The 10 Worst Things You Could Ever Eat on a Cruise
Germaphobe's Nightmare
Vacations, especially cruises, are synonymous with indulgence. With restaurants and buffets available around the clock, it's easy to overindulge. However, going overboard with indulgence on a cruise is something you'll want to avoid. Nobody wants to spend their pool time or excursion feeling bloated and uncomfortable.
Beyond concerns about excess, there are several other reasons to avoid certain foods on a cruise, ranging from safety issues to subpar quality. Here's a rundown of the foods you should steer clear of on your next cruise
This story was edited by Blakelee Bartik.
1. Too Many Sugary Drinks
Much like sea sickness, indulging in too many sugar-filled tropical drinks can quickly lead to a stomach ache on a cruise, particularly if they contain alcohol. While these colorful and tempting beverages may be tempting to sip on while lounging by the pool or enjoying the sunset, consuming excessive amounts of these irresistible drinks may put you in a not-so-good situation physically.
2. Pizza
Unless you witness the pizza coming straight out of the oven and onto the buffet line, there's a good chance it's been sitting under the heat lamps for a while. This can result in a less-than-ideal pizza experience, with dry crust, congealed cheese, and chewy toppings awaiting those who dare to indulge. So unless that's what you're into, we suggest skipping this fan favorite.
3. Things You Eat at Home
One of the best things about unlimited food options on a cruise is the freedom to try new dishes without worrying about wasting money if you don't enjoy them. So why not take advantage of this opportunity and step out of your (or even your family's) comfort zone of burgers and pasta? If you're feeling unsure, start by taking a small portion of a new dish to minimize food waste. You might just discover a new favorite dish or cuisine that you wouldn't have tried otherwise
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4. Soft Serve Ice Cream
Self-serve ice cream machines offer a fun treat, allowing you to fill your own cone with your favorite flavors. But think about who else finds these machines appealing: children with germ-covered hands who may not have washed them properly after various activities. To minimize the risk of contamination, it's best to avoid touching the handle of the ice cream machine. Fortunately, many cruise ships offer staff-scooped gelato or pre-packaged ice cream bars as alternative options, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable dessert experience.
5. Shared Condiments
Similar to the soft serve handle, condiment bottles such as ketchup, mustard, and others are often touched by multiple people, including children. To minimize contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, it's best to avoid using these communal condiment bottles altogether. Instead, consider asking for individual packets or sachets of condiments, or opt for dishes that don't require additional toppings. The less you need to touch at the buffet, the lower the risk of exposure to germs and contamination.
6. Scrambled Eggs
When it comes to scrambled eggs on the buffet line, chances are they're made with powdered eggs, a commercial food service product known for producing dry, crumbly, and generally lackluster eggs. For a better breakfast experience, opt for the omelet station instead. This way, you'll witness eggs being cracked and cooked fresh to order, ensuring a much more satisfying and flavorful meal.
7. Anything with Tongs Dropped Into It
Buffets on cruises already have enough shared spaces, so it's essential to be cautious and avoid situations that could increase the risk or spreading germs. One such scenario is taking food from a dish that the tongs have fallen into. Considering how many hands have likely touched those tongs throughout the day, it's best to skip that particular dish to minimize the risk of contamination.
On that same note, if you observe someone touching bread or whole fruit with their hands and then returning it to the buffet, it's wise to steer clear of those items as well.
8. Buffet Sushi
When it comes to freshness, sushi is one food you don't want to gamble on. While freshly made sushi from fish that's been properly stored on ice or in a fridge is generally safe to eat, it's a different story if it's been sitting out on the buffet for an unknown amount of time. It might taste disgusting, or it might just make you sick, and we're not willing to risk either.
9. Anything You Have to Pay For
Think everything is included on a cruise? Not anymore. All ships have restaurants that you have to pay an extra fee for. They're usually steakhouses, teppanyaki, or even chains like Starbucks. A venti flat white is one thing you should never buy on a cruise you've already spent thousands of dollars on.
Think everything is included on a cruise? Think again. Nowadays, many cruise ships offer specialty restaurants that come with an extra fee. These restaurants typically feature upscale options like steakhouses, teppanyaki, or even well-known chains. While it's tempting to indulge in your favorite Starbucks drink onboard, it's worth considering whether it's worth the additional cost on top of the thousands of dollars you've already spent on your cruise. We think probably not.
10. Anything Without Sanitizing Your Hands First
While there are certain people who may not enjoy cruises, such as germaphobes, it's essential for all passengers to prioritize hygiene onboard. Even if you don't typically carry hand sanitizer with you, it's crucial to utilize the sanitizer stations before eating or touching anything at the buffet. The prevalence of these stations on cruise ships is no coincidence—norovirus outbreaks are unfortunately common, with 2023 marking a record-breaking year. Believe us, you don't want to spend half your vacation quarantined in your cabin and that tiny bathroom under the ship's doctor's orders.
We edited this story using partial AI assistance.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
