Cruise Ship Buffet Etiquette: 10 Things to Avoid

Whether you’re a fan of cruise ship buffets with their wide array of dining options or worried about using communal utensils and food sitting out on steam tables, it’s important to follow certain unwritten rules of buffet dining if you choose to partake.

Rules of the Cruise Ship Buffet

These rules ensure not only a pleasant experience for you but also for other passengers. While many of these guidelines are common sense, they might not be obvious to first-timers or those unfamiliar with buffet etiquette. Ignoring them could result in awkward situations, like receiving disapproving looks from other guests or even feeling disappointed with your meal. Avoid these 10 common mistakes for a satisfying and enjoyable meal at a cruise ship buffet.

1. Not Washing Your Hands Before Entering

One of the most basic yet crucial rules of buffet dining, especially on a cruise ship, is to ensure your hands are clean before you start serving yourself food. All cruise lines provide hand sanitizer at the entrance to the buffet, either in wall-mounted pumps or handed out by a staff member. Some even go the extra mile by installing hand-washing stations right at the entrance. It’s important to use these facilities every time you enter the buffet area, regardless of whether you recently washed your hands in a nearby restroom.

Even if you’ve just come from the bathroom and believe your hands are clean, consider the journey back. You may have touched handrails, elevator buttons, or other surfaces that could harbor germs. Sanitizing your hands again serves as an extra precaution, reassuring both you and fellow guests that you’re doing your part to maintain a clean environment. Extra sanitization is a small effort that can go a long way in preventing the spread of germs, making it a crucial step before you grab a plate.

2. Using Your Hands to Pick Up Food

Another fundamental rule at any buffet, especially on a cruise ship, is to use the provided utensils to serve yourself food. Some cruise lines have specific policies that restrict self-service, placing attendants at each buffet section to serve passengers. Others might provide plastic “sneeze guards” and plenty of serving utensils for guests to use. Regardless of the setup, it’s important to never use your hands to pick up food items like bread rolls, cookies, or any other food. This practice is unsanitary and can spread germs, making it a major faux pas in buffet etiquette.

Not only is it unhygienic, but it’s also likely to draw negative attention from other passengers. People generally expect a certain level of cleanliness, especially when it comes to shared food. Using your hands to grab food can make others uncomfortable and might even lead to a complaint being made. Always use the provided tongs, spoons, or other utensils to serve yourself, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the buffet safely.

3. Reusing Your Plate for Seconds

One of the most common mistakes passengers make at a cruise ship buffet is reusing their plate when they go back for seconds. For sanitary reasons, cruise lines ask guests to take a new plate each time they return to the buffet. This rule helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures a higher standard of hygiene. Once you’ve finished your first plate, leave it on the table. The staff will quickly clear it away, often before you even return to your seat with a new plate of food.

This policy also applies to drinking glasses. If you need a refill, get a new cup rather than using your old one. This rule might seem inconvenient or wasteful, but it’s a necessary measure to maintain hygiene standards. If you prefer using a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, pour the beverage into a disposable cup first and then transfer it into your bottle. This practice helps maintain the cleanliness of shared dispensers and reduces the risk of contamination.

4. Ignoring Made-to-Order Options

Many people assume that all buffet food is premade and sitting on steam tables. However, cruise ship buffets often feature made-to-order options, which can offer fresher and more customized meals. These stations might include an omelet or waffle station at breakfast, a pasta or noodle station at lunch, or a carvery or deli counter at dinner. While these options might require a bit of a wait, the food is usually prepared right in front of you, ensuring it’s fresh and tailored to your liking.

Don’t make the mistake of always choosing the quickest option. Made-to-order stations often offer higher quality and more delicious food compared to the items that have been sitting out for a while. Taking a little extra time to wait for your meal can result in a much more satisfying dining experience. Plus, watching your food being prepared can be an enjoyable part of the meal itself.

5. Staying Silent About Dietary Concerns

Buffets can be a risky choice for passengers with dietary concerns, as cross-contamination is possible, and not all ingredients are always listed. However, buffets also offer a wide range of dining choices, which can be a blessing for those with dietary restrictions. If you have any concerns about the food, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. The buffet attendants are there to help, and you can ask them the same questions you would ask a server in a sit-down restaurant.

If the staff member doesn’t know the answer, they can find a manager or chef who does. Additionally, cruise ships often have special food items reserved for passengers with specific dietary needs, which are not displayed for general access. If you have more serious allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s a good idea to inform a maitre d’ or dining room manager on your first day. They can guide you throughout your cruise and ensure that your meals meet your requirements.

6. Choosing Dishes That Don’t Hold Up Well

Buffet food is generally prepared in bulk and kept warm on steam tables. Some dishes, however, fare better under these conditions than others. It’s important to know which foods are best avoided at the buffet to avoid disappointment. For example, premade scrambled eggs can become rubbery, and fried foods like shrimp or calamari can lose their crispness over time. Similarly, dishes like fully loaded nachos can get soggy if left out too long.

On the other hand, some dishes maintain their quality quite well. Items like roast meats, pasta, and certain casseroles can still taste good even after sitting on a steam table. However, if the buffet features luxury items like caviar or foie gras on special nights, don’t hesitate to indulge. These treats are often worth the splurge and are served fresh.

7. Piling Your Plate Too High

It’s easy to get carried away at a buffet, especially with so many delicious options available. However, piling your plate high with food can lead to waste and a less enjoyable meal. When you mix too many dishes, their flavors can blend together, making it hard to appreciate each one. Instead, consider coursing out your meal, even at a buffet. Start with a salad or other appetizers, then go back for your main course and sides. Finally, if you still have room, head to the dessert station.

This approach not only helps you enjoy each course more fully but also reduces the likelihood of wasting food. Remember, the buffet is constantly being replenished, so there’s no rush to grab everything at once. The only exception might be if you arrive just before the buffet closes, but even then, you can still arrange your food on separate plates and eat them one at a time.

8. Carrying Too Much at Once

While it might seem efficient to carry multiple plates and cups at once, it’s usually not a good idea. Balancing too many items can be risky, especially in a crowded buffet area. Spills and dropped plates are not only embarrassing but can also create a mess that someone else has to clean up. To avoid this, take only what you can comfortably carry and make multiple trips if necessary. The extra steps are good for you and prevent accidents.

If you need to carry drinks, consider getting them after you’ve set your food down. This way, you don’t have to juggle everything at once. Remember, there’s no rush; the food isn’t going anywhere.

9. Skipping the Cruise Ship Buffet Tour on the First Day

Taking a few minutes to explore the buffet on your first day can make a big difference in your dining experience. Many cruise ship buffets are large and offer a variety of stations, some of which might not be immediately obvious. By walking around and checking out all the options, you can discover specialty stations like a deli counter, pizzeria, or even a sushi bar. Knowing where everything is can help you plan your meals better and ensure you don’t miss out on any favorites.

Some cruise lines offer a buffet menu similar to the main dining room, while others have unique offerings. Understanding the layout and variety of the buffet can help you decide when to eat there and when to opt for other dining options available on the ship.

10. Starting to Plate Before Seeing All the Options

Before you start loading your plate, take a moment to survey all the available options. It can be tempting to jump into the first line you see, but you might end up missing out on something even better further down the buffet. For instance, you might choose fish and chips only to realize later that there’s an Indian buffet or a wok station with stir-fried noodles. Taking the time to look around helps you make more informed choices and ensures a more satisfying meal.

This strategy also reduces food waste. By planning your meal, you’re less likely to take something you don’t really want, which means less food gets thrown away. It’s a win-win situation for both you and the environment.

Conclusion

By following these simple guidelines, you can make the most of your cruise ship buffet experience. Remember, the goal is to enjoy a variety of foods while being courteous to your fellow passengers..