If you’ve ever stood at the crossroads of a cruise ship—buffet to the left, dining room to the right—you know the struggle is real. Do you sit down for the classic multi-course experience, or grab a plate and dive into the endless choices upstairs? Every cruiser has their loyalties, but the truth is, the buffet often delivers in ways the dining room just can’t.
From midnight cravings and unbeatable variety to the sheer freedom of eating on your own schedule, the buffet has 13 undeniable advantages that keep drawing people back. But it’s not all wins—there are 5 drawbacks that can leave you wishing you’d stuck with the dining room. Here’s the real breakdown cruisers need before making their next mealtime decision.
13 Reasons I Pick the Cruise Buffet Over the Dining Room
When it comes to cruise dining, I’ll take the buffet over the main dining room almost every time—and I’ve got 13 solid reasons why. From freedom and variety to views and flexibility, these are the perks you don’t want to miss on your next sailing:
Burgers, Curries, and Everything In Between—The Buffet Has It All
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.
Why the Buffet Feels Like the Dining Room—Only Easier
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.
The One Place on the Ship Where the Clock Doesn’t Matter
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.”
Why Parents Say This Spot Saves Their Cruise
In the main dining room, picky eaters can be tricky—servers may adjust a dish here and there, but the menu is limited and it’s hard to keep everyone satisfied.
The buffet, on the other hand, is a haven for families. Kids can stick to the basics like pizza, pasta, or chicken nuggets, while parents are free to explore more adventurous options without compromise.
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.” For families, the buffet takes the stress out of mealtime and turns it into something everyone can actually enjoy.
It’s Where I Ended Up Making Half My Cruise Friends
In the main dining room, you’re usually fixed to the same table each night. That’s perfect if you click with your tablemates, but awkward if you don’t. The buffet, by contrast, is all about open seating. You can sit wherever you like, join others for a quick meal, or let fellow travelers slide in beside you—creating more spontaneous opportunities to meet new people.
One cruiser shared, “I met the nicest couple at breakfast—they invited me for coffee, and we ended up spending time together for the rest of the cruise.” Another said, “The buffet was great for mingling. We sat with different people almost every day.” Whether you’re a solo traveler or just open to new connections, the buffet makes it easy to turn casual chats into shared memories.
The Dining Spot That Doubles as a Photo Op
The main dining room may feel elegant, but it often sits lower in the ship with fewer windows and limited scenery. Buffets, on the other hand, are usually perched on the upper decks, wrapped in glass, and sometimes even set at the very back of the ship with sweeping ocean views. That means your morning coffee or evening meal often comes with a panorama you won’t get downstairs.
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, the buffet’s windows often make the scenery just as memorable as the food.
Cruise Nights That Turn Dinner Into a Party
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.
Eat Fast, Cruise More: Why the Buffet Wins When You’re on the Go
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.”
From Salads to Seconds—The Buffet Puts You in Control
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.
Dining With Family? Here’s Why the Buffet Makes It Easy
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.
One Plate, Ten Flavors: How the Buffet Turns You Into an Explorer
In the dining room, you commit to one entrée—if you don’t like it, you’re stuck waiting on another course or leaving half your plate behind. At the buffet, though, you can experiment freely. Grab a little of everything, sample new cuisines, and avoid the risk of disappointment. It’s like building your own tasting menu without the price tag.
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.”
From spanakopita and pakoras to satay skewers and tortilla slices, the buffet makes culinary exploration simple, fun, and low-pressure.
The Buffet’s Big Dress Code Advantage
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.
Fast Refills, Zero Hassle: The Buffet Drink Station Perk
In the main dining room, drink service comes through your waiter—meaning you’ll get refills, but only when staff make the rounds. At the buffet, it’s all about speed and convenience. Self-serve drink stations let you grab coffee in the morning, refill your water glass after a workout, or top up juice with lunch—all instantly, no waiting required.
Passengers love the freedom. “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.”
5 Reasons to Avoid the Cruise Ship Buffet
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.
The Dirty Reality of Cruise Buffets You’ll Wish You Didn’t Know
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.
The Cold, Limp Truth About Cruise Buffet Food
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.
The Peak-Time Chaos That Turns Buffet Dining Into a Maze
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.
Why Endless Choices Often Mean Endless Calories
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.
The One Thing the Buffet Simply Can’t Replace
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.
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