Cruising offers a floating feast of culinary experiences—but not everything on board is worth lining up for. While most luxury cruise ships take pride in their food offerings, there are a few notorious bites that seasoned cruisers (and even crew members) quietly avoid. Whether you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, Princess, or Carnival, here’s a list of common cruise ship foods you might want to avoid—plus smart alternatives that will leave your taste buds and stomach much happier.
1. Scrambled Eggs from the Buffet
Why to Skip It: Watery. Salty. Suspiciously uniform. Many cruisers agree: the scrambled eggs in the buffet often taste off because they’re typically made from powdered egg mix.
What to Eat Instead: Head to the omelette station, where eggs are cracked and cooked fresh to order. Or treat yourself to a sit-down breakfast in the main dining room for better quality and presentation.
2. Buffet Bacon
Why to Skip It: Bacon lovers, beware—buffet bacon is often limp, overcooked, and clumped into sad, greasy piles.
What to Eat Instead: Carved ham from the carving station offers a similar salty fix. Or again, try the dining room breakfast, where the bacon tends to be fresher and better prepared.
3. Sushi That’s Been Sitting Out
Why to Skip It: Sushi must be cold and fresh. On cruise buffets, it’s sometimes left sitting for too long—raising both food safety and flavor concerns.
What to Eat Instead: If you want to try the sushi, go as soon as the buffet opens. Otherwise, consider visiting a specialty sushi restaurant on board if available.
4. Tap Drinking Water
Why to Skip It: While cruise ship water is technically safe (thanks to desalination systems), some travelers report swelling or bloating—possibly from residual sodium in the processed water.
What to Drink Instead: Stick to bottled water, especially if you’ve experienced water retention issues in the past.
5. Pre-Assembled Buffet Burgers
Why to Skip It: Burgers sitting out too long tend to soak in grease or dry out under heat lamps, especially when pre-assembled with buns.
What to Eat Instead: Head to the poolside grill or a casual dining spot where burgers are made fresh. Some ships even offer gourmet burger bars that are a serious upgrade.
6. Self-Serve Soft Ice Cream
Why to Skip It: It’s a cruise classic, but when the machine’s a mess (especially after kids have gone wild), hygiene can be questionable.
What to Eat Instead: Choose crew-served gelato or hard scoop ice cream from a staffed dessert station. Some ships offer premium options with toppings—just ask!
7. Table Condiments in the Buffet
Why to Skip It: Salt shakers and ketchup bottles used by dozens of people daily? Yikes. They’re rarely cleaned and can be germ magnets.
What to Do Instead: Ask a crew member for fresh condiments from the back—or use a napkin to handle communal dispensers and wash your hands before eating.
8. Spicy Beans and High-Fiber Dishes Before Port Days
Why to Skip It: Beans are great—until you’re stuck on an excursion bus regretting last night’s dinner. Spicy, fiber-heavy dishes can upset sensitive stomachs, especially before busy port days.
What to Eat Instead: Stick with simple, familiar foods the night before an early tour or long excursion.
9. Included (a.k.a. “Free”) Coffee
Why to Skip It: If you love a bold brew, the free coffee on cruise ships may disappoint—it’s often weak and watery.
What to Drink Instead: Consider a beverage package if you’re a coffee enthusiast. Specialty coffee shops on board offer lattes, cappuccinos, and cold brew that actually hit the spot.
Bonus Tip: Be Picky with Buffet Food
Some cruisers go so far as to avoid self-serve buffets altogether. Why? Hygiene, food freshness, and crowd control. That said, buffets can still be convenient and delicious if you know what to avoid and time your visit wisely (right when they open is best).
Final Thought
Cruising should be a relaxing, indulgent experience—not one where you’re second-guessing your breakfast or battling a dodgy stomach in port. By making a few smarter food choices, you’ll enjoy your cruise to the fullest—without the regret.
Bon voyage and bon appétit!
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