8 Foods To Avoid On A Cruise And 7 You Should Order Instead
Cruise ship dining can be one of the highlights of your trip—or a ticket to seasick regret. With endless buffets, specialty restaurants, and midnight snacks galore, it’s easy to go overboard (literally and figuratively). Here are 8 foods best skipped while at sea, and 7 smarter, safer, or tastier picks to order instead for smooth sailing and satisfied taste buds.
1. Raw Oysters or Clams
Raw oysters or clams may call out to seafood lovers at the buffet, but they’re fraught with perils. The combination of warm temperatures, uncertain sourcing, and the nature of raw shellfish make them a potential risk for stomach woes.
While they might look tempting, the possibility of bacterial contamination is high, especially in a cruise ship setting. The culinary allure is overshadowed by the potential for a digestive disaster.
Choosing to skip these can save you from an unplanned visit to the ship’s infirmary. Better safe than sorry!
2. Cream-Based Buffet Dishes
Cream-based dishes like fettuccine Alfredo might sound like comfort food, but when left to languish on a buffet under a heat lamp, risks abound. Spoilage becomes a real concern, as these rich concoctions can harbor bacteria if not kept at the right temperature.
Consider how many hands might have lifted that serving spoon before you. It’s a gamble between creamy delight and culinary misjudgment.
Avoiding these can help dodge an upset stomach, ensuring your cruise remains a pleasant voyage.
3. Scrambled Eggs from the Buffet
Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple, but on a cruise buffet, they may not be in their prime. Often made with powdered mixes or prepared in bulk hours earlier, they can turn rubbery.
The convenience of the buffet might tempt you, yet the texture often leaves much to be desired. Moreover, the potential for food safety issues lurks when eggs sit out too long.
Opting to pass on these eggs could save your morning, steering clear of a less-than-appetizing start to your day.
4. Undercooked Hamburgers
Biting into a juicy hamburger can be a delight, but on a cruise ship, it’s best to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. The conditions in cruise kitchens might not always guarantee the safety of a rare burger.
While you may enjoy your meat rare, the potential health risks onboard could turn that enjoyment into regret. Ensuring your burger is well-done significantly reduces those risks.
It’s a small compromise for peace of mind and a satisfied stomach during your voyage. Relish the flavor without the worry!
5. Day-Old Sushi Rolls
Sushi bars on cruises offer a slice of excitement, but caution is key, especially with pre-prepped or day-old rolls. The delicate balance of fresh fish and rice may falter when left out.
Although visually appealing, the texture can suffer, and the freshness diminishes over time. The risk of spoilage increases with each passing hour.
Avoiding day-old sushi helps keep your palate pleased and your stomach content. Choose wisely when venturing into the world of sushi at sea.
6. Pre-Sliced Fruit from the Buffet
A platter of pre-sliced fruit can be a refreshing sight, but if it’s been sitting uncovered, the appeal diminishes. Bacteria can quickly multiply on exposed surfaces, especially in warm environments.
Not to mention, outdoor dining invites seagulls—a less than appetizing addition to your meal. The freshness factor is compromised, turning a healthy choice into a potential hazard.
Opt for whole fruits or freshly cut options to enjoy nature’s candy without the microbial hitchhikers. A small change, big difference!
7. Room-Service Fried Food
The allure of room service may lead you to order fried food, yet the reality often disappoints. Covered trays trap steam, leading fries and fish to lose their crispness.
By the time they reach your cabin, sogginess reigns supreme, turning a crispy treat into a greasy letdown. The anticipation can lead to culinary disillusionment.
Opting for items better suited to travel ensures satisfaction. Room service can still delight, with the right choices.
8. Milk-Based Desserts That Aren’t Kept Cold
Milk-based desserts like custards or cream pies can spoil quickly if not kept at the right temperature. On a cruise, especially on a sunny pool deck, this risk is amplified.
The creamy allure might seduce dessert lovers, but the potential for spoilage is a serious concern. Melting and bacterial growth can turn sweetness into sourness.
Choosing desserts that are well-chilled or avoiding those prone to rapid spoilage ensures your sweet ending is delightful, not distressing.
9. Grilled Fresh Fish
Grilled fresh fish, often cooked to order, offers a light and flavorful dining experience on a cruise. With its mild seasoning and tender texture, it’s a safe and tasty alternative to fried or raw options.
The simplicity of grilling allows the fish’s natural flavors to shine, making it a delightful choice for seafood enthusiasts. It’s a meal that marries health with taste.
Enjoying grilled fish on your voyage ensures a satisfying culinary adventure without the risks associated with other seafood options.
10. Made-to-Order Omelets
Skip the buffet eggs and savor a made-to-order omelet instead. At a live station, a chef crafts your breakfast with fresh ingredients, tailored to your taste.
The texture is superior, and the flavors vibrant—a morning transformation worth the wait. Watching the process is an engaging experience, adding anticipation to every bite.
This choice offers both quality and personalization, ensuring a delightful start to your day at sea. Nothing beats an omelet made just for you!
11. Rotisserie Chicken or Carved Meats
Freshly sliced rotisserie chicken or other carved meats often headline the cruise buffet. These dishes are cooked thoroughly, held at safe temperatures, and promise a hearty meal.
The visual appeal of a chef carving meat adds to the dining experience. It’s a comforting choice, delivering satisfaction with every bite.
Opting for these options provides a taste of home while ensuring food safety, making them a dependable delight during your journey.
12. Freshly Baked Breads
Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly baked bread. On a cruise, ships often bake their own rolls, baguettes, and focaccia daily, providing a delightful and safe option.
Bread’s simplicity and texture offer a pleasing contrast to more complex dishes. It’s a comforting staple that pairs with anything.
Enjoying these freshly baked creations can elevate any meal, making them a must-try while cruising. Trust in the baker’s art to complement your dining experience.
13. Tropical Fruit from the Pool Bar or Main Dining Room
Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or pineapple, freshly cut to order, offer a juicy and clean choice. Available at the pool bar or main dining room, they provide a refreshing break.
The vivid colors and sweet flavors captivate the senses, evoking a sense of exotic adventure. It’s a healthier, safer option, less prone to mishaps.
Savoring these fruits enhances the cruise experience, bringing a taste of the tropics to your journey. A splash of color on your plate!
14. Chef’s Special or Regional Cuisine
The chef’s special or regional cuisine offers a unique taste of your destination. Crafted fresh for dinner service, these dishes let you explore local flavors without leaving the ship.
Each plate tells a story, often inspired by the region’s heritage or ingredients. It’s an invitation to culinary adventure.
Choosing these specials allows you to savor authentic dishes, adding richness to your journey. A dining experience worth indulging in!
15. Gelato or Packaged Ice Cream
Gelato or packaged ice cream presents a safer, creamier delight compared to soft-serve machines. Often made onboard, they boast richer textures and deeper flavors.
The pleasure of a creamy scoop on a sunny day is unmatched. Whether enjoyed on deck or after dinner, it’s a sweet retreat.
Opting for these frozen treats ensures satisfaction without the risks associated with lesser-quality options. A cooling delight with every spoonful!