Let’s be honest — one of the best things about going on a cruise is the unlimited food. From the buffet to elegant dinners and room service breakfast on your balcony, cruise food is a vacation all on its own.
I’ve been on over 25 cruises across different cruise lines, and every single time, I look forward to the dining experiences just as much as the cruise ports. There’s something about eating amazing food while sailing across the ocean that never gets old.
Below, I’m sharing the best things to eat on a cruise — the dishes that I always look forward to. These are the classic cruise dishes that every cruise line seems to serve.
Here are the foods I look forward to whenever I go on a cruise.
Shrimp Cocktail
My go-to appetizer on every cruise is the shrimp cocktail. You’ll usually find it in the main dining room, and it’s simple but so good. I always order it, sometimes I even order two.
Caesar Salad
If it’s not shrimp cocktail, my go-to appetizer is Caesar salad. I love that it’s always available on the menu. Sometimes I’ll even get both Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail.
French Onion Soup
Another favorite of mine is French onion soup. That rich, cheesy top and savory broth are just perfect. It’s usually on the menu every day, so if I’m craving something warm and comforting, that’s what I order.
Caprese Salad
When caprese salad is on the menu, I always go for it. The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic is light and refreshing.
Steak
I make sure to eat steak at least once on every cruise. It’s best if you order it at the specialty restaurant, where it’s cooked to perfection. The steak in the main dining room is also very good, and if you order it during one of the formal nights, it’s usually free. These days, some cruise lines charge a small fee for steak on regular nights, but even then, it’s absolutely worth it — steak is always a highlight of any cruise dinner.
Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is another highlight. It’s not just dessert — on some cruise lines, it’s a whole show. The waiters parade through the dining room with flaming Baked Alaska, and it’s as fun to watch as it is to eat.
Lobster
I always look forward to lobster night. It’s usually served during one of the formal nights and paired with steak for a surf-and-turf dinner. And that hot melted butter makes it perfect.
Bread
I always make sure to have the bread in the main dining room. The bread basket usually comes with fresh, warm rolls and breadsticks — sometimes even different varieties each night. Some cruise lines serve it with hummus or other dips, but for me, nothing beats classic butter on warm bread.
Prime Rib
When prime rib is on the menu, I never skip it. It’s tender, flavorful, and especially good with a little horseradish sauce on the side.
Risotto
I also love ordering risotto. It’s often the vegetarian option, but it’s creamy and delicious — something I rarely make at home, so I always get it when I can.
Seafood in Puff Pastry
If you ever see seafood in puff pastry on the menu, definitely order it. It’s buttery, flaky, and always delicious.
Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is another favorite. Most cruise ships serve it at least once, and I love it with mushy peas and a splash of malt vinegar.
Private Island BBQ Lunch
Don’t miss the BBQ lunch on the cruise’s private island. It’s casual — ribs, burgers, salads — but the whole beach vibe makes it special. Eating BBQ on the beach really feels like vacation.
Breakfast Favorites
Breakfast on a cruise is something I always look forward to. I always try to have at least one breakfast in the main dining room — it’s such a treat to enjoy full service while relaxing and starting the day in style. More often than not, I head to the breakfast buffet, which is one of my favorites.
There are so many choices, I always get made-to-order omelets loaded with veggies, meats, and cheese — something I never make at home. I always make sure to get a side of crispy bacon. Waffles and hash browns are also must-haves. A cruise breakfast like this sets the perfect tone for a day at sea.
Eggs Benedict
If you’re having breakfast in the main dining room, always get the eggs benedicts. Whether it’s with ham or smoked salmon, it’s a real treat. Just skip the buffet version — it’s not the same.
Desserts
Now let’s talk dessert. Soufflés, cakes, and sorbets are all must-tries. Each ship has its specialties — maybe it’s chocolate cake, tiramisu, or red velvet. My favorite is the soufflé, and I always order it if I see it. Sorbet is another one I never skip — it’s light, refreshing, and the perfect finish to a big meal.
Fruit Cup
Even a simple fruit cup feels special on a cruise. Fresh tropical fruit without having to prep anything yourself — it’s such a treat.
Chips and Guacamole
Whenever I find chips and guacamole at the buffet, I load up. It’s the perfect afternoon snack by the pool.
Room Service Breakfast
And finally, my absolute favorite cruise indulgence: room service breakfast. There’s nothing better than sipping coffee and eating breakfast on your balcony while watching the ocean go by. That’s when it really hits — you’re on vacation.
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