A welcoming destination for the hungry, a buffet is part of the dining scene on most cruise ships. Here are a few things to know (or be reminded of) before you visit the buffet on your next cruise.
The buffet
should be easy to find: it’s usually on the same deck as the main pool, also called
the Lido Deck. And it’s usually a casual venue, so you don’t need to be dressed
up to go there. But if you’re in your swimsuit when you get hungry, you’ll need
to put on some clothes and shoes before you visit the buffet (or any other
dining spot on board).
Buffet service
style varies by cruise line. Some are completely self-serve; some have crew
members plate the food that you select; and some have a combination of
self-serve and crew-served stations. Some buffets have scheduled serving hours
and close overnight, but some are open 24 hours a day.
Whatever
the serving style and hours of the buffet on your ship, it’s important to
observe some basic rules of buffet etiquette. These include patiently waiting
your turn; always using the provided utensils (not your fingers) to select
food; and using a clean plate each time you return. These rules are simply good
manners, and they’re essential to good buffet hygiene.
For
breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the buffet will have a wide variety of entrees, side
dishes, and desserts, both hot and cold. Some will be rich and decadent, but there
should also be plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and lean
proteins. Many buffets include some vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items,
too. Most food is prepared in advance, but there may be made-to-order
stations for items like omelets, pasta, or tacos.
If you’re
allergic to or can’t tolerate certain foods, you may need to approach the
buffet with caution. If you need to be sure about the content of a dish before you
taste it, ask a server. But, remember that people sometimes use the same utensils at multiple food stations; it’s all too easy to drop a little food
from one dish into another. If your allergies are severe, it may be best to eat
in the main dining room or another onboard venue where the crew can accommodate
your specific needs.
If you’d
like to know more about dining options at sea, just ask Anita, your
professional travel advisor.
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