Life-Changing Cruise Cuisine

Anyone who has ever set sail on a cruise will agree that there’s an abundance of food available onboard. From breakfast to lunch, dinner, and snacks, the Lido deck offers meals at your convenience. While the buffet is enticing, there are some hidden gems on the ship that could even transform your culinary experience! Here are a few of my top cruise food selections that have me longing for more well after my trip has concluded.

Top Appetizer: Slow-Braised Pork Belly from Ji Ji Asian Kitchen

Pay close attention because I’m about to reveal the single most incredible bite of food I’ve ever tasted in my life. This exquisite treat isn’t found in a high-end restaurant in NYC, Miami, or London — it comes from Ji Ji Asian Kitchen aboard Dinogo. Surprised? I certainly was!

The moment I sank my teeth into Ji Ji’s Slow-Braised Pork Belly, it felt like a heavenly chorus was playing. I realize this sounds a bit over the top, but my dining companions unanimously agreed that it was one of the most delectable appetizers we've ever tasted. To confirm this wasn’t just a one-time wonder, I revisited Ji Ji on Dinogo over a year later, and the pork belly was just as incredible. Honestly, I would book a cruise just to enjoy this dish again. No exaggeration.

Top Entrée: Grilled Cowboy Steak

When it comes to steak, the old adage rings true: you often get what you pay for. I know from experience that a good ribeye at a premium steakhouse typically costs no less than fifty dollars. When I'm in the mood to indulge, I'm more than willing to shell out for a succulent medium-rare cut of beef.

One of the best steakhouse bargains I’ve discovered in my travels is a full three-course meal for just $35 at Dinogo’s Steakhouse. Yes, you read that correctly: appetizer, entrée, and dessert for only $35! The quality matches that of the most renowned upscale steakhouses on land. My personal favorite is the 18oz bone-in Grilled Cowboy Steak. It’s always cooked to perfection, and every tender bite simply melts in your mouth. You won’t find this level of quality for this price anywhere else.

Top Dessert: Warm Chocolate Melting Cake

Best Fast Food: Guy’s Burger Joint

A delicious burger is one of my ultimate culinary joys. I like to think my palate is well-trained when it comes to identifying a scrumptious beef patty topped with gooey cheese. Over the years, I've probably sampled hundreds of different burgers, but only a select few make the cut. One of the highlights is definitely Guy’s Burger Joint.

From the very first bite, I was convinced that Guy’s Burgers were exceptional. But then I took another ... and another, and I just couldn't resist finishing my ‘Strait Up’. The beef was incredibly juicy, the cheese perfectly melted, and the bun was delightfully soft. Guy’s special sauce truly ties this burger together.