Planning a family vacation is an exciting adventure, but the number of decisions you need to make can feel overwhelming. As a family travel advisor who has helped countless families plan unforgettable vacations, I’m here to make these decisions easier for you!
Planning a family vacation is an exciting adventure, but the number of decisions you need to make can feel overwhelming. As a family travel advisor who has helped countless families plan unforgettable vacations, I’m here to make these decisions easier for you!
If you’re planning a cruise, one of those decisions is choosing your dining time. Many cruise lines offer two main options for sit-down dinners: early "main" dining or later "second seating" dining. If you’re traveling with kids of various ages, you might naturally lean toward the earlier option—but here are a few reasons why the later dining time works best for our family and could be the better choice for your family.
1. **Enjoy Full Days of Fun Without Rushing**
Cruise days are packed with activities, from poolside games to onshore excursions. Choosing the later dining time gives your family more flexibility to enjoy every moment of these adventures without watching the clock. When you don’t need to rush back to change for dinner, everyone can savor the day’s excitement at their own pace.
Imagine watching the sunset from the deck as a family or squeezing in a quick swim after an excursion. That extra breathing room can make all the difference in your day!
2. **Take Advantage of Less Crowded Early Evening Events**
Many cruise ships schedule family-friendly activities like shows, trivia games, and character meet-and-greets in the early evening. With second seating, you can enjoy these events without competing with the early dinner crowd. It’s a chance to create special moments—whether it’s your youngest child laughing at a show or your teen snapping selfies with their favorite characters—before settling down for a delicious meal.
3. **A Calmer, More Relaxed Dining Experience**
The second seating tends to have a quieter, less rushed atmosphere compared to early dining, which is often packed with young families. If your older kids or teens appreciate a slower, more relaxed meal where they can chat about the day, second seating is ideal. And for parents? It’s a chance to unwind and enjoy your meal without the same level of bustling energy that comes with earlier dining.
4. **Give Younger Kids Time to Recharge**
If you have little ones, you know how important rest is for their moods (and yours!). The later dinner time means your younger children can fit in a nap or quiet time before the meal, leaving them refreshed and ready to join the family for dinner. Bonus: well-rested kids are happier at the table, so you’ll have fewer meltdowns and more smiles.
**Bonus: Easier Debarkation Timing**
One unexpected perk of choosing second seating is how it can positively affect your debarkation time. On a Disney Cruise, guests assigned to the later dinner time are given a more relaxed debarkation schedule. This means your family won’t need to rush to leave the ship in the early morning hours, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a calmer end to their vacation.
Let’s Make Your Cruise Stress-Free
I know planning a family vacation can feel like a lot, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. As your travel advisor, I’m here to guide you through decisions like dining times, cabin selections, and excursions. My goal is to help your family create incredible memories without the stress of overthinking every choice.
So, whether you’re leaning toward early dining or second seating, let’s talk about what will work best for your family. With a little planning and the right information, your cruise will be a trip to remember for years to come.