21/11/2023
TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO AT MEALTIMES AT A CRUISE SHIP BUFFET
If you decide to dine at a buffet, you should abide by the unwritten laws of buffet eating, regardless of whether you love cruise ship buffets with their many options or worry about sharing tongs and food that stays on steam tables.
While the majority of these guidelines are plain sense, not everyone will understand them. If you choose to ignore them, you run the danger of receiving criticism for being impolite or unhygienic. Alternatively, you may just have a less enjoyable dinner.
If you want the best possible onboard buffet experience, avoid doing these ten things at cruise ships buffets.
GO UP TO THE BUFFET WITHOUT WASHING YOUR HANDS
Hand sanitizer is provided by all cruise lines at the buffet door. It is either given out by crew members or comes in the form of a wall-mounted pump. Hand washing stations are even present in some. Each time you enter the buffet area, use them.
Although there are usually public restrooms close by, this is not the appropriate time to announce that you have already washed your hands after using the restroom. Many a germ-phobic cruiser finds solace in seeing everyone hand sanitize; after all, you never know what you'll touch on the way back from the restroom. Before grabbing a plate, make sure you lather up. Extra sanitization has never hurt anyone.
USING YOUR HANDS TO PICK UP THE FOOD
Certain cruise lines have rules prohibiting guests from serving themselves and placing waiters at each buffet station. Some have ample serving utensils and plastic "sneeze guards" arranged. Obey any policies that have been established.
Never, under any circumstances, pick up a bread roll, cookie, or other food item with your hands instead of the utensils that are given. You'll receive some well-deserved glares from other passengers for this unhygienic practice.
BRING YOUR PLATE UP FOR SECONDS
Cruise lines recommend that you take a new plate anytime you return to the buffet for hygienic reasons. If you leave your used plate on the table, it will be picked up and taken to be washed, frequently even before you get back in your seat.
Indeed, this policy makes more dishes filthy, which may not be the best use of water. But put down your complaints and pick up a clean plate—it's vital as a health precaution.
The guidelines for drinking cups are the same. Every time you need a refill, get a fresh cup. Pour a beverage from the drinks station into a cup, then transfer the contents of the cup into your travel-sized drink container if you wish to fill your reusable water bottle or coffee mug.
DON'T CHOOSE THE MADE-TO-ORDER SELECTION
You might assume that everything at a buffet is prepared ahead of time. On cruise ships, not at all.
A carvery, deli counter, or pasta or noodle station are examples of made-to-order options that are frequently available. These options are typically found for lunch or dinner. When compared to steam table options, the outcomes are frequently fresher and more tailored to your preferences, even though you might have to wait to place your order or for your food to be prepared.
Avoid the mistake of consistently selecting the quickest option.
IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR DIET, SAY NOTHING
Due to the possibility of cross-contamination and the lack of ingredient details, buffets pose a risk to travelers with dietary restrictions. For those on a limited diet, they might nevertheless offer an abundance of dining options.
When you're dining at the buffet restaurant on a cruise ship, don't be afraid to ask for help choosing your cuisine. Similar to what you might ask a waitress at a restaurant, pose inquiries to the buffet attendant. When in doubt, the crew member can always locate a manager or chef to inquire.
Additionally, staff members may be able to bring you special food items from the galley that are not laid out for everyone to enjoy but are instead reserved for people with dietary needs.
On your first day of sailing, let a maître d' know if you have any more severe allergies so they can assist you during the voyage.
CHOOSE FOODS THAT TASTE BEST WHEN PREPARED TO ORDER
Be that as it may, buffet food is made in large quantities and set on a steam table, only to be removed and replaced with a new tray when it is empty. With this procedure, certain foods survive longer than others. Being ignorant of the differences is a rookie error.
Every time I go to a cruise ship buffet, I always regret not getting the fried shrimp or calamari for supper or the already scrambled eggs for breakfast. Anything, like fully loaded nachos on a Tex-Mex night, that becomes less crispy as it gets older is something to steer clear of. In general, stay away from foods that are best prepared to order or that are prone to overcooking (such as sushi rolls loaded with raw fish and avocado).
On particular nights when the cruise company serves upscale buffet items like foie gras and caviar, this regulation is waived. Take the sweets when you see them in such scenario.
STACK YOUR PLATE SO HIGH IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO HANDLE
It's simple to pile a plate high with every dish that appears delicious, yet this method usually results in food waste. Additionally, it's difficult to distinguish whatever food you're eating because all the flavors blend together.
Even if you are dining at a cruise ship buffet for evening, I advise you to finish your meal. Go back to the buffet for an entree and sides after starting with a salad or other appetizer. Finally, if you're still hungry, visit the dessert station one last time (you did read rule #3; yes, this means getting a new plate every time).
There's no need to rush because there's little possibility the cruise ship will run out of what you're interested in. The buffet will not close until you walk up to it minutes in advance. You could still arrange your meals on separate plates and eat one item at a time, even if you have to eat everything at once.
HOLD SEVERAL PLATES AND CUPS AT ONCE
You do not want to navigate a packed cruise ship buffet restaurant while holding several plates and cups in your arms, even if you are a professional server. It's a guaranteed method of dropping and spilling.
Just take what you can carry comfortably, then come back to the buffet for seconds, more drinks, or condiments. You will burn off the calories you are about to consume with the additional steps.
IGNORE THE SELF-GUIDED BUFFET TOUR ON THE FIRST DAY
Whenever you get on a cruise, make sure to thoroughly examine the buffet to acquire a sense of the layout.
There are sometimes duplicate stations on either side of the restaurant in cruise ship buffets. Some only have specialized stations available on one side or in the back, like a pizzeria or deli counter. You may wait until the end of your vacation to find some really interesting possibilities if you don't undertake any reconnaissance.
Some cruise lines include a buffet that is more of a relaxed, self-serve option with a menu comparable to that of the main dining room. Some lines include a different cuisine every night, including made-to-order stations and casual favorites like pizza, chicken fingers, and burgers. Understanding the menu options on your cruise ship can help you choose which meals are best at the buffet and when to eat out.
BEGIN PLATING BEFORE YOU'VE CONSIDERED EVERY POSSIBILITY
Before filling your plate at the first buffet line you see, make sure you've looked through all the options at the many marketplace stations. When you learn that there's an Indian buffet, roast beef sliced to order, or a wok station where you can stir-fry noodles on the spot, you might decide against wanting those fish and chips.
You will have a more satisfying lunch or dinner and be less likely to waste food if you take the time to organize your meal.
Author: VCL Team
21/11/2023
