One part of cruising that everyone looks forward to is onboard dining. But if you’re cruising with children, you may wonder how well the ship will meet their gastronomic needs. In short, don’t worry. Cruise ship chefs and servers know how to work with diners who might be a bit fussy, a little messy, and always hungry.
One aspect of cruise ship dining that’s great for kids is
the variety of dining spots and food available. Most ships have at least two dining
options – a main dining room and a buffet – as well as themed or specialty
dining venues (some ships have dozens of these).
The main dining room offers sit-down, multicourse breakfasts,
lunches and dinners for all ages. Some offer special children’s menus, but kids
are welcome to order from the regular menu, too. If your child doesn’t find the
menu appealing, get creative. Ask for a side dish as main plate; for a
different preparation, such as chicken that’s fried instead of grilled; or for an
unfamiliar sauce or despised vegetable to be left off the plate. Your server can
make some suggestions, too. And while the chefs can’t make every special request
a reality, they will accommodate them whenever possible.
The ship’s buffet is usually open most of the day and
evening, ready to tame kids’ hunger with an array of main dishes, sides, salads,
and desserts. Some even have a “kids’ area” where favorites like macaroni &
cheese and fresh fruit are always available. Be sure to supervise your child’s
visits to the buffet to help them follow proper etiquette (take only what they’ll
eat, don’t dip the same utensil in different dishes, etc.).
For a quick meal or snack, many ships have one or more convenient
snack bars, often located by a pool. They may serve pizza by the slice, burgers
and hot dogs, fresh salads and more. There are usually one or more soft-serve
ice cream machines on board, too.
It’s a treat to dine at an onboard specialty restaurant that
serves gourmet fare (often for an extra charge). Many welcome children, and
some even have children’s menus. Specialty dining can be fun for a child who likes
trying new tastes; if not, it may be better as an adult-only experience.
And, there’s one more dining option that’s great for kids,
especially tired ones: room service. Ask your professional travel advisor about
all the kid-friendly dining options on your next cruise.
