20 Things You Might Not Know About Cruise Ship Buffets

Cruise ship buffets are more than just a meal—they’re an experience themselves. If you’re a first-time cruiser, be prepared for the unexpected. From indulgent chocolate fountains to quirky dining traditions, these buffets will both surprise and delight you. Whether you’re a food lover or just looking to satisfy your hunger, here are 20 things that will leave you amazed at cruise ship buffets.

They Are Larger Than Life

Cruise buffets are anything but basic. They are events in and of themselves. A single buffet can take up an entire section of a cruise ship. If it is your first time on a ship, the sheer amount of food and the variety of it may come as a big surprise.

There’s No Portion Control

Seasoned cruisers often go on a diet before their cruise because they know what is coming. Don’t be surprised to see people take ridiculous amounts of food. We aren’t talking about just an overflowing plate. Many people take multiple plates in a single trip.

Carbs Abound

Another reason for pre-cruise diets is the amount of carbs available to tempt you at the buffet. There are enormous sections of bread featuring all your favorites, like croissants, biscuits, and rolls. If anything trumps the bread section, it’s dessert. You could live on just the desserts for the entire cruise if you wanted to.

It’s a Global Experience

Craving sushi in the morning or tacos at night? On a cruise, it’s all possible. With buffets offering international dishes at every meal, you can enjoy a global culinary experience without leaving the ship, tasting flavors from around the world in a single day.