12 Must-Try Buffet Snacks on Your Next Cruise Vacation
Onboard dining on modern cruise ships has reached new heights. Are you a fan of temperate comfort food or more readily associated with light, healthy bites? The buffet is where your culinary dreams occur.
Follow this list to learn about 12 irresistible buffet snacks on your next cruise and tips for making the most of your dining experience.
Shrimp Cocktail at the Seafood Bar
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Shrimp cocktails are typically served chilled and perfectly seasoned at many cruise ship buffets. Enjoy a fresh snack with tangy cocktail sauce, lemon, and pleasantly spritely succulent shrimp.
Seafood lovers will have the chance to experience fresh quality catches – some are from local waters, depending on the itinerary – from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean.
Freshly Baked Pizza at the Pizzeria
And what young person can come out with a piping hot slice of pizza? The answer must include freshly baked pizzas from onboard pizzerias.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line’s Pizzeria del Capitano offers a prosciutto pizza topped with arugula, earning rave reviews. It is a hand-tossed dough with the perfect blend of melted cheese and exotic toppings.
Hand-rolled sushi at the Sushi Station
A gourmet sushi diner dives into the experience of being served fresh sushi that is either hand-rolled by the chefs themselves, who are at a live cooking station, or fresh from sashimi.
Nigiri and maki rolls with a premium selection of fish and premium ingredients, such as fresh tuna or avocado, should be on your lookout list. On most Royal Caribbean or Holland America Line ships, freshly made sushi rivals the finest land fish, if not beats it.
Gourmet Burgers at the Poolside Grill
A juicy, gourmet burger off the grill is nothing more casual than casual dining. These burgers are usually placed by the poolside, and you can customize the toppings and sides to make them the perfect bite. Visitors who prefer to wake up early or are late sleepers who enjoy brunch should try the made-to-order omelets.
With burgers, advancements have been considerable among many cruise lines, which now source premium ingredients such as grass-fed beef, artisanal buns, and house-made sauces. Some even offer unique variations, such as truffle-infused toppings, smoked bacon, or a plant-based assortment for vegetarians.
Custom-made omelets at the Breakfast Buffet
Kickstart your mornings with custom-created omelets. Breakfast on most cruise buffet stations goes beyond the basics—it includes a long list of add-ons, such as melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or smoked salmon. It doesn’t matter if you like it early, as you can have omelets made to order.
Artisanal Cheeses at the Cheese Platter
You will often find an impressive selection of fine cheeses at cruise buffets. A platter of creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, tangy blue cheese, crackers, nuts, and fresh fruit is decadent and perfect for sipping wine at sunset.
As a seasoned cheese connoisseur or even someone listening in for fun, the cheese platter is a versatile indulgence you can explore.
Decadent Desserts at the Dessert Buffet
Calling all sweet tooths! On buffets, you will find intricately designed tiramisu, chocolate lava cakes with a molten center, and other bite-sized desserts that let you sample a vast selection without overindulging. Special themed dessert nights are to be looked out for, guaranteeing an extended selection of gorgeous treats.
Freshly Sliced Fruits at the Healthy Options Bar
The fresh fruit bar is the spot for those wanting to stay lighter. Golden pineapples, juicy watermelons, and plump berries are served beautifully, at their best ripeness. Besides refreshing, fruits also provide hydrating nutrients after hours in the sun.
Oranges and grapefruits contain vitamin C, which powers your immune system, while bananas are quick and effective sources of potassium to maintain muscle function. With their sweet tooth catered to, natural sugars of the tropical kind can be found in mangoes or lychees, requiring nothing more artificial than to dull the taste.
Mini Sandwiches and Wraps at the Deli
The deli station is excellent for when you don’t have ample time to eat and want something quick on the go or a fast, satisfying bite. It offers a variety of mini sandwiches and wraps.
Freshly baked bread or neatly wrapped in tortillas, pasta, roasted turkey, pastrami, or crisp vegetables are stacked in layers here. They’re easy to carry and ideal to nibble on while exploring the ship.
Hand Crafted Gelato at the Gelato Bar
Handcrafted gelato, a cruisegoer favorite, is always the answer for cooling down. Gelato is bliss in every bite, from pistachio to rich dark chocolate to any other flavor. Many ships offer rotating flavors, so you can always find something different.
Additionally, certain cruises offer a decadent affogato, combining gelato and espresso, served cold and creamy, with strong coffee. From a midpoint between a meal and dessert to the end of a meal, the gelato bar will undoubtedly be the highlight of your gastronomic trip.
Late-Night Bites at 24-Hour Eateries
After a day of discovering disembarkation activities, treat yourself to midnight munchies with late-night bites. Among the popular options are mozzarella sticks, nachos, sliders, etc.. Cruise lines, including Norwegian and MSC, also offer incredible 24-hour eateries, so you will never be too far from food.
The venues cater to night owls and anyone who appreciates casual and relaxed dining after hours, making them conceptually appealing. There will almost always be a combination of comfort food and international selections, something to please everyone’s taste.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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