When I was younger... I love the 2nd feeding (late dining).
- clothes stay cleaner for the show as you haven't eaten yet
- don't need to worry about going to bathroom mid show
- time for the 3pm afternoon tea to digest on some cruises
- extra time to explore the port before the dinner
Today I prefer main dining
- better sleep as the food has time to digest
- extra time to explore the buffet for a bonus feeding before the buffets close
It's been several years since I sailed
DCL. I will add with other cruise lines in a post-Covid world, main dining is earlier and late dining is later. This allows extra time for staff to sanitize the restaurant between feedings. Shows may or may not have been adjusted for this schedule.