Setting sail on a cruise promises relaxation, adventure, and delicious food! But with endless buffets and tempting treats around every corner, navigating the culinary landscape can be tricky. This guide unlocks the secrets to maximizing your onboard meals. We’ll reveal 10 foods to savor and 10 to avoid, ensuring a happy (and delicious!) cruise experience.
Avoid: Scrambled Egg
Scrambled eggs are usually a safe bet for breakfast when traveling, but not when found in breakfast buffets on cruise ships. Not only will the eggs probably be made out of powder, but they might also have been sitting out for too long. It’s best to avoid them all together.
Avoid: Buffet Sushi
Sushi served at a buffet raises many concerns, the first being that it may have been sitting out for too long. If fish is sitting out at the wrong temperature or not cooked, it could cause many food-borne illnesses. So, skipping the buffet sushi is a good idea if you don’t want to be stuck on the toilet for days.
Avoid: Pizza
Pizza may be a surprise as one of the dishes to avoid on a cruise, but we have a few reasons why it should be skipped. When pizza is sitting out at a buffet, the cheese can become congealed and cause significant stomach issues. On the other hand, if the pizza is cooked at a restaurant, it would be okay to have it.
Avoid: Shared Condiments
Condiment containers that get passed around are a big no-no if you want to stay healthy. If your cruise offers little grab-and-go packets, stack up on those.
Avoid: Too Much Alcohol
Cruise ships are known for the all-you-can-drink alcohol packages, but that can have a downside. Too many sugary alcoholic drinks can lead to extreme dehydration and cause individuals to have stomach issues. It’s best to drink in moderation and spread your drinks throughout the day. With that being said, though, make sure you drink the worth of alcohol though.
Avoid: Communal Bread Baskets
The communal bread baskets on a cruise can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, those warm rolls are undeniably tempting. But on the other hand, if people grab bread with their hands instead of tongs, that leaves you with germy bread. So, avoiding the communal baskets or ensuring you get fresh bread first is best.
Avoid: Soft Serve Ice Cream
Self-serve, soft-serve ice cream machines are known to have little kids all over them, which can become a huge mess. Many germs can live on the machines, eventually getting into the ice cream. Avoiding these buffet machines and opting for ice cream from a shop or sit-down restaurant is best.
Avoid: Sliced Meat
Let’s talk sliced deli meats. They seem like a safe, light choice, but hear me out. These meats often sit out for extended periods, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Who knows precisely how long they’ve been chilling in that fridge? Skip the deli case and choose freshly prepared options to keep your cruise tummy happy!
Avoid: Dessert During the Day
While that chocolate lava cake might be calling your name poolside, here’s why desserts are best saved for after dinner on a cruise. First, with endless buffets and tempting poolside snacks, it’s easy to overdo it on sugar and ruin your appetite for the delicious (and often more expensive) specialty meals. Second, those desserts have likely been sitting out for a while, so freshness isn’t guaranteed.
Avoid: Self-Serve Salads
Self-serve salad stations are a cesspool of germs. Salads can also become wilted over time, making them unappealing. Multiple containers of toppings, dressings, and much more exist at salad bars. This is where cross-contamination is vast. Instead, head to a server or grab-and-go options if you are craving a salad. Don’t worry, though, because plenty of foods on cruise ships are worth indulging in.
Enjoy: Fresh Fruit
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh fruit on a cruise! Those glistening berries and perfectly sliced melons aren’t just a healthy choice – they’re a delicious way to beat the heat and balance out all the more decadent meals onboard. Plus, a refreshing fruit plate is the perfect poolside snack, energizing you for a day of fun in the sun.
Enjoy: Pasta
You haven’t lived the cruise life until you’ve savored a plate of fresh pasta on board! Forget the mushy, overcooked kind—these cruise kitchens whip up al dente masterpieces daily. With endless topping combinations, from creamy Alfredo to vibrant pesto and succulent seafood options, there’s a perfect pasta dish for every palate.
Enjoy: Steak
Cruise ships are known for going all out on their main courses, and steak is no exception. Expect high-quality cuts cooked to your exact preference, from a sizzling ribeye to a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon. Plus, the elegant presentation and attentive service onboard will make your steak dinner a truly unforgettable fine-dining experience – all while surrounded by the magic of the open sea.
Enjoy: Burgers
Burgers on a cruise ship are a safe and classic option for many. You can never go wrong with an excellent juicy burger. Although some cruises don’t provide the best burgers, the cruise you set sail on will hopefully leave you with mouthwatering burger options.
Enjoy: Dessert at Night
No cruise ship experience is complete without indulging in their nightly parade of sweet treats. From handcrafted pastries and towering cakes to flaming soufflés and melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, cruise chefs create a symphony of flavors guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, with multiple courses throughout the week, you can sample a delightful variety without a single night feeling like a repeat!
Enjoy: Fresh Seafood
Since you’re traveling on the water, what better food than fresh seafood? Of course, seafood should come from the chefs, not buffets. You can expect a much fresher piece of seafood at a nice sit-down restaurant than at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Enjoy: Sandwiches
Look no further than the cruise ship’s often-overlooked hero: the sandwich. Cruise chefs elevate this classic with gourmet ingredients and creative twists. Whether poolside or exploring the buffet, a well-crafted sandwich is the perfect pick-me-up to energize you for all your cruise adventures.
Enjoy: Pre Packaged Snacks
Pre-packaged snacks are your secret weapon on a cruise! Stash granola bars, trail mix, or dried fruit in your bag for a pick-me-up poolside or during shore excursions. These convenient options let you control your portion size and dietary needs, all while saving you valuable time and money onboard.
Enjoy: Breakfast Waffles
Forget the same old breakfast routine on your cruise! Dive into a golden, fluffy paradise at the waffle station. These piping-hot beauties are the perfect way to start your day at sea. Whether you crave them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside or prefer them thick and fluffy, the waffle station lets you customize your perfect bite.
Enjoy: Classic Cocktails
No cruise is complete without a touch of nautical nostalgia! Set sail on a journey of flavor with classic cocktails. These timeless drinks, expertly crafted by skilled bartenders, offer a taste of the high seas and a welcome break from poolside beers. Raise a glass to a bygone era with a perfectly chilled daiquiri or a refreshing mojito – cheers to a delicious and delightful cruise experience!
Bottom Line
Now, you’re armed with insider knowledge to navigate the culinary landscape of your next cruise! Remember, balance is key. Indulge in the delicious treats while being aware of some of the more unsanitary food options. Most importantly, savor every bite and create unforgettable memories – one delicious meal at a time!
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