Cruise Ship Buffet Etiquette: 10 Practices to Avoid at Mealtime

If you love the abundance of choices at a cruise ship buffet or worry about shared tongs and food left out on steam tables, it’s essential to adhere to the unspoken guidelines of buffet dining if you decide to indulge.

Many of these guidelines are simply common sense, but not all are clear to those new to the experience. Disregard them, and you risk receiving disapproving looks for being inconsiderate or unclean. Alternatively, you might end up with a less enjoyable meal.

Steer clear of these 10 blunders at a cruise ship buffet to enhance your onboard dining experience.

Approach the buffet with dirty hands

Every cruise line provides hand sanitizer at the buffet entrance, either via a wall-mounted dispenser or by a crew member. Some even feature hand-washing stations. Be sure to use these every time you enter the buffet area.

Although public restrooms are usually close by, this isn't the time to mention that you've just come from the bathroom and have already washed your hands. The sight of fellow cruisers sanitizing their hands is reassuring for many germ-conscious guests — and who knows what you touched on your way back from the restroom? A little extra sanitization is always wise, so be sure to lather up before picking up a plate.

Use your hands to pick up food

Some cruise lines prohibit self-serving and have staff members stationed at each buffet section. Others implement plastic "sneeze guards" and provide ample serving utensils. Whatever the rules, make sure to adhere to them.

Regardless of the situation, never use your hands in place of the provided utensils to grab a bread roll, cookie, or any other food item. It’s unsanitary, and you’ll likely earn some deserved glares from fellow passengers.

Return for seconds with a new plate

For health and hygiene reasons, cruise lines require that you take a fresh plate if you go back to the buffet. Leave your used plate on the table, where it will be collected and sent for cleaning — often before you even get back to your seat.

While this policy does generate more dirty dishes, which may not be ideal for water conservation, it’s essential for health protocols, so accept it and grab a clean plate without complaint.

The same guidelines apply to drinking vessels. Always get a new cup when you need a refill. If you want to fill your reusable water bottle or coffee mug, pour a drink from the beverage station into a cup first, then transfer it to your portable container.

Avoid the made-to-order selections

While buffets might typically bring to mind pre-prepared dishes, that’s not always the case on cruise ships.

You’ll often encounter made-to-order options like an omelet or waffle station during breakfast, and pasta, carvery, or deli counters at lunch and dinner. Although you may need to wait for your order or meal to be cooked, these choices are usually fresher and tailored to your preferences compared to items from the steam table.

Don’t fall into the trap of always picking the quickest option.

Keep your dietary concerns to yourself

Buffets can pose challenges for passengers with dietary restrictions due to potential cross-contamination and unclear ingredient listings. Yet, they also offer a variety of dining options for those with specific needs.

Don’t hesitate to seek help when choosing food at a cruise ship buffet. Feel free to ask the buffet attendant any questions you would typically ask a server at a restaurant. If they’re unsure, they can easily consult a manager or chef for more information.

Staff may also be able to provide you with special food items from the kitchen that are specifically set aside for those with dietary needs and are not available for general selection.

For more serious allergies, make sure to inform a maitre d' on your first day so they can assist you throughout your cruise.

Opt for dishes that shine when made to order

Whether you like it or not, buffet items are typically mass-produced and kept warm on a steam table until they run out, only to be replaced with a new batch. Some items fare better in this scenario than others, and it’s a rookie blunder not to recognize the difference.

Whenever I dine at a cruise ship buffet, I always regret picking pre-prepared scrambled eggs for breakfast or fried options like shrimp or calamari for dinner. Foods that suffer in quality when they lose their crispness, like heavily loaded nachos on Tex-Mex night, are best avoided. In general, steer clear of items that easily become overcooked or are best served fresh (such as sushi rolls with raw fish and avocado).

An exception to this guideline occurs on special evenings when the cruise line features upscale items, such as caviar or foie gras, at the buffet. In such cases, don’t hesitate to indulge when you spot these delicacies.

Stack your plate so high it’s a challenge to carry

It’s tempting to fill your plate with every appetizing dish, but this often leads to food waste. Additionally, the flavors can blend together, making it hard to discern what you’re actually eating.

I recommend pacing your meal even when dining at a cruise ship buffet. Begin with a salad or appetizer, then head back for an entree and sides. Finally, if you're still craving more, make a last stop at the dessert station. (And yes, this means grabbing a new plate each time—remember rule No. 3?)

The likelihood of the cruise ship running out of a dish you want is quite low, so there’s no need to rush. The only exception is if you arrive just before the buffet closes. Even then, you can still organize your courses on separate plates and enjoy them one at a time.

Attempt to juggle multiple plates and cups at once

Even if you’re a skilled server, you don’t want to juggle multiple plates and cups while navigating a bustling cruise ship buffet. It’s a guaranteed recipe for spills and drops.

Only take what you can comfortably carry, then make a second trip to the buffet for condiments, extra drinks, or more food. Those extra steps will help offset the calories you’re about to enjoy.

Avoid the self-guided buffet tour on your first day

Always take the time to explore the buffet on your first cruise day to familiarize yourself with the layout.

Some cruise ship buffets feature identical stations on both sides of the dining area. Others include specialty spots like a deli or pizzeria that may only be found in one location or at the back. Without doing a little exploring, you could miss out on some exciting options until later in your cruise.

On some cruise lines, the buffet offers a menu similar to the main dining room but in a more relaxed, self-service environment. Other lines may provide a distinct menu, featuring made-to-order stations or casual favorites like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers every night. Understanding your cruise ship’s style will guide you in choosing the best meals for the buffet and when to opt for other dining options.

Start filling your plate before checking out all the available options

Don’t jump into the first buffet line you encounter and load your plate without exploring the different stations throughout the marketplace. You might rethink those fish and chips once you discover an Indian buffet, a roast beef carving station, or a wok station whipping up stir-fried noodles fresh on the spot.

By taking a moment to plan your meal, you’ll minimize food waste and enjoy a more fulfilling lunch or dinner.