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lanning a cruise? If you’re thinking about booking a cruise for the first time, you might be wondering what the food situation is like. After all, what better time to indulge ourselves than while on holiday?
In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about food on a cruise. From set menus to buffets, and breakfasts to baby options, we’ve got every area covered.
So, first question, is food included on a cruise? Let’s take a look.
Is food included on a cruise?
In general, when you pay for a cruise fee (per person), each fee will include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and some snacks for each person. Breakfast and lunch will be a buffet-style set-up, where you can help yourself to what’s available (the options will typically remain the same throughout the length of your cruise, but there will be plenty of choice on offer). You’ll also have access to a ‘sit-down’ lunch and breakfast which is completely complimentary. This is what makes cruises excellent value for money!
When it comes to dinner, the cruise line will typically change things up every night and offer a different themed menu for every evening meal, usually consisting of three courses. If you’re torn between two dishes, most cruise lines will be happy to provide you with both. There will possibly also be an à la carte menu for those with allergies or specialist dietary requirements. Some of the best meals I’ve had have been at sea. As a rule the food standard is generally fantastic on cruise ships however, this can vary depending on the cruise line.
Where do you eat on a cruise ship?
Usually, while a cruise ship will have various different restaurants, cafes and bars where you can eat and drink, the main dining room is where you have the option of breakfast and dinner every day and then lunch may also be served in the main dining room on sea days.
(A sea day refers to days during the trip where the ship doesn’t stop at any port). Most ships will also have a self-service style buffet, which will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a less formal, more relaxed style of dining. Most ships will also offer a range of speciality dining restaurants, which have an extra cost. This isn’t a requirement, however if you’re celebrating a special occasion, or fancy a change from the main dining restaurant, they’re a great option.
Does cruise ship food include baby food?
When it comes to feeding your little ones on board, certain cruise ships won’t provide baby food. You’ll need to read up on your cruise ship policies before boarding – or preferably, before booking – so you know what to expect. You’re allowed to bring jars of baby food onto a cruise ship with you, as well as baby formula, so it shouldn’t be a problem if the cruise doesn’t provide their own baby food.
Some cruise liners will also be happy to puree your baby’s food for you in the restaurant; however, you’ll need to ask in advance to be sure.
What kind of food is included in a cruise?
If your cruise fee per-person includes food, you’ll have access to all the food on the cruise ship’s menus, set menus, and at all buffets. The type of food you can expect on cruise ships will naturally depend on what cruise liner you’re on, but you can expect the following on your average cruise ship:
Breakfast: Continental options, cooked breakfast (all in buffet form)
Lunch: Salads, cold meats, soups, bread, sandwiches, pasta, seafood (buffet form)
Dinner: Dinner will tend to be a set menu that changes every night. Items can range from steaks to lobster to fresh fish and are usually very high quality. You can also usually find à la carte options if you request a menu; this will typically include basic dishes such as omelettes, grilled chicken, etc. If you have any special dietary requirements, this can come in handy.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options on a cruise?
Yes, cruise ships will always provide dietary options for those on vegan or vegetarian diets, and can also even accommodate those on gluten-free, low-sugar or low-salt diets. If you have any severe allergies, it’s a good idea to speak to the cruise beforehand; as the risk of contamination is high with a buffet-style set-up, you may be able to request that your food be made in the kitchen – although some cruise ships may not be able to accommodate this.
Are drinks included on a cruise?
In general, any coffee, tea or iced water that you order in the main dining room and buffet will be free. If your dining area comes with a soft drinks machine that you fill up yourself with refills, these are also typically free.
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, you’ll usually have to pay an all-inclusive fee in order to effectively enjoy an open bar during your cruise. This can often be around £30-£100 per day (depending on your chosen cruise line) and allows you unlimited alcoholic and soft beverages during the length of your trip. Depending on how much you drink, it can often be more affordable just to pay-as-you-go; all-inclusive packages often encourage people to drink (in order to “get their money’s worth”) so it might be best to simply pay for your drinks on an individual basis.
Do cruises do room service?
Yes. Most cruises lines will typically offer room service 24/7, whereby you can order meals, snacks and drinks to your cabin or suite. However, your choice of food might be more limited when it comes to room service, especially if it’s late at the time of your order.
Depending on your package deal, room service might be included for free if you’ve paid an extra fee. If your cruise fee only covers basic food and drink, you’ll pay out-of-pocket for any room service orders. Again, it might often be cheaper to simply pay for any extras on a pay-as-you-go basis; inclusive package deals might compel you to eat or drink just to get your money’s worth.
Can I bring my own food on a cruise?
You can bring snacks (nothing raw, and no uncooked meat) onto a cruise ship, although there’s not much point in bringing lots of food to eat; most cruise packages will cover any basic snacks, as well as buffet food.
The only real interest in bringing your own snacks onto a cruise is if you have severe allergies or extreme dietary requirements that cannot be met by the cruise staff. Otherwise, it’s best to leave the pringles at home and enjoy the delicious food the cruise ship has to offer.
Speciality dining options
Many cruises offer speciality dining options for aspiring foodies; at an increased fee, you can enjoy an enhanced dining experience with amazing food and great service.
When it comes to cruise food, there are plenty of options to choose from and the majority is included in your standard cruise fare. You could go through the whole cruise without having to a penny for extra food. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full-course meal, you can find something to suit your taste. And, with so many different cruise lines to choose from, you’re sure to find a cruise that offers the perfect food for your taste.