why is cruise ship food so bad

Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.

• Your Account
• Newsletters

Cruise ship food to never eat and the eight rules to follow to avoid being sick

An integrative health coach shared her top tips for tackling the buffet on a cruise, so you feel your best and don't get sick..

Cruises are designed for letting loose and kicking back to relax.

While doing so, you may find yourself enjoying the luxuries of life, from gambling to eating and drinking. Most cruises serve buffet-style food, allowing you to return for seconds and thirds and so on.

To help you make conscious choices, Cruise Critic consulted Ali Shapiro, a Pittsburgh-based integrated health coach, who offered tips on how to best navigate the surplus of buffet options, so you can feel your best and avoid getting sick.

• Cruise ship medical emergency left Michigan man with unexpected monstrous bill
• Hundreds of cruise passengers suffering with 'vomiting bug' outbreak 'for weeks'

Tips for navigating a cruise buffet

1. 'don't gamble with freshness' of sushi.

Raw fish must be eaten immediately or refigerated and consumed shortly after, so, if you are questioning if sushi has been out for a long time, it is best to not to make a gamble.

"If you're feeling lucky, take it to the casino," she jokes.

2. Wash hands and use napkin if eating soft-serve out of a cone

Soft-serve levers see several hands, clean or otherwise, daily. It is best to wash your hands and hold the cone with a napkin or switch a bowl instead, she says.

3. Avoid scrambled eggs that are 'wet and squishy'

This is because scrambled eggs of that consistency are likely powdered, which do not contain the same nutrientional value. Instead, opt for the made-to-order egg or omelette station, she says.

"Despite what we've always been taught, egg yolks won't raise cholesterol, and they contain 'good' fats, which help to stabilize blood sugar early in the day, so you'll be less likely to snack on sweets from the buffet later on," she says.

Don't miss... New cruise line offering ‘unlimited’ stay is cheaper than buying a home Video shows horror moment pregnant cruise passenger dangles over ocean Florida dad of passenger who leapt from cruise ship into sea believes he's alive

4. Avoid stale pizza with 'congealed-looking cheese'

Similarly to sushi, you do not want to gamble with eating old pizza that has probably been sitting out for awhile.

She says you should "not feel bad" about asking for a new pie or heading to the onboard pizza shop, which most ships have, for a slice.

5. Avoid communal condiments - opt for 'single-serve packets'

Similar to the soft-serve levers, giant bottles of condiments such as ketchup have been touched by several hands, breeding germs.

Instead, she says to ask the buffet staff for individual single-serve packets. If not available, she says to use a napkin.

6. Be on alert for cross-contaminated food and utensils

If, for example, a passenger accidentally or carelessly uses tongues for one dish and puts it back in another, she advises alerting a crew member to avoid the risk of cross contamination, which, in the worst case-scenario, can be deadly.

7. Take 'one plate at a time'

Buffets are designed to create your own portions at your own leisure. However, to avoid "eyes bigger than your stomach syndrome," take one plate at a time, which she also says is less wasteful.

8. Save dessert for the evening

Sugar is addictive, so reducing how frequently you intake it will lessen the urge.

"Wait until evening to eat dessert, so you crave less sugar," she advises. "The more sugar you eat, the more you're going to want."

That being said, you are on vacation, so you are entitled to indulge without shame.

Related articles

• Americans stuck on remote African island after turning up late for cruise
• Norwegian Cruise hits back at passengers left stranded on African island
• 'We have been on nine naked cruises and vow never to cruise clothed again'
• Norwegian cruise ship worker arrested for 'stabbing three people with scissors'
• Carnival Cruise chaos as mother and child airlifted during dream holiday

Would you like to receive news notifications from The Express?

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

12+ Questions & Answers About Food on a Cruise Ship (Is it Good?)

Our first cruise, we had no idea what to expect when it came to dining. After dozens of cruises, that’s not the case anymore.

One of the biggest stereotypes of cruising is that there’s a lot of eating and drinking onboard. In this case, the stereotype is absolutely true. From tons of restaurants for you to enjoy to some eateries that are open 24-hours a day, food is everywhere.

So what should you know about eating on a cruise? You might think that it’s as simple as hitting the buffet whenever you want to eat, but dining on cruises is much more than that. 

Before you sail, it helps you have a handle on what you can expect — and what you should know — prior to sitting down to a meal. Given that we have now sailed a ton and eaten everything from the free buffet to high-end steakhouses, we have a unique perspective on cruise food.

We’ve covered some of the most popular questions below.

In This Article...

Is All the Food Free on a Cruise?

These days, not all the food on a cruise is included for free with your fare , but plenty is. Cruise ships have moved to offering more and more specialty restaurants (those restaurants that charge extra). We personally prefer all food to be included, but those days are gone. Even so, you won’t go hungry if you don’t want to spend more.

Every ship will have a buffet available and included with your cruise fare. This buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also the main dining room for evening mealtimes (and some also offer breakfast/lunch) that’s included. Many cruise lines also include a few other eats onboard with your cruise fare, generally a 24-hour spot that’s always open and maybe a couple of other casual spots such as Guy’s Burger Joint  on Carnival.

In terms of quantity, the majority of meals are eaten by passengers at the free restaurants. Buffets and the main dining room are by far the busiest spots. However, cruise ships continue to add other places to eat that are a charge. This can range anything from casual spots all the way to fine dining, as well as a wide assortment of cuisines, from Asian to Italian to steakhouses.

Bottom line: Most meals you eat will be included with your fare, but there are more and more that are an extra charge.

How Much Are Specialty Restaurants?

Just like on land, the restaurants on the cruise ship will vary in both what they serve and how much they charge. Some ships have cheap restaurants like Royal Caribbean’s Johnny Rockets (hamburgers/milkshakes) that can cost around $10 per person, all the way to steakhouses that run $50-$60 per person to exclusive dining catered by the ship’s chefs that can be $100 per person or more.

In general, however, it’s a good idea to expect to spend about $30-$50 per person on a specialty restaurant. Price will vary, of course, but that should put you in the ballpark of most meal charges on the ship.

One thing to know is that some specialty restaurants simply charge by the person (e.g. a $20 charge to dine and eat whatever you like) while others charge by what you order (like a typical restaurant).

How Can I Save Money on Specialty Restaurants?

Specialty restaurants are tasty, but eating them every day can get pricey. As well, it can be hard for budget-conscious cruisers to spend extra on these restaurants when there is free food available.

So how can you save some money?

First, if you know that you plan to eat a specialty restaurant, then see if you can book a spot ahead of time . Cruise lines will usually let you book specialty meal plans ahead of time through your online account. As a bonus for booking early, there is often a discount offered.

Some lines have sales, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” offer that includes several meals at specialty restaurants (along with other perks) with your fare. These deals can save a bundle if you know you plan to eat there.

Finally, if you want to save money, then see if the restaurant serves lunch . Some lines offer a discounted lunch option where you get to enjoy the meal like you would in the evening, but without as high a price tag.

Do I Have to Tip in the Restaurants?

Tipping is common on land, but not in restaurants on a cruise ship. Or at least, not the traditional way.

When you take a cruise, you will be charged automatic gratuities . This daily charge (usually around $16 per person, per day) is given to those providing service on the ship. This includes people like your room steward, but also the dining staff.

That means if you eat at the buffet, dining room, or other free restaurant, then gratuity is already covered. When you’re done eating, you simply get up and walk out. There’s no bill to pay or tip to leave. We felt awkward the first time we did that as it’s not what you do back home.

With specialty restaurants, however, gratuity will be added on to your bill. The amount varies by cruise line, but is generally 18-20%. So if the meal charge is $30 per person, and the ship’s gratuity rate is 20%, then you’ll actually pay $36 for the meal. Sometimes the gratuity is simply included in the rate already. Either way, it’s taken care of. You can tip additional if you want, but it’s not required.

What Sort of Food Is Available on the Ship?

Today’s modern cruise ships can have a dozen different places to eat, and possibly more. That means no matter what you want to eat, it’s likely served somewhere on the ship.

The buffet is where you’ll find the widest variety. It offers a number of basic staples, including salads, burgers, dogs, and desserts, but also tons of variety from all around the world. No matter what you like to eat, you’ll find something for you.

The main dining room serves a rotating menu of dishes, from steaks to seafood to pasta, and more. Other restaurants typically focus on a specific cuisine, covering cravings for everything from Tex-Mex to BBQ to Italian and fine dining.

Have a special diet such as vegetarian or vegan ? Cruise ships can cover that as well. You’ll find dishes labeled on the menu so that you can stick to your diet. You can also call the cruise line ahead of time and they can help make special arrangements for any specific dietary needs.

Is the Food Good on a Cruise?

Obviously whether or not something is tasty depends on the specific person’s tastes, but we can give our opinion.

To us, the food is overall good, but sometimes it can be hit or miss . To us, meals in the specialty restaurants are always solid. From Mexican food to BBQ to Asian, we’ve had lots of different types of food and always come away satisfied.

The dining room is where we find some inconsistency. Many dishes taste wonderful. We also like the wide variety and the opportunity to try new dishes or twists on classics that we don’t normally see back at home. But we do find that dishes can be lacking much flavor — perhaps to make them palatable to most number of people — and also often come with small portions. 

Desserts do deserve special recognition. You’ll have lots of options in both the buffet and in dining rooms and restaurants. We’ve been hard-pressed to find anything we didn’t like.

The one exception to us is the ship’s buffet. Sailing on multiple different lines, we’ve always found the buffets to be extremely similar in quality and taste. While it is fine for a meal here and there, eating it daily gets old quickly to us. We find that there are some things that are delicious and quickly become go-to dishes. However, to us many items don’t taste as high quality as they could. Again, it’s not bad, just not anything to write home about. (Note that we don’t eat buffets at home either for similar reasons.)

Can I Bring Food on a Cruise Ship?

Yes, you can bring your own food. The big rule is that it must be pre-packaged and unopened . Bringing homemade food is not allowed. So if you have a favorite brand of chips or candy bar, you can pack them with you.

However, there are no cooking facilities for passengers to use. So if you plan to bring something that requires cooking or warming, that’s not a good idea.

If you require bringing something with you on the ship to meet special diet requirements, feel free to call the cruise line ahead of your cruise and let them know. They can help you make any arrangements that you might need in order to bring it on.

I Have a Restrictive Diet or Allergies. Will I Be Able to Find Something to Eat?

Absolutely. With literally thousands of passengers on the ship and millions sailing each year, cruise lines have to be prepared to cover anything from special diets to allergies to trends in food.

If you have something special that you need to be considered when dining, it’s no big deal. In fact, your waiter will introduce themselves and then ask if you have any allergies or restrictions on what you can eat. This helps them ensure they have any special needs covered.

If not in the dining rooms you will be more on your own, but modern ships typically have a wide variety options and label items that are vegetarian or vegan.

Is Room Service Available on a Cruise?

Absolutely. Room service is a stable across every cruise line. You’ll find a menu in your cabin with tons of options from snacks to full meals.

In recent years cruise lines have moved from having room service be free to charging for more and more items. Some lines have a flat fee to order anything you want. Others charge a la carte menu prices. Often there are still some free options — most notably breakfast — that you can order.

But no matter when you’re hungry, you can order room service around the clock. Be sure to tip a few dollars cash to the crew that brings your food.

Is There Somewhere Open 24 Hours to Eat?

Yes. Every major ship will have at least one place where you can get something to eat around the clock. For some it is a sit-down restaurant, such as The Local on Norwegian Cruise Line. Others have small “grab-and-go” eateries that offer sandwiches or pizza that you can get something to eat whether it is 2 p.m. or 2 a.m. As well, room service is always available if it is late and you don’t feel like leaving the room.

How Do Dining Times Work in the Main Dining Room?

When you book your cruise, you’ll be given the option of a dining time. Normally there is an early dining (e.g. 5:30) and a late dining time (e.g. 8:00), but also the opportunity for dining at any time.

Dining times allow you to have the classic experience where you sit and eat with the same dining staff over the course of the cruise. Many people like building this relationship and the structure that a set dining time offers. It allows you to plan the evening, when there can be a lot going on around the ship.

But dining times aren’t set in stone. If you show up late for your dining time, you won’t be turned away, but it might take a few minutes to find you a seat. As well, you might not be seated with your usual wait staff.

It is similar if you choose to forego a set dining time. Simply show up when you are hungry and you’ll be seated wherever there is space available.

Will I Be Seated With Strangers in the Dining Room?

Your seating arrangements will depend. Nearly every time that we’ve say in the main dining room, we’ve been seating only with our party. However, there has been a time or two across dozens of cruises where we were seated with strangers at a large table.

If that’s not your style, then don’t worry. You can simply let the dining staff know that you’d like your own table and they can seat you only with your party with no issue.

What Is the Dress Code When Eating on a Cruise?

The dress code depends on where you are dining.

In casual eateries like the buffet, the attire is casual no matter the time or day. That means shorts are fine, as well as hats, tank tops and t-shirts. Shoes are required, and if you are wearing a swimsuit, you’ll be expected to be covered up somewhat. Apart from that, you are free to wear what’s comfortable.

In the main dining room, you are asked to dress slightly nicer. It’s appreciated if you wear pants instead of shorts, no sandals, and no tank tops or ballcaps. Can you wear these things and still eat? You won’t be kicked out, but you may feel underdressed.

On formal nights in the main dining room, the dress code is stepped up somewhat. You don’t have to wear a suit or an evening gown, but things like shorts and t-shirts shouldn’t be worn. Pants, dress shirts, cocktail dresses, or a nice blouse are the order of the day, but feel free to dress all the way up to a tuxedo and head-turning gown if you like. ( For more on what to wear on formal nights, see our article here. )

For dining in the specialty restaurants, the dress code is usually mentioned. In general you can get a good idea simply by the atmosphere for the restaurant. Headed to a fun Tex-Mex spot on the ship? Then casual dress will be fine. A quiet spot with fine-dining? You’ll want to dress up a bit more.

Do I Need Reservations to Eat?

Reservations depend on where you plan to eat. Specialty restaurants typically do require a reservation. You can make this ahead of time through your online account (or just call the cruise line). You can also make the reservation once you board, but some prime spots might already be taken. 

For places like the buffet or dining room, no reservations are needed. Whenever you are hungry you can walk in and eat.

What Tips Are There for Eating on a Cruise?

There are little tips we suggest to make your dining experience more enjoyable, or save money.

Reserve Early: If you know for sure that you plan to eat at a specialty restaurant and it requires a reservation, try to book as early as possible. Popular times will fill up quickly and you don’t want to be stuck eating at an odd time to enjoy a restaurant.

No Reservation? Try It Anyway: Reservations will ensure you get a table at a specialty restaurant, but what if they are all filled? It doesn’t hurt just to show up and ask if there is a spot available. Sometimes people with reservations don’t show, or there is simply a table available. At worst, you’ll just be told there isn’t any space and need to try another restaurant.

Breakfast in the Dining Room: By far the most popular spot for breakfast is the ship’s buffet. But you can also eat in the main dining room in the morning. It’s less crowded, the food is similar, but fresher, and you don’t even have to get out of your chair to get what you want.

Have more questions about dining on a cruise ship? Let us know in the comments below.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 8 things definitely worth it on a cruise…and 3 places to save your money, complete guide to using your phone on a cruise (carnival, royal caribbean & more), explained: duty-free shopping on a cruise (is it worth it), carnival gratuities (tips): full guide to cost & how they work, everything about cruise ship gratuities for 2024 (amounts, etiquette, and more), 12 things expert cruisers do differently on their trip.

My wife and I, (60 – 61), have been cruising since we retired in 2017. We have so far cruised exclusively with Holland America due to the maturity of the passengers, meaning NOT the age but their actions, ie: no pier runners, loud partiers, no arguments etc. We must disagree with a couple of your comments though. First of all, the food at the buffet IS NOT any less fresh than that in the dining room. Many nights the food in the buffet is basically the same served in the dining room, ie surf and turf nights. You may have a couple more choices in the dining room but many are the same. You also say that there is ALWAYS at least one restaurant that is open 24 hours. That is simply NOT true. HAL does not have any ships that have any restaurant open 24 hrs. They do have a late night buffet in the Lido buffet from either 10 – 11 pm, or 10:30 – 11:30 pm for late night eaters. We also have friends that cruise on other lines that also don’t have restaurants open 24 hours. You also mentioned that to eat in the dining room you don’t need reservations. That may be true if you asked for “open seating”, but not for “closed seating” where you eat at the same time every evening, ( usually the choice of either 2 or 3 seatings). This applies to other cruise lines also not just HAL. You really should upgrade your “tips,” as they really do not truly reflect how things are on cruise ships today.

Henry — thanks for writing in and sharing your specific experience. This article is based on our experience across multiple major lines and doesn’t speak to any line in particular, but in general terms. Of course with dozens of cruise lines, each one will be slightly different here and there.

Note that it doesn’t say there is always a restaurant open 24 hours, but somewhere you can get something to eat around the clock. For instance, Holland America has 24-room service, which is mentioned as an option: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/dining/24-hour-in-room-dining.html

As well, we’ve eaten at different times that what is assigned on cruise lines before, with no issue. There may be a slight wait, but we were seated and enjoyed dinner.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Carnival Cruise Casino Guide: What to Know Before You Play

Everything to know about interior cruise cabins (read before booking), 5 easy ways to get to the los angeles and long beach cruise ports, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

What happens to all that uneaten food on cruises? These lines are working to reduce waste.

"Green Travel” is a six-part series focusing on what it means to be sustainable travelers, how the industry is moving the needle on greener efforts, and how consumers can reduce their carbon footprint when exploring. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can  click here to fill out this quick form .

While I watched a crew member aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam ship haul away my half-eaten order of french fries, I felt a pang of yearning.

I spent nearly two weeks sailing with the line in October and made a point to sample nearly every restaurant on board, including the burger joint Dive-In, but never requested a to-go box at the end of a meal as I might on land. With only a minibar in my stateroom and food always at my beck-and-call, it seemed impractical.

Little did I know that elsewhere on board, a machine probably would soon be chomping on my leftovers.

Holland America Line has installed biodigesters that can break down organic material as part of efforts to shrink its food waste footprint, and parent company Carnival Corp. now has more than 600 of the devices in its fleet.

For many travelers, food is a key part of the cruise experience, with seemingly unlimited options − think buffets − included in the fare . But for all the cuisine passengers enjoy, there is plenty that doesn’t get eaten, and many lines are working to refine their processes for dealing with that waste.

Sustainable Hawaii tourism: What it's like to stay at Kauai's first zero-waste hotel

Behind the scenes: This company makes jet fuel out of just air and water

What happens to food waste on cruise ships?

Carnival, which operates brands including Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and others, generates 1.3 pounds of food waste per person each day on average but can generate as little as 0.6 pounds per person a day, depending on the line, a spokesperson for the company said in an email.

All of that waste is either processed via biodigesters or dehydrators, or offloaded on shore.

Some of the company’s ships have long had dehydrators, which squeeze the water from food waste and lighten the load that can be taken to landfills, compost sites or waste-to-energy facilities. “And that was good, but not necessarily good enough,” said Bill Burke, the company’s chief maritime officer.

The company began a three-pronged approach to food waste in 2019, he said, from the point when the lines stock food to after guests throw away what they don’t eat.

Carnival analyzed the waste and worked to determine what was left over, what the line could reuse in other recipes and where it could cut back. “That’s a significant carbon issue if we’re buying food that we’re not using,” Burke said.

The company has reduced food waste by more than 30% per person when compared with its 2019 baseline, according to its 2022 sustainability report , and has set new goals of 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.

Burke said Carnival, which operates the largest number of U.S. sailings, also has worked to reduce single-use plastics, swapping individual yogurt cups for bulk containers, for instance. The biodigesters, which he called the “holy grail,” have rounded out that work, digesting much of the organic waste that before would have been ground up and discharged, turning what’s left into a liquid.

Other companies and cruise lines are working toward similar aims.

Royal Caribbean International uses proprietary technology to track how much food is being wasted − by weighing pans of lasagna before and after they are served, for instance − and amend production accordingly. The cruise line has expanded those efforts, including using point-of-sale data to forecast how much food it will use based on passenger demographics, the itinerary and other information.

“(If) we have 10% more kids, we know we’re going to need significantly more chicken fingers,” said Linken D’Souza, the line’s vice president of food and beverage.

Leveraging that intel will allow them to be proactive, D’Souza said, and eliminate waste before it happens.

Some initiatives have been particularly creative. Norwegian Cruise Line launched zero-waste drinks at a bar on its Prima ship last year, reusing items like banana peels and croissants in cocktails.

Story continues below.

How do biodigesters work?

Carnival uses biodigesters from several companies, including Recoup Technologies, formerly BioHiTech America. Its product uses microorganisms and other bacteria to rapidly process food waste much like a human digestive system might, according to director of technology operations Bob Joyce.

“The way we tend to describe it is just basically as a metal stomach,” he said. What goes in as salad or steak comes out as a smoothie-like mixture the cruise ship can then discharge. “If you can eat it, it can eat it,” he said.

But while the machines, which cost $25,000 to $50,000 depending on the size, can take in a wide range of produce, proteins and starches, Joyce noted that certain items such as walnut shells and steak bones will not break down inside. Crew members sort out inorganic materials beforehand.

The company discharges the liquid at least 12 miles from shore. Holland America’s Rotterdam has nine of them, along with one dehydrator.

“Biodigesters reduce the amount of methane and carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere while also reducing the demand on the ocean for complete food waste decomposition,” Carnival said in its sustainability report. The biodigesters processed about 80 million pounds of food waste in 2022, which would have taken up about 1 million cubic feet of space had it been sent to a landfill and released 30,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the spokesperson added.

 But that doesn’t mean the waste is good for marine life.

“They’re putting nutrients into the oceans that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems,” said Gregory Keoleian, director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan.

The kind of human sustenance cruise ships discharge is not typically part of fish and other aquatic creatures’ diets, and introducing it can disturb complex food webs, according to Keoleian. “They didn’t evolve to eat human food waste,” he said.

“Our success – and quite literally, our livelihood – depends on doing our part to protect the vibrant marine ecosystems, beautiful communities, and scenic spaces we operate in,” the Carnival spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “We’re investing in the industry’s smartest solutions to enable sustainable cruising, such as biodigesters, which offer the best available food waste solution on the market today.”

Carnival also acknowledged in 2019 that its vessels had committed environmental crimes and knowingly allowed plastic to be discharged with food waste in the Bahamas. 

What can passengers do?

Keoleian said preventing food waste generation is as important as how it’s managed, and passengers can play a role in minimizing the environmental repercussions.

Cruise from NYC to the Caribbean: MSC Cruises launches year-round service from the Big Apple

What food is included on a cruise?: Here's how to take advantage on your next sailing

That can mean simply wasting less food when they have a meal on board, and being judicious about what food items they pick. “If you look at the environmental impacts of food, what foods they choose to eat will impact the environment differently,” he said. 

Beef, for example, is more carbon-intensive to produce than other sources of protein like chicken or fish or plant-based proteins, he said.

Burke said that in addition to working toward greater sustainability, there are other positive byproducts, such as appealing to younger travelers who prioritize that in particular. “If we want you to cruise on one of our ships, I think it will matter to you how we take care of the ocean. So, it’s not just doing good, it's doing the right thing for business as well.”

Do you find it easier to increase or reduce the amount of waste you produce on cruises? How so?

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

10 Foods to Avoid Eating on a Cruise

Sharing is caring!

If you’re going on a cruise and looking forward to the plentiful food and dining, rest assured. Cruise ship food is generally very good and there are many choices to be had. However, there are some foods to avoid eating on a cruise.

From mediocre tasting cruise buffet options, to foods that might lead to discomfort or even potential illness, these are some cruise do’s and don’ts to be aware of.

To help with this list, I asked the Life Well Cruised Facebook community for input. While food is subjective, eating & drinking some of these items might be a cruise mistake!

Please note that dining experiences can differ across various cruise ships and cruise lines. You’ll also want to take this with a grain of salt (pun intended) as we all have different likes and dislikes.

In this post, I share the 10 food and drinks to avoid on a cruise, along some suggestions of what you can opt for instead.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my  disclosure policy  for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Food and Drinks Not to Eat on a Cruise

1. Scrambled Eggs in the Buffet

The top food to avoid on a cruise are the buffet scrambled eggs. Cruise passengers often describe this breakfast staple as being watery, runny, and having an artificial taste that leaves much to be desired.

According to some reports, this might be because the large batches of scrambled eggs in the cruise buffet are made from powdered eggs. Either way, when eggs are made in large batches, they may not taste as fresh and flavorful as you might like.

What to eat instead: Head to the buffet omelet station where you can have your eggs made fresh to order. Whether you love scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelet, this is a better bet.

For those who prefer a more traditional breakfast setting, the main dining room is also a great alternative.

2. Cruise Buffet Bacon

Overcooked (or undercooked), thin, and clumped together bacon is a complaint from many cruisers when it comes to the cruise ship breakfast buffet. If you’re a bacon lover, you might be underwhelmed with this popular American breakfast food.

Let’s face it, there is a lot of bacon prepared for thousands of people who head to the buffet each morning!

What to eat instead: If the buffet bacon doesn’t meet your expectations, try the carving station and opt for freshly carved ham. Alternatively, head to the main dining room or a casual restaurant where you can order an individual plate.

3. Buffet Sushi

I’ve never had an issue with buffet sushi, however this is a food that needs to be kept cold and is best eaten when freshly made. To enjoy sushi without worries, be an early bird at the buffet when it opens for lunch.

The primary concern is that is sushi is left out for an extended period, this can compromise its quality.

4. Desalinized Water (Cruise Ship Drinking Water)

Is cruise ship drinking water safe? Absolutely yes! Water is treated, filtered and tested.

According to Cruise Critic, cruise ship drinking water is typically derived from desalinated seawater. There is a complex desalinization and filtration process used to turn sea water into distilled water. Then, it is mineralized and chlorinated to ensure safe, quality drinking water.

However, there are some people that report having swollen legs and ankles after drinking cruise ship desalinized water.

To be fair, leg swelling can be due to many things, including an increase in salt intake from richer foods eaten during a cruise vacation. That said, you have concerns there are options.

What to drink instead : Consider switching to bottled water during your cruise. Most cruise lines have water packages or water bottles (or cans) may be included in cruise drink packages .

5. Hamburgers in the Buffet

If you love a good, tasty burger, you’re best avoiding the hamburgers and buns available in the buffet on a cruise. Unfortunately, these fast food items are often described as greasy and tasteless, with dried out buns.

For those seeking a more satisfying lunch experience, alternatives are readily available on most cruise ships.

What to eat instead: Opt for a freshly made burger from the ship’s grill or visit a sit down casual restaurant or the main dining room for a better meal.

6. Self Serve Soft Ice Cream

I admit I love a good soft serve ice cream cone on the lido deck ! Ice cream is a popular treat for cruise passengers of every age, including kids…

If your cruise ship has a self serve ice cream station, there may be a case for avoiding this frozen dessert. This can bring about hygiene concerns, particularly when the machine appears messy.

If you see a mess of ice cream around the machine and on the pool deck, walk away.

What to eat instead: These days, many cruise ships have a crew member assisting passengers with their ice cream, which alleviates the potential issue (and ick factor). Alternatively, you can check out the hard scooped ice cream or gelato shop.

Related: 12 Things to Never Do on a Cruise Ship Lido Deck

7. Buffet Condiments

Condiments left at buffet tables can present a potential hygiene challenge, primarily due to shared condiment containers. Communal condiments allow many cruise passengers to handle these containers, increasing the risk of the spread of illness.

That said, there are some simple fixes.

What to eat instead: When possible, ask a crew member if individual servings of ketchup or mustard are available. Beyond this, washing hands, using a napkin to touch handles and using hand sanitizer before you eat should alleviate potential issues.

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

8. Very Spicy or Bean-based Dishes

When it comes to cruise dining, eating very spicy or bean-based dishes might not be the most practical choice. If you want to ensure digestive comfort, and avoid long trips to the bathroom, be cautious with food choices, particularly before port days.

Related: 10 Cruise Buffet Mistakes Cruisers Should Avoid

9. Free or Included Buffet Coffee

This cruise tip is for coffee enthusiasts only. If that’s not you, you can skip this one.

For many cruisers, the complimentary coffee offered in the buffet can leave a lot to be desired. It’s generally not strong and can taste watered down. For this reason, you may want to skip the free or included cruise ship coffee and opt for specialty or brewed coffee.

What to drink instead: Invest in a beverage package that includes specialty coffee. In addition to more robust freshly brewed coffee, you’ll enjoy diverse coffee offerings, from lattes and cappuccinos to iced coffee concoctions.

10. Drink of the Day

While the allure of the cruise ship “Drink of the Day” may be tempting, there are some drawbacks. These drinks might save a couple of dollars, however they are often overly sweet and high in calories.

Consider skipping these promoted drinks and opt for a beverage of your choosing.

What to drink instead: Whether you have a drink package or not, there are a lot of interesting cocktails and crafted beverages to choose from. Check the drink menu for unique concoctions that may only available in that bar.

Related: 13 Big Drink Package Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise

Video: 10 Foods Not to Eat on a Cruise

Related & Popular Posts

• 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• 20 Essential Things to Do Before Your Cruise
• 13 Big Drink Package Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise
• 17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
• 40+ Must-Have Dollar Store Cruise Items & Hacks
• 13 Cruise Main Dining Room Tips All Cruisers Need to Know
• 25 Cruise Dresses & Cover Ups (favorites on Amazon)
• How to Pack Carry-on Only for a Cruise
• 10 Big Mistakes Cruisers Make on Debarkation Day

Final Thoughts on Foods to Avoid Eating on a Cruise

Food and dining preferences are subjective. However, these are some cruise foods and drinks you may want to avoid during your cruise vacation.

It’s unlikely any will make you sick, and exercising the usual caution and hygeine practices around food will help. These food and drink do’s and don’ts come from seasoned cruisers, who shared their experiences and tips.

Are there foods you avoid on a cruise ship or in the buffet? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Although I agree with the drink of the day, I wonder what horrible ships you’ve been on.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Foods You Should Avoid on a Cruise — and What to Eat Instead

Here's how to keep your stomach happy on your next cruise.

Cruising has come a long way when it comes to its culinary offerings. There are ships with Michelin-starred chefs, others highlighting local cuisine, and even vessels with a dozen or more restaurants to choose from.

While all of this sounds divine, there are few things passengers may want to skip. Here are the foods experts say you should avoid on your next cruise.

Don't overdo it on the spice.

According to Nancy Mitchell, a registered nurse and contributing writer at Assisted Living Center , it may be a good idea to avoid high-fat and spicy foods that could "irritate the stomach lining and aggravate nausea." Mitchell adds, "Digestion can be much slower for people with digestive issues, and greasy foods tend to put a brake even further." She recommends avoiding these foods from the night before boarding your cruise.

Don't forgo the water.

It can be tempting to swap out all your usual drinks for beverages with tiny umbrellas, but as Mitchell notes, consuming plenty of water can help reduce the chances of dehydration and headaches, which are associated with seasickness .

And as a bonus tip, Mitchell says, "Carry along some mint sweets or a mild ginger drink to sip on in case you start feeling queasy — these are great for relieving symptoms of nausea."

Think twice about open-air dining options.

Buffets can be a great option for a grab-and-go meal, but with the ongoing pandemic, Aimee Takamura, director of wellness and sustainability at Restaurant Associates and a registered dietitian, suggests it may be best to avoid them for now.

"If something doesn't look quite right — the color of fish is gray-blue or glossy, salad greens look wilted — skip it. These are signs that food may have been sitting at room temperature for a while," says Takamura. "Also, avoid compromised foods. For example, if you see someone use their bare hands to grab ready-to-eat food, or the serving utensil falls into the dish, notify a server and have them remove the contaminated items."

Skip foods that have triggered you in the past.

Now may not be the time to retry a food that has caused you some discomfort in the past. Instead, DJ Mazzoni, a certified dietician, nutritionist, and medical reviewer at Illuminate Labs , suggests eating conservatively, so you don't run the risk of ruining your entire cruise with a bout of heartburn, or worse.

"Don't eat foods that have been triggers in the past or that you haven't consumed before," says Mazzoni. "Getting food poisoning on a cruise is doubly uncomfortable, due to the potential to become seasick, so it's best to play it safe."

Skip the alcohol if you're feeling seasick.

This tip may be obvious, but it's worth mentioning: Avoid booze if you're feeling queasy.

"Don't drink alcohol if you get seasick because it can further disorient you and cause vomiting," says Mazzoni. If you do feel it coming on, experts agree that sipping ginger ale may help, along with eating bland foods such as crackers or plain bread.

But remember, you're on vacation.

Yes, it's a good idea to avoid things that may cause you to get sick, but as Takamura notes, you're on vacation, so try to live it up, even just a little.

"Eat what you really love, and skip what you don't. The more in tune you are with your eating experience, the less likely you are to eat just to eat," says Takamura. "A surefire way to overeat is to deprive yourself of meals or what your body is craving. Listen to your body and eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full."

Takamura adds, "Enjoy the foods that make you happy, and be thankful that you can."

Related Articles

What to Expect on a Cruise: Cruise Ship Food

Is food included on a cruise, or do I have to pay extra?

Your cruise fare always includes food for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a cruise ship. However, not all venues that offer food will be free. The main dining room and cruise ship buffet will always be included in your cruise fare , though a few specialty items might cost extra. Most upscale or sit-down specialty restaurants incur an extra fee, either a flat cover charge or a la carte pricing per item. Some of the more casual additional spots are free, while some charge a nominal fee. Prices are typically marked at each venue.

What kind of dining options are on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships offer a variety of onboard restaurants and dining options. Typically, the bigger ships will have more options, but even the smallest ships tend to have more than one restaurant.

In general, cruise ships will have a main dining room , a sit-down venue where you can order from a menu of American and Continental favorites (often with some international choices). These are very large, banquet-style restaurants, with a dress code enforced at dinner, and where you will likely have to share a table with other passengers. Most ships will also have a buffet restaurant near the pool, where dress is more casual and passengers can help themselves to pre-prepared food.

Many ships also have specialty restaurants , smaller venues with more tables for two. These cruise restaurants will be themed: steakhouse, French bistro, Italian trattoria or Japanese sushi restaurant. More casual alternative dining areas might be outdoor grills and BBQ spots, pizzerias, hot dog stands or bakeries. Some ships have exclusive dining venues, only accessible to passengers in suites or spa cabins.

Is there room service?

Yes, food can be delivered to your cabin 24/7 on most major cruise lines' ships. Typically, the room service menu features a Continental breakfast (some lines offer a few hot items, sometimes for an extra fee), plus an all-day menu of sandwiches, salads, pizza, perhaps a few hot items or appetizers, and dessert. Room service is generally free of charge; some lines, such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, charge a per-order fee for middle-of-the-night orders. Other lines, like Princess Cruises, charge for pizza delivery.

What if I want a mid-morning or afternoon snack?

In addition to room service, which can be ordered round the clock, many cruise ships make food available 24/7 (or at least during normal waking hours). All-night venues might include a small section of the buffet, a pizzeria or a shipboard diner. During the day, the buffet and some of the casual dining spots might serve food throughout the afternoon, and onboard coffee shops tend to offer small snacks and baked goods.

Can I bring food back to my cabin?

No one will stop you if you take food from the buffet or other casual venue and bring it back to your room. If for some reason you need to leave the main dining room or sit-down specialty venue early, you can always ask your waiter to plate up the remainder of your meal to take with you.

Can I bring my own food onboard?

Yes, you can bring your own food onboard -- including snack food you like to have on hand and items you pick up in port. You can't bring raw meat onboard, but pretty much anything else is fair game. However, there's so much food onboard that, unless you're very picky or have a dietary restriction, there's not much need to bring your own food.

Can I take food off the ship?

You are technically not allowed to take food off a cruise ship, especially fruits and vegetables. However, if you bring your own pre-packaged snacks, you can take them off the ship for port-day snacking.

Will my children find food they like onboard?

The main dining room and other sit-down cruise restaurants will have a children's menu (often with standards like pasta and chicken fingers), though your child is welcome to order off the main menu. You can always request a smaller portion of a regular dish for a young traveler. The buffet has such a variety of food that you are bound to find something a child can eat. There's often pizza, burgers, pasta and sandwich fixings, plus plenty of cookies and ice cream.

Baby food, however, is not as standard. Some cruise ships will puree food for your new eater, but you might need to request it in advance. Others will not. Check with your cruise line before you sail, as you might need to bring your own jarred baby food. You will also need to bring your own formula. Whole milk is often available, but for convenience, you might consider taking cartons from breakfast and storing them in your cabin's minifridge for later in the day.

Can a cruise ship accommodate my dietary restriction?

Yes. Cruise ship restaurants pretty much always have vegetarian options; low-salt, low-carb, gluten-free and vegan food is either available and noted or can be prepared with advance notice. Kosher food must be pre-ordered before your cruise and is typically pre-made off the ship and frozen for use during the cruise. In general, if you have a strict diet or a severe allergy, it's best to alert your cruise line in advance, either through your travel agent or a cruise line's special needs department. You can then meet with the head chef on the first day of your cruise to make sure you get the meals you need. For more, see our tips for cruising with a dietary restriction .

How can I learn more cruise ship food?

You might like the following articles:

What to Expect on a Cruise: The Main Dining Room 8 Tips for the Best Main Dining Room Experience 10 Tips for Cruising with a Dietary Restriction -- and Eating Well Eat This, Not That: Tips for Eating Healthy on a Cruise What's Cooking in Onboard Cuisine Best Cruise Ship Alternative Restaurants Cruise Dining Superlatives: Our Cruise Ship Food Favorites Don't Move the Tongs: The 10 Commandments of Cruise Ship Buffet Etiquette

The What to Expect on a Cruise series, written by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, is a resource guide, where we answer the most common questions about cruise ship life -- including cruise food, cabins, drinks and onboard fun -- as well as money matters before and during your cruise and visiting ports of call on your cruise.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

How Does a Mega Cruise Ship Source, Store, and Prepare All That Food?

By Sean O'Neill

Imagine you supervise the culinary logistics of a mega-cruise ship. Say it's Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, which feeds up to 5,400 passengers multiple times a day at 26 venues, ranging from a Starbucks to upscale eatery Chef's Table. Picture yourself overseeing portside food inspectors, shipboard bread bakers, and 1,200 other workers dedicated to passengers' gastronomic wishes.

It's a mind-bending job, right? The mere thought of it might make an ordinary mortal want to go on a carbo-loading, comfort-food binge to cope. Yet as many cruise lines supersize their ships, they must also scale up their provisioning operations to the same deftness as would be required to supply a battleship during wartime.

So we checked in with the major cruise lines for the 411 on what happens behind the scenes on a romantic Caribbean jaunt. Here's what we dug up:

"Every voyage, it’s show time, like Broadway," says Cyrus Marfatia, vice president of culinary and dining for Carnival Cruise Lines and the man who directs the company's ongoing production, so to speak. On the 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom, for instance, it takes 150 workers in kitchens to parlay 240 pallets' worth of food into thousands of meals worthy of fine restaurants.

Cunard spokesperson Jackie Chase makes a similar point by using the famous liner Queen Mary 2 as an example. She describes the management of the vessel's typical "turnaround day" in port as comparable to "checking out the entire Plaza Hotel in New York after breakfast, having the entire kitchen re-stocked during the morning (with up to 20 trucks offloading goods at the hotel), changing every bed linen and towel, checking in the entire hotel during the afternoon, and holding a state banquet in the evening." In real life, no hotel does anything close to what cruise lines like Cunard do week in and week out.

Rack of lamb, Queens Grill on the Queen Mary 2

Predicting passenger tastes is the first challenge. Companies analyze guests' dining patterns to suss out trends and plan menus. Trends can vary by season, route, and type of passenger. Case in point: When Europeans outnumber Americans on a Cunard ship, lighter wines such as Riesling and pinot noir are ordered more often than bolder varietals, such as Shiraz and Chardonnay, which tend to be favored by many of us Yanks.

The next hurdle is to transfer supplies from pier to ship. Exhibit A: Disney's 2,700-passenger Magic loads up 3,125 gallons of soda, 10,000 pounds of chicken, and 71,500 eggs for an average weeklong sailing. (Holy Bieber, that's a lot of grub!)

The saga starts before dawn, when workers meet quayside to inspect pallets of food for quality, such as checking produce for freshness. Time is of the essence, says Frank Weber, vice president for food and beverage operations for Royal Caribbean. "We start loading around 7 a.m. in the morning, so we have until 3:30 p.m. to send something back to our produce supplier, like a pallet of tomatoes, and to get a replacement a little later in the afternoon."

Longshoremen then load supplies into the hull. In the case of Royal Caribbean, the food is typically transferred from wooden pallets to metal trays, which can be more easily cleaned, to prevent ship contamination by anything that might have been on the wood. For similar reasons, other packaging, such as cardboard, is incinerated.

Once on the ship, supplies are shuttled to dozens of storehouses set to various temperatures. On Cunard's QM2, a storeroom for ice cream is set at minus-0.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while a separate room holds meat at a more appropriate temperature.

Storage, preparation, and cooking are done in separate rooms to prevent cross-contamination. For instance, commissary kitchens customarily handle food preparation, such as slicing tomatoes, cubing melons, and marinating slices of beef. That way, no prep work happens in the kitchen.

Technology assures smooth sailing by alerting crewmembers to how many passengers are grabbing a bite. Royal Caribbean, for instance, has head-counting cameras in the ceilings of its main dining areas that tally when and where passengers gravitate, providing data that can be used to anticipate peak serving times.

Ships keep menus simple (for instance, offering a single main version each of meat, poultry, and seafood) to enable their cooks to prepare food to order and serve it at the proper temperatures. (Of course, some ships have a few specialist venues onboard that provide more varied menus, but they serve a small, subset of passengers and are the exception to the general rule.)

Simplified menus allow chefs to synchronize meal creation with the needs of diners. "We don't pre-cook the steaks and keep them in a warmer as you would in a typical hotel banquet operation," says Weber of Royal Caribbean, describing a method that's common to better cruise lines. "And we don't plate food until the waiter is on the path to deliver it."

Stockpiling enough reserve supplies for a surprise spike in demand is also standard practice. Storerooms typically house a day or two's extra provisions, ensuring that plenty of spare ingredients will be on hand. During hurricane season, ships store even heftier hoards of culinary supplies. Banking extra supplies is also the norm for ships on routes that spend less time than usual in port.

Occasionally, there are rare circumstances when kitchens do, in fact, run out of individual random ingredients, such as wasabi. When that happens, as soon as a ship berths at a port, crewmembers race down the gangway and hit the local markets to source what's missing.

Photographs courtesy of Royal Caribbean and Cunard Lines

More on cruising:

The 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Cruise Guide

How Safe Is Your Cruise Ship?

Luxury Cruise Cabins That Will Blow Your Mind

The Top 100 Cruise Ships in the World

7 Perfect Days in 7 Popular Ports

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• MSC Cruises

Probably the most accurate review of MSC's food I've seen...

By Stockjock , October 21, 2023 in MSC Cruises

Recommended Posts

There are some good things and not so good things about MSC.  I've been critical where warranted (IMO), but one thing I will say is that they've held steady or improved in a number of areas where other cruise lines have cut back drastically.  I went on a Celebrity cruise last month (and again in 2 days) and the food, while edible and sometimes even very good, was a shadow of what I've had on Celebrity in the past. I've always found MSC's food to be pretty decent.  While meals are hit and miss, they're usually good to very good.  This is one area where I've long felt MSC got a bad rap, unfairly. Anyway, I've not seen this guy's videos before, but I thought he was fair and objective.  His experiences, more or less, mirror my own.  I'll be back on World Europa soon, so I'll be able to see if anything has changed, but we often sail MSC once or twice per year, and their food quality has been pretty consistent, in my view.  

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

We had our first cruise with MSC on the Meraviglia in April of this year.  We are not dining room folks, so all our meals were in the buffet.  We were quite pleased with our meals particularly since we had read so many discouraging reports about their food. We did 3 Royal Caribbean cruises(Anthem 1, Oasis 2) also this year and were much more disappointed in the Windjammer than the MSC buffet.

We are looking forward to our April 2024 cruise aboard the Meraviglia.  Always keep in mind that critiquing food is very subjective. 

@CruisingWalter  is usually spot on.

Great job Walter!

CruisingWalter

Wow, @Stockjock  thank you so very much for your kind words! I try to be fair when it comes to the food reviews because food is so subjective. I hate it when people just label an entire ship or an entire cruise line as "good" or "bad" because even when you don't have the best overall food experience, there are always nice surprises. And man that affogado in Venchi was a HUGE surprise! 🙂  

And honestly one of my favorite food experiences on the ship was that second MDR dinner that wasn't the best food at all, but our server was hilarious by just being honest. Her reactions when I asked about various dishes was priceless. And she pretty much told us straight up what to expect from each of our dishes and she was right. It was a weak meal, but joking about it with her made it a fun experience. 

We sailed MSC Seaside not long after that CDC report and honestly had no idea what to expect. We had a fun time accepting MSC for what it is and will be on her bigger sister the Seashore in December. Happy cruising everyone! 🙂  

I will board my 7th MSC cruise since Jan 2022 in a week and have been pleasantly surprised by the food. Based on the reviews I read prior to sailing with MSC, I expected it to be terrible. In dozens of meals in the dining room, buffet and specialty restaurants, I have only had one dish I considered inedible and most have been excellent. 

1 hour ago, CruisingWalter said: Wow, @Stockjock  thank you so very much for your kind words! I try to be fair when it comes to the food reviews because food is so subjective. I hate it when people just label an entire ship or an entire cruise line as "good" or "bad" because even when you don't have the best overall food experience, there are always nice surprises. And man that affogado in Venchi was a HUGE surprise! 🙂    

I also am a huge fan of affogato.  I always order mine with a shot of Bailey's and prefer it without the chocolate sauce that some put on it.  Can't wait to try it on the MSC Divina in February. 

Critiques of food on MSC I think often come down to very simple things. Things like breakfast sausage on an MSC cruise are very far from American expectations. So when someone goes from a line like Carnival with a Guy Fieri quick service restaurant over to MSC, I can imagine it's a bit of a shock.

Captain-John

In my opinion (and I will be able to verify for myself in a few weeks), the quality of MSC food has been maintained or increased where lately other lines are moving in the opposite direction.

Anyone who I have corresponded with on these boards over the years will know that I like to cruise MSC 'despite' the food, but I don't think that's accurate now especially in view of the cutbacks other lines are making. MSC have a real chance to stand out actually.

Thanks for the video Walter, very insightful. 🙂

1 hour ago, CruisingWalter said: Wow, @Stockjock  thank you so very much for your kind words! I try to be fair when it comes to the food reviews because food is so subjective. I hate it when people just label an entire ship or an entire cruise line as "good" or "bad" because even when you don't have the best overall food experience, there are always nice surprises. And man that affogado in Venchi was a HUGE surprise! 🙂     And honestly one of my favorite food experiences on the ship was that second MDR dinner that wasn't the best food at all, but our server was hilarious by just being honest. Her reactions when I asked about various dishes was priceless. And she pretty much told us straight up what to expect from each of our dishes and she was right. It was a weak meal, but joking about it with her made it a fun experience.    We sailed MSC Seaside not long after that CDC report and honestly had no idea what to expect. We had a fun time accepting MSC for what it is and will be on her bigger sister the Seashore in December. Happy cruising everyone! 🙂  

Thank you Stockjock for posting Walters video and thank you Walter, loved the video.  Please let us know how the Seashore is on your Dec. cruise, we will be on it in January!

Many thanks @Stockjock  and @CruisingWalter  for the wonderful review I can mostly to subscribe myself.

The MSC food department should be as very well analysed as you did, effectively. It's worth to know the real product in face of its price tag. First of its all: Don't expect Michelin star rated food at baseline mainstream price tag. And now let us to face reality like it is: Don't expect an Italian business to be equal to an American one, like someone has suggested above.

Oh: And there is another concern. When coming here to Europe, you'll notice some differences in the way restaurants and EU cruise lines should to operate in relation to salt and sugar use. We have some recommendations and at least in the case of salt some in law limitations on what quantities are allowed to use. With time, us, Europeans do have become healthier in the way we make our food. You wouldn't find as sweet desserts on MSC like the ones they have on RCI, not only because Europeans want less sweet desserts, but because there are actually sugar limit recommendations at this side of the pond which by the most part are being followed. On RCI desserts your nearly unique flavor is sugar. On MSC sugar is a linking element that will to link the main ingredients you'd be able to flavor. Salt would perhaps to be even more noticeable now, once at this side of the pond we now have mandatory regulations for the restaurants to follow, and I believe there are none at the US.

I wouldn't compare some particular items. Those might to be just a question of taste, and that is as subjective as it can be. General quality sense, that is objective. On all travels I have made I had ones that have been hit or miss at same venues for the duration of those travels, even when we're talking about true EU 5* venues. I agree with both of you. MSC do have very decent food for the price tag, and according to the photos and videos of late, they seem to be rising up their game on that department. @Beamafar  is doing a live from the Musica in Greece where she entered a photo of a "fish & ships" dish that might to be the easiest thing to deliver... And that seems like obtained from a true EU 5* standards venue, it was not!... Congrats MSC on the good job being done!...

5 hours ago, CruisingWalter said: Wow, @Stockjock  thank you so very much for your kind words! I try to be fair when it comes to the food reviews because food is so subjective. I hate it when people just label an entire ship or an entire cruise line as "good" or "bad" because even when you don't have the best overall food experience, there are always nice surprises. And man that affogado in Venchi was a HUGE surprise! 🙂     And honestly one of my favorite food experiences on the ship was that second MDR dinner that wasn't the best food at all, but our server was hilarious by just being honest. Her reactions when I asked about various dishes was priceless. And she pretty much told us straight up what to expect from each of our dishes and she was right. It was a weak meal, but joking about it with her made it a fun experience.    We sailed MSC Seaside not long after that CDC report and honestly had no idea what to expect. We had a fun time accepting MSC for what it is and will be on her bigger sister the Seashore in December. Happy cruising everyone! 🙂  

I always appreciate honesty by the staff.  When they say, "Everything's good", you know they're either lying, or simply don't know. I've mentioned this before, but my first MSC cruise was on Divina in 2015 or 2016.  I read over and over again about how there was pretty much no food in the buffet other hotdogs and hamburgers, and they'd then go on to show pictures of them.  I got on Divina and that was 100% false.  There was so much food, but one had to take a walk to see what was available. I also think the MSC Specialty Dining packages are a good deal, relative to the competition.  For example, we did one last year for $70 per person for 3 specialty restaurants, which I thought was a great value. This NYE, we'll be on World Europa, and while the price went up a bit, we're getting 3 specialty restaurants for $100 each.  Throw in our free Diamond level specialty restaurant freebie, that's 4 specialty restaurants out of 7 nights for $200 total (not per person).  I'd like to see anyone beat that.  And for those who note that one specialty night is "free" due to Diamond status, I'd also note that achieving that status on MSC is much easier than achieving an upper tier status on other cruise lines. Anyway, good job on the video.  I found it to be well-done and objective.

5 hours ago, peder said: Critiques of food on MSC I think often come down to very simple things. Things like breakfast sausage on an MSC cruise are very far from American expectations. So when someone goes from a line like Carnival with a Guy Fieri quick service restaurant over to MSC, I can imagine it's a bit of a shock.

I am a fan of MSC's breakfasts.  I often order the MSC Express Breakfast, sometimes with Salmon/Lox on the side w/a Cappuccino.  Yum!  

Stem to Stern

6 hours ago, CruisingWalter said: And man that affogado in Venchi was a HUGE surprise!

Hey Walter.  Thanks for the video.  Some great tips.  I'll be sure not to miss out on that affogato.

Itchy&Scratchy

14 hours ago, ridgecrest said: We did 3 Royal Caribbean cruises(Anthem 1, Oasis 2) also this year and were much more disappointed in the Windjammer than the MSC buffet.

we are definitely MDR folks, and we were pleasantly surprised by the Oasis MDR food this year, after the menu changed. There were only a couple of meh dishes. And the additional MDR entrees were free, unlike  MSC. Now if we find a dish not to be to our liking on Seascape, we'll have to pay to sample another entree. 😞

Now, the quality and variety at the Windjammer buffet and Park Cafe went downhill for sure.

I am looking forward to judging Seascape's MDR and buffet food in person in less than 30 days.

Thanks for the link.   Very good review.      

Happy cruising 🌊 🚢 🇺🇸 🌅

5 hours ago, Stockjock said: I am a fan of MSC's breakfasts.  I often order the MSC Express Breakfast, sometimes with Salmon/Lox on the side w/a Cappuccino.  Yum!

I like their breakfasts a lot too. The roasted tomatoes on top of an over easy egg? Yum. But the sausage we had in our western med circuit was far from the typical sausage you'd find stateside. Wasn't an issue for us, but I see how others would use that as an example for why MSC food is not up to par.

Enjoyable review @CruisingWalter . I had seen your channel come up in my feeds before, but now that I know it's from a helpful CC poster I'm subscribed 🙂  .

I do really appreciate how there were a number of items that were subpar, but you had a good attitude about it when stating the flaws. There are too many overly dramatic reactions to food that didn't meet someone's expectations and I discount those opinions immediately.

Thanks for sharing @Stockjock

I hope food has standardized/stabilized across the fleet since spring 2022--25 nights on Grandiosa that saw, granted, imo, negative food changes for each of the three cruises. While the "guys" on the buffet serving line seemed to be consistent (and happy and funny and as helpful as permitted--ALWAYS), the white uniforms hovering around the area changed several times as did the buffet. We have our preferences (mine, in particular, is hot food being served hot!) but don't see ourselves as picky eaters. We don't cruise to eat (in fact, we are so boring that we cruise simply because we love sailing-- preferring transatlantic cruises). However, we will be absolutely delighted if the fresh-prep egg station is, again, operational during our Seashore crossing coming up this week. 

The best thing MSC does is their Specialty Dining.

benjaminnicholas

MSC's food is fine if you're not expecting great food.  Or hot food, to be honest.  Or food with any spice or real flavor.  It is what it is.

Even YC, while plated to look more appealing, is still bland and hit or miss.

I was shocked that a meal yesterday in YC saw gnocchi that was highly underdone.  I left 3/4 of the pasta on the plate.  I expected a little more from a line with Italian lineage.

On 10/21/2023 at 6:48 AM, peder said: Critiques of food on MSC I think often come down to very simple things. Things like breakfast sausage on an MSC cruise are very far from American expectations. So when someone goes from a line like Carnival with a Guy Fieri quick service restaurant over to MSC, I can imagine it's a bit of a shock.

Guy Fieri = salute to cholesterol 

On 10/31/2023 at 5:22 PM, joeyancho said: Guy Fieri = salute to cholesterol 

I can't stand Guy Fieri or his food aesthetic.  

But for many, he's a known commodity and they're impressed by his shtick.

27 minutes ago, benjaminnicholas said:   I can't stand Guy Fieri or his food aesthetic.     But for many, he's a known commodity and they're impressed by his shtick.

Yep.  He's no Jacques Pepin

1 minute ago, joeyancho said: Yep.  He's no Jacques Pepin

Hell, Fieri is no Burger King.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 6 hours ago

LauraS · Started 9 hours ago

LauraS · Started Thursday at 06:25 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 03:59 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 05:03 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Admit it – you think of cruises as floating smorgasbords, bastions of gluttony with all-you-can-eat lobster tails and molten chocolate cake served 24/7. You imagine onboard restaurants as an overcrowded, at-sea outpost of Golden Corral or perhaps a formal banquet hall straight out of the Titanic movie.

Clearly, you haven't been on a cruise in a long time.

It's true that a day aboard a cruise ship can revolve around food. Three days into a sailing, I start getting that feeling where I wake up stuffed from the night before and also hungry for breakfast.

My personal pledge to eat only eggs for breakfast, salads for lunch and skip dessert at dinner usually falls apart quickly, as I can't keep away from the sugar-laden dessert tables, always-available pizza and cheese-heavy entrees.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter

Yet a modern-day cruise ship is more akin to your local downtown, with multiple restaurant choices and a range of cuisines on offer. You can find healthy or vegetarian food, ethnic options and everything from fast-food burgers to upscale molecular gastronomy dishes. Meals can be quick or lengthy, formal or casual.

The choice can be overwhelming for a new cruiser – as can the complicated rules around who can eat where and when, while wearing what. Even if you don't live for food, you'll want to peruse this guide to cruise ship food and dining to get the lay of culinary land before your next sailing.

Is food included on a cruise?

You do not have to pay for food on a cruise – but you might want to.

Unless you're sailing on an all-inclusive luxury cruise ship , you'll find two types of restaurants on board a cruise ship: free venues and extra-charge, specialty restaurants.

The included dining venues are typically the main dining room or rooms, large banquet-style spaces that serve sit-down dinner off a wide-ranging menu. On some ships, you will be assigned to a specific main dining room; other ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line' s fleet, will offer a couple and you can choose which one to go to on any given evening. Smaller vessels may only have one main dining room on board.

The other standard included option is the buffet , typically located near the pool. The buffet will offer multiple themed stations (salad bar, carvery, deli, pasta station, dessert bar, etc.) and will either be self-serve or have crew ready to portion out food from large serving dishes for you. Once you've filled a plate, you find your own table, either indoors or sometimes outside. You can go back for seconds, thirds, fourths until you're full.

Other included cruise food options will vary by ship and cruise line. Many have poolside grills serving burgers and hot dogs. Some will have casual cafes and complimentary pizza, Mexican, Asian, fried chicken and barbecue restaurants or food counters.

Some cruise lines – such as Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and Holland America – have special restaurants reserved for VIP guests, usually a mix of passengers in the top suites and the most frequent cruisers on that line. These dining venues are included in the cost of the cruise yet may require reservations for dinner.

Related: What's included in your cruise fare?

What is specialty dining on a cruise?

Specialty dining is the cruise industry name for onboard restaurants you have to pay for. Some charge a flat cover charge to dine there; others price dishes a la carte, as you'd find in most land-based eateries.

These extra-fee cruise ship restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and styles. You might find a family-style Italian trattoria, group dining at a teppanyaki grill or a French bistro perfect for date night. Steakhouses are common, though they can have American, Brazilian or Italian influences. Sushi and Asian-fusion restaurants are popular, as are broader seafood venues, both upscale and lobster shack-style.

Royal Caribbean has a new southern comfort food restaurant , and its molecular gastronomy venue, Wonderland, is definitely something different. Carnival partners with Emeril Lagasse to offer a New Orleans-themed Creole restaurant.

If you're an uber-foodie, you'll want to look for intimate Chef's Table dining events for a gourmet meal paired with wine, personally planned by one of the onboard chefs.

For specialty restaurants, you'll want to make reservations in advance, though walk-ins are allowed if tables are available. Try to book your favorite eateries online in advance of your sailing; if not, make it a priority to get dining times lined up as soon as you can on your first day on board.

Related: The 7 best meals you can have at sea

What is open dining vs. set seating on a cruise?

When you book many big-ship cruises, you'll be asked to choose early seating, late seating, or flexible or anytime dining. What does this mean?

Lines like Carnival Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Princess manage the flow of passengers in and out of their main dining rooms by assigning cruisers to specific dining rooms and times.

Passengers who choose set-seating dining will opt for an early dinner (usually around 5:30 or 6 p.m.) or late dinner (between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.). They will be assigned a specific table and have the same waiters every night. A table might be one four-person family or it might be a mix of unrelated singles, couples and groups gathered at a 10-person table. Desirable two-tops can be hard to come by.

Because not everyone wants to eat at the same time and with the same people every night, cruise lines reserve a number of slots for a flexible dining option. You might see these referred to as "My Time Dining" or "Anytime Dining." Guests who choose this option can show up at the main dining room for dinner anytime during designated open hours (typically 5:30 to 9 p.m.).

The catch is you might have to wait for a table, and you might not be able to get the table size you want at the time you want. You might score a two-top on one night and have to eat at a group table the next or wait an hour to be seated. On the other hand, if you make friends on board who also chose the flexible dining option, it's easy to meet up for dinner.

Several lines have done away with the assigned dining concept, most notably luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea and Seabourn , but also brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages . The ships in these lines offer multiple onboard dining venues where you either make a reservation or try your luck as a walk-in, as you would at any land-based restaurants. Most will have one main dining room venue that is larger and does not require reservations or extra fees to eat there.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Is food available around the clock?

You might be thinking that, with so much for breakfast, lunch and dinner, why would you want to eat at any other time? I can think of several reasons.

On sea days, it's blissful to sleep in and have a late breakfast, which then bumps your midday meal to an odd time. My kids are always hungry for mid-morning or afternoon snacks, or post-kids club/pre-bedtime treats. Late-returning shore excursions can mess up your meal schedule – and sometimes you just need that 1 a.m. pizza after a night of dancing or bar hopping.

So, yes, cruise ships offer food around the clock, though the options at off hours can be limited.

Most ships have a 24-hour dining option, typically pizza or a cafe with premade items like cookies and mini sandwiches. Breakfast options can often run from 6 a.m. to 11 or 11:30 a.m., with full breakfast offered at typical dining times and continental selections offered early and late. Some lines also do a sea-day brunch to accommodate your lazy morning.

Mid-afternoon is often a tricky time for snacks. Some lines run an afternoon tea with petit fours and crustless sandwiches, or have a deli or burger counter open from late morning until early evening. Look for cafe venues that might have some fruit or something a tad less greasy. The self-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt stations are often available all day long.

The buffet usually closes around 9 or 10 p.m., though some lines might offer a limited selection of fried, late-night favorites for the party crowd.

Many all-day options are free of charge, but some, like Royal Caribbean's Playmakers Sports Bar, charge for food.

Is there room service?

Yes, cruise ships offer room service, and that's another 24/7 dining option for hungry travelers.

Historically, room service was free – an amazing perk of cruising, compared to hotels. But after years of cruise ship hallways cluttered with trays of half-eaten cheeseburgers at 3 a.m., the cruise lines decided to take a different stance.

Now, most lines offer a complimentary continental room service breakfast. Depending on the line, all orders outside of breakfast will come with a per-order charge, or the room service menu will have a mix of complimentary and extra-fee dishes. Some lines include hot breakfast, while others charge for eggs and pancakes delivered to your cabin.

All-day in-cabin dining menus will offer a limited selection of salads, sandwiches, hot entrees, desserts and kid favorites. At peak dining hours, you might have to wait up to an hour for your order to be delivered.

Consider tipping your room service delivery person a dollar or two to say thanks for not making you walk a few flights over to the buffet or all-night pizzeria.

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts — and what to do about them

Do solo travelers have to dine alone?

No. Solo travelers have many options to meet others and break bread with their shipmates.

Singles who choose early or late seating will be put at a shared table with other solo travelers or families so they don't have to worry about dining alone. Request a larger table to get a larger social circle.

If you prefer flexible dining, ask to be seated at a group table when you approach the hostess stand.

Some cruise lines will offer hosted tables for solo travelers, especially on luxury lines where dining is always flexible. These lines may even employ gentleman hosts to guide the conversation and make sure everyone feels welcome and included. Inquire with guest services or the maitre d' and they can get you sorted.

Sometimes single traveler meetups will be held during pre-dinner cocktails, with the idea that travelers can head to the buffet or another onboard eatery for dinner together afterward.

Solo cruisers can also take the initiative and invite fellow cruisers they meet at trivia or on a tour to join them for dinner at a specialty venue or fast-casual dining spot.

Can cruise ship restaurants accommodate my kids?

Yes. Cruising is a family vacation , and onboard restaurants know all about your child and her love affair with chicken nuggets.

With the exception of a handful of cruise lines that don't allow children on board, such as Viking , nearly all cruise lines will offer kids menus with all the greatest hits: chicken tenders, pasta, burgers, hot dogs, and sometimes grilled chicken or a small steak. Kiddos can start with fruit plates or chicken noodle soup and end with ice cream sundaes or chocolate cake. They can also order off the adult menu, or switch back and forth.

Some cruise lines will have pureed baby food on hand ( Disney Cruise Line will puree it for you), but don't assume it's available. Check with your cruise line before booking.

Ships will have high chairs and booster seats on hand in all dining venues.

One handy tip: If you've got a picky little eater, save mini boxes of cereal, yogurt cups and muffins from the breakfast buffet to keep on hand for snacks later in the day. Sometimes it's hard to find peanut butter and jelly at lunch, so I've been known to make sandwiches in the morning to serve up at noon.

Can you bring food on or take food off of a cruise ship?

I might be the only person to cruise with Zip-loc bags full of snacks…but I bet I'm in good company.

Cruise lines allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of packaged food on board, and I'm all about stocking up on protein bars and snack bags of pretzels or trail mix to avoid hangry meltdowns (of kids and adults) on shore excursions or before a late dinner.

If you have a dietary restriction, you might have a greater need to bring along snacks you know are safe to eat.

When it comes to taking food off of a cruise ship, it's up to each port to decide. In general, it's not OK to bring fresh fruit or meat off a ship. I have, however, smuggled my share of pastries and peanut butter sandwiches off ships to eat when I'm feeling too cheap to buy food in port, and no one has ever complained. It's also perfectly fine to pack your pre-packaged snacks in your day pack – and bring back local chocolates, rum cakes, hot sauces and other packaged, edible souvenirs when you return.

Will a cruise ship accommodate my food allergies and dietary restrictions?

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, lactose or gluten intolerant, low-carb, low-salt, kosher or allergic to certain food items, cruise lines can generally accommodate your dietary needs.

As someone who does not eat meat or shellfish, I've had no problem feeding myself with the available menu items on board. Some cruise lines will put icons on their menus next to vegetarian or gluten-free items, but it's hit or miss across the industry. You can always ask the waiters to find out if a dish contains ingredients you can't eat, and in specialty restaurants, the chef can often create a dish to accommodate your dietary restrictions if there's not an obvious choice on the menu.

If you require specific food items on board (dairy-free milk, gluten-free bread, kosher meat, etc.) or have severe allergies, you or your travel agent should always contact your cruise line's accessibility department ahead of the cruise to inform the ship about your dietary restrictions. This allows the cruise line to ensure the ship is provisioned with special food items and flags you in the system for the restaurant staff.

On the first day of the cruise, be sure to meet with the maitre d' or other designated food and beverage officer to introduce yourself and discuss dining options. On some lines, you'll get the dinner menu in advance to mark with the items you prefer so the galley can prepare your food to your specifications. At the buffet, a crew member may be assigned to show you which items should be avoided.

In general, however, cruisers with severe allergies or strict restrictions will do better in a sit-down restaurant than a buffet, which has a higher risk for cross-contamination.

Passengers who keep kosher can get kosher meals at no extra charge, but they will be pre-packaged, rather than made from scratch in the ship's galleys. The exception is specific kosher charters, where rabbis will come on board and ritually clean a section of the ship's galley. Halal food is not that common and lines like Royal Caribbean, which do carry it, only do so on select itineraries.

Do I need to dress up for dinner?

Cruise line dress codes have come a long way since the Titanic. You will never have to don a gown or tuxedo to eat dinner on a modern-day cruise ship.

That said, most cruise lines have some kind of evening dress code . Most nights are a dressier version of casual, with shorts and ratty T-shirts banned but jeans allowed. (Though if you're sailing a luxury cruise line, expect a dressier crowd and no jeans in the main restaurant.)

One or two nights will be designated for fancier dress; think wedding guest attire such as cocktail dresses and jacket for men. On big-ship lines, these are usually optional, and you can always escape the dress code by going to the buffet.

Some specialty restaurants will have a dress code distinct from the main ship one, so check if you plan on heading to the more expensive, upscale eateries on board.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

13 Cruise Ship Foods You Should And Shouldn't Eat

Cruise ships are often essentially seaborne resorts that are known for providing plentiful food served in a variety of styles. There's a menu for every taste imaginable, from seafood to burgers to all-you-can-eat  buffets . But not everything found in cruise ship dining rooms is ideal for the discerning diner. While some cruise ship food rises to the level of gourmet fare, other options wouldn't make the cut at a bottom-level fast food joint. Rather than taking your chances the next time you hop on board a seafaring behemoth with eats and treats to spare, it's best to be aware of what you're in for.

Though onboard dining and soft drinks are often included as part of cruise packages, ships also offer premier options at added cost. These options can expand your possibilities for freshly made food that may be tailored to suit your sensibilities. But even specialty meals has certain caveats. The good news is that no matter what your dining concession on the high seas may be, you can make informed choices to enjoy foods that are healthy and delicious while avoiding questionable dishes that might put a damper on your aquatic adventures.

1. Do Eat: Green salads

You can't go wrong with filling up on green salads on your cruise. Salad, in addition to being some of the freshest food on the ship, is also rich in filling in  fiber content ,  which is beneficial to your health. Though salad bars allow you to build your own and control what goes into the bowl, salads prepared by the chef are usually fresher than salads presented as self-serve, which is something to consider when ordering. 

As in any salad worth its weight in nutrition, certain greens  make better choices than others. for example, iceberg lettuce may be plentiful but it contains more water and fewer nutrients than a richer green like spinach. If you have the option, try to order the richer greens if they are available. Topping a cruise-based salad can be tricky too, considering the incredible number of calories that salad accessories and dressing add to the plate. By ordering a green salad and requesting dressing on the side, you can control how much bedazzling your salad requires. 

2. Do Eat: Fresh fruit

Fruit is always a healthy option, especially on a cruise ship. Choosing power fruits like berries and citrus will keep you hydrated and refreshed while also bolstering your immunity for any onboard contagion that you may contract during your trip. Fruit will satisfy your cravings leading to a more relaxed cruise experience. Because fruit is so portable, it's also a great option for taking back to your cabin for a later snack to prevent less optimal orders from room service when hunger strikes.

If you're looking for the safest and most delicious choices, it's best to opt for fresh fruit rather than less-healthy  cut fruit served as pre-sliced pieces like pineapple and watermelon. This will allow you to minimize exposure to germs and lets you wash your fruit before eating it for added protection. Regardless of the form in which the fruit might appear at your table, you can gauge the temperature and edibility for yourself before taking a bite and choosing something fresher.

3. Do Eat: Cooked fish

As protein options on cruise ships go, cooked fish is not only theme-appropriate, but it's also one of the healthier dishes you can choose. Many cruise lines partner with local fishermen at cruise ports, allowing ship chefs to refresh their stock during the voyage. This means fish served on cruise ships may be fresher than beef or chicken, which has been frozen or refrigerated for untold hours by the time cruisers have a chance to dine. Since fish found in the self-serve buffet is often left under heat lamps and may be soaked in butter to keep it moist, fish prepared fresh by kitchen staff is always your best option.  

Princess Cruise Lines takes the idea of fresh food to delicious extremes, allowing guests to  catch and cook their own fish on certain excursions. This version of cruise-style dining adds to the adventure while letting you see where exactly your food comes from before ship staff cooks it for your dining pleasure. Imagine booking an onshore excursion to catch your own salmon or halibut, only to find it on your dinner plate hours later: Catch of the day, indeed!

4. Do Eat: Chicken

Chicken comes in many forms as part of a cruise ship menu. The healthiest options include baked and grilled chicken, preferably without skin to minimize calories and saturated fats. Options like fried chicken and chicken wings are often exposed to additional heat while waiting to be chosen at the buffet. Not only does the exposure toughen and dry the meat, it also allows exposure to environmental contaminants that aren't part of the recipe. Choosing fresh chicken options or having the chicken selection cooked to your preference will be your healthiest and most satisfying choice.

Frequent cruisers seemed to know the value of chicken on there seafaring adventures. As the largest cruise vessel in the world, Symphony of the Seas uses about 9,700 pounds of chicken per week. Guests can even find their favorite chain options onboard some ships. Cruise colossus carnival has introduced Shaq's Big Chicken on several of their cruisers to add familiarity to the lineup. With fast food-style chicken available, it may be tempting to dive in. Be sure to evaluate your choice in chicken for its  health benefits as well as its flavor.

5. Do Eat: Bread

Though carbs have gotten the bad rap for years, bread is a mainstay for creatives guests to dine and snack on. Insider  reports that, due to high demand, most ships will bake bread three times a day, ensuring that you have fresh loaves and rolls to enjoy. In fact, the number of bread rolls that can be used during a cruise is staggering. According to travel site  Your Mileage May Vary , a ship may go through around 44,100 rolls. That's a lot of bread, no matter how you slice it.

Because bread is so often cast as the villain of the food world, consider the fact that you may be walking during many of your onshore excursions. Bread will provide you with the carbohydrates needed to create energy for your adventures. Moderation is key with almost everything you eat, which means as long as you don't go overboard with your bread consumption, enjoying bagels, buns, and bialys can add happy flavor to your sail through paradise.

6. Do Eat: Steak

If you're cruising in luxury, then you might as well dine in luxury too. Steak is one of the prime cruise ship food options, and not just for its high protein content. Many cruise ships offer premium steakhouses as part of the dining program. While these onboard restaurants may add extra to your vacation budget, they also allow you to choose your own cut of steak and customize your order. This is great news for particular eaters who like to exercise a little more control over how their food is prepared. In order to avoid food poisoning horror on the high seas, it may be best to err on the side of caution and order your steak closer to well done rather than rare.

Considering the hit-or-miss nature of some of the other so-called premium options, cruise ship steak may seem suspect. A discussion among Quora users largely confirms that the quality of steaks on a cruise ship is comparable to big-name steak chains. This should come as a relief to excited cruisers eager to enjoy a luxury meal to go with their incredible seaborne view.

7. Do Eat: Dessert

The reputation of cruise ships for providing decadent dessert selections is well-known. Many of these high-sugar extravaganzas take the form of all-you-can-eat chocolate lovers' buffets, which allows diners to go with their guts, and sometimes with their gluttony. While there's no denying the lack of nutritional value in a chocolate buffet, these foods are an undeniably enjoyable part of the cruising experience. Better yet, they are often freshly made on the ship by confectionary specialists who aim to please.

If indulgence is the order of the day, then a sumptuous selection of cruise ship desserts is bound to top your agenda. You may even find some well-known brands on your vessel to provide a familiar trove of treats. Travel Pulse notes that select luxury liners have begun including dessert favorites like Godiva chocolate and Ben and Jerry's ice cream among the  cruise ship dessert offerings . Since shipboard desserts can sometimes look better than they taste, it may be beneficial to have brands like these you can trust when letting your sweet tooth take the lead.

8. Don't Eat: Sushi

If you wouldn't eat sushi from a gas station or an airport vending machine, then you probably shouldn't eat it on a cruise ship either. Raw food like sushi and sashimi that are presumably kept in controlled environments are the least trustworthy options on a cruise ship. Sushi pros will understand the need to keep raw fish at specific temperatures to ensure safety and preserve flavor. And if you're planning on eating sushi for the first time on your big adventure on the open seas, think twice. The resulting mess from bad cruise ship sushi will not only ruin your evening, but also ruin your entire trip.

Much of the risk comes from how sushi is stored in the ship's kitchen. Healthline states that storing sushi at room temperature for up to two hours is considered safe. But since you likely don't have a clear view of the kitchen, it may be difficult to trust that all measures have been taken to ensure food safety. Considering the incredible range of options on board, steering clear of the sushi in favor of more refreshing options is a safe rule to follow.

9. Don't Eat: Scrambled eggs

Cruise ship scrambled eggs will probably not top your best homemade  scrambled eggs recipe ; additionally, they may also be one of the least appetizing food items you eat during your vacation. Scrambled eggs are particularly fickle due to the preparation and the serving standpoints. Wet scrambled eggs stored in a warming tray can be a breeding ground for bacteria, while dry scrambled eggs that are kept under a heat lamp can become dry and leathery. Neither of these possibilities sounds the least bit delicious. Scrambled eggs can also come in the form of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and egg cups, all of which come with the same possibility of culinary disappointment.

According to the CDC, eggs should be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in order to be considered safe to eat. It can be difficult to tell if a cruise ship kitchen has undercooked scrambled eggs or if any liquid in the pan or on the plate may be a result of the preparation method. Either way, there's no reason to risk your entire cruise over a food item that you can easily replace with something less dicey.

10. Don't Eat: Ice cream cones

Ice cream dispensers can be very popular places on a cruise ship, which is precisely why they should be avoided at all costs. Self-serve ice cream  can quickly lead to cross-contamination as everybody is required to touch both the dispenser handle and the cones. This touchy-feely scenario is the perfect set-up for the next unlucky guest to pick up germs from any of a number of previous users. And because ice cream cones require hand-held eating, diners will undoubtedly touch both the cone and their mouths as they enjoy their sweet treat.

Ice cream holds a sweet spot in the history of American treats, and it's a safe bet that cruisers will gravitate toward a self-serve station at some point during the journey. Even with hand sanitizer positioned nearby, there is no guarantee that all cruisers will follow proper hygiene. Additionally, grabbing your own cone sometimes results in accidentally touching the other cones. While it may be tempting to join the crowd and indulge, turn the ship around and head for safer harbor with a less contact-oriented dessert instead.

11. Don't Eat: Pizza

Pizza is a go-to cruise ship treat for practically any meal, especially for guests with small children who may be picky eaters. And while pizza always tastes better at a restaurant , cruise ship dining rooms can be a major exception to this rule. Pizza at a buffet will likely spend more than its fair share of time under a high-wattage heat lamp to keep it warm for diners. This little trick also serves to dry out every part of the pie, from the crust to the cheese to the sauce. The result is a pizza experience that falls flat. Your memories of enjoying cruise-based dining should be much happier than that.

It may be easy to think that freshly made pizza will be waiting at the buffet instead. While it's possible that the pizza is fresh, it's also likely that it has been sitting in a heated tray which will toughen the crust. Depending on the layout of the buffet, pizza is also a dish that many guests are likely to grab with their hands. This sort of cross-contamination can transform even the most delicious pizza into a top-notch stomach-turner.

12. Don't Eat: Hamburgers

Hamburgers served on cruise ships may top  fast food hamburgers in terms of freshness and flavor, but they're still one of the least healthy options you can choose. Hamburgers can be quite heavy on the stomach and may add to the discomfort of anyone on a cruise ship who may have a sensitive stomach due to ocean motion. For people who may be seasick, indulging in heavy foods like hamburgers or cheeseburgers will add to their misery and may potentially result in hours spent in the sick bay or the cabin rather than enjoying the luxury vacation they paid for. 

Lighter fare is a more favorable option, no matter how great the burger station may smell when you walk past. Hamburgers also pose a bacterial risk as they're a breeding ground if undercooked. Though some gourmet dishes on ship menus may feature  raw beef, avoiding foodborne illnesses as serious as E. coli and salmonella means keeping your distance from hamburgers in any form.

13. Don't Eat: Condiments

Anyone with a refrigerator knows that ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are all "refrigerate after opening" foods that shouldn't find permanent residence on a countertop. Refrigerating  condiments is key for keeping them fresh and edible. Condiments on cruise ships are often left on tables or at serving stations for longer than ideal, creating a perfect storm of moisture and warmth needed for bacteria growth. If this bacterial growth reaches high levels, it can cause food poisoning that's sure to cast a rain cloud over your cruise excitement.

Many times, cruise ship condiments are not found in bottles but are available in smaller serving dishes that are shared by tables of diners. This adds an extra twist of cross-contamination by being exposed to airborne germs. Tables filled with excited cruisers sharing stories about their adventures will undoubtedly be adding their own contributions to the condiment Petri dishes. Consider leaving the spreads and sauces off your food altogether. If you absolutely must have ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise, ask your waiter or the buffet attendants if fast food-style foil packets are available instead.

• Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Ship Dining

With cruising on the rise in popularity, it’s becoming more and more likely that you will take a cruise in your lifetime (if you haven’t already). One of the best parts of it is the food. From 24/7 soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt stands to buffets full to bursting with delicious comfort food, cruise ships have quite a reputation for offering  amazing cruise food. But keep in mind that even when it comes to food, all cruise ships are very different from each other. 

More and more cruise lines are also pairing with celebrity chefs like Guy Fieri and  Jamie Oliver , as well as culinary savants like Jacques Pepin and Nobu Matsuhisa to create world class specialty restaurants. These days it’s not uncommon to find cruise ships boasting Michelin-starred onboard eateries - though sampling these savory servings can cost a premium. While specialty restaurants are certainly worth the occasional splurge, there are also plenty of ways to channel your inner epicure without paying extra. But keep in mind that even when it comes to food, all cruise ships are very different from each other. Take a look at our guide to the  cruise ships with the best food . 

Here are a couple things you can expect from your cruise food experience. We’ll also share some tips for how to make the most of the main dining room - your mainstay for meals while at sea.

What to Expect From Your Cruise Ship Dining Experience

How to make the most of the main dining room.

While it’s important to recognize that dining packages and policies vary from cruise line to cruise line (and occasionally between cruise ships in the same cruise line), there are some things you can always expect. If you have specific questions beyond what’s covered here, we recommend you check with your cruise ship before sailing.

Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when dining on a cruise ship.

Is food included in a cruise?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is included on all cruise ships, at least on sea days. When in port, or on embarkation or debarkation day, many cruise ships offer limited meal options, so check your ship’s individual policy for those days. Debarkation day usually includes breakfast.

However, it’s important to note that only meals in the main dining room or the buffet are always included. On many cruise lines, you can also eat free in casual dining spots (like poolside eateries or cafes), though cruise restaurants almost always cost extra. Sometimes this upcharge comes as a flat cover charge; other times, you’ll pay a la carte just like at a typical restaurant. Prices are always marked, so check before you order. For more information on the total cruise price you can check out our article about all  the costs that are included in your cruise fare . 

Where can you eat on a cruise?

Dining options on cruise ships are numerous. Even small ships will usually offer more than one specialty restaurant. Large cruise ships, particularly the megaships like Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, will boast tons of eateries, from upscale restaurants to cafes, bakeries, hot dog stands, and pizzerias. 

Unless you purchase a dedicated dining package or are sailing on an all-inclusive cruise line, chances are you’ll spend most meals in the buffet (close to the pool) or the main dining room. If you want to eat healthy on a cruise, you can normally always choose from a variety of salads and other healthy dished from the buffet. The main dining room is a large sit-down style banquet room, where you’ll likely be seated at a table with other passengers. Some cruise ships assign this table; on others, you can choose where you’d like to sit. Normally the same server will serve you each meal here, which can be a huge benefit for cruisers with dietary restrictions. 

You can also eat at specialty restaurants. These restaurants typically serve cuisine from a specific chef or culture (like Japanese sushi bars, authentic Italian trattorias, or Brazilian steakhouses). These restaurants are rarely included in your fare, and it’s best to make a reservation for them in advance. They’re typically more intimate and offer high-quality fare. Some specialty restaurants are only available to guests staying in certain cabin classes, like suites or spa rooms. 

Another option on many cruises is to eat in your room by ordering room service. This is usually included in your fare, so feel free to satisfy late-night cravings or indulge in breakfast in bed after dancing the night away in the cruise ship disco or nightclub.

Start our FREE cruise price alerts to never miss a deal again.

When can you eat on a cruise? Are there set meal times?

Cruise ships are good at making food available 24/7, so if you’re hungry, there’s usually no one to blame but yourself. The main dining room usually has set meal times, but sections of the buffet will always be open, and you’ll usually be able to find a diner, cafe, or pizza shop that’s open at all hours. Room service is also an option for grazers or snackers.

Can I bring my own food on a cruise?

For many cruisers, the idea of bringing food to the smorgasbord that is a cruise ship seems silly. However, for parents of picky eaters, health-conscious cruisers, or cruisers with food allergies or other dietary restrictions, this is a very important question. In fact, you can bring your own food on board, provided it isn’t raw meat (sorry Halal or kosher eaters) and doesn’t need to be stored in a fridge. While many suites come equipped with mini fridges, they aren’t an industry standard, so it’s best to check with your cruise ship in advance about what’s allowed and what isn’t. 

Some things that are allowed: baby formula, granola bars, coffee and tea (as long as you don’t take it off the ship), pre-packaged snacks, pre-packaged kosher meals.

The main dining room on your cruise ship is where you’ll likely eat most of your meals. So it’s important to make sure you know how to get the most out of your dining experience - especially if you love to enjoy food, try new things, and savor flavors. You don’t always have to spend money in specialty restaurants (though they are worth an occasional splurge) to sample a spate of culinary conquests. In fact, if you follow these tips, you may find the main dining room is your favorite spot on the ship.

Give advance notice of dietary restrictions

It’s best if you let your travel agent or cruise ship know of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book your cruise. Most cruise ships require advance notice of up to 90 days before departure of special diet needs in order to plan and prepare accordingly. The good news is that cruising is one of the best ways to travel with a food allergy or special diet. Once you inform the cruise ship of your needs, they’ll do everything they can to keep you safe, satisfied, and happy.

It’s also a good rule of thumb to get in touch with guest services, the head waiter, or the head chef on embarkation day in person to remind them of your needs. If you’re cruising with a special diet, check out our comprehensive guide to cruising with dietary restrictions and food allergies here.

Make friends with your waiter

Your waiter is more than just someone ferrying plates to and from the kitchen. They’re trained to anticipate your needs, remember special requests, and keep favorites handy. If you have a hankering for a specific dish, or if you want to celebrate a special occasion with a unique treat, let your waiter know. The more advance notice you can give for special requests, the better, but even last-minute cravings can usually be accommodated. 

Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can (and should) ask your waiter for recommendations. Remember, they spend a lot more time on the ship than you do, and they’ve probably seen it all. They also eat on the ship and may have a better insight on what exactly to ask for to make a certain dish stand out. They’ll also be your main point of contact if something isn’t quite right, or if you want to try a bunch of different courses. 

In fact, many cruisers advise you tip your waiter in advance. It’s an investment into building a rapport with them, and also shows that you appreciate their insight, service, and courtesy. It isn’t required, but it’s a nice gesture that your waiter will definitely appreciate and remember. Anyone would be happy to go above and beyond for a favorite guest, and tipping on a cruise is just another way to say please and thank you when it comes to cruise dining.

Don't be afraid to try new things

This tip definitely ties in with the previous point in that you should let your waiter take the lead on at least one meal. Maybe when you’re shelling out your hard-earned cash on land you’re less likely to make bold choices with your food habits. But this is vacation! Plus, the food in the main dining room is always included in your fare, so feel free to sample. You may just find a new favorite where you least expect it. Maybe you will find the foodie cruise that suits your needs in our ranking of the  best foodie cruises for every budget.

We also recommend letting loose a bit with the cheesier side of cruise dining. Dress up for formal nights, wave your napkin at the arrival of dessert - just don’t take yourself too seriously to have a good time. Think of it as an exercise in self-improvement if you must, but try to enjoy the playful, cheesy, and downright corny aspects of the cruise as much as you enjoy the refined, exciting, or cultured. You’d be surprised at how much more fun you’ll have if you participate ;-).

Sign up and we'll send the best cruise deals to your inbox.

Make requests and use the concierge

Want to celebrate a birthday with cake and candles? Dreaming of surprising your spouse with a special sweet treat? Maybe you loved a certain dish and can’t wait until your next cruise to try it again? Make a request! From the head chef to the concierge to the waitstaff, everyone on your cruise ship is happy to make your wishes come true. If you loved a truffle ravioli dinner, order it again for another night. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, let your waiter or concierge know and they’ll be sure to add a special touch or make your favorite dessert. 

For those of us who are more Type A cruisers, visit the concierge early to get a sneak peek at the main dining room menu for the duration of the cruise. Each meal is planned well in advance (which is why you should give advance notice of special dietary needs), so you can make your own arrangements. Maybe you’re curious to try the specialty sushi restaurant, but don’t want to miss out on homegrown favorites. Or perhaps the main dining room is serving something you’d rather skip in favor of a cozy room-service picnic in your cabin.

The main thing to remember is you have plenty of options to make your cruise exactly what you want it to be. Can’t wait to plan your perfect foodie cruise now? have a look at our guide on  How to Plan a Foodie Cruise . 

Check out these articles for more information on cruise dining:

• Cruise Ships With the Best Food

How to Plan a Foodie Cruise From Start to Finish

• Best Cruise Destinations for Foodies

Sign up for the best deals!

Sign up and we'll send you the best deals to your inbox - 100% FREE.

Related pages

• Cruise Food
• How to Plan Your Perfect Foodie Cruise
• 13 Best Foodie Cruises

Latest price updates

Why is Cruise Ship Food So Bad? know what causes!

• Post last modified: January 28, 2024
• Reading time: 6 mins read

Cruise ships have limited storage space, so some food is pre-prepared. Some say that cruise ship scrambled eggs are lower quality than other settings because they are made from powdered eggs.

Quick Navigation

Limited Storage Space

Mass production challenges, cost-cutting measures, logistical challenges, guest preferences and expectations, why is cruise ship food so bad, what are the common issues with cruise ship food, how does the quality of cruise ship food affect the overall experience, are there any dietary restrictions on cruise ships, how and why is cruise ship food so bad.

Credit: matadornetwork.com

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you might have noticed that the food served on board is often not up to par. It’s a common complaint among passengers, leaving many wondering why this is the case. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why cruise ship food can be disappointing.

One of the main reasons for the subpar quality of cruise ship food is the limited storage space onboard. Cruise ships need to stock up on food and supplies in advance to cater to the needs of thousands of passengers. However, this requires them to store large quantities of ingredients, often for extended periods of time.

The limited storage facilities lead to a reliance on frozen and canned goods, resulting in a loss of freshness and quality. While cruise lines try to maintain the taste and appearance of dishes, pre-packaged and frozen items simply cannot compete with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Preparing meals for thousands of passengers every day is no easy feat. Cruise ship kitchens face significant challenges when it comes to mass production. The rush to serve the sheer number of passengers can compromise the overall quality of the food.

Cruise lines often opt for buffet-style dining to accommodate large crowds. While buffets offer variety, they also sacrifice the individual attention and quality of a freshly plated meal. With limited cooking space and time constraints, chefs have to resort to shortcuts that can affect the taste and presentation of the dishes.

Another factor that contributes to the lackluster food onboard cruise ships is cost-cutting. Cruise lines operate on tight budgets and have to find ways to minimize expenses. Unfortunately, food quality can suffer as a result.

In an effort to cut costs, cruise lines may opt for cheaper ingredients or lower-quality products. They may also resort to using processed or pre-packaged foods to save time and money. While this may be a necessary measure to maintain affordable ticket prices, it can certainly impact the dining experience.

Operating a kitchen at sea presents unique logistical challenges. Cruise ships have limited space for storage, cooking, and waste disposal. Sourcing fresh ingredients regularly can be difficult due to the remote locations they visit and the limited availability of certain items.

Additionally, cruise ships have to comply with strict health and safety regulations, which can further limit their ability to offer a wide variety of fresh and delicious meals.

These regulations ensure that proper food handling and sanitation practices are followed to prevent foodborne illnesses, but they can also hinder the chefs’ creativity and flexibility in the kitchen.

Taste is subjective, and what one person may find unappealing, another may enjoy. Cruise lines aim to cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences, but it’s challenging to please everyone.

Passengers come from various backgrounds and cultures, with unique culinary expectations. Cruise ships have to strike a balance between offering familiar dishes and introducing new flavors. This delicate balancing act can sometimes result in a compromise on the overall quality of the food served.

Credit: thisshtsdelicious.wordpress.com

Cruise ship food can be unsatisfying due to mass production, limited ingredients, and the challenge of catering to diverse tastes.

Common issues with cruise ship food include repetitive menus, lack of freshness, long buffet lines, and limited healthy options.

The quality of cruise ship food can greatly impact the overall experience, as it is a significant part of the trip, affecting enjoyment and satisfaction.

Cruise ships usually accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or lactose-intolerant, but it’s crucial to inform them beforehand.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why cruise ship food may not always meet passengers’ expectations. From limited storage space and mass production challenges to cost-cutting measures and logistical difficulties, cruise lines navigate numerous obstacles to provide meals for their guests.

While cruise ship food may not always be exceptional, it’s important to remember that the overall cruising experience involves much more than just the food.

From the stunning ocean views to the various onboard activities and entertainment options, there’s still plenty to enjoy while sailing the high seas.

Corvin Grag

You might also like, how to get free drinks on carnival cruise known cruisin hacks, what drinks are included on a cruise, how do cruise ships keep food fresh, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Is the Food Quality aboard Cruise Ships Changing?

When you read the cruise and travel blogs, it seems that a lot of folks believe that the quality of the food aboard cruise ships has declined over the past few years. Many people complain about the overall quality, but when you really drill down to the specifics, it’s not clear what they mean.

During this cruise we’ve had a lot of time to give this some thought and have made a couple of observations. And of course, we’ve formed a couple of opinions about the quality of the food that we would like to share here.

First, we should make some qualifying statements so you can better understand why we have the opinions we have about cruise ship food. Not long ago, we entered into a weight loss program. More of an overall fitness and wellness program really, but part of the philosophy in our weight loss program was that, since we were going to significantly restrict the quantity of our food intake, we would concentrate on overall food quality to help make up for the lack of volume. It’s been working for us, but we’ve made some changes to our diets as a result and certain kinds of foods are not part of our normal routine anymore.

Second, we recently moved from an out of the way small town in northern New Mexico where we had to drive literally for hours to do our major grocery shopping or to find a descent restaurant. We settled in central Florida, about 8 miles from Walt Disney World. In terms of food, we’ve become quite accustomed to buying extremely fresh foods at any of several grocery stores, and we’ve become used to eating at world class restaurants as a normal part of our lives.

Weather permitting, there’s usually an outdoor barbecue for the noon meal.

We’re not food snobs and don’t really even know all that much about food, but we’ve grown accustomed to a certain quality. As a result, it takes a bit to impress us these days.

So that brings us back to the idea of whether the food quality has declined aboard cruise ships in the past few years. One thing we can say for sure is that the actual quantity of food has not declined. If anything, it’s become easier to stay overfilled with pretty much anything you could want, pretty much all the time.

In terms of actual quality though, we think the food has certainly changed over the years, but not necessarily declined. Cruise lines, like all other entertainment businesses, have to provide what consumers want. Otherwise the consumers will take their business somewhere else. Over the years, the cruise lines have made attempts to appeal to a younger generation of travelers and have made changes in order to attract those clients. Some of those changes have been in the kinds of food that’s offered. Sure, you’ll still find “lobster” night and “prime rib” specials in the normal dining rooms, but the vast majority of offerings seems to have shifted to appeal to a more general audience.

Coffee, Tea, or juices are available at any time.

Not all food has shifted in this manner. Most cruise lines now offer specialty restaurants in addition to the normal venues. These are the places that provide reasonably high end cuisine. On the Norwegian Star for example, there is an Italian, French, Brazilian restaurant for starters, There’s also a high end steak house offering traditional American steaks. All of these restaurants offer a more formal experience than the regular dining facilities, and offer a little higher quality food. We’ve heard people comment that the food in these specialty restaurants all comes from the same kitchen, implying that it’s the same food. It might be true that it comes from the same kitchen, but our first hand experience has been in every case that it’s certainly not the same food. Not even close.

The specialty restaurants usually cost an additional fee. The prices aboard the Norwegian Star range from $15.00 (US) to $30.00 (US) per person per meal. Those prices are consistent with what we’ve found throughout the industry, and that seems in line given the increase in quality.

Keep in mind that prices for cruises over the years have become really competitive. If we were to compare the average price of a cruise with the average price a decade or more ago, and adjust those numbers for inflation, we would probably conclude that the average price for a cruise has actually gone down. As a result, the industry has had to make sure that they aren’t wasting money providing foods the average consumer doesn’t really want.

They have started offering more common foods in greater abundance. When we first started cruising, finding a hot dog aboard a cruise ship was almost a novelty, reserved for children. Now, it’s common to find all fashion of normal foods, from hot dogs, to ham burgers, pizza, corned beef hash, you name it. The truth is, lots of folks like to eat that kind of food, and it’s not as expensive to prepare. It shows up in the buffet line and even in the more formal dining rooms; not because the quality has declined in general, but more because that’s what people want. The high end food is still available, but it’s more common to find it in the specialty restaurants.

One thing we’ve noticed over the years that has not changed but still warrants comment, and that’s the fact that to us, the food is a little out of sync with our expectations. What we mean is that the food is just a little off in terms of taste. The apple pie isn’t really apple pie by our standards. The apples aren’t cut quite right, and the spices aren’t quite sweet enough. The apples themselves aren’t as tart as they should be for a proper pie. Deserts in general, while they look quite inviting, are never as sweet as they should be. We’ve had the occasion to make several cruises during Thanksgiving, on several different cruise lines, and none of the Thanksgiving meals seemed like they were really Thanksgiving meals.

The reason for this, we think, is that none of the chefs aboard cruise lines are American. They prepare food the way they think they should, but they don’t prepare them the way the average American wants it. We’re not saying the food is bad, and in fact it’s usually brilliantly prepared. It’s just that it’s not quite what an American expects. Most of the issues involve deserts. Americans seem to use a lot more sugar. At least, the deserts aboard every cruise ship we’ve ever been on have been wanting for an appropriate amount of sugar.

On Nowegian Cruise Line Ships, you can have desert items from Carlo’s Bake Shop, Hoboken, New Jersey.

We tried an experiment a few nights ago to test this theory. On-board the Norwegian Star and many other Norwegian ships, baked goods from Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey are offered for sale. You might be familiar with Carlo’s from the hit TV series Cake Boss. If anyone has a handle on what the average American wants in terms of really good desert food, we think Carlo’s Bake Shop would. It seemed like a good opportunity for a taste comparison. If this one test is any indication, our theory is correct. We tried a red velvet cupcake with a chocolate topping and it was everything we would have expected a cake of this kind to be. The flavors were exactly as we expected. Of course, we think we should try again, just to be sure. Maybe a cannolli this time.

So, the question of whether the food aboard cruise ships has declined over the years, it seems to be our opinion that the answer really depends on who you ask. While the quality of the food may have not declined by some people’s view, it seems clear that, for better or worse, it certainly has changed.

Cruise Ship Food Reviewed: Which Cruise Line Is Best?

by Contractor | Nov 21, 2020 | resources , Travel Tips | 0 comments

Experienced cruisers know that the food onboard a ship can make or break the cruise. But with most cruises claiming to have the best food, how are you supposed to know which ones actually deliver on their promise?

Below, we’ve vetted each cruise line’s food based on many factors, including customer reviews. And as you know, customers usually don’t hold back when reviewing a meal! This list should help you narrow down your options and choose the cruise with the best food for both your palate and budget.

The Cruise Lines with the Best Cuisine

The cruise lines on this list not only have the best cuisine, but their service and atmosphere are top-notch as well. Combined, you have every element you need to make your dining experience onboard an unforgettable part of your trip.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the highest-ranked cruise lines overall, providing excellent customer service and giving passengers a ton of value for their money.

It makes sense, then, that the restaurants aboard their ships are plentiful and staffed with super-friendly servers. The cruise line boasts a whopping 42 different dining options , over half of which are included in the passage cost.

Each ship houses between 20 and 30 of these food establishments, with a range of included and additional options. Whether you’re looking for a casual place to grab a quick bite or a more formal sit-down affair, Carnival has got you covered.

Regular vacationers know that one of the largest expenses on any trip can be the food, but on Carnival ships, you’ve got many included options to choose from; the following is just a small sampling:

• Shaq’s Big Chicken: fried chicken, sides, breakfast
• Lucky Bowl: casual healthy Asian fusion
• Guy’s Burger Joint: burgers and fries
• Dining Room : 3-course meals in a formal(ish) environment
• Swirls: soft-serve ice cream
• Blue Iguana Cantina: bold Mexican fare

If, by some strange chance, you can’t find what you’re craving among the included options, there are plenty of restaurants available at an additional (but still reasonable) cost:

• Emeril’s Bistro 1396: flavorful Creole cuisine
• Rudi’s Seagrill: beautifully presented seafood dishes
• Cucina del Capitano: family-friendly Italian
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor: smokehouse and brewhouse
• Bonsai Sushi: sushi and other Japanese fare

Carnival is known for going out of their way to please customers, and their restaurants are more than happy to accommodate any dietary restriction, though sometimes it helps to let them know ahead of time.

Want an unforgettable experience for your kids? Check out the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, an interactive Dr. Seuss-themed dining experience with colorful, sugar-laden dishes.

Celebrity Cruises

If you’re looking to get away from the tacky decor of some cruise ships, then Celebrity Cruises are for you. Their ships are outfitted with a sleek, modern atmosphere that makes you feel like a thousand bucks when coupled with their outstanding service.

Naturally, their restaurants are first-rate as well, with a mix of classic and contemporary dishes served in classy settings.

Celebrity doesn’t stand up to Carnival as far as the number of options goes, with only two dozen restaurants in total, and up to a dozen per ship. But each one features menus crafted by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher, so you’re definitely not going to go hungry.

Complimentary restaurants include:

• Main Restaurant: globally-inspired cuisine served in an airy, sophisticated setting
• Cyprus Restaurant: chic venue serving seafood and Mediterranean fare
• Normandie Restaurant: contemporary French dishes in an upscale environment
• Spa Cafe: healthy, light breakfast and lunch items
• Mast Grill: casual spot with burgers and more

Notable restaurants available at an additional cost:

Fine Cut Steakhouse: contemporary and traditional American fare

Le Grand Bistro: Parisian-style bistro

Rooftop Garden Grill Restaurant: Backyard BBQ with breathtaking views

Sushi on 5: authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine

The Porch Seafood Restaurant: fresh seafood in a rustic outdoor setting

Although we focused mainly on Celebrity’s official restaurants, they also have an impressive number of cafes, bars, and lounges where you can pick up comfort food, appetizers, and dessert.

Crystal Cruises

The award-winning Crystal Cruise Line has luxury cruising down to a T. Their outstanding service is matched only by their exquisite gourmet food, most of which is complimentary. In fact, only two restaurants on Crystal’s dining list incur additional fees, and even those offer each passenger one initial complimentary meal.

Known for providing a luxurious cruise experience with minimal passenger crowding, Crystal knows how to take care of their passengers.

Cruisers will enjoy complimentary meals at:

• The Classic Dining Room: a variety of options cooked in the French style
• Silk Road and Sushi Bar: sushi and Japanese fusion in a modern venue
• The Lido Cafe: casual buffet-style dining with made-to-order stations
• Trident Grill & Ice Cream Bar: burgers, wraps, and dessert items
• The Bistro: cafe drinks and fresh pastries

But what about their two specialty restaurants, you ask?

• Prego: seasonal Italian fare with an elegant old-world vibe
• Umi Uma and Sushi Bar: specialty sushi with Peruvian and European influences

In addition to regular dining options, Crystal Cruises feature a delightful afternoon tea, where you can try teas from all over the world.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Lines were started with families in mind, and they know how to create a magical experience you and your kids will remember for years to come.

That experience naturally extends to mealtimes, which feature outstanding cuisine served in restaurants ranging from classy, adults-only venues to restaurants that go all out to celebrate a Disney theme.

And best of all, almost all of the restaurants on Disney cruises are included with passage fares, so you and your family can try them all out. Just a few examples include:

• Duck-In Diner: Donald runs this quick-service spot, where you can grab dogs, burgers, and shawarma
• Tiana’s Palace: Southern cooking and live jazz inspired by The Princess and the Frog
• Enchanted Garden: seasonal menu and lunch buffet in an elegant faux outdoor setting complete with simulated sunrise and sunset
• Triton’s: upscale restaurant presided over Ariel’s dad, serving French and American cuisine
• Lumiere’s: Inspired by Beauty and the Beast , this refined spot offers American and French dishes

If you’re willing to pay a little extra to ditch the kids for the evening, there are also a couple of restaurants that cater to an adults-only crowd:

• Remy: Enjoy gourmet French-inspired dishes made with seasonal in a lavish setting
• Palo: A stylish venue offering Northern Italian cuisine

Disney does its part to make sure you get to try out different restaurants, featuring a rational dining schedule in which guests rotate between three dining rooms each evening. But don’t worry, your waitstaff rotates with you, so you won’t have to keep repeating dietary restrictions or preferences each night.

Holland America

Holland America caters to older adults who appreciate high-quality service and are willing to pay for it. As such, their dining options are exquisite and more refined than some of the cruises that primarily cater to families with children.

But that’s not to say that kids and teens are left out entirely: The cruise line has plenty to offer them as well; they just don’t beat you over the head with it.

Holland America offers flexible dining options or reserved seating, depending on your preference. The cruise line has just over a dozen restaurants and features a mix of included and specialty venues on each ship.

A few of the included dining options:

• The Dining Room: regionally inspired dishes, American fare, and vegetarian dishes
• Lido Market: wide range of options in a marketplace setting
• Dive-In: classic poolside spot serving up burgers and dogs
• New York Pizza: casual poolside pizzeria

There are also a wide range of specialty options for an additional charge:

• Pinnacle Grill: modern, refined steak and seafood grill
• Canaletto: rustic spot featuring authentic Italian dishes
• Tamarind: Asian fusion in a modern setting
• Rudi’s Sel de Mer: classy French brasserie with a contemporary twist
• Grand Dutch Cafe: traditional Dutch cafe located in an atrium

It’s worth noting that many specialty restaurants offer discounted rates for children so that the whole family can enjoy the treat. Speaking of treats, make sure to try the fantastic gelato at the ice cream parlor.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises cater to people from all over the world, so it makes sense that they offer a wide range of globally-inspired menus.

Known for providing an eclectic mix of entertainment aboard their ships, their dining experiences are equally diverse, offering options for every style and taste imaginable.

Which dining options are included with the price of the ticket? Well, here’s just a sample of what you might find:

• Main Restaurant: international dishes created by gourmet chefs
• Buffet Restaurant: extensive selections available morning, noon, and night

Looking for something a little more unique? Don’t worry, MSC is on it—there are a ton of amazing specialty restaurants in addition to the usual complimentary spots.

• Sports Bar: American food in a fun environment complete with games
• Tex-Mex and Steakhouse: steak and Mexican food served in a bright, cheerful atmosphere
• Galaxy Disco Restaurant: relive the 70s while enjoying the fusion dishes and tasting menu
• Eataly: fresh Italian cooking in a comfy homestyle setting
• Asian Fusion: Asian fusion in a trendy venue

Whether you’re off your diet during your holiday or are still trying to eat healthily, you’ll find something to suit your needs on MSC Cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for being laid back and casual, allowing cruisers to relax and have fun without worrying about dress codes and enforced schedules.

But one thing they do take seriously: providing amazing dining venues with finely crafted menus. Enjoy an elegant upscale meal or grab a casual bite at the buffet—Norwegian has something for everyone.

While they don’t have as many dining options as some other cruise lines, Norwegian makes up for the lack of quantity with quality. Fresh ingredients are expertly prepared and served by skilled waitstaff.

Complimentary dining options include:

• O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill: comfy spot offering pub food and drinks
• Main Dining Rooms: fine dining with a rotating menu
• Beyond Buffets: expansive buffet with everything from salads to meat, pasta to dessert
• Asian Fusion: Asian-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting
• Sabrett’s Hot Dogs: casual hot dog stand

If you’re looking for a more distinctive dining experience, try:

• American Diner: casual diner with a retro feel and classic car-booths
• Q Texas Smokehouse: authentic Texas BBQ complete with live country music
• Moderno Churrascaria: traditional Brazilian rotisserie in a trendy setting
• Le Bistro: formal, sophisticated French cuisine
• Food Republic: global fusion in a sleek, modern atmosphere

Although most of the restaurants are in keeping with the ship’s relaxed dress code, some of the fancier ones, like Le Bistro, are a little more formal, so keep that in mind.

Norwegian keeps the atmosphere onboard fun and relaxing, but you can bump up the enjoyment factor even more by stopping by one of their exclusive dessert shops for a treat.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises are perfect for cruisers looking for an upscale yet relaxed country club vibe during their holiday. If you want a premium experience at less than premium prices, Oceania is the cruise line for you.

Their mid-sized ships offer plenty to do, and more importantly, plenty to eat.

Their award-winning cuisine has won them the nickname “ the cruise line for foodies ” in some circles, which is not surprising. Given their venues’ relaxed elegance and gourmet menu options, there’s so much to love.

A few of the many included dining options:

• The Grand Dining Room: stately European-style dining area with a rotating menu
• Polo Grill: steak and seafood served in a warm, traditional atmosphere
• Toscana: traditional Italian cooking served on custom Versace china
• Jacques: eclectic Parisian bistro
• Red Ginger: bold, contemporary spot featuring updated Asian classics

There are only two specialty dining options to choose from, but both are exceptional:

• Privee: Private gourmet dining for up to ten guests in an exclusive setting
• La Reserve: pairing dinner for wine enthusiasts, by reservation only

If you find yourself with a free afternoon, the 4:00 tea time is delightful, with a string quartet playing in the background as skilled waitstaff serve pastries, finger sandwiches, and desserts.

Princess Cruises

One of the largest cruise lines in the world, Princess Cruises offers traditional-style cruises. What do we mean by traditional-style? Well, think more relaxing resort rather than a floating amusement park, and you’ve got the idea.

There is still plenty to do aboard Princess ships, but the focus is more on relaxation than on high-octane activities. For this reason, this cruise line is as popular with middle-aged couples as it is with families with kids.

Casual elegance and a warm, welcoming atmosphere permeate Princess ships, and their dining experiences take center stage.

Indulge in one of their fine dining options, included in the price of a ticket:

• Dining Rooms: upscale dining with a variety of options
• 24-Hour International Cafe: a casual spot for cafe fare
• Alfredo’s Pizzeria: gourmet pizzas in a warm, cozy atmosphere
• Vines: wine bar with sushi and tapas in the atrium
• Burger & Hot Dog Grill: casual place to grab burgers and daily specials

Specialty restaurants that are worth paying a little extra for:

• Share: Michelin star chef, Curtis Stone, offers a varied menu with fresh ingredients
• The Salty Dog: gastropub featuring gourmet takes on pub food
• Sabatini’s: award-winning Italian food with a modern twist
• Harmony: flavorful Cantonese cuisine expertly prepared by Chef Richard Chen
• Bayou Cafe: New Orleans-style dishes in a contemporary setting

If you’re looking to make your evening extra special, Princess Cruise’s chocolate and wine tasting is a perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Royal Caribbean

One of the most well-known cruise lines in the world, Royal Caribbean has been around since 1969. They offer a wide range of activities, from rock climbing walls to Broadway shows.

If you’re looking for a cruise line that will keep your day jam-packed with fun activities, this is the cruise line for you. And if you’re looking for a cruise line with amazing food served by friendly waitstaff—this cruise line is also for you.

Families, couples, and groups of friends will love the excellent dining options that range from casual to formal and everywhere in between.

What’s included with the passage fare, you ask?

• Cafe Promenade: casual cafe serving diner food 24 hours a day
• Park Cafe: gourmet deli food in a trendy setting
• Coastal Kitchen: smart casual spot featuring farm-fresh coastal fare
• El Loco Fresh: Mexican food made with fresh ingredients
• Dog House: casual hot dog joint offering traditional and updated dogs

There is plenty to choose from as far as included fare goes, but for those interested in seeking out even more options, these specialty restaurants are worth checking out:

• Chef’s Table: exclusive formal five-course meal for the ultimate foodies
• Samba Grill: contemporary venue serving cuisine from Brazil
• Portside BBQ: homestyle BBQ in a casual setting
• Sabor: contemporary Mexican fare in a trendy spot
• Teppanyaki: Asian dishes prepared at your table

There are two things you can be sure about if you take a Royal Caribbean cruise: you won’t be bored, and you won’t go hungry!

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises are, well, luxurious, as you could have probably guessed. They started out offering luxury river cruises but have since expanded into the ocean cruise market as well. For cruisers looking for a boutique hotel’s feel with the passing scenery and opportunities for exploring that only a cruise can offer, Scenic Luxury Cruises is the company to check out.

Providing one of the most glamorous cruise experiences available, it makes sense that the state-of-the-art vessels feature mouth-watering gourmet cuisine. Let’s take a look at just a few of their onboard dining facilities :

• Crystal Dining: varied menu prepared by award-winning chefs
• Portobellos: upscale Italian restaurant in an intimate setting
• River Cafe: casual dining spot with lighter fare and healthy options
• Table La Rive: exclusive dining experience for Diamond Members

Usually, this is the section where we’d list the available restaurants at an additional charge, but since everything in Scenic Luxury Cruises is included, that means that you already have access to all the fantastic dining experiences their ships have to offer.

This cruise line offers “dine anytime, anywhere” options and is one of the most flexible cruise lines when it comes to meals. Their chef will even prepare a picnic basket for you if you’d like to enjoy a bite next time you visit the shore—what other cruise lines do that?

Seabourn Cruise Line

The pioneer of ultra-luxury cruises on small ships, Seabourn Cruise Line takes vacationers all over the world. The all-inclusive cruises give the feel of a floating resort, where relaxation is the name of the game.

Stop by the spa for a tension relieving massage, then head over to one of their phenomenal restaurants for a taste of cruising that would make even the most snobbish food critic green with envy. Just some of the selections available are:

• The Restaurant: classic elegance with a varied menu
• The Grill by Thomas Keller: retro American food with a modern twist
• The Colonnade: indoor-outdoor restaurant with a casual feel and themed nights
• The Patio: casual poolside lunch and dinner under the open sky
• Sushi: authentic sushi rolls prepared by hand

The helpful staff on Seabourn cruises are more than happy to serve your dinner in your room if you wish—even full multi-course meals.

As you might have guessed, all restaurants on Seabourn cruises are complimentary. Relax in your room or on your veranda with a gourmet meal, or explore what the stylish dining rooms have to offer— with Seabourn, it’s entirely up to you.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is another cruise line that started by offering river cruises, then expanded out into the open water with ocean cruises.

Travel + Leisure named the cruise line #1 in luxury cruises , so clearly, they’re doing something right. One of the things they’re excelling at? That’s right, you guessed it: the cuisine.

The small ships do not cater to families with children, so they’re perfect for couples looking to get away and relax with some peace and quiet while on the way from one incredible destination to the next.

Of course, one of the best ways to pass the time is by indulging in some fantastic cuisine, and fortunately, Viking Cruises has taken care of everything. Take a look at a few of their offerings :

• The Restaurant: sophisticated dining featuring regional cuisine
• Manfredi’s: Italian trattoria with a private dining room
• World Cafe: global fare presented in a lively atmosphere
• Mamsen’s Norwegian Deli: Norwegian specialties in a tasteful space
• Aquavit Bar: Viking inspired indoor-outdoor space serving specialty drinks

As with most ultra-luxury cruises, Viking gives guests complimentary dining at all their venues and never charges for meals. Their top-notch cuisine and refined dining areas are sure to be a memorable part of your vacation.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offer boutique cruises on small ships and are known for their exemplary hospitality and unique destinations.

The small ships don’t offer nearly as many dining options as cruise lines with larger ships, but the quality is so impressive that you won’t miss the variety one bit. The refined decor and accommodating servers make every dining experience feel like a treat unto itself, not to mention the inventive cuisine.

Dining options include:

• Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso: tapas restaurant with a romantic, intimate feel
• Star Grill by Steven Raichlen: a casual outdoor spot for BBQ and grilled goodies
• AmphorA: stunning dining room offering regional delicacies, desserts, and wine
• Veranda: bright and spacious venue serving breakfast and lunch
• Candles Grill: outdoor dining with an unbeatable view and broad menu

Notably, the staff is very accommodating and go out of their way to assist those with special dietary restrictions. With Windstar, you never have to worry about one member of your party having their vacation dampened by limited food options or wait staff that is unknowledgeable or unhelpful.

All dining is included with passage, and there are no scheduled dining times to adhere to. Take advantage of the fantastic food and matchless ambiance of the dining venues onboard and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: your ultimate guide to the best cruise ship food available. While there are plenty of other things to consider when deciding which cruise line to book with, your dining experience is definitely one of the more important ones. If you’re not fed well, it’s going to be hard to enjoy other aspects of the cruise, especially for “foodie” vacationers.

Related Posts:

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

I've worked on cruise ships for years. I always see passengers make these 13 mistakes.

I've worked on cruise ships for over six years, so I've seen many passengers make mistakes.

Missing the ship at port or booking excursions with outside operators could be costly and risky.

If you don't set your phone to airplane mode, you may rack up overseas roaming charges.

After over six years working on ships for a major cruise line , I've witnessed tons of travel blunders that prevent guests from having the best possible experience.

Here are 13 common mistakes I see travelers make:

Not reading the fine print can lead to conduct issues later

Passengers usually come on the ship excited for a good time, and for many, this involves a drinks package . And with lots of drinks can come rowdiness.

I've come across a few troublemakers who had no idea that smashing Champagne glasses in the hot tub could get you booted off the ship.

Every passenger consents to a hefty conduct policy when they book the cruise, so make sure to read through it to know what's prohibited on board.

Make sure to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid expensive roaming charges

Cellular rates at sea can sneak up on you, and you can easily rack up a $500 roaming bill.

Even if you're not actively on your phone, most are still using data, so make sure to put yours on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.

Really, just turn your phone off unless you're using it to take photos or access the ship's WiFi.

Many passengers don't take advantage of the different dining options on board

There are more complimentary dining areas than just the buffet. Solarisys/Shuttershock

I often see passengers eat all three meals at the buffet every day. I know some people just really love the self-serve option, but it surprises me how many guests have no idea what's included with their trip.

Many times, the biggest shock to most first-time cruisers is that the dining room is included on most ships. Yes, this means a sit-down meal where you can order seven appetizers, five entrées, and 12 extra cookies for a midnight snack.

There are also so many spots with free food around most ships, like a pizza station, 24-hour ice-cream machine, and small cafés. Just be aware that specialty dining, like the steak house , might cost extra.

Leaving your room key behind is more of a hassle than you'd expect

It is not just a room key — it's your onboard credit card, ticket on and off the ship, and identification for the week.

Everything is connected to that card, so make sure to set up your information online ahead of time so you can start swiping the moment you get on board.

Security will scan it when you pass through the gangway to know who is on or off the ship, so it's especially important to have it on port days.

If you lose it, report it to the service desk immediately to ensure that no one else spends your money.

Many guests don't know they can bring their own wine on the ship

While many people think no outside alcohol is permitted on the ship, many major cruise lines allow passengers over the age of 21 to bring a bottle or two of wine on boarding day, so you can stop smuggling drinks in empty mouthwash bottles.

Some terminals will even sell wine to boarding travelers. If you buy alcohol in a port, you'll usually have to check it upon reentering the ship, and it'll be delivered to your room on the last night.

Missing the all-aboard time on port days is an expensive mistake

In my years of working cruises, I have seen more than a handful of guests miss the ship.

Although this is a huge fear for most passengers, it usually happens to avid cruisers — people who have been to the port many times before sometimes assume the all-aboard time is always the same.

But this time varies by cruise, and it's stated on multiple signs at the exit gangway, in the daily planner, and in the captain's announcement.

Also, always triple-check whether the all-aboard time is based on the ship's clock or the local time.

If you miss the ship, you'll often have to get yourself to the next port, which can be very pricey.

Passengers miss out on discounts by not booking their next cruise while still on the ship

Booking a future vacation while on a ship can get you bigger discounts on cruises , access to new itineraries not open to the general public yet, and a lot of onboard credit.

These booking appointments are usually filled up by the last few days of the cruise, so head there at the beginning of your stay for more deals and no wait.

Booking a tour with an outside operator can be risky

Ships usually won't wait for outside tours to return. Erica DePascale

Although it might be a lot cheaper to book your tours independently, it's also a lot riskier.

Excursions booked through the ship are with verified operators. Most cruise lines will wait for the ship's tour to return before leaving the port, even if it's hours late.

But this is not the case if you book on your own, and running through the port to find the ship sailing away is probably not the excursion you're looking for.

Immediately removing the automatic gratuity affects many staff members

On most cruise ships, there is a preset daily gratuity charged per passenger unless it's removed at the guest-services desk.

I see so many people come on board and immediately remove the charge, but this fee is usually split between your housekeeping, dining, and cleaning staff. It is essential to their jobs and affects their livelihoods.

I'd recommend waiting until the end of the cruise to make sure you're happy with the service instead of removing it on day one. You can also increase or decrease the amount instead of cutting it.

Packing prohibited items can lead to a headache

As confident as you are that you can sneak on your portable iron, I seriously advise against packing anything that's not allowed on board.

Security scans your bags on embarkation day, and if a prohibited item — like an iron, a bottle of vodka, or a candle — is found, they will hold your bag.

Your luggage won't be delivered to your door, and you may have to wait several hours until security contacts you, brings you to the holding area to search the bag, and confiscates the item until the end of the cruise.

Prepare your necessary travel documents to avoid trouble at ports

It's your responsibility to know which documents you need. Erica DePascale

Cruise ships travel all over the world, so check if you need specific visas or documents based on your nationality.

You are responsible for knowing and bringing your own paperwork. If you don't have the right documents, you might not be able to get off at a port or, even worse, be allowed back on the ship.

I saw this happen when traveling to India with many American guests, a handful of whom didn't realize they needed a visa.

Dressing down on formal night can limit your dining options

Even though walking through the promenade in shorts is your choice, many guests aren't aware that there's usually a formal evening on most cruises.

Most passengers don evening gowns and suits on formal nights, and I've met cruisers who wished they would've packed at least one nice item — besides their Margaritaville shirt, of course.

Passengers not formally dressed on this evening usually aren't allowed to eat in the ship's main dining rooms, though the buffet is open to everyone.

It's worth learning the difference between port and starboard

Different announcements will direct passengers to either the port side or starboard side of the ship, so it's best to brush up on the jargon before your vacation.

Port is the left side of the boat and starboard is the right, always configured facing the front of the ship.

Just remember that "port" and "left" are both four letters. You'll thank me later.

This story was originally published on June 28, 2021, and most recently updated on June 7, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Recommended Stories

Alan wake 2’s first expansion brings remedy’s other heroes to night springs.

Think of it as Remedy’s take on Marvel’s What If…: You’ll get to play as Alan Wake’s biggest fan, Rose Marigold, Quantum Break’s Jack Joyce and Control’s Jesse Faden, within the world of Alan Wake 2.

Arranger turns a slide puzzle into an adventure game this July

Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure is an adventure game with a simple and disruptive conceit: The world exists on a grid of sliding tiles. It's due to hit PC, Switch, PlayStation 5 and mobile devices on July 25.

UFO 50, the latest game from the Spelunky team, will finally arrive September 18

UFO 50, the latest project from Spelunky studio Mossmouth, is due to hit Steam on September 18, about six years after it was originally expected to launch.

Valorant is coming to Xbox Series X/S and PS5 in a limited beta on June 14

Valorant is coming to Xbox Series X/S and PS5 in a limited beta on June 14. Crossplay will not be available between PCs and consoles.

Snap up this top-rated travel umbrella while it's down to a splashy $27

Over 57,000 five-star fans say this Teflon-coated rain repeller stands up to Mother Nature's worst — and then some.

Aloy is getting the Lego treatment in Horizon Adventures

A new Aloy adventure is on the way, but this time in Lego form. Lego Horizon Adventures is coming to PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch this holiday season.

Silent Hill creator's new game, Slitterhead, lands November 8

Slitterhead will land on November 8 and there's a new trailer with lots of blood.

Civilization 7 is coming in 2025

The long-running turn-based strategy series Civilization is getting another mainline sequel. And it's even coming to Nintendo Switch.

Iowa basketball player Ava Jones retires due to injuries from car accident that killed her father

Ava Jones and her family were hit by an allegedly impaired driver two days after she committed to the Hawkeyes.

Rippling bans former employees who work at competitors like Deel and Workday from its tender offer stock sale

Investor demand has been so strong for shares of hot HR startup Rippling – over $2 billion worth of term sheets, it says – that it is allowing former employees to also participate in its giant, tender offer sale, the company told TechCrunch. A small group of ex employees has been trying to get the company to alter this policy, TechCrunch has learned, but so far, to no avail. Rippling has also told employees who have previously sold shares, particularly if those sales were outside its previous tender offer, that they would not be authorized to sell as many shares this time around.

Louisville Police release photos, video from Scottie Scheffler's arrest during PGA Championship

The Louisville Metro Police Department released photos and videos related to the May 17 traffic incident and arrest of golfer Scottie Scheffler.

NASA puts $10M down on Mars sample return proposals from Blue Origin, SpaceX and others

It turns out the space industry has a lot of ideas on how to improve NASA’s $11 billion, 15-year plan to collect and return samples from Mars. Seven of these proposals have caught the agency’s attention. Announced today, NASA has awarded $1.5 million contracts to seven companies to further develop their plans for the revamped Mars Sample Return mission.

I drink so much more water since I got this $26 tea and fruit-infusing pitcher

It's easy to drink more water when it tastes this good.

The best Amazon deals to snag this weekend ahead of Prime Day 2024 — save big on Apple, Adidas and more

Score last-minute Father's Day gifts, outdoor furniture, vacuums, tech gear and more for up to 75% off.

1,000 of these blushes are sold each day — score one yourself for up to 50% off

For as little as $14, you can grab the blush that reviewers call 'the prettiest, most natural-looking blush I’ve ever used'.

A Times Square billboard featuring Molly Baz's pregnant body was taken down. Now the chef is the 1st pregnant woman on a cereal box.

Cookbook author and food influencer Molly Baz says she feels empowered to be the face of pregnancy for Special K cereal.

This bidet is the best thing I've ever 'bummed' from Amazon — it's down to $34

I'm a shopping editor, and trust me — this gadget will change your view about going to the loo.

Amazon Prime Day 2024: Everything to know about Amazon's big July sale and the best deals to shop now

Prime Day is confirmed to be kicking off sometime in July. Here's all the info we have, along with super deals you can shop early.

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling indoor putting green is down to just $35

Looking to hone your game or treat that golf-obsessed dad for Father's Day? This gift is a hole-in-one.

The 2025 BMW X3 has leaked online

The new X3 borrows heavily from the funky XM SUV, getting a more muscular look with a wild front-end design.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Pros and Cons of Cruises

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

A cruise can satisfy the greatest wanderlust, satisfy your favorite (and newfound) food cravings and open new horizons and interests you never thought possible. But you can also fall for tourist traps or miss the authentic culture of the places you visit.

If you’ve never cruised, talk to others who have more firsthand insights. Their perspective can shed even more light on the experience you can expect.

Going on a cruise has pros and cons, and it may be worth reviewing them before your next sailing. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cruises.

A good deal

Cruises can be costly, but you get more than just a great view of the ocean. Cruise bookings often include your:

Accommodations.

Some drinks.

Entertainment.

Recreational amenities like pools and waterslides.

Other onboard activities.

You can step aboard the ship and not spend a penny if you play your cards right.

There are plenty of ways for cruises to pull more money out of your pocket on board (think: spa, specialty restaurants, upgraded drink packages, shore excursions, shops and casino), but you can still have plenty of fun without spending an additional dime.

Cruise lines are reinventing their onboard options, and specialty restaurants tap in to the talents of well-known chefs and restaurateurs. This can take some of the boredom away from the same dining rooms, but it comes at a cost.

For the most part, however, if you find a good price on the cabin, the number of inclusions that come with it can quickly drive down the cost of an overall vacation. Of course, the more you spend on the cabin (some of those luxury suites, for example), the lower the bargain you'll get.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Entertainment and education galore

You read that right — you can learn something educational on a cruise.

Many cruises have port talks, destination immersion lectures covering the history and culture of a place, art galleries and trivia games. You can learn something on board, and then when you’re ashore, you can explore the destinations you visit.

Cruises are a great way to learn more about the world, meet new people and learn from them, too.

And there is more entertainment than you can shake a stick at on board and ashore. From musical performances to game shows and cinemas, you can easily fill up your schedule.

Every ship is different, so it is important to review what is available on your sailing if staying busy is your goal. Otherwise, bring a book and watch the world float by from the deck.

On sea days (when the ship is traveling between ports), it’s like having your own resort with pools and activities included in the overall cost of your vacation.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

Maximize your time

A cruise can introduce you to many places at once without your worrying about unpacking and repacking between destinations or paying for transportation between cities.

You unpack once and then are on your way, with all of the details handled for you — from immigration protocols to where to go and when.

The cost of a cruise includes a preplanned journey to some of the most popular points within a region and your transportation between them.

For example, your itinerary may have multiple Mediterranean cities or several European capitals.

There’s something quite relaxing about waking up each morning in a new city. And when you return after a day of exploring, housekeeping has cleaned your room.

A cruise may be a great option for less-frequent travelers because the cruise line is essentially “holding your hand” along the way.

Even better, some stops may be hard to reach by land — like many Alaskan ports — or expensive to reach independently, like some Greek islands or pricy ports in the Caribbean like St. Barts.

» Learn more: 6 cruises where you don't need a passport

Family and group travel come easy

Cruises are an easy option for groups traveling together. Unlike on land, where it can be hard to find restaurant reservations for large groups or find one activity that suits every interest, cruises have something for everyone.

People can branch off to do what they like on the ship and then meet back up an hour later without worrying about traffic or safety issues for kids.

» Learn more: What's the best deck on a cruise ship?

Lots of people

While this varies by ship — some enormous ships have so much space that there are plenty of areas where you’ll be one of only a few people — crowds may flood popular areas.

For example, people vying for their moment in the sun may swarm the pool deck and families may descend on the water park area simultaneously.

Lines can form at popular buffets or restaurants at meal times, and when it’s time to go ashore (or disembark after the cruise), you’ll be one of many waiting in line.

If you’re not willing to pay for specialty venues or you’re on a smaller ship that doesn’t have many free dining options, you may find that the dining rooms become repetitive. Menus change daily, but the setting does not. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz.

If you make an effort, it is possible to find different things to do each day on almost all larger ships. River cruises, on the other hand, are much smaller and tend to feel more repetitive.

The same premise appears with the destinations for repeat cruisers. Because the cruise line plans itineraries, you may visit places you have been to multiple times if you sail often enough. It becomes harder to exclusively visit “new-to-you” places.

If it’s the latter you’re after, planning your own trip may be a better option.

» Learn more: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which is right for you?

One price is not always just one price

If you loosen your purse strings easily, spending more than you realize aboard a ship is possible.

A few cocktails by the pool each day, an extra tour or specialty restaurant dinner another, and before you know it, you’ve paid twice as much as you thought. It’s wise to board a ship with a budget in mind and plan your sailing accordingly so you don’t overspend without realizing it.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Tourist traps

Cruise lines are often important economic engines for destinations. You may find yourself dealing with tourist traps, such as shops by the port, and beginner tours organized by the cruise line.

If you want the most authentic experience, it might be worth studying local guides and tour options online in advance to find something more authentic without falling for what’s waiting for you right at the port.

If you’re going on a shore excursion through the cruise line, you can count on being carted to places designed for large groups rather than hidden gems. Many tours often include a stop at a local shop or business that may be presented as authentic, but locals will tell you it is not.

This trend is amplified because travelers usually have only one day at each destination. As a result, time is of the essence to visit the most important sights without wasting it at tourist traps.

Frequent cruisers, however, will tell you that you should use a cruise to determine places you want to return to by using it as a sampler to explore many destinations. They also suggest planning what you want to do so you can hit the ground running.

Exploring independently or with a local guide (not booked through the ship) can often be your best bet. It also has the added benefit of directly supporting a local business or guide rather than funneling that cash through the cruise line.

The pros and cons of cruises, recapped

It’s unfair to decide how you feel about a cruise without trying one. Even those who insist they wouldn’t like one may end up having a good time.

Perception is not always reality, and you can be better prepared by considering all of the pros and cons of a cruise in advance. Talk with people on either side to get answers to your questions.

Not every type of travel is for everyone, but the ever-expanding cruise industry keeps adding amenities, perks and destinations. That alone speaks for itself.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Matador Original Series

Eight passengers stranded after breaking the number one rule of cruise travel.

E xperienced cruisers probably know lots of tips and tricks for traveling on cruise ships: make your dining reservations early, do laundry on board instead of overpacking , and don’t fill your days at sea with back-to-back activities.

But even first-time cruisers know one major rule that applies to all cruise lines, all cruises, and all ships, no matter where in the world you are: don’t miss the boat.

Unfortunately for eight travelers on an African cruise stopped in São Tomé and Príncipe, an island just to the east of Equatorial Guinea, they found out the hard way what happens when you break that rule. When they were late returning to their ship after a day on land, it did what it warned would happen — they were left behind by the cruise.

Eight passengers on the Norwegian Dawn were left stranded in Säo Tome, roughly 300 miles off the coast of mainland Africa, when they failed to return to port in time for the ship’s departure. Photo: mbrand85 /Shutterstock

The group of travelers had booked a daytime excursions through an independent company, rather than booking one directly through their ship, the Norwegian Dawn. While independent tours can be a great way to save money and have a more unique adventure, they come with one major downside, which is that ships won’t wait for passengers who are late. If you book an excursion through your cruise company, the ship is guaranteed to wait for you — but no such offer is made if you book an independent tour.

In various interviews with media outlets, the group recounted that they claimed they told their guide they were running late, causing the guide to call the ship to inform it that passengers would miss the “return to ship” time. By the time the guests finally returned to the port, the ship had finished boarding, though it was still anchored in the harbor. Harbor employees called the ship, and when they got no response, decided to ferry the passengers to the Norwegian Dawn. But the captain did not let them on board, the Daily Mail reports. Per various media sources, the ship did give the passengers their passports, which they had not taken with them.

Two Americans in the group told reporters that they thought the ship should have made an exception, seemingly implying that the following day at sea without a stop meant that it could leave late without consequence. “The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us and then go on the way,” passenger Jay Campbell said. “They had no port to call for the next day, they were simply going to be at sea.”

Photo: Norwegian Cruise Lines

Per Norwegian Cruises’ online documents , it’s the guest’s responsibility to be back to the ship on time. “In all ports of call, it is also the guest’s responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship’s scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest’s responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest’s responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship,” reads the company’s “Frequent Asked Questions” page.

The travelers are now having to do just that, with the American couple claiming they’ve spent more than $6,000 to cover the group’s time on the island and travel to rejoin the ship in Gambia or Senegal, depending on logistics. Per People Magazine , four of the travelers are older individuals, and one has an unspecified heart condition.

Matador Network recently asked a cruise line exec what happens if passengers miss their ships , and the answer is pretty straightforward across all lines and sailings: they have to pay their way to the next port.

Why ships can’t wait on late passengers

The Norwegian Dawn carries more than 2,000 guests and 1,000 passengers, all of whom need to be accounted for before the ship can leave a port. Photo: Dennis MacDonald /Shutterstock

I sailed on the Norwegian Dawn in February 2024, and while it had its ups and downs , the ship does make it very, very clear that it will leave without you if you’re late. It holds about 2,000 people, each of whom has to be accounted before prior to the ship’s departure — which is why the “ return to ship ” time at various ports is often an hour or two earlier than the actual departure time . That gives the crew and captain time to ready for departure. Large cruises like the Norwegian Dawn have to stick to a strict schedule, and can’t easily make changes.

I know this not because I’m a frequent cruiser — in fact, the Dawn was my first big cruise — but because Norwegian Cruise Lines informs you of this non-stop. The evening before you arrive, there’s a ship-wide announcement with arrival and departure times for the next day. The information is repeated — repeatedly — the morning you arrive in a port. The return to ship time is printed on the daily newsletter handed out in each room, on the free Norwegian phone app, and on all the various message boards around the ship. There’s usually a buffer time built into this window to accommodate guests who are only a few minutes late.

All cruise companies have fixed times by which passengers must return to the ship at each port. Photo: byvalet /Shutterstock

It’s also a fact listed on Norwegian’s excursion’s page. It’s one of the main reasons many cruisers exclusively book official cruise excursions, because they’re the only way to guarantee the ship will wait for you if you’re late. (Third-party and independent activity operators are also unlikely to refund you if the ship makes a last-minute change and skips a port of call).

While I support booking excursions with local operators, it comes with the known risk that you’ll be left behind by the cruise ship if you’re late. That’s exactly what happened in this case, exactly as Norwegian’s website said would happen. While it’s unfortunate and understandably stressful for the travelers, it’s hardly the cruise line’s fault, and I know I’d be a little annoyed if I had made it back in time, only to have the whole ship delayed for a small group people who made a poor decision.

By the way: guests getting left behind at a port is very, very rare — hence why this one occasion is making global headlines.

How to avoid getting left behind by cruise ships

Independent excursions offer plenty of benefits — but come with the downside that the ship won’t wait if you’re late. Photo: Suzie Dundas

The easiest way for travelers to make sure they don’t get left behind at a port is to book an official excursion through the cruise line. However, official excursions are often more expensive, and a much smaller amount of the cost goes directly to local communities. Without knowing what company or excursions the stranded passengers booked, it’s impossible to know if they followed the rules below. But the following guidelines can help ensure you don’t end up waiving your ship goodbye from land.

• Book with a company that does offer a return to ship guarantee : Third-party companies can’t make the ship wait for you, but they can handle all the logistics if you do miss it. ShoreExcursioner.com will pay up to $500 in travel fees if an excursion booked through them causes you to miss your ship, and ToursByLocals will pay for your accommodations and transportation to the next port if you miss your ship. According to their website, it’s only happened twice — ever.
• Read the online reviews : Plenty of independent operators are reputable and responsible, which means they’re very unlikely to play fast and loose with your return time. The best way to determine if an operator seems reputable is to look at online reviews. Feedback from actual past guests can help you gauge how established and professional the company or tour guide is.
• Talk to your operator in advance: Reputable operators will be familiar with hosting cruise guests and understand the ins and outs of cruise ship scheduling. If you’re worried about, message your operator in advance. Ask them if they’ve ever has issues with being back on time, whether they’ve served guests on your cruise before, and how much of a buffer they build in for traffic and other potential delays.

More like this

Trending now, saudi arabia launches a new, alcohol-free cruise line, cruise lines are taking infantilizing measures to keep us healthy because we are so bad at basic hygiene, this cruise ship suite has the best panoramic views of the ocean, how many drinks you'll need to have per day to make a cruise drinks package worth it, according to a travel agent, the world's biggest naked cruise returns in 2025, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy .

Matador's Newsletter

Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more!

You've been signed up!

Follow us on social media.

Business Insider

I stayed in Carnival's cheapest, $90-a-day cabin on its new ship. It was ugly and windowless but shockingly spacious.

Posted: June 3, 2024 | Last updated: June 3, 2024

• I booked the cheapest interior cabin for my four-night cruise on Carnival's new Carnival Firenze .
• It was ugly, dated, and lacked decor, but shockingly spacious. 
• Interior staterooms in Carnival's newest ship start at $90 per person per day in 2024.

One of the best parts about cruising is feeling the open ocean's cool breeze rush around your skin.

So imagine how grumpy I was when I had to book a windowless interior cabin for my most recent sailing — on my first Carnival cruise , no less.

As a travel reporter, I go on several of these vacations at sea every year. I'm usually put up in balcony staterooms, the most popular cabin category .

Yes, I've been spoiled. And yes, that means I've always feared inside cabins.

Cruises can be overstimulating and overwhelming. Private balconies are the only place I've gotten peace, quiet, and fresh air on some ships.

So, unsurprisingly, I was dreading the interior cabin I had booked for my four-night Carnival Firenze cruise in mid-May.

No fresh air? No cool ocean breeze? The horror!

I expected a small, dark, moldy dungeon deprived of life, happiness, and light.

Turns out, I was being a bit too dramatic. Who would've guessed?

I'll admit was pleasantly surprised.

But before I get to the positives (spoiler alert: it's size), I have to address the negatives.

It might've been the ugliest cabin I've ever stayed in. And that's coming from someone who's sailed on a Margaritaville cruise .

To understand the stateroom, you must understand the ship's relatively short history.

Firenze joined Italy-based Costa Cruises' fleet in 2020. The company, owned by Carnival Corp , had planned to launch the ship in China but couldn't because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firenze's stint with Costa was then shortlived. In 2022, Carnival announced it would acquire Firenze and its sister ship, Venezia, to grow its US footprint amid "strong interest in people wanting to sail with us," a Carnival spokesperson told Business Insider.

The spokesperson said Firenze underwent a two-month refresh to 'install the Carnival Fun Italian Style Concept.'

That would explain the otherwise unnecessary photo of Florence, Italy behind my bed.

The print was both the only decor and the only reference to Italy in my dingy cabin. Unfortunately, it looked both tacky and misplaced.

It did, however, disguise the ominous "pull the cord for assistance" feature.

It's 2024. Why weren't there any bedside outlets?

The ship is less than four years old. The cabin looked quadruple its age, no thanks to the dated furniture that all came pushed against the wall.

The chaise's greyish pattern clashed with the yellow and red eyesore of a rug. And the small wood and faux-marble side table looked cheap and misplaced.

Gripes about aesthetics aside, everything in the joint living room and bedroom was perfectly functional.

On the bright side, the mattress was comfortable. And the large desk and closet could have provided enough storage for more than two travelers.

The room also had motion-sensing lights mounted by the floor, a necessary amenity for a space devoid of natural light.

Plus, the unappealing decor encouraged me to spend more time around the ship's common spaces.

But if you think the bedroom looks old, wait until you see the bathroom.

It was about as glamorous as a gas station restroom.

Most of my cruise cabin bathrooms have had modern, cool-toned decor, like the one pictured on the left. Carnival seems to have avoided the industry trend as much as possible.

The yellow and red tiles were giving vintage McDonald's.

Unbeknownst to me, the cruise line had put me in one of the ship's accessible, wheelchair-friendly accommodations. This meant the shower (as in, a curtain and a few drains on the floor) was one of the most spacious I've had at sea.

However, it only came with a two-in-one body wash and shampoo. Apparently, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival seem to have a BYOHC (bring your own hair conditioner) policy.

Some storage would've been nice, too.

An unnecessary number of stacked tissue boxes and toilet paper rolls occupied the only shelves in the bathroom.

There was no need for these excess paper products. My cabin attendant already cleaned and restocked my stateroom once a day, as is typical with Carnival.

I'm a girlie with an extensive skincare routine and a compulsive need to organize my products. With almost no storage in the bathroom, I needed these shelves.

With all these complaints, you may wonder why I said I was pleasantly surprised by my stateroom.

It's all because of one major feature: Its size. I never felt claustrophobic despite being stuck in a windowless 150-square-foot box.

The bathroom, one of the most spacious I've seen on a cruise ship, was so big that it could comfortably fit a family of four.

Back in the living room, I could've rolled out a yoga mat and worked out without moving anything around.

Heck, I could've comfortably starfished on the floor without hitting any furniture. I don't know if I can say the same for most of my previous cruise accommodations.

Would I have preferred a balcony or window? Yes.

Did it feel more like a hospital room than a floating hotel room? Yes.

However, for the spaciousness, the cost is hard to beat. As a solo traveler, I paid $735 for my cabin, including $64 in optional gratuities.

In 2024, the cheapest interior cabin for two guests on Carnival Firenze starts at about $360 per person, including taxes and fees, for the same four-night itinerary as the one I went on.

That's $90 a night for a cabin, food, onboard amenities, and stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

Plus, it's much cheaper than the newest ships of other cruise lines (I'm looking at you, Royal Caribbean ).

So, if you are desperate for a dirty and cheap getaway, and Carnival Firenze has been catching your eye, don't be afraid of the interior cabin.

Yes, it isn't lovely. But at least it's completely functional and large.

If I — spoiled — can do it, so can you.

More for You

Dolly Parton says it was ‘bold’ of Beyonce to change ‘Jolene’ lyrics without telling her

Alarming Update on Chiefs Player After Seizure and Cardiac Arrest Before Practice

Stephen Hawking once gave a simple answer as to whether there was a God

Charles Barkley says the best financial advice he ever got was from this NBA star’s mom

‘Who hires movers at that kind of price?’: Woman moving from Denver to Kansas City floored by $10,000 quote from movers. Can you afford to move?

Donald Trump 'Faces Enforcement' for Failing to Pay Legal Costs

Alan Jackson says he's 'hanging it up full time' — right after one last country-music tour

15 Movies on Netflix to Keep You Up All Night

'Common Sense': Why is Newsom undermining the mom-and-pop shops?

Wonder Woman's Lynda Carter, 72, wows in silver swimsuit to promote new music

Lakers News: LeBron James Responds to Dan Hurley Hiring Rumor

My family covered the bridesmaids' expenses at my daughters' weddings because it didn't seem right to ask the women to pay

Woman Mows The Lawn - Discovers Something Is Moving Under Ground

Fact Check: Online Rumor Claims Reba McEntire Stormed Off 'The Voice' After Producers Kicked Her Off the Show. Here Are the Facts

Dak Prescott makes something clear to Jerry Jones, Cowboys ahead of 2024 NFL season

Supreme Court Rules Against Federal Government, Orders the Biden Admin to Pay in Healthcare Funding Case

Roger Daltrey Is Done With the ‘Won't Get Fooled Again' Scream: ‘I've Had Enough of It'

Mark Cuban explains why he makes sure employees get rich whenever he sells a business

Forget weights — 4 bodyweight moves for toning your core and upper body muscles

'We were sold this unachievable dream': Georgia woman explains the 'broken' system that has young Americans fearing for their futures. Is this narrative right?

the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

Get the dfb newsletter.

STAY CONNECTED

• Ranking The Best Disney Cruise Ships For 2024

By Jesus Garcia Leave a Comment

Are you ready to vacation differently? Forget about heading over to Magic Kindom or EPCOT. No, we’re talking about hopping on a Disney Cruise !

Disney Treasure ©Disney

With all the ships in the fleet, it can be a little challenging to figure out which ship to cruise on. It doesn’t help that the fleet which is currently at five ships is soon to be six ! Don’t worry. We’re here to help you decide which ship is right for you and your family. Let’s break it down!

As we were saying, the Disney Cruise Line  fleet is comprised of  five world-class ships : the  Disney Magic , the  Disney Wonder , the  Disney Dream , the  Disney Fantasy,  and the Disney Wish .   The fleet will be joined by the  Disney Treasure later this year! They all sail to different ports and in different areas of the world, so just your itinerary of WHERE you want to travel will narrow down your selection quite a bit.

Also, if you’re restricted on cruising dates, that will help narrow down your options. For example, if your travel plans have you cruisin’ around Europe, then you’ll be sailing on the Disney Dream — because that’s the only ship that currently sails in Europe.

Not a bad view

But we’re gonna take travel dates and travel destinations off of the table and JUST look at the ships and what the ships have to offer. We’re gonna rank all five ships based off of some standard criteria so YOU know which ship will best fit your needs and the needs of your family. And we’ll try to slot in the newest one in (even though it hasn’t started sailing yet) where we can.

Best Cruise for Food

Best cruise for adults, best cruise for kids, best cruise for teens.

• Best Cruise for Recreation 
• Best Cruise for Entertainment 

Set Sail with Disney Pals!

So, now that you have an idea of what this is all about, let’s dig into these ships! We have a full overview of everything the ships have to offer , and now we’re highlighting the ships that top each category of fun, food, and frivolity!

Sometimes evaluating food, restaurants, and dining experiences on Disney Cruise ships can be difficult because many of them offer the same options. All of the ships have a sort of food court-style quick service options on the top deck, near the pools. You can find fine dining options like Palo or Remy (or both) on most of the ships. And Animator’s Palate has become a Disney Cruise dining icon on the ships. So, how do you distinguish “best food” on the ships when so many options are so similar on most of the ships?

Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream

Now, consider this a good thing! It’s difficult to decide the best and that means that when selecting your cruise, you don’t have to worry about FOMO! If your cruise destination has you sailing on the Disney Wonder instead of the Disney Dream because so many experiences are similar across the fleet, that means that you won’t be missing much (if anything).

Now we know that makes us sound like we’re teasing you. “Hey DFB, you said you’d give the Best Cruise for Food, and now you’re saying it’s all good. What’s the deal?” Ok, ok, we hear you! There IS a Best Cruise for Food — the standout in this category is the Disney Wish .

The Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise and it has SO many dining options, some are similar to experiences on other ships, and some are completely unique to the Wish! And there’s just MORE to choose from!

Food on the Disney Wish

The Wish has the traditional Disney Cruise Line three dining room rotational dining service which rotates among three brand new dining stories: Worlds of Marvel , 1923 , and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure .  These new dining experiences are unique, fun, engaging and let’s face it, delicious! You’ll also find the poolside quick service options that you’ve come to expect on a Disney Cruise, but the quality of these locations on the Wish just stands apart from the other ships.

Who knew Ant-Man was such a good cook?

The Wish just also goes above and beyond in some other categories, like having some great spots to snag specialty coffee orders, for those who need a latte while they cruise, you can pick up your caffeine fix at Wishing Star Cafe and also in Marceline Market (the top deck buffet service), both in addition to the Cove Bar & Café you can find on all of the Disney ships. The same can be said of the bars and lounges, the Wish has NINE (well, TEN if you include Hook’s Barbery , which will serve up some rum while you get your beard trimmed)! There’s even a $5,000 cocktail you can get at the exclusive Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge .

Awesome Cast Members!

The Disney Wish wins the food category, but that doesn’t mean that the other ships are losers. You’ll still have amazing and memorable meals aboard any of Disney’s ships. But, if you’re going to pick a cruise just based on the food alone, and you don’t care where or when you cruise, then you’ll want the Disney Wish.

All of the Disney Wish Restaurants

Before we finish this category, let’s talk about the unique dining experiences that will be aboard the Dinsey Treasure. First up, we’ve got the Plaza de Coco.

Plaza de Coco

Plaza de Coco will be part of Disney’s signature rotational dining experience aboard the Disney Treasure. This restaurant will be a theatrical dining experience and will be the FIRST themed to a Disney and Pixar film!  Passengers will get to dine at this unique location TWO evenings. The menu is said to be a modern twist on traditional Mexican fare. The story will pick up right where the film left off where  Miguel and his familia will come together in Mariachi Plaza.

What Disney Could Serve at Its NEW ‘Coco’ Restaurant?

Skipper society.

We have been super excited about this new Jungle-Cruise-themed bar that will be aboard the Treasure! The bar will take inspiration from this popular attraction that has different versions across the globe! There will be fun hidden Easter eggs that nod to the attraction. The Treasure will even have its own Jungle Cruise boat named Ems Express!

Jungle Cruise Lounge Announced for Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

Haunted mansion parlor.

We love this theme of lounges and bars based on some of our favorite attractions! Soon aboard the Treasure, you will get the opportunity to sip cocktails among our favorite 999 happy haunts! You can expect to see famous and iconic characters from Haunted Mansion attractions around the world, along with new haunts. This bar will tell a story in 30-minute loops. Of course, there will be signature drinks like a zero-proof cocktail served in a specialty mug called Sympathetic Libations!

A Haunted Mansion Bar Is Coming to the Disney Treasure Cruise Ship!

Periscope pub.

Another lounge based on an attraction? We love it! The Periscope Pub will take inspiration from the film and defunct attraction 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This Submarine-inspired lounge will present “19th-century steampunk influences.” There will be light bites, craft brews, and TVs to allow you to watch any sporting event!

 Come With Us INSIDE the Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

Jumbeaux’s sweets.

Zootopia’s very own ice cream parlor, Jumbeaux Café, will have its counterpart on the Disney Treasure with Jumbeaux’s Sweets ! Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will be featured in a sculpture tribute within this “playful pink” shop featuring Victorian-style architecture.

And what’s Jumbeaux’s Sweets serving up? “Humor and heart by the cone full” in the form of more than 20 flavors of handmade gelato, 16 flavors of ice cream and sorbets, specialty treats, candies, and more.

Click HERE for more on Jumbeaux’s Sweets!

Heihei café.

Oh, HEY, Heihei! Moana’s sidekick is the inspiration for Heihei Café , a causal walk-up cafe just off the Grand Hall. The Southern Pacific Isle of Motunui, as seen in Moana, provides the blue-water vibe, and the setting will be complete with furniture stylings paying homage to “a traditional construction technique used by the Polynesian people to craft seafaring vessels.”

Sounds like a pretty good place for your morning cup of coffee or tea, huh?

Jade Cricket Café

Another walk-up café offering coffee, tea, and more is inspired by the Fa Family’s “lucky” cricket, Cri-Kee from Mulan !

A jade sculpture on the bar top will pay tribute to Cri-Kee, while the central moon gate and plum blossom flowers serve as “symbols of Mulan’s strength, beauty and heritage,” along with counters that will remind visitors of Mulan’s armor.

Find out more about the Cafes onboard the Treasure HERE!

Disney Cruises are great for families and kids, but they make amazing vacations and retreats for adults, as well. Whether you’re traveling solo, with some pals, on your honeymoon or anniversary, or with your family but just getting a break from the younger members of your crew, the Disney Cruise ships offer fun, relaxation, and luxury for grown-ups.

You just read all about which cruise wins for food and you’re thinking, with ten bars and lounges, that the Wish has to top the Adults category, too, don’t you? Well, SURPRISE, it’s up there but didn’t win this round.

Who edged out their sister ships in this category? The Disney Fantasy .

Disney Fantasy

As mentioned above, many of the ships offer overlapping experiences and offerings, so you’ll find adult-only areas, pools, lounges, spas, and decks on all of the ships. But what sets the Fantasy apart from her sisters is that her over-18 options are conveniently located in the same general section of the ship. The adult dining options of Palo,  Meridian , and Remy are snuggled together at the aft end of Deck 12, but Deck 4 seems to be created with adults in mind with seven variously themed bars and lounges ( Vista Cafe, D Lounge, Ooh La La, La Piazza, O’Gills Pub, Skyline, and The Tube ), not to mention Tiffany & Co gift shop for those looking for some duty-free jewelry purchases.

Ooh Laa Laa

Again, you’ll find adult-only sections on every Disney Cruise. However, if your cruise plans are centered around a grown-up adventure, then you might want to see where the Fantasy will take you!

Disney Fantasy Cruising: 2023 Restaurant Guide

Well, this is all Disney Cruises, isn’t it? If Disney is known for anything, it’s quality entertainment for kids, so you know you’re kids are gonna have a good time on a Disney Cruise. But is any one ship slightly better at this than the others?

Oceaneer Club

All of the ships have kids-only areas that are age-specific with activities and entertainment tailored to that age range. These Disney Oceaneer Clubs and Oceaneer Labs are on all of the cruise ships, but there are different themes and Disney stories utilized on each ship. But one ship pulls ahead of its peers in this category: The Disney Wish .

The Wish is really a benefactor of its older siblings. The Wish started her cruising career in 2022, nearly 24 years after the first official Disney Cruise ship, The Disney Magic. That’s 24 years for Imagineers, technology, and research to optimize the best possible experience and space for little cruisers to enjoy. And they’ve really done their homework and it begins before they even enter the Oceaneer space — at the entrance, which is A SLIDE! Parents check their kiddos into the Club on Deck 3, and then they SLIDE DOWN to Deck 2, where the club is located (sorry, it’s a kids-only slide, no adults allowed).

You can enter the Disney Wish kids’ area through a SLIDE!

The Oceaneer Club has multiple spaces where kids can choose to hang out and participate in different activities. There’s a stage in the hub of the club where there will be special shows and character appearances. Then it breaks off into different themed areas like Fairytale Hall for fans of Disney royalty; Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, where kids participate in hands-on activities;  Marvel Super Hero Academy for those Avengers-in-training; Star Wars Cargo Bay for those force-sensitive in the family; and Mickey & Minnie’s Captain’s Deck with an indoor playground set for getting some of that youthful energy out.

Oceaneer Lab

And while it’s not located in the Oceaneer Club, you can’t forget about Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where kids can get transformed into their favorite Disney characters! And other kid-loved spaces like pools, waterslides….er water-coasters, the Hero Zone , and well, you know, the whole rest of the ship.

The Disney Wish includes an Imagineering Lab for kids!

So the Wish is the best cruise for kids, but another thing to consider is the best cruise ship for adults with kids and we’d consider the Magic or the Wonder would fit that role as those ships are smaller, easier to navigate, and overall just a bit less complicated. So, this is kind of a “yes, but” answer, but still something worth considering!

Explore the Kids Clubs on the New Disney Cruise Ship — The Wish

Let’s look at that teen stereotype of kinda moody, a little sassy, too “grown up” for cartoons, but still a little goofy and definitely not shouldering the burden of student-loan debt or a mortgage, but dealing with the nuances of maintaining their cool in a virtual universe of social media. Can Disney find something to appeal to the complex creatures that are human teenagers? Is there anything on a Disney Cruise ship that might entice a teen to put down their phone (or adults too for that matter, you know who you are), and have dinner with their family, watch a show, participate in a game, or even make some new friends and actually talk to them IRL (that’s “in real life” for you grown-ups out there) rather than just communicating through text?

Disney had their work cut out for them to find new and engaging ways to reach the ever-evolving interests or teenagers. And as technology, culture, and trends seems to change every five years, that is a daunting task to remain relevant for this dynamic group of cruisers. Yet, they managed to do it! (Disney, you are really a place where dreams come true!) But which ship did it best?

We’re starting to sound like a bit of a broken record, but we like the Disney Wish and Disney’s Dream and Fantasy (since they have the same options. So too will the Treasure when it launches).

Disney Wish’s indoor or weather-controlled Hero Zone  is a multi-use space for so many activities. This includes basketball, ping pong, air hockey, shuffleboard, and foosball. Families can use this area too, but it’s especially great for teens. It’s not an accident that the Hero Zone is near Vibe on Disney Wish.

Hero Zone ©Disney

The Wish is the only ship to have The Hideaway for teens and tweens. Yet the other ships – Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Magic – all have Chill , a teens-only spa for ages 13 to 17.

Learn All of the Disney Wish Secrets

Best cruise for recreation (pools & spa).

For all of these categories, we can honestly say, “all of the ships are great, but this one just squeaks out ahead”, but not for this category. When it comes to the best Disney Cruise ship for Recreation (we’re talking pools and spas), The  Disney Wish is the clear front runner.

Aaaaahh….

Now, yes, you will find plenty of pools and a luxurious spa on each and every one of the Disney Cruise ships, but the Wish just does them bigger, better, and more! The AquaMouse   is not your average pool slide, or even your cruise-specific “over the edge of boat” slide, it’s a complete water attraction! You’ll get in a 2-seater ride vehicle and go up into a tunnel that will take you into the world of Disney animated shorts, either “Scuba Scramble” or “Swiss Meltdown” as your story, and you’ll see the story playing out on the screens around you!

Also, the Disney Treasure will present AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg its own all-new storyline!

Beyond the epic water coaster, there are a total of  10 pools and water play areas , in fact — each named after a Disney character! And for the little ones, there’s a  Toy Story Splash Zone , which has  Toy Story characters that squirt water!  Quiet Cove  is an  adults-only area of the deck , where you’ll find an infinity pool, whirlpool spa, and bar.

Toy Story Splash Zone

And the Spa?! The Senses Spa is on all of the Cruise Ships, but on the Disney Wish, there are all of the luxurious indoor treatment areas and an outdoor rainforest relaxation space. Unique to the ship is Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever ice lounge for thermal therapies, plus other treatments like  heated ergonomic loungers.  There are also multiple different rooms to use like the  sauna , steam room , and frigidarium, or the cold room.

Other Cruises have the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques for little ones to get the royal treatment, but only the Wish has Hook’s Barbery, where dapper folks can get spiffed up in a setting reminiscent of a cigar room, and could also sip on a nice cognac or rum in the process. It’s a BARber shop, get it?

Hook’s Barbery

Will you get the chance to pamper yourself and relax on other Disney cruises? Yes. But if your final destination is relaxation decadence, then you want the Wish. (Keep in mind that the Treasure will also offer the same spots as the Wish currently does).

The Most Relaxing Spots on Disney’s New Cruise Ship

Best cruise for entertainment (clubs, shows, and characters).

Disney Cruise Line also offers  free movies in multiple spots – out on the funnel vision screen near the pools, as well as in the movie theater on the ship. The movie theater even offers runs of new movies that are currently out in theaters. There are also  Broadway-style shows in the theater onboard the ship. Typically these large productions are offered more than once a night. Each ship has its own unique performances.

Walt Disney Theatre

In the ship’s Atriums, Disney Characters meet and interact with guests throughout the day, and the ships all set off evening fireworks. And there are spaces onboard for quizzes, trivia, and games for families or just adults to enjoy. The ships are all floating entertainment centers! But a few of them offer a bit more in this category.

The Disney Dream and Fantasy both host the Midship Detective Agency, an interactive game taking guests all around the ship to solve a mystery. There are three different mystery options involving Mickey and friends, characters from Disney’s 101 Dalmations, or the Muppets. And we do love a good Muppet Caper!

Disney Cruise Line Atrium

The Disney Wish  has learned from its older siblings and created a unique Atrium Stage which hosts unique character shows throughout the cruise and character meet-and-greet opportunities. It also has its own interactive game aboard, Disney Unchartered Adventure.  Disney Unchartered Adventure is its own interactive game using the Play Disney Parks app and AR technology on your mobile device to play games and interact with your favorite Disney characters.

So, which ship comes out on top? We lean toward the Dream and Fantasy . We love the Midship Detective Agency and how families can play it together or individuals can play it solo. Plus, Muppets. ‘Nough said.

SNEAK PEEK at Pixar Characters Coming to Disney Cruise Line Soon

Like we’ve said about a hundred times already, there’s no such thing as a  bad Disney Cruise. Your ship will provide you with impeccable service, special memories, amazing food, fun activities, and relaxation galore, no matter when or where you cruise. But if you’re looking for some very specific onboard experiences, these categories may help you find the right ship for you and your family.

We’ll keep you posted on how these new additions to the Disney fleet stack up, so make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter to keep up with all of the Disney Cruise Line and Disney Parks information!

More Disney Cruise Line News!

• We’re Live from Disney’s NEW Lookout Cay Private Cruise Port!
• Pink Sand Beaches and 4 Other Amazing Things To See at Disney’s New Island Destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
• FIRST LOOK at Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship — The Disney Adventure
• This NEW Star Wars Experience May be the CLOSEST Thing to the Star Wars Hotel We’ve Seen!

Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney Cruise Line news!

Check out this sneak peek of 6 exclusive souvenirs coming to the Disney Treasure!

What you need to know about disney cruise line, learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Which Disney Cruise ship is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments!

TRENDING NOW

If you're a fan of LEGOs, then you probably know very well how expensive the...

legendary guitarist Ronnie Wood recently paid a visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Come along with us as we experience Tiana's Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom for the...

The "experts" have spoken and boy do they have BIG Feelings about Disney's expansion plans!

Temperatures are going to be in the upper 90s this weekend... and may feel higher!

This Magic Kingdom snack spot just got a new menu!

We saw a clue about a NEW bar in Disney Springs recently, and now it's...

We went to extreme lengths to answer an important bread pudding question!

Is there where the new Pirates of the Caribbean bar will be located in Disney...

Come with us to check out Disney's NEW cruise destination: Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

These are our FAVORITE desserts in Disney Springs!

If you're planning on riding these Disney World rides, this is a wardrobe mistake you...

You MAY have another chance to score a Tiana's Bayou Adventure annual passholder preview.

If you're a savvy shopper and looking for the best Disney deals that won't break...

A $5,000 drink exists on Disney's new cruise ship, but it includes more than you...

Let's go over some travel expert tips on how you can avoid germs on your...

Tokyo DisneySea's Fantasy Springs is open!

Is this Disneyland snack still iconic or is it too simple? Find out in our...

We get it. The Orlando Airport can be super frustrating but don't worry. We have...

There's a new Tex-Mex offering in Disney World, and it's tucked away at a secret...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED

US Edition Change

• US election 2024
• US Politics
• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Rugby Union
• Sports Videos
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Lifestyle Videos
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Inspiration
• City Guides
• Sustainable Travel
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Home & Garden
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Electric vehicles
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Teenager leaves family behind on island after they miss cruise departure

‘you would never have been able to prevent the cruise ship from leaving. they have a schedule and they keep to it. the ship waits for no one’, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

A teenager has been questioning whether or not they made the right decision to abandon their family on vacation.

In a recent Reddit post shared to the popular “Am I The A**hole?” subreddit , the teen explained that for a combination of an 18th birthday present and a high school graduation present, their parents got them a cruise, which became a family vacation.

Normally, the family only goes to “all inclusive” resorts and were warned ahead of time that cruises run with a strict schedule that needs to be followed.

“Well it was a week-long cruise and they would not head back to the ship when I said it was time to go. They were busy shopping and bargaining with the locals. I finally said that I was heading back to the ship. My mom waved me off,” the teen wrote in their Reddit post.

Their parents ended up missing the ship’s departure by 45 minutes and reached out to the Reddit poster to question why they didn’t stop the boat from leaving without them.

“I wanted to scream that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was,” the teen continued. “They ended up having to fly to the next port from there and it was expensive. They are pissed at me for leaving them behind.”

“I don’t know what I was supposed to do. They literally told me that they knew what they were doing. I wish I had never asked for this. They are making me miserable because I left without them.”

AITA for abandoning my parents at an island in the Caribbean so I could get back to our cruise in time? by u/ProfessionalTax7753 in AmItheAsshole

After posting, many people were quick to turn to the comments section to agree with the teenager’s opinion and general frustration with their parents, pointing out that the two adults should have been capable of getting back to the ship on time.

“They seriously think the ship will delay for 45 minutes, yeah no,” one comment began. “The docks and ship have a schedule to keep. They are adults and need to be responsible for getting back on time. Which is something you have figured out in less than six months of being an adult. At least you don’t have to go on any more vacations with them after this.”

“Your parents are in the wrong,” another commenter agreed. “I don’t do cruises but I have some experience with them because I travel to a place where cruise ships are common. I also thought passengers were warned that the ship leaves no matter who is on board.”

“You would never have been able to prevent the cruise ship from leaving. They have a schedule and they keep to it. The ship waits for no one. This is ALL on your parents.. They didn’t respect the ship schedule.”

A third commenter even pointed out that they weren’t sure what the teenager could have done to stop the ship from leaving given how the schedule is typically emphasized prior to the cruise itself.

“What precisely do they think you could have done? Kidnapped the captain? Staged your own drowning? You didn’t abandon them, they abandoned you, don’t let them weasel word this around to being your fault in any way, shape or form!” the comment read.

“I’m really sorry your parents have ruined this for you. It’s pretty pathetic of them to blame you for their extremely easy to avoid deliberate bad decision. They owe you at least two apologies, one for ignoring your sage advice in the first place, the second for behaving like spoiled four year olds.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre