I've heard that cruise ships always have a buffet. What kind of buffet is it?
The buffet restaurant on a cruise ship is typically one of two primary onboard dining venues that are included in the cost of a cruise. (The other is the main dining room.) It's a casual setting where mostly pre-prepared food is served at different stations and passengers get in line to take the food they want before sitting down. Most major cruise lines offer a buffet restaurant, nearly always on the same deck as the pool. Passengers can help themselves to food, salad-bar style, or -- in some cases -- the food will be laid out, but servers behind the counter will dish out food per a passenger's instructions. Some food stations do offer made-to-order menu items; these may include a deli sandwich counter or wok, pasta or omelet station and vary by cruise ship. While some cruise ships employ trays, so you can carry multiple dishes at once, others have gotten rid of trays, so you might need to make several trips to get all the food you want.What kind of food can I get at a cruise ship buffet?
How is the buffet laid out?
Different cruise ships do things differently. Some put all the stations in one row, back-to-back, and you make your way through one long line. Others set up separate stations or service areas, so you only need to queue in the food area that appeals to you. Typically, a buffet will have two sides and a cross-over in the middle or back; sometimes the stations on either side are mirror images and sometimes they are different, so it's always best to familiarize yourself with your cruise ship's particular layout, so you don't miss anything.Will meal selections be the same every night or will there always be something new?
While certain food items will be available every day -- such as scrambled eggs at breakfast or sandwich fixings at the deli counter -- there will always be a changing assortment of hot entrees and daily specials. Also, station themes -- international, pasta, breakfast pastries, etc. -- will stay the same, so you can learn your way around the buffet, but individual dishes within those stations can change from day to day.Are cruise buffets self-service or are there waiters?
Are drinks served in the buffet?
Yes. Free-of-charge drinks are available from dispensing machines. They include water, juice (maybe an iced tea or lemonade), coffee, tea (hot and iced) and hot chocolate. Milk and chocolate milk are usually available at breakfast, either from a dispenser or in cartons on the buffet. Buffets tend to have bars and waiter-based drink service, so you can order soda, wine, beer, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, usually for an extra fee.Where do I sit?
The buffet restaurant will feature chairs and tables, as well as booths or banquettes, for seating, and in most cases, passengers are on their own to locate an empty table. Finding a table can get tricky during peak times, such as lunch on embarkation and sea days. In addition, there is usually alfresco seating, either out by the pool or behind the buffet at the very back of the ship. Finally, no one will stop you if you make a plate of food and carry it elsewhere on the ship, such as your cabin.Most mainstream cruise ships will have high chairs available; ask a crewmember if you can't locate one.When can I eat in the buffet?
I've heard of the famous cruise ship midnight buffets. Do cruise lines still do this?
It used to be a cruise ship tradition to have a midnight buffet, a late-night smorgasbord laden with fancy desserts, ice sculptures or just greasy comfort food. Most lines have done away with these feasts as they created too much food waste, though many cruise buffet restaurants have limited snacks available late at night.How do I have to dress to eat in the buffet?
The buffet restaurant is usually the most casual onboard restaurant. Rules about appropriate dress are less stringent at the buffet. Casual dress is always acceptable, and unlike the main dining room, shorts, flip flops and beach cover-ups are all acceptable attire. It's requested that you do wear a shirt and shoes to the buffet -- and dry off between swimming in the onboard pool and grabbing a bite to eat.What if I have a food allergy or dietary restriction?
What if I have mobility problems, how can I get my food and bring it to a table?
A disability should not keep you from dining at the buffet. If a travel companion cannot assist you, simply ask a server or other crewmember for assistance, and someone will be able to carry a plate for you.How can I learn more about the buffet and dining onboard a cruise ship?
You might like the following articles:Don't Move the Tongs: The 10 Commandments of Cruise Ship Buffet Etiquette10 Tips for Cruising with a Dietary Restriction -- and Eating WellEat This, Not That: Tips for Eating Healthy on a CruiseWhat's Cooking in Onboard CuisineThe What to Expect on a Cruise series, written by Cruise Critic's editorial staff, is a resource guide, where we answer the most common questions about cruise ship life -- including cruise food, cabins, drinks and onboard fun -- as well as money matters before and during your cruise and visiting ports of call on your cruise.Updated January 08, 2020
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