Food and drink

Unlimited food is one of the biggest selling points of a cruise – and to be fair, it lives up to the hype. Late-night pizza, multi-course dinners, snacks whenever you feel like it… it’s all there.

But once you look a little closer, it’s clear this isn’t just a case of “help yourself and enjoy.” There’s a whole system behind it, and most of it stays completely out of sight.

I’ve always found that side of cruising really interesting. What feels effortless as a guest is actually planned down to an almost obsessive level. Some of it’s impressive, some of it’s a bit surprising, and a few things might even change how you think about eating onboard.

Because as indulgent as it all feels, there’s a lot going on in the background that cruise lines don’t exactly advertise.

1. Cruise Ships Load a Huge Amount of Food – All at Once

Before passengers even step onboard, there’s a massive operation happening at the port.

Ships aren’t just topping up supplies. They’re loading everything needed to feed thousands of people for the entire trip. That means tens of thousands of eggs, tonnes of fruit and veg, and more meat, dairy, and dry goods than you can really picture.

What’s even more impressive is how quickly it happens. In just a few hours, pallets are moved onboard in a process that’s clearly been refined over time. It’s fast, organised, and leaves very little room for mistakes.

Once the ship sails, there’s no quick trip to the supermarket if something runs out. Everything depends on getting that initial load right.

Actually, that’s a little white lie. On some more premium cruise ships, the senior kitchen crew might head to local markets while in port to pick up some extra ingredients – and sometimes there’s even excursions where you can join them!

2. There’s a Lot More Thought Put Into Food Waste Than You’d Expect

You’d think waste would be a huge problem with this much food – and in the past, it definitely was.

These days, cruise lines put a lot of effort into reducing it. Kitchens track what gets eaten and what comes back uneaten, then adjust portions and prep accordingly as the cruise goes on.

Buffets are a good example. Instead of piling everything out at once, food is topped up in smaller batches. It looks the same to you, but it means less ends up being thrown away.

It’s not perfect, and it probably never will be. When you’re feeding thousands of people with unpredictable appetites, some waste is unavoidable. But there’s a lot more strategy behind it than most people realise.

3. Crew and Guests Eat Very Different Food

It’s easy to assume the crew are eating the same meals as guests, just in a different dining room. In reality, it’s quite different.

Crew have their own dining areas, with menus designed to be practical, filling, and familiar. On an international ship, that usually means a mix of cuisines that reflect where crew members come from.

It’s less about presentation and more about keeping people fed and energised through long shifts.

That doesn’t mean the food is bad – far from it. It’s just not the same multi-course experience you get as a guest. It’s a reminder that behind the holiday atmosphere, this is still a workplace.

4. Buffets Are Designed More Carefully Than They Look

Cruise buffets can feel a bit chaotic at first, but they’re actually very deliberately set up.

Things like plate size, layout, and even the order you see food in all play a role in what people take. Smaller plates naturally limit portions. Putting salads first nudges people to fill some space before reaching the heavier options.

Even the placement of popular dishes is planned, often spread out to avoid queues building up in one spot. It’s why a lot of larger ships have buffets where everything’s duplicated on both sides – and the positions on each are carefully thought through. Anything to cut crowds and queues down and keep things flowing.

It’s not about controlling you, exactly. It’s more about keeping things flowing smoothly and cutting down on waste at the same time. Once you notice it, it’s hard to unsee.

5. A Lot of Food Is Prepped Ahead of Time

With the volume of meals being served, everything can’t be cooked from scratch the second you order it.

A lot of the work is done earlier in the day – chopping, prepping, partially cooking, or even fully preparing components that just need finishing.

In the main dining room, your plate might arrive quickly, but most of the effort has already happened behind the scenes.

That’s how they keep things consistent and avoid long waits. It’s not quite the same as a small restaurant kitchen, but it works for the scale they’re dealing with.

6. Food Safety Is Taken Seriously – Really Seriously

Food safety on cruise ships isn’t something they take lightly.

With so many people in one place, even a small issue could spread quickly. That’s why there are dedicated teams focused entirely on hygiene and safety.

There are strict rules around everything – how food is stored, how long it can sit out, the temperatures it needs to reach. On top of that, ships go through regular inspections to make sure standards are being followed.

Some of it’s visible, like the hand-washing stations at buffet entrances. It might feel a bit over the top, but there’s a good reason for it.

7. Ordering More Than One Dish Is Completely Normal

One of the best things about cruise dining is the flexibility.

In most main dining rooms, you’re not limited to one starter, one main, and one dessert. If you want to try a couple of things, you can. No awkwardness, no raised eyebrows.

Two starters? Go for it. Two desserts? Also fine.

It takes the pressure off choosing, which makes the whole experience feel a lot more relaxed. And if something’s not to your taste, you can just order something else.

You just need to check the specific rules for your cruise line because a couple of them have started charging if you order too much. Starters and desserts are typically fine, but it’s the mains/entrees where there may be a limit. Even then, you’re typically fine with two!

8. Dietary Requirements Are Usually Well Covered

Cruise lines have got pretty good at handling dietary needs.

Whether it’s allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices like vegetarian or vegan diets, most ships can accommodate with a bit of notice.

In main dining rooms, you can often pre-order meals a day ahead so the kitchen has time to prepare something suitable. Buffets usually label options too, though it’s always worth double-checking if it’s something serious.

It’s not always completely seamless, especially on larger ships, but overall it takes a lot of the stress out of eating away from home.

As a vegan, I rarely find a cruise ship where I can’t enjoy good variety. Some are definitely better than others though!

Read more: The Best & Worst Cruises For Vegans (I Tested 18 Cruise Lines)

9. “Free” Food Isn’t Really Free

It might feel like everything’s included, but of course, the cost of food is built into your cruise fare.

Cruise lines have to balance quality with cost, and part of that strategy is offering specialty restaurants for an extra charge.

That way, base prices stay competitive, while giving people the option to upgrade if they want something a bit different.

You’ll also notice smaller upsells here and there – drinks, premium items, that sort of thing. Nothing too pushy, but it’s definitely part of the bigger picture.

10. Specialty Restaurants Are Where Things Get More Interesting

If the main dining room is about consistency, specialty restaurants are where cruise lines get a bit more creative.

That’s where you’ll find more unusual dishes, higher-end ingredients, and sometimes even menus designed by celebrity chefs.

Because you’re paying extra, these restaurants don’t have to appeal to everyone. That gives them more room to experiment.

If you want something that feels a bit less standard, this is usually where you’ll find it.

11. Not Everything Goes Straight in the Bin

There are strict rules around what can be reused, but not all leftovers are automatically thrown away.

Ships have systems in place to deal with food waste properly – whether that’s processing it onboard or offloading it in port under strict regulations.

You’d be surprised at how sophisticated some of the modern systems are – dehydrating the remains, turning huge volumes into much smaller amounts of waste product. It’s all very clever.

It’s not something you’ll notice as a guest, but it’s a big part of how modern cruise ships operate.

Read more: What Cruise Ships Really Do With All That Sewage

12. Ingredients Come From All Over the World

To keep menus consistent, cruise lines rely on a global supply chain.

Different ingredients are loaded at different ports, depending on availability and regulations. Fresh produce might come onboard in one destination, while frozen or dry goods are stocked somewhere else.

It takes a lot of coordination, but it’s what allows ships to serve similar dishes no matter where you are in the world.

13. The Best Food Isn’t Always Where You Expect

It’s easy to stick to the main dining room or buffet, but some of the best food onboard is often in smaller, quieter spots.

Cafés, poolside grills, little grab-and-go places – they don’t always get as much attention, but they can be surprisingly good.

They tend to have simpler menus, but they do those few things really well. And because they’re less crowded, the whole experience feels more relaxed.

It’s worth exploring early on. You might find your favourite meal ends up being somewhere you nearly walked straight past.

Final Word

Cruise food might feel effortless when you’re piling your plate high or ordering a second dessert, but there’s a huge amount going on behind the scenes to make it all work.

From careful planning and waste control to clever design choices and hidden upsells, it’s a system built to keep things running smoothly while still feeling indulgent.

The good news is you don’t need to think about any of that while you’re onboard – but knowing a few of these details might just help you make the most of it.

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There are few things more awkward than sitting down for what you think will be a relaxing dinner at sea, only to realise you’ve been placed at a table with complete strangers for the entire week.

I was once placed at a table for six with my family that included a baby and a toddler, as well as a child-free couple. They were lovely, but I’m sure they would have preferred a table for two!

What most people don’t realise is that, on many cruise lines, table sharing isn’t as unavoidable as it seems. The dining system you choose, the way you book, and even when you ask a simple question onboard can make a huge difference.

If you’re worried about being stuck at a shared table, or you just want to know how to make sure dinner stays your downtime, here’s what you need to know before you sail.

Table Sharing on a Cruise Explained

Table sharing usually means being assigned a table with other passengers you don’t know, often at a fixed dining time in the main dining room.

On some ships, this also means sitting with the same people every evening for the duration of the cruise.

While I actually enjoy sharing a table with different people each evening, particularly as a solo traveller. I’m much less keen on it being with the same people every day. That’s far too risky.

In the past, table sharing was seen as part of the traditional cruise experience. You’d have a communal dinner, sharing stories of your day’s adventures ashore, and over time making new friends.

But times have changed. Today, many travellers prefer more flexibility and more privacy, especially couples, families, and anyone who sees dinner as downtime rather than a social event. It’s not about having to be ‘on’ and engaging, rather just a bit of time to relax with the people you already know.

Some people enjoy meeting new people over dinner, and that is great. The problem is when sharing is not a choice.

My Table Sharing Horror Stories

I’ve been on over fifty cruises and I have shared many tables and most of the time it’s been lovely. But sometimes, it hasn’t.

I was once seated on a table next to a man with the most awful body odour. He’s been wearing the same thick sweatshirt since he embarked the ship two days earlier in Italy and the weather was very hot. The smell hit me as soon as as sat down.

There was no way I could eat with him. I made my excuses went over to the waiter who was very helpful and whisked me over to a new table at the other side of the dining room without a fuss. I can only imaging that the other guests at the table has sinus problems or moved after I did.

On another cruise as a solo traveller, I was assigned to a table of ten. That seemed great, until nobody else showed up! I had to sit at a huge table all by myself, while the other tables nearby had couples who looked over at me with pity.

On another cruise, I was seated with five German speakers, who all got on very well and had very lively conversations. Luckily for me, one of them also spoke English, and spent the whole dinner acting as my interpreter, giving me the short version of what the group were discussing. She turned a nightmare meal into one that was actually very enjoyable.

I’ve also had some fantastic table sharing experiences. My family and I were once seated with another family and we got on so well that we remain friends for life and have met up several times, even though they live at the other end of the country.

Why Table Sharing Still Exists

Table sharing mainly survives on more traditional cruise lines and on ships that still use fixed dining times and assigned seating.

There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it can simply help to manage space in busy dining rooms.

More small tables means more walking space needed around them, and so seating 500 people for a dining seating takes up a lot more room if it’s 250 smaller tables instead of 80 larger ones.

However, it is possible to squeeze in more guests with tables for two. MSC Cruises, for example, uses very small tables, with just a couple of inches between them.

I actually like this set-up. It gives you the choice to treat it as a shared table and chat to the people next to you, or to ignore them completely. Also, even if you’re chatting as a group, you don’t need to wait for them while they order more courses than you as the food will come out seperately.

That said, the industry has moved on. Most mainstream cruise lines now offer flexible dining, app-based reservations, and a wide choice of restaurants, which makes enforced sharing much less common than it used to be.

Where You Are Most Likely to Encounter Table Sharing

Even though table sharing is far less common than it used to be, there are still some situations where you’re more likely to come across it.

The biggest factor is the dining style. If a cruise line uses fixed dining times with assigned seating, there’s a much higher chance that you’ll be placed at a shared table, especially if you’re travelling as a couple or on your own. From the cruise line’s point of view, it’s simply the easiest way to fill the dining room at busy times.

More traditional cruise lines are also more likely to use shared tables, particularly those that still put a lot of emphasis on formal dining and socialising in the evenings. On these ships, sitting with the same group of people each night is often seen as part of the experience rather than something to avoid.

Your booking details can make a difference too. If you book late, sail during peak times like school holidays, or choose a guarantee cabin where fewer preferences are taken into account, you’re more likely to be fitted in wherever there’s space rather than given a table that matches what you’d ideally want.

Party size matters as well. Solo travellers and couples are the most likely to be placed at shared tables, simply because they’re easier to pair up with other small parties. Groups of four or more are much more likely to be given their own table, as it’s usually simpler to seat them together.

But one of the biggest deciding factors is ship size and layout. On smaller or more traditional ships, dining rooms tend to have less flexibility, which can make shared seating more common, especially on busy sailings.

Even on larger ships, you might still come across shared tables at breakfast or lunch in the main dining room, although these meals are usually much more relaxed and less structured than dinner.

And in the buffet, if it’s busy and one or two people are at a large table, it’s expected that other guests will sit in those seats.

Cruise Lines Where Table Sharing Is Still Common

Policies change over time, but in general, these lines are more likely to use shared tables, especially in their main dining rooms.

Note that I’m saying these are more likely – that doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, either.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line has traditional dining with large tables. When you book, you can select your preferred table size, although its just a suggestion. Many people who select 2 will actually be assigned a larger table.

I usually choose 10 as the table size, because if I have to dine with the same people every night, I’d rather have a larger mix of people to chat to.

Cunard

Cunard is known for its traditional style of cruising. Assigned tables and set dining times are standard in the main dining rooms, and table sharing is common unless you request otherwise.

However, if you are staying in a suite and dining in the Queens Grill or Princess Grill, you will have your own table.

Disney Cruise Line

Table sharing is surprisingly common on Disney cruises. That’s because Disney has a unique rotational dining sysyem, which means that you dine in an assigned seat in an assigned restaurant each evening, and you also have the same waiters.

Families of four may have their own table, or they may be seated with another family. If your group is smaller than this, you can almost certainly be expected to share. So if you want a romantic break, you should definitley let them know or you may be seated at a table with someone else’s kids.

Also, Disney is one of the few cruise lines that has no buffet in the evening. So if you don’t like your table mates, you may feel trapped.

Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines uses fixed dining times and traditional seating, which usually means table sharing in the main dining room in the evenings. You will normally sit at the same table with the same people each night.

You’ll be assigned either early or late dining. If you don’t like that, there’s a fee of £2 per person, per night to change it.

Holland America Line

On Holland America Line. You may be seated with others in the main dining room, especially if you choose fixed dining. It is often possible to request a table for two, but this is not guaranteed on busy sailings.

MSC Cruises

Table sharing is still fairly common in MSC’s main dining rooms, particularly on the lower fare types. Your cabin experience level can make a difference, with higher tiers offering more flexibility and dedicated dining areas. Even with a private table, tables can sometimes be placed very close together.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a traditional main dining room. Instead there’s a choice of restaurants. While many of these offer tables for one or two, some are designed in a more social style.

For example, in Gunbae, the Korean barbecue restaurant, you’ll site around a grill table for six to eight people and share the food. It’s fun though, and the waiters will even lead drinking games.

Also, in the Text Kitchen, the layout is with long communal counters and high stool seating, facing an open kitchen.

Cruise Lines That Rarely Enforce Table Sharing

On many modern cruise lines, private tables are now the default.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s Select Dining offers flexibility, and table sharing is optional rather than standard. If you prefer a private table, you can simply ask. Most Celebrity ships also have a choice of Main Dining room with unique menus to keep things mixed up.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining means you eat when and where you like. You will never be forced to share a table with strangers in the main dining rooms, unless you want to.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises generally offers you a choice of a private or sharing tables. When you arrive at the main dining room, they will ask if you’re happy to share. It’s fine to say no, but you may have to wait a little longer for a table and they may give you a buzzer to come back later.

Royal Caribbean

With My Time Dining and a large number of restaurants, it is easy to avoid shared tables. If you prefer not to share, you don’t have to.

How to Avoid Table Sharing on Your Cruise

The key to avoiding shared tables is being a bit proactive. It’s best not to assume the system will automatically give you what you want, even on cruise lines that usually offer flexible dining. A few small steps can make a big difference.

1. Choose Flexible Dining

If your cruise line offers anytime, freestyle, or My Time dining, choose that option if you can.

This almost always means you’ll be seated at a private table for your own party. Fixed dining times are where shared tables are still most common, so if privacy matters to you, flexible dining is your friend.

2. Add a Request When You Book

Whether you’re booking direct or through a travel agent, it’s worth asking for a note to be added to your reservation saying you’d prefer a private table. It’s not a guarantee, but it does help flag your preference early on. This is especially useful if you’re travelling as a couple or as a group of three, as these party sizes are often the first to be matched with others.

3. Check Your Dining Settings in the App or Online

Many cruise lines now let you manage your dining preferences before you sail using their app or website.

This is where you can usually choose flexible dining, book tables for your party size, and sometimes even reserve restaurants in advance. Sorting this out early gives you more control and, in most cases, more choice too.

4. Speak to the Maitre d’ on Embarkation Day

If you do find yourself assigned to a shared table and you don’t want it, head to the main dining room or dining desk as soon as you can on the first day and ask to speak to the maitre d’.

Be polite, explain that you’d really prefer a private table, and try to be open to a bit of flexibility. In many cases they can move you straight away, or at least sort it out within the first day or two. The earlier you ask, the easier it usually is to fix.

If you have a specific reason why you prefer not to share a table, such as a hearing impairment or low immune system, be sure to let them know.

5. Be Flexible With Time or Location

If the dining room is busy, you might be offered a different dining time, a table in another section of the restaurant, or a change starting from the second night rather than the first.

None of that is ideal, but being open to small compromises often makes the difference between staying at a shared table and getting a private one.

6. Use Alternative Dining Venues

If the main dining room insists on shared seating, you still have plenty of other options.

The buffet is almost always free seating, many ships have included casual restaurants with private tables, and speciality restaurants will seat you at your own table.

On most modern ships, it’s entirely possible to avoid shared tables for your whole cruise, even if the main dining room isn’t playing ball.

Are Shared Tables Always a Bad Thing?

Not at all. Plenty of people genuinely enjoy meeting new people over dinner, especially on longer or more traditional cruises where socialising is a big part of the experience.

For solo travellers in particular, shared tables can be a really easy and natural way to strike up conversations and feel more connected onboard.

The issue isn’t that shared tables exist at all. It’s that they shouldn’t be the default. Dining with strangers should be something you opt into, not something you’re automatically assigned without being asked.

The Bottom Line

If you prefer to dine only with the people you’re travelling with, you can almost always make that happen with a bit of planning and a bit of persistence.

Choosing flexible dining, setting your preferences early, checking your app or booking, and speaking to the dining team as soon as you get onboard will usually do the trick. And if all else fails, most modern ships have plenty of other places to eat, from casual included venues to speciality restaurants, where you’ll always get your own table.

Cruising should be relaxing, and that includes dinner. Whether you love social dining or prefer quiet meals with your own party, the important thing is that you get to choose.

Get the best price on your cruise…

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Cruise menus are packed with choice… but what if I told you there’s even more? A whole world of off-menu goodies you can get – if you know what to ask for.

These aren’t shady hacks or awkward requests. They’re totally normal items that just don’t get advertised. And the best bit? Most crew members will be happy to help if you ask nicely!

Here are the secret items cruisers in-the-know are already enjoying…

(I’ve included photos of these items on certain ships, but they’re actually available on most cruises, if you ask.)

1. Proper Indian Curry

Many of the chefs onboard are from India – and they know how to cook. They also have a LOT of curry that they make for themselves that they’re happy to let you try.

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 avaiable, 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 sandich, 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.

Want more cruise secrets like this? Keep this list handy for your next sailing – and never settle for what’s “just on the menu” again.

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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.

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