Everyone knows it by now, on a cruise, you can eat a lot, and maybe that is also why we love this kind of vacation.
I don’t know what you guys think, but in recent years, I’ve noticed that the quality of food has dropped a bit.
Some cruise lines (perhaps to lower costs) have started using lower-quality ingredients, offering less elaborate dishes, and decreasing the amount of food offered to passengers.
It’s truly a shame, especially for travelers who love good food and consider it an important aspect of their cruise.
For this reason, I thought I’d share some tips to help you always enjoy the best food without spending extra money.
1. Please Go to the Main Dining Room
I know it may seem obvious to some, but I assure you that not all passengers go to MDR to eat.
On my last cruise, I met a couple who used to go to the buffet all the time, even to have dinner, and I thought that was pretty strange.
The buffet is usually for eating something quickly, and the dishes are often cold and not as well cared for as they might be in a restaurant.
If you have time, I recommend going to the restaurant for lunch as well. During some days, I had some of the best food ever.
2. Attend Special Food Events
Cruise lines, especially the premium ones, often have special food events like brunch buffets, outdoor barbecues, and themed parties.
Remember that you should always keep an eye on the daily schedule so as not to miss these opportunities.
On several cruise lines, you can also find temporary food stands on outside decks or at the poolside.
For example, below, you can see a picture of pizza freshly made served poolside on a Costa cruise.
3. Order Multiple Courses
Another tip to eat the best food is to order multiple courses if you really want to try them.
In this case, the rules vary by cruise line. On some, you can order as many dishes as you want, while others charge a surcharge (however, quite low) for those who want to order a second or third main course.
To make no mistake, you can ask your waiter; they are the people who can give you the most accurate information on this matter.
4. Enjoy Complimentary Room Service Breakfast
Many cruise lines offer free continental breakfast delivered to your cabin. This is a convenient option, especially on busy mornings or when you are short on time and want to wake up a little later.
Usually, you fill out a sheet a sheet, marking the things you want to receive for the next day, and hang it on the door handle the night before.
If you don’t know where the room service menu is, check the article on how to find the 7 hidden things in cruise cabins.
5. Explore Alternative Complimentary Venues
Beyond the MDR and buffet, ships often have other free dining spots like pizzerias, cafés, or grills.
These venues usually offer diverse cuisines without extra costs.
For example, Carnival has Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, which you should definitely try. While Royal Caribbean has Café Promenade that severs light snacks, sandwiches, and pastries.
6. Check for Free Specialty Restaurant Promotions
Specialty restaurants come with an additional cost, but in some cases, they serve truly good, alternative, and interesting food.
If you wanna try it without spending money (or by spending little), you can look for promotions or discounts.
Cruise lines often offer them, especially when during off-peak times or days. In addition, some passengers may have free access to these restaurants, for example, thanks to memberships or promotional packages with which the cruise was booked.
7. Order the Right Thing and Don’t Fill Your Plate Right Away
The last piece of advice I want to give you is to be careful when ordering.
Read the menu well, choose the things you like but also prefer products that may be fresh or seasonal.
At the buffet, avoid filling your plate with food right away; it’s among the 10 things you must never do at the buffet on a cruise.
You can take a small portion, taste it, and then come back for more if you like it.
In addition, try not to choose one of the 10 dishes you should never eat on a cruise.
I know they may seem expensive, but I have them, and I assure you they are fantastic. They are essential if you love traveling!
