7 Insights I Wish I’d Had as a Food Enthusiast on My First Cruise Adventure

What? You’re a foodie and have never experienced a cruise? It can’t be true! A cruise is like a gourmet adventure where the choices are as abundant as those in a bustling city.

Featured Beverage of the Day

For some travelers, a vacation doesn’t feel complete without a colorful cocktail adorned with a little umbrella. If this sounds like you, get ready to indulge in the ‘Beverage of the Day’. I haven’t encountered a cruise line that doesn’t offer this delightful treat. Typically, the ‘Beverage of the Day’ is served in a keepsake glass (a nice touch) and comes at a special discount for the day. You can usually find this unique cocktail on the pool deck, often presented by roving bartenders with trays of refreshing drinks for parched guests.

Cocktail Creation Class

Bartenders on cruise ships are masters of their craft, whipping up a wide array of drinks. I always make it a point to enroll in mixology classes whenever they are available during a cruise. These extra experiences typically require a small fee and can be reserved at the guest services or shore excursions desk. I like to ask about the available classes on embarkation day since some of them tend to book up fast. Often, the class fee is balanced out by the drinks you get to sample during the session. Not a fan of cocktails? Many ships also feature wine tastings, beer flights, and other introductory spirit experiences.

Late Morning Feast

Oh brunch…why must you always grace us on Sundays? I adore you with your delightful blend of breakfast and lunch, perfectly suited for my indecisive nature. Is it possible? Brunch…not on a Sunday? My indecisive heart can't take it! Most cruise lines host a fantastic “Sea Day” Brunch. “Sea Days” are those wonderful days when the ship is at sea and not docked anywhere. Consider this: port days typically kick off early in the morning since the ship is only in port for a limited time. Usually, you can disembark to explore in the morning and must return in the late afternoon. Many cruisers tend to enjoy late nights before “Sea Days” because they can sleep in on those leisurely mornings without any ports to visit. Cruise lines do passengers a favor by providing these splendid “Sea Day” Brunches. Got more than one “Sea Day” on your cruise schedule? Lucky you! You might get to enjoy brunch multiple times.

Indulge in the Signature Dining Experience

At least once during each cruise, my husband and I make it a point to escape for a meal at the ship’s “Signature Dining” venue. If you’re fortunate, your cruise ship may feature more than one of these exclusive restaurants. While dinners in the main dining room are included in your cruise package, most ships offer an additional “Signature Dining” experience that goes beyond the standard dinner service. These special dining options come with an extra cost, ranging from under $10 per person to as much as $50 or $75, depending on the restaurant and the cruise line. Often, “Signature Dining” venues include a steakhouse or a themed provincial restaurant, depending on the ship's concept.

Experiment with Something New

Cruise ships excel at offering an incredible variety of food options for both lunch and dinner. Buffets are brimming with choices ranging from nutritious salads and sandwiches to indulgent treats like cheeseburgers, fries, pasta, and pizza. Dinners typically feature three courses, with plenty of selections to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Not fond of the entree served to you? Simply request another. Your wait staff is eager to accommodate. Can’t decide which of the three appetizers to try that evening? Go ahead and order all three. It’s perfectly acceptable and often encouraged. You don’t need to finish each one—just take a few bites. Don’t limit yourself to your usual choices. All this mouthwatering food is included in your cruise fare. What better opportunity to sample dishes you wouldn’t typically order at a restaurant where you’re charged per entree? Cruises are a wonderful way to broaden your culinary horizons and discover new foods to enhance your foodie repertoire.

Regional Dishes

Typically, the main dining room will display its dinner menu just outside the restaurant’s entrance, allowing cruise guests to preview their options for the evening. You might also request the entire dinner menus for your cruise itinerary at the “guest services” desk on the first day. Choose the night with the least enticing options and venture out into your port of call to experience authentic local cuisine. If your ship departs before dinner, be sure to enjoy a regional lunch off the ship. At the very least, treat yourself to a local beer or snack while you’re there.

Tea Time Delights

I must confess that I only recently discovered this delightful experience, despite having gone on many cruises. Afternoon tea offers guests the opportunity to enjoy finger sandwiches and pastries typically reserved for tea time. Be sure to check your daily in-room guide for the schedule and make a point to attend this charming event. On most ships, this indulgence is complimentary.

This article is part of my collaboration with Dinogo. As always, all views, thoughts, and ideas expressed in this piece are my own.