What are First & Second or open seating?

Can I get special-need meals?

What is should I wear for dining?

How's the food, As good as they say?

What if I don't like my tablemates?

Are there non-smoking areas?

First seating (A.K.A main seating) is the earliest evening dining time available, usually starting around 6 pm. Elderly passengers and families with children tend to select this seating. Second seating (A.K.A late seating) is the later dining time, usually starting around 8:00 pm. Open seating when you may dining anytime the dining room is open, usually between 6pm till 10pm. Most of the 6 star or specialty restaurants have this type of dining.

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Special-need meals (e.g., kosher, diabetic such as low sugar or low calories food and drink) are available upon request, but must be arranged in advance. Please contact our customer care to arrange this. customercare@cruisesdirect.com

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Most cruise ships have two formal nights per 7-day cruise, 1 for shorter cruises and more for longer cruises. Men are encouraged to wear tuxedoes or full suits, and women cocktail dresses or evening gowns. Other nights are casual or semi-formal, when men can get by with khakis/dress pants, collared shirt and sports jacket (semi-formal), and women skirts, dresses, or pantsuits.

Lunch and breakfast are casual, but no swimwear and if you don’t relish the idea of dressing up for formal night, alternative dining options are always available such a room service to “Buffet style” dining.

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Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true or even better. You'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, just to name a few) every time you sit down. And there's virtually no limit on what or how much you can order, like both of the offered appetizers then order both and enjoy!
Just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn't mean you'll come home carrying a few extra pounds. You can choose low-cal, spa, or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price! All the normal restaurants food is include in your cruise fare.

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This is rarely a problem, or you meet new friends who you wish to dine with. However, if you wish to move to another table, speak with the maitre d'. He'll make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions...discretely and politely. Open seating is based on the size of the party(2 to 12), so you will not share a table with other passengers

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Today, cruise ship dining rooms are mostly totally smoke-free, and the Carnival Paradise is a completely smoke-free cruise ship, reflecting passenger requests. There are a few lines that still offer dining with smoking sections, check you dining request when making your reservation. If you have questions contact our us at customercare@cruisesdirect.com.

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