One of the best parts of cruising is the food. With endless buffets, late-night snacks, and desserts around every corner, it’s tempting to pile your plate high and try a little of everything. But not every buffet item is worth the risk.
Most cruise ships maintain excellent food safety standards, but buffet food is exposed to changing temperatures, high guest traffic, and hundreds of hands throughout the day. Choosing wisely can help you avoid stomach issues, disappointment, and even unnecessary expenses that put a damper on your vacation.
Here are 10 cruise buffet foods to think twice about before adding them to your plate.
Buffet Sushi
Sushi is one of those foods that’s best enjoyed as fresh as possible, making buffet trays worth a second look before serving yourself. If your cruise offers freshly prepared sushi elsewhere on board, it’s usually the better choice.
Pizza Sitting Under Heat Lamps
Pizza that has been sitting under heat lamps can quickly become tough, greasy, and far less appetizing than when it first came out of the oven. Waiting for a fresh pie is often well worth the extra few minutes.
Related: 10 Unsettling Reasons Some Travelers Say They’ll Never Take Another Cruise
Food From Mishandled Buffet Trays
If you notice serving utensils sitting in the food or guests using their hands instead of tongs, it’s best to move on to another tray. Since buffets are constantly being replenished, there’s usually a fresher option nearby.
Shared Condiment Bottles
Ketchup, mustard, and other shared condiment bottles pass through countless hands during every meal service. Individual packets or freshly served condiments are often the cleaner choice when available.
Food Before Washing Your Hands
Even the freshest buffet food can become a problem if you head straight to the buffet after touching railings, elevator buttons, or other high-touch surfaces. Washing your hands with soap and water before every meal is one of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick on a cruise.
Related: 14 BJ’s Wholesale Club Membership Perks That Might Make You Rethink Your Costco Membership
Buffet Scrambled Eggs
Buffet scrambled eggs are often cooked in large batches and can sit in warming trays long enough to become dry and rubbery. If your ship offers a made-to-order omelet station, you’ll usually get a fresher, better-tasting breakfast.
Related: The One Place You Should Never Store Eggs in Your Refrigerator
Self-Serve Soft Ice Cream
The biggest concern with self-serve ice cream isn’t the dessert; it’s the dispenser handle that hundreds of passengers touch throughout the day. If available, choose staff-served gelato or desserts from the dining room instead.
Sugary Frozen Cocktails
Frozen cocktails packed with syrup, juice, and alcohol can leave you feeling sluggish or dehydrated after just a couple of drinks. Alternate them with water to stay refreshed and enjoy the rest of your day.
