Most cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, including formal restaurants, casual buffets, and specialty restaurants. Some cruise lines also offer 24-hour room service. You'll typically choose a seating time when you reserve your sailing - early, main, or late, depending on what the cruise line offers. This usually gives people flexibility for staying longer in port, for getting the kids to bed at a reasonable time, and so on. But, in recent years, some cruise lines have introduced truly flexible seating that allows you to eat when you please in the formal dining rooms.