Everyone knows—cruise food is legendary! Think lobster tails, chocolate melting cake, all-you-can-eat buffets, and midnight pizza. But behind the endless shrimp and smiling servers lies a whole menu of hacks cruisers wish they knew sooner. We’re talking freebies that aren’t advertised. Off-menu secrets that servers rarely mention. Drink tricks that can save you $100s.
You’re in the MDR—steak ordered, shrimp added (top hack), wine pairing chosen. Then a sizzling platter lands at the next table. It wasn’t on the menu, and the diners are grinning like insiders. You’re sitting there thinking, “Wait, how did they get that?” And just like that, you want in.
This is the list you wish you had before boarding. After reading it, cruisers will be looking at YOU on the next cruise, thinking: How did they order that?
Embarkation Day Cruise Dining Secrets Few Know About
Most cruisers rush to the buffet on day one—but that’s rookie stuff because there’s better food hiding in plain sight. Quiet venues like the steakhouse, sushi bar, or pool grill often open early with way better food. Don’t forget to snag a first-day deal at a specialty dining venue.
One cruiser shared, “We had steak and wine for $15 while everyone else lined up for soggy fries.” Another called it “the best lunch of the whole trip.” Find the hidden spots early—before the venues get packed or the specials are gone.
Order Appetizers Like You Own the Place
Forget choosing just one appetizer—order every one that looks good. Most cruise lines won’t blink if you ask for extras. It’s one of the perks seasoned cruisers love. Remember—it’s your cruise, and you’ve paid for it.
Many travelers say they didn’t realize the multi-appetizer hack until halfway through the trip. One cruiser shared, “I kept it polite the first few nights until I noticed many passengers ordering several appetizers.” Try it early, enjoy more, and avoid food regret later.
Surf, Turf—Why Not Both?
Ah, the mother of all cruise dining room hacks—surf and turf, no extra charge. Got lobster and steak on the same menu and can’t decide? The good news—you don’t have to! Many cruise lines let you order both in the same meal (at least once). Just ask. It’s not on the menu as a combo, but they’ll often plate both if you’re polite.
One cruiser said, “I watched my tablemate get both while I sat there with just chicken. I won’t be making that mistake again.” Don’t be that guy.
Don’t See It on the Menu? Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Just because it’s not on the menu doesn’t mean it’s not available. Many cruise kitchens have standby favorites—think grilled chicken, vegetarian curry, or fruit plates—that don’t show up on paper. Desserts from previous nights? Also, fair game. All you have to do is ask.
One cruiser shared they got tomato soup and garlic bread “out of nowhere” simply by requesting it. Another on Reddit shared how they got a platter of Indian food with vegetarian sides that weren’t on the menu.
Late-Night Cravings? Here’s What to Ask For
Room service menus may look basic, but that’s just the surface level. Some cruisers have scored grilled cheese, Mickey bars (those chocolate-covered ice cream bars), or even cookies with warm milk—none of it listed. The trick? Ask politely, especially late at night when kitchens are quieter.
One Reddit post said, “We got a stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hot fries around midnight for our group. Not on the menu, but they made it happen.”
The $100 Mistake People Make with Cruise Beverage Packages
I get it—the cruise drink package is always a tricky one. Skip it, and you’ll obsess over every cocktail price. Buy it, and you’ll feel pressure to squeeze in “just one more” to break even.
Many cruisers share that they break even at best. Several lamented splashing out $400 on the beverage package and only consuming half of it. Another warned, “You really need 6–8 drinks a day and plenty of sea days to make it worth it.”
Bottom line? Know your drinking habits before you book it. For more information, read my article about the big drink package mistakes to avoid on your cruise.
Bring Wine, Save Big—Then Drink It in Your Cabin
Most cruise lines allow you to bring one or two bottles of wine per cabin free of charge. That’s a saving of up to $80! Skip the corkage fees by enjoying it on your balcony, paired with room service or snacks from the buffet. Use the mini-bar to chill white wine and champagne.
One cruiser said, “We brought prosecco and made mimosas with orange juice from breakfast.” Another mixed DIY sangria using red wine, buffet fruit, and a splash of juice. It’s easy—and it’s all yours for a fraction of the extortionate bar prices.
Split the Entrées, Double the Flavor (And Leave Room for Dessert)
Can’t decide between the salmon and the short rib? Split one—and order the other. Sharing entrées allows you to try more without wasting food or filling up too quickly. Just let your waiter know you’ll be swapping plates. They may even divide the entrées in the kitchen before service.
Most diners say it’s the smartest way to sample the menu. Several cruisers comment that sharing mains allows them to try most items on the menu and still have room for dessert every night.
Skip the MDR on Formal Night—Here’s Why You’ll Love It
Of course, Formal Night in the Main Dining Rooms is fancy. But let’s face it, it’s not always fun. The MDR gets packed, service slows, and dress codes kill the vibe if you’re craving something casual.
Here’s the secret: the buffet often serves the same entrées, minus the tux. One cruiser shared how they feasted on lobster in shorts and a polo with zero wait. So, why not skip the stress and the fuss and just enjoy the food?
Plan Dinner Around the Menu—Before You Regret It Later
Don’t want to miss the prime rib in the MDR or accidentally book a specialty restaurant when it’s lobster night? A little planning goes a long way to ensure you get the culinary treats you’re after. Menus are posted daily—on the app, outside the dining room, or through your cabin TV.
One cruiser posted on Cruise Critic how they regretted missing the beef Wellington because they forgot to check the MDR menu. A quick peek each morning can save you serious food regret.
Yes, the Kids’ Menu Is Fair Game for Adults
Who doesn’t love chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, or a surprise banana split? Don’t worry, the server isn’t going to laugh if you order from the kids’ menu. Just ask for a double portion. The kids’ menu is simply comfort food gold—no questions asked if you order it.
One cruiser posted on Reddit, “Those chicken tenders saved me after a rough shore day.” Another added, “Banana split for dessert? Best decision of the week.”
Ask for That Cheese Plate for Appetizers
Here’s a classy trick most cruisers miss: see that cheese plate listed under desserts? You can ask for it before your meal. It pairs perfectly with wine and feels a lot fancier than the bread basket.
Or, if you’re really smart, take the cheese plate back to your cabin to enjoy a late-night cheese and wine with that bottle you’ve got stashed in the fridge.
One Redditor said, “I started every dinner with the cheese plate and a glass of red—felt like I was in a French bistro.” Small ask, big upgrade.
Hot Eggs Without the Elbows: Breakfast Spots That Beat the Buffet
Don’t bother fighting the crowds to get soggy scrambled eggs. Instead, skip the buffet and head to sit-down breakfast spots—every cruise ship has them, at least in the MDR. On Royal Caribbean, head to Cafe Promenade, on Carnival, BlueIguana Cantina, and NCL, O’Sheehan’s pub.
Many first-time cruisers say that they wished they’d realized that they could eat breakfast in other dining venues, away from the early morning buffet chaos. You’ll get better food, better vibes, and actual hot coffee.
The Room Service Breakfast That Feels First Class (But Costs $0)
There’s nothing like waking up to fresh pastries and coffee on your balcony—especially when it’s free. Most cruise lines offer complimentary continental breakfast via room service. Just fill out the door card the night before.
Here’s a little-known secret. If you’re on Holland America, you can order a hot breakfast from the à la carte menu to your room.
Cruisers rave about room service. “Best way to start a port day” is the opinion of most cruise ship guests. Another shared, “Fresh fruit, croissants, and ocean breeze—it felt like a luxury hotel.” No crowds, no rushing—just you and your view.
The Best Buffet Hack? Timing Is Everything
Buffet food isn’t just about what you eat—it’s when. Who wants to stand in line for ages only to see food trays go empty before you get there? The solution? Go during MDR dinner, just before closing, or while everyone’s at a show.
That’s when the lines are short, the stations are full, and you might even catch fresh batches. One cruiser said, “We skipped the chaos and had the pick of everything—hot, fresh, no crowd. Loved it.” Time it right, and the buffet hits a different vibe.
Turn Buffet Leftovers into the Best Custom Sandwich or Charcuterie Plate
Planning a lazy day in your balcony cabin, or got a port day? Why not skip the pre-made stuff and build your own buffet club sandwich or charcuterie plate you actually want? All you need to do is grab fresh bread, cheeses, cold cuts, pickles—even fruit—from the buffet.
Making your own sandwich is a fantastic tip I’ve picked up from several cruise forums. The sandwiches are way better, and sometimes fresher, than the onboard deli. It’s a small food hack that turns you into a cruise pro.
Bring Back the Milk: A Cabin Fridge Trick for Snack Attacks
You know those cartons of milk and chocolate milk at the breakfast buffet? They’re easy to grab and take back to your cabin. Store them in the mini-fridge, and you’ll thank yourself later when cravings hit, or the kids need a snack.
Several cruisers shared on Reddit how they keep cereal in their room, and the carton of milk is perfect for enjoying a healthy late-night snack.
Make the Mini-Bar Work for You (Not Against You)
That mini-bar isn’t just for overpriced soda and miniatures—make it yours. Ask your cabin steward to empty it on day one. The first benefit is that you’ll avoid paying over-the-top prices for drinks. But the best benefit is that you can fill it with snacks, milk, fruit, or wine you’ve brought from the buffet.
One cruiser said, “We used it for breakfast stuff and port-day drinks—way better than paying $5 for water.” It’s free space. Use it smart.
The Cruise Food Tools You Didn’t Pack—But Should Have
Want the ultimate cruise food hacks? It starts with what you pack. These cheap, lightweight items unlock snacks, balcony meals, and buffet wins that the average cruiser totally misses. Pack smarter—or wish you had by day two. Here’s what I’m talking about:
- A $5 tray from Amazon to take things back to your cabin from the buffet
- Shower caps to cover dishes (they fit perfectly!)
- Ziploc bags for snacks or DIY trail mix
- A small reusable container for leftovers
- A folding tote for carrying food to your balcony or the pool
Bring Snacks from Home—Your Future Self Will Thank You at Midnight
It’s a classic rookie mistake—you leave snacks at home because the cruise ship is a floating pantry. While cruise food is everywhere, you’ll pay a small fortune on board for your favorite branded snacks. Reserve space in your luggage for granola bars, crackers, candy, or trail mix from home.
Stop Paying $6 for Water Like a Cruise Newbie
Bottled water on a cruise can cost $4–$6 a pop, and that adds up fast. Skip the first-timer blunder and bring your own refillable bottle. Most ships have filtered water stations at the buffet or pool deck, and cruise ship water is perfectly safe to drink.
Don’t be that person paying for something free-flowing. Hydrate smart—and save that cash for cocktails.
Pimp Up That Free Cruise Ship Water
OK, I get it—cruise ship water is clean but not to everyone’s taste. Fix that fast with electrolyte packs, flavor drops, or powdered drink mixes. They’re cheap, pack flat, and make every refill taste like something you actually want to drink.
Several cruisers say they never go on a cruise without several sachets of Liquid IV. Another parent wrote that their kids drank more water just because it was grape-flavored. Tiny tweak, big win.
Pack Your Flavor—Because Cruise Food Doesn’t Always Hit Right
Cruise food looks great, but sometimes it just needs a bit more of a kick. A dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, or a few taco packets can turn “fine” into “fantastic.” Even MDR dishes perk up with your own flavor backup.
And let’s talk coffee. That bitter, brown, watery brew the buffet tries to pass as coffee? One cruiser swears by vanilla drops. Another said, “Cinnamon sugar saved my mornings.” Your mug deserves better.
So, if you like spicy food and flavorful coffee, don’t rely on the cruise ship to provide it. Bring your backup, and you’ll cruise without regrets.
Mix Your Own Mocktails (No Package Needed)
Here’s a savvy drinks hack I learned from cruise forums. Save on drinks by heading to the buffet or drink stations and grabbing free stuff—lemonade, iced tea, and fruit slices. Mix, match, and pour over ice for a DIY mocktail that tastes way fancier than it should.
One cruiser shared how they made their own Arnold Palmer every day—no bar tab required. Another added berries and soda water for a tropical twist. Zero cost, all vibe.
The Bar Hack Most People Don’t Notice
Here’s a quiet win most cruisers miss—many bars will pour a double if you just ask. It’s not always listed, and it still counts as a second drink, but it saves you a second trip and time in line.
Warm Coffee, Cold Drinks—The Two Things You’ll Wish You Packed
You grab your morning coffee in that tiny cup cruise lines serve, head back to the cabin to get ready, and guess what? The coffee’s already cold. Or worse: you finally settle into that perfect Lido deck chair, take one sip of your drink, and it’s lukewarm.
Keeping drinks at the optimal temperature is why experienced cruisers swear by thermal mugs and koozies. “My Yeti kept coffee hot for hours,” one said. Another called their koozie “essential for pool days.” Pack both—you’ll feel like a pro.
Try the Thing You Can’t Pronounce—That’s Half the Fun
That mystery dish on the menu you’ve never heard of, let alone know how to pronounce? Why not give it a go? It could be your new go-to dish. Cruises are the perfect place to explore new flavors without the risk—or the bill. One night, it’s moussaka, the next, it’s vindaloo, paella, or escargot you’ll pretend not to love.
One cruiser shared how they ordered bouillabaisse on a French-themed night. He laughed, “I had no clue what I was doing, but the fish stew/soup was incredible.” Another ordered galbi jjim—turned out it was the best braised short ribs they’d ever had.
Smart Cruisers Eat Better—Now You Can Be One of Them
Now, you’re armed with cruise food tricks that most passengers won’t figure out until day six. From sneaky breakfast wins to balcony wine pairings, you’re on the inside track now.
One seasoned cruiser said these hacks “turned my cruise from good to unforgettable.” That’s what this list is for—turning ordinary meals into the best part of your trip.
Go on. Order the off-menu curry, pour that DIY mimosa, and eat like the clever cruiser you are.
Related articles:
