One of the things I look forward to when going on a cruise is the food. There are always so many different things to try. From savoury snacks to sweet treats, each cruise line offers something unique.
From my own cruises and reading reviews online, I’ve discovered some great must-try foods on different cruise lines. In this post, I’ll share ten of the top foods you shouldn’t miss if you ever get the chance to try them…
1. Mickey Waffles on a Disney Cruise
On Disney cruises, Mickey Waffles are a breakfast highlight. You can enjoy them in the main dining rooms or order them through room service, perfect whether you’re up for an early meal or a lazy morning in your cabin.
Beyond the beloved classic version, Disney Cruise Line sometimes offers special variations, like churro waffles. Everyone raves about this version, which can usually only be found on the last day of your cruise. However, others have reported getting these by asking very nicely in the main dining room, and they managed to get them for breakfast the next day.
If you have dietary restrictions you don’t need to miss out. Gluten-free and vegan Mickey Waffles are also available. They might not be on the menu, but you just need to ask and your server will work their Disney magic.
2. The Best Pizza at Sea on a Princess Cruise
Princess Cruises is often praised for offering some of the best pizza at sea. You’ll find it poolside and you can order by the slice.
If you want something special, such as a pizza without cheese, just ask and the chefs will do their best to make one for you.
Another pizza venue that you simply must visit on a Princess Cruise is Alfredo’s Pizzeria. This venue is celebrated for its gourmet, Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted from scratch by Master Chef Alfredo Marzi.Â
The pizzeria is located on the stunning three-story Piazza, which serves as a central hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping on several Princess ships, including Regal Princess, Royal Princess, and Sky Princess.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria provides a variety of thin-crust pizza options and the open kitchen layout allows guests to watch as their pizzas are prepared and baked to perfection.Â
3. Gourmet Milkshakes on Icon of the Seas
Cruisers have been sharing photos of their milkshakes on social media at the Desserted Milkshake Bar on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
The ‘Stranded Burro’, a vanilla and salted caramel milkshake, is a fan favourite. It is overflowing with dulce de leche, doughnut pieces, and cinnamon cereal, topped off with a generous swirl of vanilla icing, caramel popcorn, and whipped cream.
For adults looking to spice it up, a shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is the perfect kick. If mint is more your style, the ‘Minty Mariner’ offers a cool burst with its mint milkshake base, laced with mint chocolate syrup, chocolate Pocky, waffle cone pieces, and an array of sprinkles, finished with a touch of vanilla icing and whipped cream.
And for those who taste the classics, the bar also serves timeless favourites like vanilla, chocolate, and cookies & cream shakes.
Despite the eye-catching presentation and the lure of these indulgent shakes, it’s noted that the price point is quite high at $21, leading some to prefer the delightful bubble cones from Izumi in the Park as a sweet alternative. However, the milkshakes look like a great thing to try as a one-off treat.
4. Guys Burgers on a Carnival Cruise
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruises is a standout choice and has been named ‘the best burgers at sea’. The burgers are so popular that they’ve been rolled out across nearly every ship in Carnival’s fleet.
Created in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, it’s known for its hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries. The eatery sports a vibrant Americana decor reminiscent of a West Coast roadside diner, and it is conveniently located by the pool area on many Carnival ships.
The menu offers five distinct burger creations, each tailored to your liking, at an impressive toppings bar featuring options from sautéed mushrooms and onions to a variety of sauces, including the famous ‘Donkey Sauce’ – a punchy blend of garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire. And let’s not forget the fries; they’re a popular item in their own right, seasoned and cooked to a perfect crisp.
One of the biggest draws to Guy’s Burgers is that it’s included in your cruise fare, so you can indulge without an additional cost. It’s typically open from noon until 6 p.m., making it an ideal lunch spot.
For cruisers sailing from Texas, there’s an exclusive offering known as the Big Tex Burger. This burger adds a local twist to the menu, adding toppings like roasted green chilli salsa and tortilla strips.
5. Sushi on Norwegian Cruise Line
On Norwegian Cruise Line, cruisers often share their love of the sushi.
The place to go is the Orchid Garden & Sushi Bar, a complimentary specialty restaurant. This venue is praised for its salt and pepper Calamari and Harvest Spring Rolls, and guests can also enjoy sushi from the sushi bar at an additional cost.
The offerings range from $5 to $8.50 per item, with favourites like the Two-Timing Tuna Roll and the uniquely delicious Crispy Rice sushi.
On the newer Norwegian ships like the Norwegian Prima, you can experience Nama, a glamorous sushi bar that serves custom rolls and offers live sushi and sashimi preparation.Â
Norwegian’s Teppanyaki restaurant is another popular dining option. Guests can watch chefs perform while they prepare dishes like steak, shrimp, and fried rice on a steel grill.
6. Burritos and Tacos on a Carnival Cruise
People love the made-to-order burritos and tacos on Carnival Cruise Line for their fresh, custom-made approach to quick and delicious food. The combination of proteins like seasoned chicken or beef, the option to pack in plenty of veggies, and the choice of zesty salsas and sauces make these a hit.
You have the ability to personalise each taco or burrito to suit individual tastes, from spicy to mild, meat-filled to vegetarian. Begin with a fresh tortilla, move on to choose from a variety of fillings, and then top it off with your preferred extras. There’s a range of salsas for an extra kick, from mild to fiery hot. And for those who love a bit of creaminess, there’s the ever-popular guacamole.
Tacos, on the other hand, allow for similar customisation. Whether you opt for a soft tortilla or a classic crunchy shell, you can fill it with your chosen ingredients and make it right for your palate. Fish tacos, often featuring grilled fish with a squeeze of lime, are a fresh and flavorful option many gravitate towards.
7. Tiana’s Buttermilk Beignets on Disney Wonder
Tiana’s Buttermilk Beignets are a delightful treat that pays homage to Princess Tiana from the Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.”
These light and fluffy pastries are dusted with powdered sugar and have a soft, pillowy texture, making them a favourite among cruisers.
Served in Tiana’s Place, the themed restaurant on board the Disney Wonder, the beignets are part of a broader dining experience that captures the charm and vivacity of New Orleans. The restaurant’s ambience and live jazz music add to the authentic feel.
These beignets are typically enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat to complement the Southern-inspired menu of Tiana’s Place.
8. Italian Gelato on an MSC Cruise
On MSC Cruises, the freshly made gelato is a standout treat that captures the authentic flavours of Italy, where the cruise line is based. Served in various onboard venues, including dedicated gelaterias, this creamy dessert is crafted with high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian techniques.
Gelato on MSC is celebrated for its rich texture and depth of flavour. It differs from typical ice cream through a slower churn process incorporating less air, allowing for a denser and more flavorful experience.
Guests can choose from various flavours, from classic options like chocolate and vanilla to regional specialties and seasonal fruits, reflecting the ports visited during the cruise.
9. Afternoon Tea on a Cunard Cruise
Afternoon Tea on Cunard Line is a classic British event that captures the traditional charm of tea time. Held in the elegant ballroom with live music playing softly in the background, this daily occasion offers guests luxury.
During Afternoon Tea, servers dressed in white gloves present a variety of tasty sandwiches, fresh scones with cream and jam, and a selection of sweet pastries and cakes. Guests can choose from a wide array of teas, carefully selected worldwide, served in fine China.
This experience is more than just tea and snacks; it’s a chance to relax and indulge in a longstanding tradition at sea. It’s included in your cruise fare so that everyone can enjoy this lovely part of the day without extra cost.
People love it for the delicious treats and the experience. It’s a part of the Cunard experience, embodying the cruise line’s dedication to British luxury.
10. Lobster on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Lobster Night is an eagerly awaited highlight for many cruisers. It is held during one of the formal nights on cruises lasting six days or longer.
On these nights, guests dress up and descend upon the main dining room with the prospect of enjoying a lobster meal included with their cruise fare.
Traditionally, the meal features a broiled Canadian lobster tail, served in its simplest form with lemon and a side of melted butter. The allure of this dinner lies not only in the quality and preparation of the lobster but also in its previous policy of unlimited servings.
Although recent changes now restrict guests to a single lobster tail as part of sustainability efforts, the enthusiasm for this delicacy has yet to wane. The decision to limit servings stems from Royal Caribbean’s commitment to responsible sourcing, aligning with Marine Stewardship Council standards, ensuring that even luxury dining can be environmentally conscious.
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Trying different foods is a big part of the fun on a cruise. I’ve highlighted some top picks, like Disney Cruise Line’s Mickey Waffles and Royal Caribbean’s Lobster Night, but there are many more unique dishes to enjoy aboard different cruise lines.
This list just scratches the surface. If you’ve got your favourites, I’d love to hear about them. Please share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
We just sailed on MSC Meraviglia at the beginning of April. The pizza on this ship was one of the best we have had on a cruise ship. We have to try Princess again soon.
You travel a lot on P&O but l don’t see their food get a mention in your top 10!!
rof – P&O food isn’t *bad* it’s just not exceptional (in our opinion, it’s a step or two above Harvester for example) but it’s just nothing you’d rave about. Nothing wrong with that, we’re back on P&O to Canada later this year 🙂