Cruise dining isn't just about scoring that elusive seat at the Captain's table anymore. With cruise ships packing more and more passengers on board each trip, it's important for them to be able to offer their customers a number of different dining options during a typical trip.

1. Cruise Holidays Dining Options
Cruise dining isn't just about scoring that elusive seat at the Captain's
table anymore. With cruise ships packing more and more passengers on
board each trip, it's important for them to be able to offer their customers
a number of different dining options during a typical trip.
Below are some of the dining choices available on most of today's cruise
ship lines. The cafeteria style and 24 hour dining are present on just
about every cruise ship line, but some companies are beginning to drop
the formal dining option in lieu of specialty dining in one of the ship's
restaurants.
FORMAL DINING
Most cruise ships offer you a evening formal sit down meal along with
your cruise package. This is a full, three or four course meal with all the
trimmings. There are usually two services offered: an early dinner
service at around 5 or 6 pm, and a later dinner, served around 8 pm or
9pm (times may vary). This allows those diners with a more "european"
sense of dining to eat at a more comfortable time. If you're travelling with
children, the earlier option is probably your best bet, as this will give you
time to feed the kids and then let them run around a little bit before
bedtime.
Wine or other liquor is not included in the meal, although these can be
purcased separately from your Waiter.
CAFETERIA STYLE DINING
A large dining area, similar to an American style cafeteria, allows you to
pick and choose the food you want during the course of the day. There
are no set dining times in these areas, and they are generally open from
the morning time to early evening. Most foods are freshly prepared and
offer such options as a salad bar, omlette bar and sandwiches made to
order.
24 HOUR DINING

2. The last thing that a cruise company wants is a hungry passenger, so
many companies also offer the option of 24 hour cruise dining.
Depending on the cruise line and ship, the cafeteria could be open up for
24 hours a day, or there may be a specialized cafe or stand that can
cater to your needs for a midnight snack.
SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS
One of the more interesting trends in cruise dining is the addition of
"specialty restaurants" on the crusie ship. These restaurants have
options from sushi to Italian and just about everything in between. There
is typically a cover charge involved to dine with this option, but more and
more cruise goers are finding it worth the additional cost.
FAMILIAR FACES
In addition to your other cruise dining options, you will probably find
some familiar restaurants on board. Many cruise lines are leasing out
their interor spaces to well known restaurants like Johnny Rockets. Like
the specialty restaurants, these are not included in the price of your
cruise.
Written for Cruise Holidays Guide, an online cruise holidays resource
with news, videos and articles including mediterranean cruises.