As cruises gain popularity, the chances of you going on one, especially after retirement, are highly likely. If you are wondering what you can expect for food on a cruise ship, then you have come to the right place.

One of the things you can look forward to is definitely the food. There are so many things to do on a cruise but the food is definitely one of the more popular options!

From buffets and 24/7 comfort food to fine dining, cruise ships offer a variety of delicious cuisines. But keep in mind that the food served on cruise ships varies. 

Is food included on a cruise?

Yes, all cruise ships have dining options that are included in the cruise fare. In most cases, your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all included in the cruise cost. These options, however, do not include alcohol.

Often when a ship is in port, embarking, or debarking, there are limited meal options. You will need to check your cruise’s policy for those days to see what will be available. When a ship is debarking, breakfast is often included onboard. 

It’s also important to take note that not all food venues onboard will offer free food. Complimentary restaurants will differ depending on the cruise that you take. The main dining restaurant and the cruise ship buffet will always be included in your cruise fare. But specialty items may come at an additional cost. 

The main dining restaurant is a huge banquet-style sit-down venue that offers diverse menus that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. There is usually a selection of popular American and continental dishes and some international options.

These are all included in your cruise fare. There is also a specific dress code required for the main dining restaurant. 

Free food on a cruise ship is offered by cruise lines in casual dining spots such as cafes, buffet restaurants with pre-prepared food, or poolside eateries. 

On the other hand, specialty restaurants are not usually included in your cruise fare. These are often smaller, upscale restaurants with personal or private seating. Specialty dining provides unique culinary experiences that you can enjoy onboard. The additional charge is either flat or itemized. 

Prices are always marked at each venue, so check before you order anything. 

Do you get unlimited food on a cruise ship?

Yes, complimentary food on a cruise ship is unlimited—you can eat as much as you want! All cruise ships provide food 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A diner, cafe, or poolside eatery is frequently open 24 hours a day. 

The main dining room has set times, but depending on your cruise, you may find that the buffet area is open at all hours. 

Room service is another option if you are looking for a snack and don’t want to step outside your room. The room service menu usually offers a continental breakfast or an all-day menu that includes salads, sandwiches, hot items, pizza, starters, and desserts. 

On major cruise lines, room service is available 24/7 and is often free of charge. But some cruise lines charge a fee for middle-of-the-night orders, a per-order fee, or a fee for pizza delivery.

Royal buffet on a cruise

Buffet restaurants are a common feature on cruise ships. They typically offer a wide variety of foods, including dishes from different cuisines and a selection of desserts. These restaurants are often open for extended hours and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. This is included in your food on a cruise ship. It is a casual option for your meals.

They are a popular option for passengers who want to enjoy a casual, self-serve dining experience. Some cruise lines may have multiple buffet restaurants on board with different themes or specialties like seafood or grill stations.

A buffet restaurant is usually included in the cost of the cruise fare, but some cruise lines may charge extra for certain items or for dining at certain times.

Which cruise line has the best free food?

This will depend on your personal preferences and taste, as different ships have different restaurants. But all ships do have free dining options. Keep in mind that not all dining rooms are available on every ship.

If you are looking for specific dining options, you may end up paying an extra fee. So, if free food on a cruise ship is important to you, ensure that you carefully choose your ship. 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises features classy restaurants with a combination of contemporary and classic dishes. 

Complimentary restaurants include:

• Main dining restaurant, which offers globally inspired cuisine in a classy setting.
• Spa Cafe’s menu features healthy, fresh, and light breakfast and lunch dishes.
• Cyprus Restaurant serves seafood and Mediterranean cuisine in a chic setting.
• Mast Grill is a casual spot that offers burgers and other comfort food.
• Normandie Restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine in a sophisticated environment. 

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises offers gourmet dishes onboard in a relaxed but upscale setting. 

Complimentary restaurants include:

• Polo Grill serves seafood and steak in a traditional, warm, and inviting environment.
• The Grand Dining Room features a European-themed dining area with a rotating menu.
• Jacques is an all-inclusive Parisian bistro where you can enjoy French delicacies.
• Red Ginger is a modern and bold restaurant that offers classical Asian dishes.
• Toscana serves traditional Italian cuisine in Versace, china.

Royal Caribbean

The Royal Caribbean features more casual, contemporary dining spots.

Complimentary restaurants include:

• Dog House is a casual hot dog spot that serves a variety of hot dogs, ranging from traditional hot dogs to those with a twist.
• Park Cafe offers gourmet deli food in a chic setting.
• Cafe Promenade serves diner food 24/7 in a laid-back, casual atmosphere.
• El Loco Fresh is a casual eating joint that offers fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Coastal Kitchen is a smart-casual restaurant that serves a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine with the farm-fresh flavors of California.
• Windjammer Buffet is usually located on an upper deck where the pool is.

Enjoy our related post: Unpretentious Windjammer Royal Caribbean

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises tops the list when it comes to luxury cruises. They offer complimentary dining at all of their upscale venues onboard, so guests are not charged for specialty meals.

• World Cafe offers a variety of cuisines from around the world in a lively setting.
• Aquavit Bar is an indoor-outdoor venue that serves specialty drinks inspired by Vikings.
• The Restaurant offers fine dining in a sophisticated setting that offers regional dishes.
• Mamsen’s Norwegian Deli is a trendy spot that serves Norwegian delicacies.
• Manfredi’s is an Italian-inspired restaurant with a private seating area.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is in partnership with the Grand Chefs of Relais & Chateaux, so you can expect sophisticated, fine dining venues onboard with gourmet cuisine. 

On the Silversea Cruises, all food venues are complimentary. 

• The Restaurant offers a fine dining experience where exquisite dishes are served on fine china and crystal.
• Atlantide, inspired by Atlas mythology, offers gourmet seafood made with fresh ingredients.
• The S.A.L.T. Kitchen & Culinary Program is a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that allows guests to explore local cultures through food.
• The Grill is a salad and gourmet burger joint where guests can customize their meals with the finest ingredients.
• La Dame is a five-star Parisian restaurant that specializes in fine French cuisine.
• Indochine serves Asian fusion cuisine inspired by the rich spices of India and the bright flavors of Thailand.
• Seishin Restaurant offers complimentary sashimi and sushi for lunch.
• La Terrazza is an indoor-outdoor fine dining venue that serves Italian cuisine.
• Spaccanapoli specializes in serving authentic Italian pizza made with the freshest of ingredients.
• Kaiseki offers traditional Japanese cuisine ranging from sushi and raw delicacies at lunch to teppanyaki at dinner. 

Final thoughts

You can have your fill of all the food on a cruise ship. After all, that is one of the best parts of cruising: “free” food!

This aspect alone can make or break the reputation of a cruise line. While complimentary food is on every cruise ship, it’s important to consider your personal taste and preferences when choosing your cruise.