ShipsCruising is often as much about the food and drinks as it is about the destinations.
Cruising is often as much about the food and drinks as it is about the destinations.
Whether it's indulging in specialty dining, enjoying unlimited drinks, or discovering creative DIY tricks, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your dining experience while saving a few bucks.
In this video, Ilana from Life Well Cruised shares her insider tips and tricks to help cruise-goers maximize their food and beverage enjoyment. Here’s what you need to know before setting sail:
Specialty Dining Tips
1. Carnival's Steakhouse Bonus
When you cruise with Carnival, be sure to visit their steakhouse on the first night. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll also be treated to a free bottle of wine. It’s a perfect way to kick off your cruise.
2. NCL Meal Split Hack
For those cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), here's a great hack for saving money at their specialty restaurants, like Food Republic or Q Texas Smokehouse. Often, servers will allow you to split a meal between two people and use your dining credit from More at Sea to pay for it. Just be aware that this may not always be an option, so be prepared for a "no" from time to time.
3. Taking Leftovers to Go
Cruise ships serve a lot of food, and it’s not uncommon for guests to have leftovers. If you can’t finish your meal, don’t hesitate to ask your waiter to wrap it up for you to enjoy later. The same goes for dessert—save it for later in your cabin for a midnight treat!
DIY Drink Hacks
1. Create Your Own Soda Floats
One of the best-kept secrets on a cruise is the soft-serve ice cream that’s often available. Grab a soda from the bar (like Fanta, Dr. Pepper, or Coke) and combine it with soft ice cream to create your very own fountain soda float. It’s a fun way to enjoy a classic treat without the extra cost.
2. Make Your Own Dreamsicle
If you’re in the mood for something with a little kick, try creating your own "dreamsicle" cocktail. Take a scoop of soft ice cream, mix it with orange juice or Fanta, and add a shot of rum or Cointreau for an adult twist on a childhood favorite.
3. Bring Electrolyte Packets
Cruisers often enjoy their fair share of alcoholic beverages, so to stay hydrated, consider packing electrolyte powder like Liquid IV or Crystal Light. These packets will help replenish your body while also enhancing the flavor of the included water on board.
4. Double Your Pour
If you have a beverage package, ask for a double pour of wine or cocktails to save time and avoid waiting in line for a second round. For those who enjoy frozen or sugary drinks, asking for a shot of alcohol on the side can also help you control the flavor without adding extra calories.
5. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Cruise lines often charge extra for bottled water, so it’s a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle. This way, you can fill it up whenever you like without having to rely on bartenders.
6. Make an Arnold Palmer
If you're craving a refreshing drink, mix iced tea and lemonade for a DIY Arnold Palmer. Some cruisers also bring large tumblers or reusable cups to make milkshakes and other drinks more portable and fun.
7. Bring Your Own Reusable Straws
Many cruise lines have switched to paper or candy straws, which can be unappealing to some guests. To avoid the soggy, flavor-altering straws, bring your own silicone or stainless steel straws.
8. DIY Mimosa
Did you know many cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne on board? Pair it with some fresh orange juice from breakfast and you’ve got yourself a DIY mimosa whenever you’re in the mood for a bubbly morning treat.
9. DIY Sangria
For wine lovers, making your own sangria can be a fun activity while on board. Head to the buffet and grab some fresh fruit (like oranges, strawberries, and apples), then bring it back to your cabin. Add wine, pineapple juice, and orange juice, and let it sit for a few hours (or even overnight) to create a refreshing homemade sangria.
Room Service and Cabin Hacks
1. Bring a Tray for Easy Transport
Bringing food back to your cabin can be tricky, but with a simple tray, it’s a lot easier. Grab a cheap tray from the dollar store or Amazon to help transport your food from the buffet or restaurant to your cabin without juggling plates, cups, and bowls.
2. Shower Cap Plate Covers
To keep your food covered and safe from the elements while carrying it back to your room, use a shower cap. This will protect your food from unwanted airborne germs in public spaces like elevators.
3. Ziplock Bags for Snacks
Ziploc bags come in handy for storing snacks you pick up from the buffet. Whether it’s fruit, cookies, crackers, or sandwiches, you can easily bring them back to your cabin for later. This is especially helpful for families traveling with kids or for those looking for a late-night snack.
4. Bring Reusable Containers
If you're bringing back something delicate, like cake, consider using a small, resealable container to keep it intact. A tip: place the cake on the lid and put the container on top to prevent squashing.
Maximizing Your Dining Experience
1. Order Multiple Appetizers
Most cruise lines allow you to order more than one appetizer in the main dining room. If you're someone who loves sampling various dishes or simply enjoys finger foods, don’t hesitate to order as many appetizers as you’d like. It's a great way to maximize your dining experience.
2. Order Appetizers for the Table
If you're dining with others, consider ordering appetizers for the table to share. It’s a great way to experience a variety of dishes and makes the meal feel more communal and fun.
3. Consider Sharing Meals
When cruising with a friend or partner, consider splitting meals. Many cruise lines allow you to request additional meals for the table so you can sample a variety of dishes without overindulging.
4. Order Two Entrées
If you're feeling especially hungry, most cruise lines will allow you to order two entrées. While Carnival charges $5 for a second entrée, it’s often free on other cruise lines like MSC. On lobster night, some lines charge extra for additional lobsters, but otherwise, you can enjoy multiple meals before paying an additional fee.
5. Order Dessert Cheese Plates
A little-known cruise hack: order a cheese plate as an appetizer and pair it with wine. Many cruise-goers love this pre-dessert treat, which can even be requested outside of dessert nights.
6. Request Items Not on the Menu
Sometimes, you can ask for items not listed on the menu. For example, shrimp cocktails, extra shrimp, or even a banana split—often available from the children's menu—can be requested. You might also be able to ask for more of the side dishes you love, like extra rice or fruit plates.
7. Make the Most of Chocolate Lava Cake
On Carnival cruises, try pairing the iconic chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a side of peanut butter for a dessert that tastes like a Reese's frozen treat—a fan favorite among cruise-goers!
8. Make Breakfast Special
Cruise breakfasts can be more than just a meal—they can be an experience. Explore different dining venues, such as Johnny Rockets on Royal Caribbean or Oceans on Norwegian Cruise Line, which serve a hearty American breakfast. On Carnival, don’t miss the C-Day brunch, a must-try on embarkation day for a more international twist on breakfast.
9. Continental Room Service
To make breakfast even more relaxing, consider ordering a continental breakfast to your cabin. Cruise lines offer this at no additional charge and include light options like coffee, juice, and pastries. Place your order the night before, and enjoy breakfast in bed as a cozy start to your day.
10. Picky Eater? Ask for the Children's Menu
If you or your family members prefer simpler meals, don't hesitate to ask for the children's menu. It often includes simple, beloved options like chicken tenders, pasta, and even banana splits for dessert.
Dietary Needs & Special Requests
Special Diet Requests
Cruise ships are very accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions. If you're gluten-free, lactose intolerant, or have any other dietary needs, inform the cruise line ahead of time and speak with your waiter or maitre d’ for personalized menu options during your cruise.
Customizing Your Meals
Cruise ships are happy to customize meals to suit your preferences. Whether it’s requesting less butter, a different sauce, or asking your waiter for recommendations, don’t hesitate to make your requests known. Waitstaff is there to help make your meals as enjoyable as possible.
DIY Snacks & Drinks
1. Creative Snacks and Treats
Cruise-goers have come up with some fun snack combinations. One quirky favorite is dipping french fries in soft-serve ice cream. If you love a sweet-salty combo, give this DIY treat a try. Another fun snack hack is to make your own charcuterie plate. Pick up some deli meats, cheeses, and breads from the buffet, and enjoy it with a glass of wine on your balcony before dinner.
2. Bring Your Own Drinks
To stay hydrated (and save money), consider bringing a refillable water bottle with you. You can also pick up extra cans of soda at the bar and store them in your cabin fridge for easy access.
If you're a fan of iced coffee or other hot drinks, bring a thermal mug or koozie to keep drinks cold or hot throughout the day.
3. DIY Charcuterie Plates
Cruise-goers can get creative with snacks by crafting their own charcuterie plates. Visit the buffet to grab your favorite cheeses, meats, or fruits and enjoy them in the comfort of your cabin. This allows you to create a personalized snack board that pairs perfectly with a relaxing evening on your balcony.
4. Bring Your Own Snacks & Sweets
While cruises offer plenty of food, you may want to bring your favorite snacks or treats from home. Chips, candy bars, and other comfort foods can be expensive on board, so it’s smart to bring your own if you’re craving some extra indulgence. Many cruise lines also allow you to bring soda and even a bottle of wine on embarkation day, so stock up on your preferred drinks before boarding.
5. Flavored Coffee Creamers & Simple Syrup
Cruise ships typically don't have flavored coffee creamers, so if you’re a fan of specific flavors, consider bringing your own.
Some passengers also suggest bringing sealed simple syrup to sweeten your iced tea, as the standard cruise tea tends to be unsweetened. Splenda is another great option for cold drinks, as it dissolves better in iced beverages than sugar.
Plan Meals Around Dining Times
Optimize Your Mealtimes
Check the menu in advance (via the cruise app or at the restaurant) to decide if you want to dine in the main dining room, try a specialty restaurant, or grab something at the buffet. On formal nights, consider skipping the main dining room and heading to the buffet instead—there’s often no limit to what you can order there, and you can enjoy your meal at your own pace.
Take Advantage of Late Dining
Eating later in the evening can be a strategic move to avoid crowds and get the best food. After about 9:00 or 10:00 PM, fewer food options are available, so save your biggest meals for later to enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere and limited menus.
By incorporating these dining and drink hacks into your next cruise, you can elevate your culinary experience without breaking the bank.
Did you know any of these tips already, did you find them useful, or do you have your own to add? Let us know in the comments below!
Happy cruising!
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K
Kai Nakamura
Window-seat loyalist.
