If you spend any time on cruise forums, you’ll see people debating cruise food nonstop. Some rave about the variety, while others say they were disappointed.
Here’s the truth: cruise dining is not meant to be fine dining every night, and that’s okay.
I say this as someone who worked in foodservice marketing for over 15 years. Serving a plated dinner to 100 guests in a restaurant is completely different from feeding thousands of people every single day on a ship. Cruise food is about availability, consistency, and scale, and that means your expectations going in make a huge difference in how you’ll enjoy it.
Common Complaints About Cruise Food (and the Reality)
“The steak in the main dining room wasn’t amazing.”
Reality: The MDR is designed to feed thousands quickly. It’s a solid option, but if you want a prime cut cooked to order, that’s where specialty restaurants like Chops Grille shine.
“The buffet food felt repetitive.”
Reality: Buffets are about convenience and variety across the week, not one-of-a-kind meals every day. Mix in the main dining room or a casual venue to keep things interesting.
“My food wasn’t hot when it arrived.”
Reality: That can happen when serving at scale. The key is to let your waiter know right away, they’ll bring you something fresh.
“I went hungry because I didn’t like what was served.”
Reality: There is always another option, even if it’s ordering two entrees, swapping your side dish, or asking what else the chef can prepare. But you have to speak up.
Why Speaking Up Changes Everything
On one of my Royal Caribbean cruises, I didn’t eat much of my New York Strip in the main dining room. My waiter noticed and asked if I’d like something else. Then the head waiter came over, promised me a filet the next night, at no extra charge, and made sure it was perfect.
That’s the difference. The staff want you to have a great experience, but they can’t fix what they don’t know about.
I’ve seen the opposite too. My mother once came home from a Carnival cruise saying she went hungry. On another long European sailing, she didn’t enjoy the food at all, but she didn’t say anything early in her cruise. If you don’t give the dining staff a chance, you’ll never know how much they’re willing to do to make it right.
In my years in foodservice marketing, I learned that turning a bad experience into a good one can create a customer for life. That same principle works at sea.
Tips for First-Time Cruisers
- Try what’s included first. Your first cruise is the perfect time to explore the main dining room, buffet, cafés, and room service.
- Don’t expect Michelin stars. Expect solid, consistent meals at scale — and enjoy specialty dining when you want something elevated.
- Mix it up. You don’t have to eat at the same venue every night. Appetizers at one spot, dessert at another.
- Speak up. If it’s not right, say something. They’ll fix it.
- Upgrade when you’re ready. On future cruises, explore specialty dining or dining packages if you want more variety.
Bottom Line
Cruise food isn’t designed to be five-star fine dining every night. It’s designed to offer a wide range of choices to thousands of guests, every day, at sea.
The key to enjoying it?
- Reasonable expectations
- A willingness to speak up
If you do both, you’ll likely be surprised by how enjoyable cruise dining really is.
FAQs About Cruise Dining
Is food free on a cruise?
Yes, most venues are included in the cost of your cruise. Specialty restaurants, soda, specialty coffee, and alcohol drinks cost extra.
Can I send food and drinks back?
Absolutely. The crew members are happy to bring you something else.
Is specialty dining worth it?
Yes, if you want an elevated meal experience beyond the main dining room. But don’t feel like you have to do specialty dining on your first cruise.
Do I have to dress up in the dining room?
Not necessarily. Even “dress your best” nights are flexible.
Can I really order multiple entrees?
Yes, you can try more than one if you’d like.
Charity Bradley 
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