Setting sail on a cruise? Ahoy, foodie! While the ocean breeze is refreshing, some of the buffet items might blow you right into regret.
Just because it’s there under a sneeze guard doesn’t mean your stomach should walk the plank.
In this guide, we’re spilling the tea (and maybe that questionable seafood stew) on nine cruise foods you’ll want to toss overboard—and the six mouthwatering picks that’ll have you shouting “bon voyage” to boring bites.
1. Buffet-Style Dishes
Buffet-style dishes on a cruise can often be a gamble. With food sitting out for extended periods, freshness becomes a concern. These dishes may lose their appeal, especially when exposed to fluctuating temperatures.
The once-vibrant greens might appear wilted, and meats can become dry. Opting for freshly prepared meals from a menu can ensure a more delightful dining experience with vibrant flavors and textures.
2. Pre-Packaged Sandwiches
The fresh appeal of freshly cooked sandwiches is typically superior to that of pre-packaged sandwiches. The excessively processed components in these plastic-wrapped sandwiches may make you long for something healthier.
Choosing a freshly prepared sandwich guarantees high-quality ingredients and a flavorful explosion. Instead of settling for pre-packaged mediocrity, savor the succulent tomatoes and the delightful crunch of fresh lettuce in every bite.
3. Salads With Creamy Dressings
Cruise buffets frequently feature salads with creamy dressings, but if they are left out for too long, they may not be as fresh. Unfresh veggies and wilting leaves may be covered up by the creamy dressings. A crisp and refreshing substitute might be a salad with vinaigrette or freshly tossed greens.
The goal is to savor the authentic crunch of fresh greens without worrying about the possibility of spoiling from creamy dressings.
4. Seafood
While seafood can be a highlight on cruises, the risk of questionable freshness is real. Overcooked and underwhelming, some seafood offerings miss the mark. Instead, ask for freshly prepared options, like grilled fish or shellfish.
These choices ensure a delightful taste and texture, with the sea’s flavor captured perfectly. Don’t compromise on such delicacy; savor seafood at its freshest and most delicious.
5. Unfamiliar Meat Cuts
Choosing unfamiliar meat cuts can be an adventurous yet risky decision. On a cruise, these meats may not always meet expectations, appearing tough or bland. For a more enjoyable meal, stick to tried-and-true cuts or ask for chef recommendations.
This way, you can savor tender and flavorful meats, cooked to perfection, without the disappointment of a poorly prepared meal.
6. Heavy Spaghetti Dishes
Heavy spaghetti dishes on a cruise can leave you feeling weighed down. Overcooked pasta and oily sauces often lack flavor and appeal. Instead, opt for lighter pasta dishes or those freshly prepared by the ship’s culinary team.
Fresh ingredients and a careful touch can elevate pasta from a stodgy mess to a delightful dining experience, bringing authentic flavors to your plate with ease.
7. Frozen Desserts
On a cruise, frozen sweets can seem delicious, but they frequently taste excessively cold or fake. Compared to freshly cooked sweets, the texture is inferior. Choose onboard-made items instead, such as a delicate tart or a luscious crème brûlée.
The symphony of aromas and sensations that these gourmet delicacies offer makes frozen alternatives pale in comparison to their authentic decadence and culinary artistry.
8. Anything In Plastic Wrapping
The quality and freshness of freshly cooked foods may be superior to food covered in plastic when on a cruise. Despite its convenience, the flavor and texture of these packaged goods are frequently lacking. Select meals prepared to order, where flavor and freshness are valued highly.
You’ll notice the difference in quality, and your taste senses will appreciate that you choose to eat food that is freshly prepared and full of real flavor.
9. Fast Food Chains Onboard
Fast food chains onboard may offer familiarity, but they rarely excite culinary senses. These outlets serve the same options available at home, missing the unique experiences cruising offers. Instead, explore the ship’s unique dining venues offering local specialties or gourmet creations.
This way, you can savor flavors you won’t find elsewhere, enhancing your cruise adventure with memorable culinary moments.
10. Fresh Grilled Fish
When on a cruise, you must sample the fresh grilled fish. It’s fresh, light, and frequently served with colorful tropical sides. The sides add a zesty, invigorating contrast, and the grill’s simplicity brings out the natural flavors of the fish.
Without overpowering it with thick sauces or other distractions, this dish provides a lovely gastronomic experience while honoring the abundance of the ocean. Savor a flavor that is both genuine and energizing.
11. Local Specialties
Ordering local specialties is a fantastic way to experience authentic flavors unique to your cruise destination. These dishes provide a taste of the region, crafted with traditional methods and ingredients. Be adventurous and savor the rich culture and culinary history with every bite.
Whether it’s a spicy Caribbean curry or a Mediterranean mezze, these specialties promise an unforgettable dining experience.
12. Seafood Platters
A sumptuous treat on a cruise might be seafood platters. For a taste of the best of the sea in every bite, choose freshly prepared lobster, shrimp, or shellfish. A superb gastronomic journey is created by the variety of tastes and the lively presentation.
As you savor an ocean feast on your plate, take in the genuine flavor of seafood that has been expertly and carefully cooked.
13. Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits on a cruise are a refreshing and flavorful choice. Their natural sweetness and juiciness make them a delightful treat, especially in a warm climate. A platter bursting with color, like ripe mangoes and juicy pineapples, offers a taste of the tropics amid the sea.
These fruits are not only delicious but also a healthy option, adding a fresh twist to your cruise experience.
14. Sushi Or Ceviche
On a ship, sushi and ceviche are celebrations of fresh food. These foods, which are usually colorful and tasty, provide an irresistible taste and texture explosion. Ceviche sparkles with seafood marinated in lemon, while sushi offers a delicate mix of fish and rice.
Both give a flavor that is elegant and fulfilling, showcasing the culinary team’s talent and commitment to excellence.
15. Gourmet Desserts
Gourmet desserts on a cruise are a special indulgence. Look for pastries made onboard, like crème brûlée or tarts. These handmade delights are crafted with precision and artistry, elevating your dining experience to new heights.
With rich flavors and impeccable presentation, these desserts promise a satisfying end to your meal, leaving you with sweet memories of culinary perfection.