Bring a Tray to the Cruise Buffet: Enjoy Your Balcony with Delicious Food
I recently went on a cruise and discovered that the buffet on board was a great place to grab a quick bite to eat. However, I found it difficult to carry multiple plates and cups back to my cabin without spilling anything. That's when I came up with a solution: bring a tray!
Bringing a tray to the cruise buffet is a simple and effective way to transport your food and drinks back to your cabin. Not only does it make carrying everything easier, but it also allows you to bring your meal out onto your balcony to enjoy the view while you eat. Plus, you can avoid the crowds and noise of the buffet area and have a more peaceful dining experience.
While some cruise lines may not offer trays at the buffet anymore, you can usually find them at other dining areas on the ship or request one from a staff member. Just be sure to return the tray when you're finished so that others can use it too. So next time you're at the cruise buffet, consider bringing a tray to make your dining experience more enjoyable. Or you can purchase a really cool, inexpensive one on Amazon, link at bottom of article.
Understanding Cruise Buffet Dining
When it comes to dining on a cruise ship, the buffet is often a popular choice for passengers. As someone who enjoys bringing a tray of food to enjoy on my balcony, I have some experience with cruise ship buffets. Here's what you need to know about buffet dining on a cruise ship.
What is a Cruise Ship Buffet?
A cruise ship buffet is a self-service restaurant where passengers can help themselves to a variety of dishes. Buffets are typically open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offer a range of options to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Buffets are often located on the ship's pool deck or in a designated dining area.
How Much Does Buffet Dining Cost?
Buffet dining is typically included in the cost of your cruise fare, meaning that you can eat as much as you like without incurring any additional charges. However, some cruise lines may charge extra for specialty items or premium dining experiences.
Buffet Etiquette
When dining at a cruise ship buffet, it's important to follow proper etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Some common rules include using hand sanitizer or washing your hands before handling food, not cutting in line, and not taking more food than you can eat. It's also important to be mindful of others around you and to avoid overcrowding or blocking access to food stations.
Seating and Peak Times
During peak dining times, such as breakfast or lunch, the buffet can get crowded and finding seating can be a challenge. It's important to be patient and to keep an eye out for available tables. If you're traveling with a large group, consider splitting up to increase your chances of finding seating.
Main Dining Room vs Buffet Restaurant
While the buffet is a popular choice for many passengers, it's not the only option for dining on a cruise ship. The main dining room is a sit-down restaurant that offers a more formal dining experience, with wait staff taking your order and serving your food. The main dining room is typically open for dinner and may require reservations.
Overall, buffet dining on a cruise ship can be a convenient and enjoyable experience. By following proper etiquette and being mindful of others, you can make the most of your buffet dining experience.
Room Service and Balcony Dining
When it comes to dining on a cruise ship, room service is a convenient option for those who want to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their cabin. Most cruise lines offer room service as part of the cruise fare, and it is available 24/7. Royal Caribbean, for example, charges a fixed rate of $7.95 USD per order, per room, while Celebrity Cruises offers complimentary room service for non-suite level and AquaClass passengers from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 24-hour service for suite passengers at no charge.
If you're looking to enjoy your room service meal with a view, consider taking it out to your balcony. Most cabins on a cruise ship come with a balcony, and it's a great place to enjoy a meal in private while taking in the views. Just make sure to bring a tray or table out with you to make dining more comfortable.
Another option for balcony dining is to bring food from the buffet back to your cabin. While most cruise lines don't allow passengers to take food from the buffet back to their cabins, some do. For example, Princess Cruises allows passengers to take food from the buffet back to their cabins, while Carnival Cruise Line only allows pizza to be taken back to the cabin. If you're unsure about the policy on your cruise line, check with the crew before taking any food out of the buffet area.
If you do plan on bringing food back to your cabin, make sure to store it properly. Most cabins come with a mini-fridge, which is perfect for storing leftovers or snacks. If your cabin doesn't have a fridge, ask the crew if they can provide one for you.
Overall, room service and balcony dining are great options for those who want to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their own cabin while taking in the views. Just make sure to follow the policies of your cruise line and store food properly to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Buffet Etiquette and Tips
Using Trays
When heading to the cruise buffet, it's always a good idea to grab a tray. Not only does it make it easier to carry multiple plates and utensils, but it also helps to keep the line moving smoothly. Plus, if you plan on taking your food back to your room or balcony, a tray is a must-have.
Self-serve buffets can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so it's important to be considerate of your fellow passengers. Avoid cutting in line, and don't linger at the buffet once you've filled your plate. If you need to go back for seconds, it's best to get back in line.
I love the idea of bringing your own tray for food to be eaten in your room, or on your balcony.
This is a great and inexpensive one!
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
