What are the Dining Times / Restaurant Opening Hours?
Delicious Dining - All Day Long !
- We know great food is a big part of your holiday, so we’re proud to offer a wide variety of freshly cooked meals throughout the day. Whether you're after a hearty breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, we’ve got something just right for you!
- You can request a table size when you make your booking and the on board team will do their best to accommodate the request.
- You can also have breakfast delivered to your cabin - simply complete the Room Service Breakfast Request Form !
Breakfast
- Start your day right with breakfast served from 7:30am to 10:30am
Pop into our main restaurants or casual dining restaurants for a tasty morning meal.
Lunch
- Take a break and enjoy lunch between 12:00pm and 2:00pm
You'll find plenty of choice in both our main restaurants and casual dining restaurants.
Afternoon Tea
- Every afternoon from 3:45pm to 4:45pm, treat yourself to complimentary afternoon tea in the self-service restaurant.
We’ll have a lovely selection of sandwiches, savouries, scones, cakes, plus fresh tea and coffee waiting for you. - Looking for something extra special?
Try our Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea in the Observatory, available on selected sea days for just £13 per person.
Evening Dining – Your Way
- Dinner on board is a real treat, whether you love a classic sit-down meal, something more relaxed, or a night of something extra special. Here’s everything you need to know:
Main Restaurant Dining
- When you book your cruise, you’ll be asked to choose what dining time you would prefer in the Main Dining Room - note that Bolette & Borealis have 1 Dining Restaurant and Balmoral has 3 Dining Restaurants:
- First Sitting – 6:00pm
- Second Sitting – 8:00pm
(Please note: On embarkation day and formal evenings, second sitting will begin at 8:15pm.)
- Click here for further info on 2026 selected drinks which are included during lunch & dinner
- You can also request your preferred table size – we’ll do our best to accommodate, though it’s not always guaranteed.
- When you on board, your restaurant seating card will be waiting in your cabin. This shows your table number and dining time – and it’ll be yours for the whole cruise.
- Sailing on a One Night Cruise? Evening dining times may vary slightly – check The Daily Times for the most up-to-date info.
Casual Dining
- Looking for a more relaxed dinner option? We’ve got you covered!
- On Balmoral: Head to the Thistle Restaurant
- On Bolette & Borealis: Enjoy The View or Poolside
- These casual, self-serve venues are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with evening dining available from 6.00pm to 8.30pm.
- Poolside dining is available throughout the day from 10:00am to 7:00pm, perfect for a bite in the sun! (Available on Bolette and Borealis)
NEW FOR 2026
Colours & Tastes Our speciality restaurant, is all about giving you an unforgettable dining experience with a tasty twist!
Throughout your cruise, you can enjoy three different menus on rotation:
- The indulgent Gourmet Grill
- The classic and comforting Traditional Italian
- The exciting and bold Asian Fusion
- You can pre-book via My Cruises from 13 weeks before you sail, up to 24 hours before departure, for just £20 per person.
Prefer to decide once on board? No problem – you can book on board for £25 per person, charged to your account.
A speciality dining voucher will be placed in your cabin the evening before your reservation, so you’ll have everything you need ahead of your dining experience
The Chef’s Table Experience
- If you love good food and want something really special, our Chef’s Table Experience is perfect for you!
- Join our Head Chef and their team for an intimate evening where you’ll enjoy a delicious multi-course tasting menu made with the freshest ingredients.
- It’s a relaxed, fun night full of great food, great company and a few surprises along the way!
- Spaces are limited and are available at £100pp, so we recommend booking early through My Cruises or just ask Guest Services once you’re on board. You won’t want to miss it!
Al Fresco Dining – Borealis
- We’re excited to introduce Fresco, our brand new open-air venue! Inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, Fresco offers a tempting selection of light bites — perfect for laid-back snacking in the sunshine.
- And when the sun goes down, Fresco sometimes transforms into a cozy lounge deck, where you can relax under the stars and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
- It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up those fresh sea breezes!
Related Articles
Click here for further information on our dining venues and sample menus
Click here to see what's included in the 2026 drinks package upgrade
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