dining, at least on Princess in the mdr, is just substance...nothing special at all
so for us, at least, food is an afterthought, after excursions, shows, drinks, etc - we semi-plan, then work food in as necessary...
that is not to say at all, that we really appreciate a special meal, we do - just not necessarily in the Princess mdr... now if booked a balcony dinner, that's different (hope to do that on our next cruise)