It might look like a food lover’s paradise—but cruise ship buffets can quickly turn into a minefield of regrets. While the trays are always full and the choices seem endless, experienced cruisers know not everything is worth piling onto your plate.
Reddit users have shared their hard-earned lessons on what to avoid and how to get the most out of buffet dining. Their advice often comes from trial, error, and mistakes they don’t want others to repeat.
Common complaints focus on hygiene issues and food left too long under heat lamps. The warnings range from mild letdowns to full-on disgust, with some items even being called “nasty” or “sad” by those who’ve seen it all.
The good news? You don’t have to settle. Some users also shared smart tips and easy workarounds to help you dodge the worst of the buffet—and I’ll be highlighting those throughout this article so you can enjoy your meals without regret.
Don’t Start Your Day With These Buffet Flops
When it comes to cruise ship breakfasts, bacon and eggs are a staple—but according to many cruisers, they’re also some of the most disappointing items on the buffet line. Bacon is a frequent offender, often left limp, greasy, or undercooked under heat lamps.
One Reddit user put it bluntly: “Leave the barely cooked nasty bacon on the line, ask for the crispy cooked bacon and they usually have a bucket of it behind the counter.” And it’s not just the bacon. Scrambled eggs often get knocked for being too wet or tasting powdered.
“If the scrambled eggs look disgusting on the line because they’re too wet/you don’t like powdered eggs, ask the omelet station to make ‘Dry’ Scrambled Eggs,” another cruiser advised.
If the scrambled eggs on the buffet look unappetizing, head over to the omelet station instead—it’s usually nearby and offers fresh eggs made to order. “Ask for your scrambled eggs at the omelet station… the eggs are fresh, not powdered,” one user recommended.
Some even warned beyond the usual eggs and bacon—breakfast sausage was called “tough and beefish,” and the biscuits didn’t live up to expectations.
To avoid these morning letdowns, get there early, check how long items have been sitting out, and don’t hesitate to ask about ingredients—especially if you have dietary needs. If the buffet still doesn’t cut it, skipping it altogether might be the smartest move.
If these buffet items shocked you, you’ll want to check out the full list of buffet mistakes cruisers keep making.
Soggy Fries and Sad Slices: The Buffet’s Worst Offenders
Not all buffet items handle sitting out under heat lamps equally—and unfortunately, foods like fries, hot dogs, and pizza slices tend to suffer the most. What starts out crispy and hot often turns stale, soggy, or lukewarm within minutes.
One Reddit user warned: “Don’t get fries in the buffet if there is a grill open—you can get freshly fried ones instead of heatlamp ones.” It’s a simple swap that can make a big difference in both texture and taste.
If you’re after something more satisfying, consider heading to the grill or asking for a custom order. “Don’t be afraid to ask for your hotdog well-done or burnt… it is not that uncommon of a request,” another user pointed out.
If you’re feeling creative, one cruiser shared their go-to hack: “I would get fries from the sandwich station, cheese from the buffet, and gravy from the carving station.” Watch for dried-out food, and remember—what’s on display isn’t your only option. The best bites might just be a quick request away.
Don’t Settle—Make the Food Your Own
One of the biggest missed opportunities at the cruise buffet? Not customizing your food. Many passengers don’t realize they can ask for extras or substitutions at burger stations, stir-fry bars, and omelette counters.
As one Redditor pointed out, “You’re allowed to customize your burger. You can ask for bacon, double patties, extra cheese, etc.” These stations are usually happy to make small changes—and the result is often miles better than whatever’s been sitting out under a lamp.
Some cruisers take things a step further by mixing and matching ingredients from different parts of the buffet. “I would get other stuff I liked at the salad station and had them use it for the stir-fry,” one user shared.
Another added, “My husband likes to grab artichokes from the salad station and have them put them on his pizza.” Whether you’re grabbing cheese and toppings to enhance your pasta or raiding the antipasti bar for stir-fry extras, the key is to get creative.
Watch what others are doing, don’t be afraid to ask the chefs, and treat the buffet like a build-your-own kitchen—because often, it is.
Dessert and Drink Tricks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you’re only using the soft-serve machine for basic ice cream, you’re missing out. Savvy cruisers have turned dessert into a full-blown DIY experience by mixing ice cream with brownies, cakes, cereal, and even coffee.
As one Reddit user put it, “Put [soft serve] on brownies, cakes, cookies… add in cereal.” Another suggested, “Fill a glass 3/4 full and pour over a double shot of coffee for a yummy coffee thick shake.” And for a quick caffeine-dessert combo, try the “Americano Affogato”—soft serve in hot coffee.
Drinks, too, offer more flexibility than many passengers realize—especially if you’ve got a drink package. One cruiser shared their go-to: “Try an iced chocolate milk with cookie dough syrup… I’ve never been charged for it.”
Others noted that on some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, you can even order cocktails from specialty restaurant menus without paying for the meal itself. Whether it’s adding syrup to drinks or experimenting with soda floats, don’t be afraid to mix and match.
Buffet Red Flags That Signal It’s Time to Walk Away
While undercooked food and soggy fries are common buffet complaints, some cruisers argue the real issue isn’t the food—it’s the people. Buffets can quickly turn into germ zones, especially when guests cough, sneeze, or help themselves without washing their hands.
As one Redditor bluntly put it: “My favorite trick is not going to the buffet at all—no crowds, no gross people coughing/sneezing/not washing their hands.” Another added, “It can be quite shocking to see how many people really are gross. Worst offenders are the non handwashers who come out of the bathroom.”
If you do choose to visit the buffet, basic hygiene habits go a long way. Always wash your hands or use sanitizer before and after serving, and avoid open-air dishes without sneeze guards. Keep an eye on how often trays are being replaced and how clean the area looks overall.
Food that’s lukewarm or looks like it’s been handled should be avoided altogether. And if you’re feeling unsure, don’t hesitate to skip the buffet entirely—main dining rooms and smaller cafés often offer a cleaner alternative.
Ask and You Shall Receive – Secret Menu Wins
Just because something isn’t laid out on the buffet doesn’t mean it’s not available. Many cruisers have learned that a simple, polite request can unlock better options—sometimes even every day of the cruise.
One Reddit user shared, “If you don’t see something you want, ask for it. My oldest eats plain yogurt nearly every day… the head server made sure a bowl was waiting each morning.” Staff are usually happy to help if you ask early and politely.
A few guests take it even further by customizing their meals using ingredients from different stations. One cruiser said, “My favorite is to bring a pat of butter from the bread station to the omelette station,” while another mentioned asking for clarified butter for dipping bread.
Items like soy milk, freshly made bacon, or hidden drink syrups may not be advertised, but they’re often available behind the scenes. The key is knowing what to ask for—and not being afraid to speak up.
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