Dining on Carnival Paradise?

I need to know something. I am going on Carnival Paradise in Oct. We have chosen the dine anytime between like 5 - 8 or something. Anyways Im confused. ok What I heard is there is 1 or 2 main dining rooms and that is where we have our meals (breakfast,lunch,dinner) right? but then is there also a buffet? so i guess what i want to know is is this true? do we have the choice to go to the dinning rooms and have a sit down served dinner at our arranged dinner time or go to the buffet? and same for breakfast and lunch? are breakfast and lunch a certain time in the dining rooms? and also the buffet? i am so confused maybe more than I need to be sorry also do they have formal night with tuxedos and evening gowns? is this required on that night or can you just wear nice dressy clothes like dress pants and nice shirt? or do you have to dress up fancy? i know you cant wear like shorts or cutoffs but can you wear jeans in the dining room? or do you wear khakis or something? what about in the buffet? i mean i know no like bathing suits but is it the same? or more casual? i am so sorry for being dumb this is our first cruise and i just don't understand how this works i want to make sure i pack the right clothes






Answer :
The dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are in a rush, or just want to stay casual, then there are always buffets open. If you are looking for an actual sit-down meal with more formality, then go to the dining room.

Most people will use the buffets or cafes for breakfast and lunch, but you are welcome to use the dining room. They will seat you just like a normal restaurant.

Almost ALL cruisers eat dinner in the dining room. You are somewhat expected to eat dinner there, and be on time for your seating. The first night you will be shown where your table is and that will be your table for the remainder of the cruise. You will also have the same waiter and assistant waiter, which can turn into a lot of fun. Dinner lasts about an hour/hour and a half if you are quick eaters, or (if you have the second seating) you may linger for hours.


Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido restaurants.

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

Cruises are my absolute favorite type of vacations. You will have a great time!