team can accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice. Contact special services before your cruise or speak with dining staff immediately upon boarding to arrange appropriate meal modifications and seating arrangements.
Is there a fee to change from anytime dining back to traditional dining?
There’s typically no additional charge to switch between dining formats, but availability varies by cruise. Early requests through guest services or the dining team provide the best opportunity for successful dining arrangement changes.
How do I change or cancel specialty dining reservations on Carnival?
Use the HUB app, visit guest services, or contact the specialty restaurant directly. Cancellations made within 24 hours may incur charges, so review the specific restaurant’s policy when making dining reservation changes.
Can large groups request dining time and seating changes together?
Groups of 8 or more should contact Carnival’s group services before sailing to coordinate dining preferences. Onboard changes for large parties are more challenging but possible through the guest services team with advance planning.
What dining options are available if I can’t get my preferred time change?
Carnival offers numerous alternatives including room service, casual dining venues like Guy’s Burgers and Pizza Pirate, the buffet, and specialty restaurants. These flexible dining options provide alternatives when main dining room changes aren’t available.