Can Someone Explain Reserved Dinning and Open Seating

[Sobe420]

It has been a while since I have been on a cruise, 2002 was my last cruise. I am getting ready to go on one in June 09.
I am a bit confused about dinning, I am looking at RCI and Carnival.
I know that RCI has the traditional reserved dinning, but I am a bit confused about freestyle or open dinning.
Do you get the same great food or choices that you get with reserved dinning?
I think I have an idea of it. Reserved dinning you have a certain time to eat etc... open/freestyle is anytime you want to go eat within a certain time, but you still get the same food??
Can someone help me out on this?

[Lisa]

You are correct. Traditional dining has two seatings Early (Main) or Late. Open seating means you come anytime between the announced times and are given a table........you can make reservations or arrive and wait maybe a few minutes (if not longer), but you decide when you want to arrive.

Same food and dress code apply to both venues.

[Paul Motter]

Please spell dining with just one N.

You are right - the only difference is you do not have assigned tables and times. The menus are the same.