Have you ever wondered why cruise ships have so much food available around the clock? It is because having a full stomach prevents seasickness. (At least that's what they told me on the cruise ship.) It makes sense when you think about it. So I don't chance it....I eat.
A cruise ship is no place for someone that truly must count calories and still enjoy all the wonderful choices. TIP: Lose 5 pounds before you cruise, then you won't worry if you are gaining while on the cruise.
There are so many ways to dine on a cruise ship - there is something that will suit your style. Try them each once to get the "flavor."
Main Dining Rooms
On some cruise lines, you are assigned a table in the main dining room that is yours to sit at every dinner. You will have the same waitstaff too. I think this offers an very nice dining experience complete with leather-bound menus, different soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts each evening. It is the best way to sample new foods because if you don't like it, you send it back and choose something else. The menus also have a "lighter fare" section for those with diet concerns.
Some cruises offer a really fine dining room for which you would need to make a reservation. There is an additional cost to dining in this special restaurant area. This is the classiest, most secluded way to dine out but not among so many others. Higher end meals are among the menu choices.
Buffet/Cafeteria
All cruises offer an open seating, open environment buffet-type or cafeteria style dining options. I say "options" because there is more than one choice. There may be a buffet near the pool - so you don't have to change attire to eat. There are usually several ethnic-themed buffet lines serving Mexican, Italian, or Chinese. There is usually a sandwich and/or sub station (mainly open at lunch time). There are salad bar areas as well as fruit bar or dessert bar areas as well. There are even sidewalk cafe-type options, but those are usually at an additional cost.
Sushi Sometimes
On some of the longer cruises, there are various times when Sushi is served from one main area - usually near the casino or bar areas. It is free...so give it a try.
So if you missed any of the meals thus far, the longer cruises will set aside one night to display a fabulous array of culinary creations. After the viewing time, you can dig in. Sometimes there is a theme to the buffet like Tropical Treats or Everything Chocolate. You won't know - it'll be a surprise!
I am not sure if other cruise lines offer 24-hour pizza and salad, but Carnival does. Usually found at the back of the ship, they serve several differently topped pizzas all fresh from the oven. This is great if you are in between activities and just need a little something at the moment.
24-Hour Ice Cream/Yogurt Station
On Carnival, they have an area that serves soft-serve ice cream or soft-serve yogurt 24-hours a day....cone or cup and sometimes they will put out an array of toppings.
24-Hour Room Service
No shortage of food options or styles of dining. Which is great if you are traveling with picky eaters or those that are more adventurous. To think this is all included in your cruise package too! What a deal!
