10 Secret Menu Items You Can Ask For On Any Cruise

Think you’ve seen everything on the cruise menu? Think again.

Yes, the dining options look endless. Buffets. Main dining rooms. Speciality restaurants. Page after page of choices.

But there’s another layer most passengers never notice.

Little extras. Off-menu favourites. Things the crew will happily bring you… if you know the magic words.

These aren’t weird hacks or rule-bending requests. They’re perfectly normal items that just don’t get listed.

And once you know a couple of them, you’ll never look at a cruise menu the same way again.

Ready to see what you’ve been missing?

1. Proper Indian Curry

Many of the chefs onboard are from India, and they know how to cook. They often cook authentic dishes for the crew and will happily share if you ask.

Even if you don’t see curry on the menu in the main dining room, just ask. You’ll often get something far tastier than the standard fare. Steamed rice and naan bread too, if you’re lucky.

Many of the Indian crew members are vegetarian, so if you are too, be sure to try this secret menu item on your next cruise – you won’t rerget it.

2. Veggie Burgers at the Pool Bar

Scan the menu at the burger station, and you’ll probably see beef, chicken, maybe fish. But what you won’t see? The veggie burger they’re hiding in the back!

I find it so weird that cruise ships often don’t have them on the menu, but they have them in the fridge. My theory is that they’re more expensive than meat burgers so they don’t want to have to make too many of them.

The burgers are cooked fresh so they’ll probably take ten minutes, but totally worth the wait!

3. Veggie Sausages and Bacon at Breakfast

The buffet’s hotplate will be loaded with meat. But if you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t settle for cereal!

Ask a server or chef for plant-based breakfast items. Many cruises stock veggie sausages and even vegan bacon – you just have to ask. Sometimes, there’ll be a sign at the buffet letting you know they’re available, but not always.

Just like the burgers, I think the cruise lines don’t want to spend the extra money on faux meat – I imagine it can be even more expensive to get outside of the UK. But, these items are almost always available, so be sure to ask.

4. Chocolate Spread

There’s no Nutella jar on the buffet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have chocolate on your pancakes! Ask in the buffet or main dining room, and they’ll often bring you a portion.

It might not be Nutella, but they’ll do what they can. It might be chocolate sauce, or I’ve even had crew members on a Royal Caribbean ship go away and microwave some chocolate for us!

If you have chocoholic kids, it’s all the same. They’re just happy to be allowed a sweet breakfast as once they’re home, they’ll be back to Weetabix and fruit.

5. The Children’s Menu (Even for Adults!)

Don’t be shy – if you’re craving mac and cheese, chicken nuggets or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, just ask for the kids’ menu!

It’s always available. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what hits the spot.

I’ve ordered off the kids’ menu for myself before, and nobody batted an eyelid. I actually ordered two mains to make sure I had enough food – no problem!

Even if you just want to get a side of fries or garlic bread and order your main of the regular menu – go for it!

6. Plain Food (For Picky Eaters or Delicate Stomachs)

Not everyone wants rich sauces and fancy names. Whether you’ve got a sensitive stomach or a fussy eater in the group, you can always ask for simple meals like plain grilled chicken, white rice, baked potatoes or buttered pasta.

My kids are both fussy eaters and when we cruise with Fred. Olsen they asked for buttered pasta every day. I didn’t take a photo of it though, because why would you?

7. Iced Coffee (Even If It’s Not on the Menu)

Your caffeine fix doesn’t need to be hot. If the coffee shop menu only shows lattes and cappuccinos, just ask for an iced version. Most cruise coffee bars can make one in seconds – even if it’s not advertised.

All they need to do is pour a shot of espresso over ice and add cold milk, right? Want it sweet? Ask for a shot of syrup, too.

8. Surprise Cocktails

Seen the menu? Bored already? Don’t be afraid to go off-script. Bartenders love a challenge. Ask for your favourite cocktail – even if it’s not listed. Or better yet, ask them to surprise you.

They’ll usually whip up something fun, colourful and strong enough to make you forget what day it is.

When I cruised with SeaDream Yacht Club, I discovered that they don’t even have a drinks menu. They just make whatever you want. Kinda cool!

9. Cheese Plate to Go

Love cheese and crackers, but too full after your meal? Take them with you!

Most cruise ship restaurants will happily wrap up a cheese plate in cling film if you ask. Pop it in your cabin fridge, and you can enjoy a private snack later on your balcony with a glass of wine. Fancy.

10. Vegan Menus

Most cruise lines now offer a full vegan menu – but they don’t hand it out unless you ask.

So ask.

This gives you more options beyond the regular menu – and many of them are incredible. They’re also usually pretty healthy, which is great if you’re watching your figure.

Final Word

Cruise menus look impressive. But they’re only half the story.

The real magic happens when you treat the menu as a starting point, not a limit.

If it’s reasonable, ask. The worst they can say is no. More often than not, they’ll say yes.

Now I’m curious… have you ever ordered something off-menu on a cruise? Or is there one on this list you’re trying first?

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• Best Cruise Lines for Food: 8 Cruise Lines with the Most Delicious Dining
• 10 Best Cruise Ship Foods You HAVE to Try
• Food Really Does Taste Better At Sea: The Scientific Proof!
• The Best Cruise Lines For Vegans