Cruise Ship Food & Dining: What to Expect Onboard

Food is a big part of the cruise experience. You can sit down for a multi-course dinner, grab pizza after a show, try something completely new, or somehow find yourself at the buffet again even though you just ate.

Hang out By the Pool
Trying New Things
Catch a Show

Exploring the Ship
Sea Days

IN THIS GUIDE

Every ship is different, but there's usually plenty to discover.

Start With the Included Food

You don't have to spend extra money to eat well on a cruise. Most ships include several dining options in your fare.

You may find:

Main dining rooms
Buffets
Pizza
Burgers and casual grills
Cafés and snack spots
Poolside food
Soft-serve ice cream
Late-night bites

What's included varies by ship, so it's worth checking before you sail.

Make Dinner an Event

The main dining room is one of those classic cruise experiences that's worth trying at least once.

Dinner is usually more leisurely than grabbing something from the buffet, with appetizers, entrées and desserts served at your table. Menus often change throughout the cruise, giving you an excuse to come back.

And yes, you can usually order more than one thing if something catches your eye.

Try a Specialty Restaurant

Want to make a meal part of the night's entertainment?

Many ships have specialty restaurants serving steak, seafood, sushi, Italian food, hibachi and other cuisines. These usually cost extra, but they can be a fun choice for a special dinner—or just because something sounds good.

Find the Unexpected Favorites

Sometimes the food you remember isn't the fancy dinner.

It might be the pizza you grab at midnight, the breakfast you eat overlooking the ocean, a dessert you go back for three times, or a tiny food spot you discover halfway through the cruise.

Part of the fun is trying things.

Don't Skip Breakfast at Sea

Breakfast hits differently when there's an ocean outside the window.

Depending on the ship, you might choose the buffet, main dining room, café, room service, or another breakfast spot.

On a sea day, there's no reason to rush.

Save Room for Dessert

Cruise ships tend to give you plenty of opportunities for something sweet.

Cakes, pastries, ice cream, cookies, specialty desserts and elaborate dining-room creations may all make an appearance.

You are on vacation, after all.

Little Cruise Tip

Take a few minutes to look through your ship's dining options before you sail. Some restaurants are included while others cost extra, and popular specialty restaurants may require reservations.