Princess Cruises Dining Reservations: When & How to Book (2026 Guide)
My husband and me dining at Umai Hot Pot on Sun Princess
Planning a Princess cruise and trying to figure out how dining reservations work? Whether you prefer the flexibility of Anytime Dining or want a guaranteed table every night, this guide walks you through exactly when and how to book dining on Princess Cruises—including the app, the Dine Line, specialty restaurants, and what to do when everything looks full.
As a casino cruiser who books multiple Princess sailings each year, I’ve learned how to secure the dining times we want—even when traveling with family on separate reservations. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you board.
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👉Planning your next Princess cruise? Explore my full Princess Cruises 2026 Guide for ship reviews, dining tips, package breakdowns, and hacks to save money.
Quick Summary: Princess Dining Reservations
You can book dining after final payment (Elite can book earlier).
Use the Princess App to reserve MDR, Anytime Dining, and specialty restaurants.
Specialty dining fills fast—book early, adjust onboard.
If times are full: call the Dine Line, or visit the dining desk.
Cruise Night Essentials I Always Bring
Aveda travel-size hair products – perfect for formal nights
Quince - separates from the vacation shop dressy but packable
Scout Bags – carry your essentials without bulk
Away – lightweight and fits Princess cabin storage
These are my go‑tos for staying comfortable and photo‑ready onboard.
⭐ When Can You Book Dining on Princess Cruises?
Princess opens dining reservations after your cruise is paid in full. If you’re Elite, you may see availability earlier, but for most guests, the window opens once the final payment clears.
If you log into the app and don’t see dining yet, it usually means:
Your final payment hasn’t processed
Your reservation isn’t linked
The ship hasn’t released dining times
The app needs a refresh (delete/reinstall works wonders)
Once dining appears, you’ll see options for:
Traditional Dining (set time, same table nightly)
Anytime Dining (flexible, requires reservations or virtual queue)
Specialty Dining (Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, Catch by Rudi, etc.)
Because I’m a casino cruiser, my sailings are usually paid in full at the time of booking. That means I can make dining reservations right away. When I travel with my parents, they often pay for their cruise later — but I’m still able to book all of our dining together as soon as my reservation is paid in full.
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.
Cruising soon? Pair this dining guide with my Best Points Credit Cards for Travel post to learn how to earn free flights, hotel nights, and even future cruises just by using the right card.
Traditional vs Anytime Dining
Traditional Dining
You choose early or late seating and keep the same table and waitstaff every night. No reservations needed.
Anytime Dining
You choose your dining time nightly. Reservations are recommended, especially on sea days. If nothing is available, you can join the virtual queue once onboard.
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📱 How to Make Princess Cruises Dining Reservations (App, Website, or Onboard)
1. Princess App (Best Option)
The Princess app is the easiest way to book and manage dining. You can:
Reserve MDR dining times
Book specialty restaurants
Modify or cancel reservations
Join a virtual queue for Anytime Dining once onboard
2. Princess Website
Some sailings allow pre‑cruise specialty dining reservations through your online account. Availability varies by ship.
3. Onboard Options
Once onboard, you can:
Use the app to join the virtual queue
Call the Dine Line from your stateroom phone
Visit the dining desk or restaurant host stand
What If Dining Reservations Are Full?
Don’t panic—Princess gives you several backup options.
1. Join the Virtual Queue
Once onboard, open the app and tap “Join Queue.” You’ll get a wait time and a notification when your table is ready.
2. Call the Dine Line
Every ship has a dedicated dining hotline. You can request:
A reservation
A larger table
A different dining room
A standing nightly time
3. Visit the Dining Desk
Usually located near the MDR on embarkation day.
☎️ Princess Dine Line: What It Is & How It Works
The Dine Line is Princess’s onboard dining hotline. Call from your stateroom phone to:
Make or change reservations
Ask about availability
Join the Anytime Dining waitlist
It’s especially helpful if the app is slow or you prefer talking to a human. Call 1-833-805-DINE.
🔥 Specialty Dining Reservations (Crown Grill, Sabatini’s & More)
Our dinner at Umai Teppanyaki on the Sun Princess
Specialty restaurants fill up quickly — especially on sea days. You can book:
Before your cruise (if available)
After final payment in the app
Onboard via the app or Dine Line
Popular options include:
Crown Grill (steakhouse)
Sabatini’s (Italian)
The Catch by Rudi
360 Experience (select ships only)
Pro tip: Book early, then adjust once onboard if needed.
Tips to Get the Dining Times You Want
Book as soon as final payment is processed
Try multiple nights — don’t rely on just one
If the app shows “full,” check again onboard
Use the Dine Line for better availability
🚫 What to Do If Reservations Are Full
Don’t panic — Princess holds back onboard availability. Try:
Calling the Dine Line
Visiting the dining desk on embarkation day
Joining the virtual queue early
Trying a different dining room (many ships have two MDRs for Anytime Dining)
Troubleshooting: Dining Not Showing in the App
If dining isn’t appearing, it’s usually one of these:
Final payment not processed
App needs to be refreshed
Linked reservations missing
Ship hasn’t released dining yet
You’re too early (some ships release closer to sailing)
Deleting and reinstalling the app often fixes missing tiles.
❓ Princess Cruises Dining FAQs
Do you need reservations for the main dining room on Princess Cruises?
Traditional Dining does not require reservations. Anytime Dining does.
When can you book dining on Princess Cruises?
After your cruise is paid in full. *Elite status can book when they book their cruise
Can you change dining reservations in the Princess app?
Yes — you can modify or cancel directly in the app.
What is the Princess Dine Line?
An onboard phone line for dining reservations and questions.
Can you book specialty dining before your cruise?
Yes, depending on your ship and sailing.
What if the dining time I want is full?
Try again onboard, call the Dine Line, or join the virtual queue.
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Princess Cruises Premium Package / Premier Package
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👉Check out the current offers on ->Princess Cruises
About the Author
Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.
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