Dining has always been an important part of the cruise experience, and the past few years have seen an evolution in cruise ship dining. From an emphasis on quality and quantity, the focus has gradually changed to an emphasis on quality and choice.

Delicious food is still available 24 hours a day on most cruise ships, but some traditional options – such as massive midnight buffets – are giving way to different, often healthier choices. For example, Celebrity Cruises’ charming Cova Cafés offer “after-theater” menus beginning at 11:00 p.m., featuring canapés, artisan cheeses and petit fours. Princess Cruises’ 24-hour restaurant, Horizon Court, offers sandwiches, salads, pastas and desserts late into the night.

Traditional dining, with assigned tables and seating times, is still a mainstay on many cruise ships. However, some cruise lines have completely done away with traditional dining in favor of a flexible model in which guests dine when, where and with whom they like. Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to offer this type of flexible dining, with up to 10 onboard restaurants to choose from. Now, many cruise lines offer a combination of traditional and flexible dining.

Some onboard specialty restaurants require reservations and an additional fee that can run from $10 to $30 per person. These are gourmet restaurants that provide an outstanding, memorable dining experience. If you would like to try one, your personal cruise expert may be able to secure a reservation when you book your cruise. If not, call for a reservation as soon as you get on board – they fill quickly.

Other options for cruise ship dining include casual buffets, poolside grills, spa cafes, sushi bars and pizzerias. You can also order from the room service menu at any time.

A trend toward healthier cruise dining is also gaining momentum. Some cruise ship menus are now completely free of trans fats. Most menus feature healthy choices, with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lighter sauces.