The cruise ship buffet: a dream come true for some passengers and a crowded nightmare for others. On the one hand, you’ve got endless options—Italian pastas, sizzling stir-fries, juicy burgers, carved meats, fresh salads, and yes, that dessert bar is calling your name. But for other cruisers, the buffet experience is no more than a chaotic mob of plate clanking and endless lines.
Trust me, the buffet is the most convenient dining option on a cruise ship for a quick meal. Just turn up morning, noon, or night, and piping hot food awaits you. But is it worth it? Many cruisers say it’s the best place to eat onboard. I’ll share 13 reasons why I and other cruisers love the buffet so much when cruising.
13 Compelling Reasons to Head for the Cruise Ship Buffet
Love a laid-back feast with a smorgasbord of tasty morsels on a plate? Want to head back for seconds or thirds without feeling embarrassed? If so, the buffet has you covered. There is endless variety, no dress code, and all the flavors you crave in one spot. Here’s what I’ve discovered about why the buffet is the best stop on board.
Quick and convenient for busy days
Imagine that you’ve just returned from an early morning excursion. Or maybe you’re gearing up for an afternoon of sun-soaked lounging at the pool deck or all set to take in an evening show. The buffet lets you dive in at any time without waiting—grab a plate, pick your favorites, and you’re set.
If you’re on the go, the cruise ship buffet is the perfect way to eat fast and return to your day without a hitch. One passenger shared, “We love the buffet when we’ve got shore excursions planned. We can be in and out of the breakfast buffet in ten minutes and all set for the day.” Another shared, “When we have shows planned, the buffet’s quick turnaround time is exactly what we need.”
Eat whenever you want
Cruisers love the freedom that buffet dining provides. There’s no need to wait for set mealtimes or rush like mad to catch a reservation in a specialty restaurant. Instead, you can enjoy the experience of dining on your own schedule—whether it’s an early breakfast at sunrise or a late-night snack watching the stars.
I remember my last cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria. I couldn’t believe that the Lido buffet was open 24/7. It means you could practically eat 24 hours a day if you wanted. They also provide 24-hour complimentary room service.
Most cruise passengers rave about the buffet for its flexibility. One experienced cruiser said, “The buffet is the go-to choice after a late-night show or returning from an excursion.”
Variety to please every palate
With endless choices of world cuisines, the buffet caters to every taste. Want to dine out on your favorite comfort food? No worries—grab a burger, hot dog, or both. But why not use the dining experience to try new foods? One cruiser told me he got hooked on Asian food after their first cruise.
At the buffet, you’ll find all types of pasta, omelets, burgers, and steaks alongside seafood paella, spicy Thai curries, and Indian, Moroccan, and Brazilian dishes. One cruiser shared, “Our buffet had a stir-fry station where we picked our own ingredients—totally unexpected.”
Why not try something new each day? You may discover a new favorite you’d never order in a restaurant. And the beauty of the buffet? You only need to take a small taster.
Perfect for picky eaters
The ship buffet is a haven for travelers with selective tastes. Dining in the buffet gives families perfect opportunities to eat together with fewer complaints from picky eaters. Traveling with someone who sticks to plain pasta and chicken nuggets? No problem, the buffet options have you covered.
One cruiser shared, “My daughter lives on pizza and plain noodles. She loved the buffet because she could get exactly what she wanted, and we could still have a variety.” Another added, “With three kids, it was so easy to keep everyone happy without hunting for separate meals.”
Why not let everyone go for what they love so you can skip the stress and savor mealtime together?
Casual vibe, no dress code
No need to worry about getting all fancy to dine at the buffet. You can come in whatever attire you want—if you don’t show up in swimwear or your dressing gown and slippers. The buffet is ideal for grabbing a bite on the go or dining without the hassle of returning to your cabin first.
I agree with one cruiser who commented, “The main dining room can feel a bit formal, but the buffet was pure vacation mode—come as you are, and you’re totally fine. I love the laid-back style.”
Want to unwind without worrying about an outfit change? Head for the buffet, where the dress code is…, well, there is none.
Portion flexibility—eat more or less
The self-serve buffet is perfect for taking as much or as little as you want. Are you in the mood for a heartier meal? Load up your plate and go back for seconds. Looking for a healthier option or a light bite? No worries, grab a small portion without worrying about leaving half an entrée on the plate.
Interestingly, I’ve read that responsible buffet-goers create less food waste. They take what they need and don’t leave a pile of leftovers.
One cruiser perfectly summed up the buffet experience: “Sometimes I just grab a small salad, other times I go all in with a big meal. I love that I can try new foods without committing to a full plate.”
Looking to sample or indulge? The buffet lets you do both, no pressure.
Perfect dining venue for families with kids
The buffet makes family dining as easy as cutting butter with a hot knife. Kids can pick precisely what they want, whether pizza, pasta, or endless desserts, while parents enjoy more variety without a second thought. Of course, endless treats for little ones create another problem. But the buffet has something for everyone.
I spoke to one parent who said, “With three kids, the buffet was a lifesaver. Each of them found something they loved without any complaints. We were able to enjoy a more exciting meal. Total win-win for family dinners!”
For a no-hassle family meal, the buffet has it all.
Gorgeous views on upper decks
Imagine dining with endless ocean views—that’s the experience the cruise ship’s buffer serves up.
Most buffets are located on the higher decks with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows for spectacular vistas. Whether it’s dining when watching the sun melt into the Caribbean or watching the sun come up in the morning, views from the buffet add a little extra spice to the dining experience.
One fellow passenger told me, “I just love sipping my morning coffee while watching the ocean—it’s the perfect start to the day.” Another cruiser said, “We were on the MSC Preziosa, and the Maya buffet is at the rear. The view of the ship’s wake when dining was spectacular.
For unforgettable dining moments, grab a spot by the window and soak in the scenery.
Great for trying new foods in small portions
Did you know, tasting menus are not just the exclusive domain of fine dining restaurants? Cruise ship buffets are ideal for sampling new flavors in small, manageable portions. Imagine returning from the food station with a Greek spanakopita, Indian pakora, a slice of Spanish tortilla, a spring roll, and a skewer of Thai chicken satay—all on one plate!
One passenger told me, “I was hesitant to try escargot, but the buffet made it easy—I took a small portion and ended up loving them.” Another said, “Dining in the cruise ship buffet lets me try things I’d never order in a restaurant.”
Take advantage of the buffet to explore new flavors, one small bite at a time—you never know what might surprise you.
Drink stations for quick refills
No need to wait for a server or flag down a bartender—head to the buffet’s drink stations whenever you need a quick refill. Whether it’s coffee in the morning, juice with lunch, or water after a workout, you can top up your glass at any time.
Passengers love the convenience. “We’d grab a quick coffee whenever we needed it. It made mornings so much easier,” shared one cruiser. Another noted, “We filled up our reusable drink bottles at the water station, and it saved us buying bottled water on shore excursions.”
Unique themed dining experiences
Don’t miss out on themed events in the cruise ship buffet. Themed lunches or dinners are perfect for adding to the festive onboard experience. From Italian feasts and Mexican fiestas to Asian-inspired nights and traditional American fare, you can set off on a culinary journey in the comfort of the ship.
One of my most memorable dining experiences was an incredible Mediterranean night. I enjoyed everything from Greek salads with feta cheese to lamb chops and fresh pasta. It felt like a food festival in Italy.” One cruiser raved, “We loved Mexican night with fresh tacos and churros.”
For an experience that’s as festive as it is flavorful, keep an eye out for unique themed nights on board.
The buffet often has the same food as the main dining restaurant
You may find the same menu items in the buffet and Main Dining Room (MDR). Dishes like grilled meats, pasta, soup of the day, salads, and seafood are often available in both places. And many cruisers prefer the buffet because it has more options and a less formal setup. Some other ways the buffet trumps the MDR are the sea views and all-you-can-eat jumbo shrimp.
After reading several online cruise forums on the buffet vs. MDR, it seems opinions are divided. Dishes in the main restaurant are freshly prepared and have a 5-star presentation. However, other passengers said the food from the buffet experience was top notch and they preferred its efficiency. One cruiser commented, “I have yet to come across anything that is not tasty in the buffet. Also, a window seat is always available.”
The buffet provides a great taste if you want good food and flavors without the formalities. For a more polished experience, though, the MDR still holds its charm. On your next cruise, stop by the MDR to check out the menu and compare it with the buffet offerings.
Social opportunities to meet new people
If you love meeting new people on a cruise ship, the buffet’s casual, open seating is ideal for striking up conversations. The freedom to sit anywhere makes it easy to join or be joined by others. It’s perfect for solo travelers or anyone looking to connect with new friends on board.
One fellow cruiser shared, “I met the nicest couple at breakfast—they invited me to join them for a coffee, and we ended up spending time together for the rest of the cruise.” Another commented, “The buffet was great for mingling. We sat with different people almost every day.”
Why not let the buffet’s open seating add a bit of spontaneity to your trip? You might just leave with new friends and shared memories.
5 Reasons to Avoid the Cruise Ship Buffett
Of course, the buffet isn’t for every passenger. Yes, its endless choices and quickness make it popular for many cruisers. But, between the crowds, the potential for overeating, and cold food by the time you find a table, it can be the least desirable option for some.
Hygiene concerns in self-serve areas
For some cruisers, the buffet’s self-serve style raises hygiene concerns. With shared serving utensils and high traffic, there’s a greater chance of germs spreading—especially during the flu season. One passenger noted, “I saw too many people handle food with bare hands. Some even licked their fingers after. It’s a little off-putting for me.”
To stay safe, always visit the handwashing station before taking your food and also before starting your meal.
Overcrowding and long waits for seating during peak times
During peak meal times, the buffet can become a crowded maze with long lines and limited seating. On many occasions, I’ve found myself circling for a table while my food is getting cold. One passenger shared, “Breakfast rush was so hectic—we seemed to spend more time looking for seats than actually eating.”
Try going early or dining during off-peak hours to avoid waiting in long lines.
Inconsistent food temperature
It’s true, the food quality in the buffet can be sub-par. Some food doesn’t keep well when sitting in steam trays for a long time. Pasta goes limp, meat dries out, and burgers lose consistency and taste. There’s also the issue of seafood or mayo-based dishes going off at the food station.
One cruiser remarked, “My potato salad had a distinct fizz on the first bite. I left it and I’m glad I did as the next day someone told me they got ill after it.
To ensure quality food at the buffet, opt for stations where food is cooked fresh on demand—you’ll enjoy a tastier, warmer meal.
Temptation to overeat
The buffet’s endless choices make overindulgence a piece of cake. Between the variety and the “all-you-can-eat” setup, many cruisers find it hard to stick to reasonable portions. One passenger shared, “I went back for seconds…and thirds. I thought, hey, I’m on vacation. But I was shocked to discover I put on 10 pounds in seven days.”
To keep portions manageable, start small and revisit only if you’re still hungry.
Missing out on personal service
Let’s face it: nothing beats getting waited on hand and foot in a fancy restaurant. So, you’ll miss the personal, attentive experience if you only eat at the buffet. One cruiser said, “Our server made thoughtful recommendations in the dining room, even bringing us a few off-menu treats. You miss that personal connection in the buffet.”
If you want a romantic dinner or a more personal dining experience, consider booking the main dining room or specialty restaurant.
Common Cruise Ship Buffet Mistakes to Avoid
For many cruisers, nothing can beat the buffet dining experience. However, there are a few pitfalls to avoid to enjoy your meals to the full. Here are some tips I’ve picked up from previous cruises and fellow passengers on avoiding the most common buffet mistakes.
Don’t rush to the buffet on Embarkation Day, as that’s where most people head for. Instead, take advantage of first-day specialty dining deals or explore the ship first.
Avoid overloading your plate on the first round. Packing a plate high is tempting, but you may end up wasting food. Instead, start small and return for seconds if you want more food. Also, remember to take a clean plate and leave dirty dishes on the table.
Remember to wash your hands before the buffet and after you finish plating up. With many passengers using the utensils, you want to keep germs at bay.
It’s a good idea to avoid compromised food as it poses health risks. Instead, only pick fresh-looking items or head to the food stations where food is prepared to order.
It’s an unwritten rule never to eat while standing in line or take food with your bare hands, or showing up in swimwear, pajamas, bathrobes, and slippers. You don’t want to become THAT passenger everyone views as the worst-behaved person in the buffet.
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