If you have booked an MSC cruise and want to change your dinner schedule, you may be able to request a different seating time. MSC Cruises offers different dining arrangements depending on the ship, booking experience, and available restaurant capacity.

Understanding the MSC dining times and the available options can help you request a change and enjoy a more comfortable dining experience.

Can I Change My Dining Time on MSC Cruises?

Yes, you can request a change to your assigned dining time on an MSC cruise. However, approval depends on restaurant availability, your booking experience, and the ship's dining arrangements.

MSC Cruises generally offers early and late assigned dining. Guests can request their preferred seating when booking, and the restaurant reserves a table for the duration of the cruise.

If you have already received a dining assignment that does not suit your schedule, you can:

• Contact MSC Cruises or your travel agent before departure.

• Request a different dining preference.

• Visit the Restaurant Desk or speak with the restaurant manager after boarding.

• Ask whether another seating time or table is available.

Your preferred time is not guaranteed because seating changes depend on availability.

What Are the Different MSC Cruises Dining Times?

Before requesting a change, it is helpful to understand the dining arrangements available on MSC ships.

According to MSC Cruises, there are three main dinner seating options, depending on the ship and booking experience.

1. Early Dining

Early dining is suitable for passengers who prefer eating dinner earlier in the evening.

It can be a convenient option for families with children, older travelers, and guests who want to enjoy evening shows or other onboard activities after dinner.

The exact starting time depends on the ship and itinerary.

2. Late Dining

Late dining is designed for passengers who prefer having dinner later in the evening.

It may suit travelers who enjoy spending extra time at the pool, participating in daytime activities, or returning from shore excursions before dinner.

Guests with assigned late seating generally keep the same dining schedule and table throughout the cruise.

3. Flexible Dining

MSC also offers flexible dining arrangements for eligible guests.

My Choice Dining: Guests booking the Aurea Experience can dine at any time during the main restaurant's opening hours. This option provides guaranteed anytime dining within those hours.

Dine on Your Time: This flexible option is available to Bella and Fantastica guests on MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside. Guests can arrive at the assigned main restaurant when they are ready and receive seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting times may apply during busy periods.

Dine on Your Time can be selected during booking, subject to availability. 

How to Change Your Dining Time on MSC

If your current dinner schedule does not suit your preferences, follow these steps to request a change.

Step 1: Check Your Current Dining Assignment

Start by reviewing your cruise confirmation, booking details, or available cruise information.

Check whether you have been assigned early or late dining. Also verify your ship, booking experience, and restaurant assignment.

This information will help you understand which dining options may be available.

Step 2: Contact MSC Cruises Before Departure

If you want to change your dining time before travelling, contact MSC Cruises or the travel agency that arranged your reservation.

Provide your booking reference and explain whether you prefer early dining, late dining, or a flexible dining arrangement.

Ask the representative to check whether your preferred option is available and whether the request can be added to your reservation.

Step 3: Request a Change When You Board

If your dining preference has not been changed before departure, you can visit the Restaurant Desk or ask the restaurant manager for assistance after boarding.

Explain why you want a different dinner schedule. For example, you may prefer early dining because you are travelling with children or late dining because of your daily activities.

The restaurant team can check available tables and seating arrangements.

Step 4: Confirm Your New Dining Schedule

If your request is approved, confirm the new dinner time and restaurant details.

Check whether your table number or waiter assignment has changed. Make sure all passengers travelling together have the correct dining information.

Step 5: Check the MSC for Me App

Depending on the ship and available features, you may be able to review dining information through the MSC for Me app.

Check your onboard schedule and booking details for the latest information about your dining arrangements.

Can I Change from Early Dining to Late Dining After Boarding?

Yes, you can ask MSC's restaurant team to change your assigned dining time after boarding.

However, the change depends on available seating and restaurant capacity. If the late dining section is already full, the restaurant team may not be able to approve your request.

If you know that your current schedule will not work, it is better to contact MSC before departure.

Passengers travelling with family members or friends should also request seating together when asking for a dining-time change.

Can I Switch from Assigned Dining to Flexible Dining?

MSC offers some flexible dining options, but switching between dining arrangements depends on the ship and booking conditions.

For example, MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside offer Dine on Your Time to eligible Bella and Fantastica guests.

According to MSC's US guidance, guests can select only one dining option per sailing. Requests to switch between Dine on Your Time and assigned dining may be considered onboard once, subject to availability and approval. 

Aurea guests have My Choice Dining, which allows them to dine within the main restaurant's opening hours without relying on first-come, first-served seating.

Therefore, check your booking experience before requesting a flexible dining arrangement.

Do MSC Voyagers Club Members Get Priority for Dining Changes?

Yes, certain MSC Voyagers Club members receive an additional benefit when requesting a different dining seating time.

Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Blue Diamond members have access to a priority line at the restaurant desk for dining-time or seating preference requests.

However, priority assistance does not guarantee that the requested time will be available. Restaurant capacity and seating arrangements still apply. 

If you are a returning MSC passenger, check your membership level before boarding to understand the benefits available.

What Happens If MSC Cannot Change Your Dining Time?

Sometimes MSC may not be able to approve a dining-time change because the restaurant is fully booked or the requested seating is unavailable.

You still have other dining options during your cruise.

Visit the Buffet Restaurant

MSC buffet restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. Guests can enjoy meals without following the same assigned dinner seating schedule.

This is a convenient alternative when your assigned dinner time does not fit your plans.

Explore Specialty Restaurants

You can also consider dining at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. These restaurants generally require separate reservations and may involve additional charges.

Check the restaurant menus, availability, and prices before making a reservation.

Request Another Table

If your main concern is dining with family or friends rather than changing the time, ask the restaurant team whether another table arrangement is possible.

The team may be able to accommodate your request depending on availability.

Tips for Choosing the Best MSC Dining Time

Here are some useful tips to help you select a dining schedule that works for your cruise:

• Choose early dining: Suitable for families and passengers who prefer finishing dinner earlier.

• Choose late dining: Helpful for guests who enjoy longer daytime activities or evening relaxation.

• Consider flexible dining: A good option if you prefer deciding when to eat rather than following a fixed schedule.

• Request changes early: Contact MSC before departure instead of waiting until the final evening.

• Travel with your group: Request the same dining time and table arrangements for everyone in your reservation.

• Check restaurant availability: Remember that all dining changes depend on available seating.

Conclusion

Changing your dinner schedule on an MSC cruise is possible, but approval depends on your ship, booking experience, and restaurant availability. Passengers with assigned seating can contact MSC before departure or request a different time from the Restaurant Desk after boarding.

Understanding the different MSC dining times can help you choose between early seating, late seating, and flexible dining. The available MSC Cruises dining times may vary by ship and itinerary, so always confirm the options for your specific sailing.

If your current dinner schedule does not suit your plans, contact MSC as early as possible. With the right request and available seating, you may be able to enjoy dinner at a time that better fits your vacation.