How to Book Dining Reservations on Princess Cruises

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As a frequent Princess Cruises passenger, I love sharing tips and tricks to help make your cruise more enjoyable. Today’s tip! Princess Dining Reservations.

When Can You Book Dining?

You can book your dining reservations when your cruise is paid in full. Unless you have elite status, you can book dining when you book your cruise. You can learn more about Princess loyalty benefits here. I book lots of casino cruises that require payment in full at the time of booking. Lately, my parents have been joining me on my adventures. They are not currently getting casino deals, so their payment is due much later. I recently learned I don’t have to wait for them to pay for their cruise in full to book our dining. I can do it now.

How I do this:

I got the Princess App and chose that journey (which cruise I want to book dining)
I then go to dining reservations
I chose the option I want. I prefer the Traditional dining room on Majestic; this is the Symphony dining room.
I then click the pencil icon
I added my parents’ Reservation number
I booked a table for 4 each night of our cruise.

How to Use the Princess App for Dining

Princess Cruises has 3 different options for the main dining room dinner service. You can choose from Flexible, Walk-in, or Traditional Dining.

Flexible - You can choose a different time to eat each night in this dining room. You do make reservations for each night you want to dine in here.
Walk-In - You do not need to make a reservation. Show up to this dining room when you are ready to eat, and you will be seated at the next available table for your party size.
Traditional Dining - This is my favorite. You make a reservation at the same table/same time each night of your cruise. I love getting to know my servers. They get to know our preferences, which can make for incredible service.

Eating in the main dining room is not required. You can also book specialty dining the same way. For my upcoming Greek Isles Cruise, I splurged for the Premium package, and we are booked for specialty dining each night of the cruise. The Sun & Star Princess has more specialty dining than the other ships. These are the new Sphere class ships. I’ve never done the Premium Package before, but I am ready to try it.

Other options would be the buffet, ocean now delivery, casual dining, or more (depending on the ship)

For this cruise, we have booked:

Makato Ocean

Butcher’s Block

Love by Britto

The Catch by Rudi

Crown Grill

Umai Hot Pot

Uami Teppanayki

There were so many choices that we could try a new restaurant each night. How exciting!

Planning your next voyage? Don’t miss these Princess Cruises guides:

Is the Princess Plus Package worth it?