Cruise buffets run pretty differently from those on land, and here are some of the things you should never do at one.
The railing shortcut
Someone puts their plate down on the railing for a second. They’re trying to take a picture or adjust something, whatever. There’s no harm in that, right? But there is. You’re on open deck, and the wind isn’t exactly steady. It can change in a split second.
Soon enough, you’ll see napkins flying and cups tipping out of nowhere. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Avoid putting any trays near the railing by keeping them indoors instead.
The window crowd
It’s the same story on practically every cruise ship. There’s one side of the buffet that everyone thinks they have to sit on. What is it? The ocean view, of course. Yet there are plenty of empty tables a few steps away. But nobody wants to sit on them.
Cruise lines are aware of this. They spread the seating across multiple sections on purpose. Still, so many guests insist on piling into one area, and it causes major congestion. Don’t be like them. You’ll get your chance at an ocean view eventually.
The empty chair plan
You’ll see people doing this early in the cruise. They’ll drop a bag or a hat on a table, then disappear. They’ll claim it’s ‘just to grab food.’ But then it’s been twenty minutes, and they still haven’t come back. Everyone else has to hover around with trays while the table sits empty.
It’s not fair. The buffet’s there for quick turnover, not a long hold. It’s even worse during peak hours, so don’t be selfish. Not ready to sit? Then wait nearby and take a table when your food’s actually in front of you. It’s that simple.Â
The cabin snack stash
Some people think there’s nothing wrong with taking extra food back to their cabins. After all, they’ve paid for it. But most cruise fridges aren’t actually fridges. In fact, Carnival Cruise Line says its mini units are only for drinks. They’re not designed to store food safely.
That’s bad news for the plate of eggs or sliced meat you saved for later. It’s only going to sit at room temperature for longer than it should. Get some fresh food or order room service. It’s better than trying to cheat the system.
The long arm move
You might be waiting your turn oh-so-patiently. But then, out of nowhere, someone reaches right across your plate. They’re trying to grab something from the other side. That’s a big no-no. Cruise buffets have utensils and sneeze guards for a reason. It’s not decoration.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention actually has some pretty strict rules for ships. They must have proper serving tools to protect the food. Unfortunately, they don’t enforce the rules on guests. But seriously? It takes a few seconds to step around and wait for your turn.
The fingers-first grab
There are also those guests who’ll grab their food with their hands. It completely ignores the whole system that the buffet relies on. No, it doesn’t matter how easy it looks to pick up. You should never pick up bread rolls or fruit with your hands.
You might know where your hands have been. But do you know where everyone else’s have? Hygiene rules don’t stop just because you’re at sea. Germs don’t really care about that.
The second-round plate
It’s pretty normal on land to get seconds with the same plate. It’s not the same on a cruise. As soon as you’ve used a plate, it’s considered contaminated. The rules apply even to plates that look clean.
You’ll find that a lot of cruise guidance and inspection rules advise against it. Food that’s been near a used plate can’t go back, period. Instead, get a fresh plate each time you go back. It keeps things cleaner for everyone.
The tiny bite tour
It’s normal to want to try everything at a cruise ship buffet. There’s just so much on offer. Plus, cruise buffets make it easy because everything’s included.
So, you take a little of that, and then a little of that, until you have a completely full plate. You’ve barely eaten anything on it.
Honestly, it’s purely wasteful to leave a plate half-finished. Try taking small portions of a few things instead. The food will still be there if you actually like each item. There’s no harm in going back.
The loose plate walk
Even carrying food on a ship is different from carrying it in a restaurant. The floor’s moving, for starters. It’s enough to throw you off for a second, and that’s why Carnival Cruise Line puts reminders out for guests. Hold the handrails when you need to.
That advice carries on into the buffet hall. An overloaded plate, or one with drinks on top, is inviting trouble. It won’t take much movement for everything to slide off. You should probably keep a hand free to steady yourself and avoid overloading your plate.
The port-return rush
It’s weird how everyone seems to have the same idea, right after a port stop. They all go straight to the buffet. Now, there’s a rush, where lines stretch out, and the tables fill almost instantly. Nobody can get anything that they want.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Try waiting a few minutes after the port stop, or checking another venue instead. It’ll save you from wasting time standing around. Don’t you want to enjoy your vacation?
The table surprise
Don’t be surprised when your table gets cleared in three seconds flat. Yes, you might’ve only got up for seconds and come back, but that’s how cruise buffets work. The staff has to clear the tables quickly. They’ve got to keep the seats ready for the next group.
The whole experience is pretty different from being in a regular restaurant. Your plate usually stays on the table until you’re finished. But on a cruise ship? It’s a completely different kettle of fish, so leave someone behind to hold the table.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
