Cruise Ship Secrets: 10 Foods to Avoid And 10 to Enjoy

breakfast on a cruise ship with a view of the ocean — Marina113 from Getty Images

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 in a white bowl on a cutting board — milanfoto from Getty Images Signature

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

a person is picking up a sushi roll from the counter — ShotShare from Getty Images Signature

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

several pizzas are being served on trays — dlewis33 from Getty Images Signature

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

several bottles of different types of salad dressings — Saddako from Getty Images

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.