Theme Park Cuisine vs. Cruise Ship Fare: The SHOWDOWN for Your Taste Buds

It’s time for a family vacation, and as the main planner for your crew, you’re faced with a significant decision: theme park or cruise? While both options promise fun and excitement, the choice ultimately hinges on a few critical factors, one of which is the food. Find out why a cruise is superior to a theme park getaway when it comes to delicious dining.

Cruise Dining Is Budget-Friendly

If you’ve ever visited a theme park, you’re aware that feeding your family can be incredibly expensive. Even a basic meal like hot dogs, fries, and sodas can significantly dent your travel budget. On cruise ships, most meals are included at no additional cost, and you can indulge in family favorites like cheesy pizza and soft serve ice cream available around the clock.

Families Can’t Survive on Fried Food Alone

When it comes to feeding guests, many theme parks have a common theme: deep-frying everything. From hot dogs and dill pickles to large chunks of cheese, foods are battered and fried to a golden crisp. This frying technique isn’t limited to savory items either; you can find a wide range of deep-fried sweet treats at theme parks, including chocolate cookies, sponge cakes, sugar-dusted churros, and funnel cakes.

While deep-fried foods can be delightful indulgences for a day or two, families on vacation can’t solely rely on fried fare. Moms, dads, and kids seeking a more balanced dining experience can find their ideal solution on a cruise. Fried items are complemented by healthier choices, such as various fruits, vegetables, and salads available at the Lido Marketplace.

Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on a Cruise

Theme park staples like pizza, tacos, burgers, and nachos are great choices for lunch, but cruises provide delectable options for all your family meals.

For a Fun and Nutritious Breakfast

Who says breakfast can’t be both delicious and entertaining? With appearances from the Cat in the Hat™ and Friends, the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast™ offers kids a chance to interact with beloved storybook characters while enjoying dishes like Horton’s Cereal-Crusted French Toast. There’s nothing quite like slices of fluffy brioche, pan-fried and coated in crushed cereal, to delight young palates.

Enjoy a Sustainable Lunch

After a fun-filled morning at WaterWorks™ or enjoying some rounds of miniature golf, make your way to Guy’s Burger Joint for a delicious, hearty burger paired with hand-cut French fries. You can savor your burger as it comes or personalize it with toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and crispy onion rings. And don’t forget to add a drizzle of donkey sauce, celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s secret ingredient for that perfect bite.

For additional lunch choices, swing by the BlueIguana Cantina to craft your own tacos or visit Mongolian Wok for noodle dishes or veggie bowls filled with a variety of Asian-inspired ingredients, from Szechuan mussels to barbecued chicken.

Enjoy a Timeless Dinner Date

At dinner time, you can feed the kids, drop them off at one of the kids clubs, and enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner. Consider treating yourselves to a meal at the Steakhouse—featuring options like grilled lamb chops, a spice-rubbed ribeye, or honey-roasted chicken for a little extra cost.

If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, make your way to Cucina del Capitano for a delectable dish of pasta or chicken parmigiana. This beloved date night meal features juicy chicken breasts, a blend of two cheeses, zesty tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh basil.

Cruise Desserts Are Sure to Delight Your Sweet Tooth

Forget about cotton candy and sugary shaved ice. These theme park treats may look appealing, but they lack substance. On a cruise ship, you can indulge in decadent desserts such as marble chocolate cheesecake and lemon cream pie. For an extra-special treat, visit Cherry on Top, your onboard candy shop, for a delightful ice cream cookie sandwich.

These frozen delights consist of warm, freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies, a scoop of ice cream, and delightful toppings like colorful chocolate candies and vibrant sprinkles.

On a Cruise, Enjoy Dining Out or Staying In

While dining out can be a delightful part of your vacation, there are times when you may prefer to relax at home. On a cruise, you can experience the best of both worlds. Start your morning with a cozy breakfast featuring fresh fruit, muffins, and coffee, or visit Seaday Brunch for made-to-order omelets, crispy hash browns, sliced ham, and cheesy mac n’ cheese.

For a fun family evening, pick up sandwiches from Dinogo Deli, find some cozy lounge chairs, and enjoy dinner alongside a dive-in movie under the stars.

Why Cruises Outshine Theme Parks in More Ways

Beyond just serving mouthwatering meals, there are several compelling reasons to opt for a cruise instead of a theme park getaway:

• No waiting in long lines for fun while on a cruise.
• Showcase your talents in front of a live audience with activities like karaoke and Lip Sync Battle™.
• Kids and parents can enjoy activities together as well as some time apart.
• On a cruise, families can explore exotic ports and embark on thrilling shore excursions.
• Sports enthusiasts can engage in a variety of activities, including basketball, soccer, and ping pong.
• Cruises provide complimentary live entertainment, such as the Punchliner Comedy Club and Playlist Productions.
• Parents can unwind at Cloud 9 Spa and the serene Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

If you're searching for an action-packed family vacation filled with delectable dining from morning to night, a cruise is the clear choice. When selecting the ideal cruise ship for your family, think about your desired destination, trip duration, favorite onboard activities, and any shore excursions you'd like to experience.

Please note that the onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options can differ depending on the specific ship and destination.