Navigating Cruise Ship Buffets: 20 Must-Know Tips for Your Next Cruise

I recently shared an article featuring my Top Six Must-Try Ocean and River Cruise Ship Buffets. Following that, one of my clients asked me if I had any tips for how to get the most out of their shipboard buffet experiences.

It was a fair question, prompting me to offer insights I’ve gained and shared with clients for 40 years.

Instead of delving deeply into buffet etiquette, I opted to focus on practical tips. While I'll touch on etiquette briefly, this article is primarily about providing helpful advice to enhance buffet experiences.

Here are your 20 tips to help you take full advantage of a great buffet experience on your cruise!

• If it's a busy time period, grab a table before getting your food. Leave someone or a non-valuable item to hold your spot.
  

• Don’t leave valuables unattended at your table if you have to get up.

• Be a good neighbor. Share your table if you see individuals or couples struggling to find seating.

• Tipping buffet staff is optional but appreciated for good service.

• Most larger ship’s buffets now have handwashing stations. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before getting your food.

• Especially for the larger ship buffets (e.g., Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean), do some “window shopping” to note what’s available before you start so you can prioritize what you most want.

• At the buffet, fill your sports bottle with iced tea, water, and ice. For sanitary reasons, some ships may require that you fill glasses to pour into your bottle.  
  

• You can usually order beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, from the staff. Maybe you’d like a Bloody Mary with breakfast, cold beer with lunch, or a glass of wine with dinner, or your favorite soda pop.

• Cruise lines allow you to take food out of the restaurant. Take advantage of enjoying your meal outside or even back to your cabin. Those who like or need a little something to nibble on at night can grab fruit or another snack to take out.
  

• Would you prefer not to get dressed up for dinner on a formal night? Dress codes are more relaxed in the buffet for dinner on larger ships.

• Many ports don’t allow guests to bring fruit and other non-packaged foods off the ship. Check with Guest Services on the ship before you grab that apple or sandwich to take off the ship.

• Proper attire is required. Buffets require shoes, cover-ups over bathing suits, and shirts for men. Though still typically casual, attire may be more “country club casual” in the buffets of luxury lines and riverboats in the evenings.

• Take advantage of this great opportunity to try new foods.
  

• Minimize food waste by only taking what you feel you’ll eat and take advantage of going back up for seconds (or thirds!) Of course, I’m not advocating that you eat something you’ve found you don’t like.
  

• Be patient and be aware you’re sharing space with others.

• Use the serving utensils provided and avoid touching food with your hands.
  

• Feel free to relax at your table if the restaurant isn’t busy, but be mindful that others may need your spot during peak times.

• Voice your dietary issues with staff. If a server doesn’t know the answer, they will often find a supervisor or the chef who can best answer your questions and address your dietary questions.

• Try fresh made-to-order foods such as omelets and pasta. And enjoy freshly carved meats.
  

• Cutlery is often wrapped in napkins. Take advantage of your pocket if you have one to tuck your napkin and cutlery into so you can more easily navigate the buffet.

Now that you’re all set on the do’s and don’ts for a great buffet experience, let’s get talking to plan the ship (and buffet) that best fits your vacation and lifestyle!

Happy Traveling!

-Connie