Cruise news: Eating and drinking on a cruise - THIS is what not to do
CRUISE ships cater for all with a vast array of buffets and banquets and cover multiple cuisines but with so many choices on offer, dinner time can be particularly overwhelming. Here’s what not to do when dining onboard.
Some cruises have been known to over cater for guests
Travelling the world, experiencing a new culture and catching a bit of sun sounds wonderful on paper but the realities of worldwide travel and moving away from home comforts can be daunting to some.
A cruise, however, can act as a happy medium. Passengers can still explore beautiful sights but retain the luxury and comforts that a cruise provides.
The question of ‘what food will be served’ is a particular concern to some British travellers but to combat these, a cruise caters to all.
In fact, some cruises have been known to over cater for guests. With buffet breakfasts, lunches and all-inclusive food and drink packages, navigating the cuisine on board can be a bit of a challenge.
To make the dining experience on board a little less daunting, cruise experts have revealed some dining rules for cruise-goers.
It’s tempting to over eat at each meal but it will affect your general constitution
Don’t over eat
Although it can be tempting to keep on returning to the buffet once your place is empty, over eating on a daily basis is likely to dampen the experience.
When speaking to the Express.com CEO of Botanica World Discoveries, Judy Vanrenen, advised: “It’s tempting to over eat at each meal but it will affect your general constitution.”
Eating in access will most likely make you feel sluggish and you may find you leave your cruise feeling more fatigued than when you departed.
Senior Cruise Critic editor Erica Silverstein went on to add: “Choose your dining venue wisely.”
If you know that buffet is just too tempting, choose a dining room where they only serve off a fixed menu. There are always multiple dining options on board.
Over eating on a daily basis is likely to dampen your cruise experience
Don’t choose the safe option
It is so easy to stick to the ‘safe’ option on the menu but travelling abroad is a wonderful opportunity to try something new, especially if all your food and drink have already been paid for.
Jonathan Mark from Cruise fever went on to add: “Since the food is already paid for you don’t have to worry about ordering the lobster tail and not liking it and wasting all that money.”
Don’t avoid the main dining room
All cruise ships have at least one main dining room. Jonathan explained why it’s a good idea to sample this dining option at least once: “Not only is the food usually much better in the main dining room, but the service is amazing as well.”
Erica Silverstein explained that the main dining room, although a more formal setting, is a restaurant that will serve fixed portions and is a wise option if the “nature of a buffet frazzles you into making bad choices and overeating.”
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Choose a dining room where they only serve off a fixed menu
Don’t abuse the all-night dining
Although it may sound exciting and the opposite of set hotel mealtimes, the majority of cruises now offer passengers 24-hour dining – even if this is just room service.
Jonathan explained that the room service menu is likely to be a basic menu offering meals that could be picked up in the cafeteria whilst Erica highlight: “Nothing good ever comes out of eating a cheeseburger and fries at 1 a.m.”
Wait till the morning and enjoy a proper breakfast that will set you up for a day of excursions and onboard entertainment.
Cruises can be great value for money but navigating the minefield of information about budgeting can be a challenge, however experts have revealed there is a way to book a cheap cruise.