Whilst the best parts of cruising are the undeniably beautiful destinations visited during your time on board, the readily available variety of food options comes to a close second. The fare you pay for your cabin will typically cover eating in the main dining room or the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then, there will be additional costs incurred for using the other onboard speciality restaurants. The cruise buffet is a great choice for those who want to explore as many different food options as possible during their cruise while still being mindful of budgeting.
So, let's take a look at what type of things you might reasonably expect from cruise ship food.
The cruise ship buffet - A wealth of possibilities
When it comes to cruise ship cuisine, you will find that variety is one of the buffet's primary appeals. Typically, there will be a diverse range of flavours from a variety of different cuisines, covering everything from Asian classics to American standards. You may find that cruise food also varies depending on the line you're travelling with and, of course, any destinations you visit on the cruise. Stock might be updated to reflect local diets and tastes.
Using the buffet
Included in the price of your cruise buffets are usually open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many cruise lines also offer a range of late-night snack options as well, so you may find that the buffet becomes your go to choice for food.
Cruise ship buffets operate on a self-service basis with a range of different stations dedicated to different types of food. You should expect to find stations dedicated to hot dishes, salads, side dishes, cold dishes and also a range of desserts. These self-service food buffets allow you to stick to your favourites or try new dishes and flavours at your own pace.
Many cruise ships also operate special food stations. These are dedicated areas where you will find a range of popular items like pasta, pizza, carving stations, and dessert bars. They might also hold themed nights such as Mexican or Italian. Some but not all buffets on cruise ships also offer a made-to-order option. This is usually in the form of several live cooking stations where you will be able to customise some dishes for example tacos, stir-fries, or omelettes.
What is the atmosphere in a cruise ship buffet like?
Eating in the buffet is considered to be a more casual dining experience. Unlike the more exclusive dining options, it typically has no dress code. Because it is included in the price of your cruise it can get quite busy at times and a little noisier than other dining options on board. However, the variety of hot and ready food will more than make up for waiting in line.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, then eating outside peak mealtimes can be a good option.
With plenty of other dining options on board, you may also want to change things up occasionally and choose a more specific experience for a dressier option.
Special dietary considerations
As you might expect, cruise lines are well versed in catering for a wide range of dietary requirements and food allergies. For those who have special requirements, whether these are as a result of a food intolerance such as a problem with gluten, a lifestyle choice such as following a vegetarian or vegan diet, along with any other dietary requirement a buffet will have plenty of choice. It is best, however, to ensure that the crew are informed well in advance of any allergies or special requirements that you might have, so make sure you inform them as soon as you book your cruise.
Eating in the buffet on your cruise ship is a great option for all travellers, giving you great variety and flexibility in a more casual environment.
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