Cruising is one of the best vacation deals. You can go on a cruise for as low as $100 per person per night. This price includes everything—accommodations, luxurious turn-down service, all day kids’ club, plus the best part: unlimited food! And mind you, you won’t be stuck with just pizza and pasta. You’ll be treated to gourmet meals in a refined, white-tablecloth restaurant setting, with attentive service from a waiter and an assistant.
Lobster Tail
Lobster tail drizzled with warm butter is a favorite complimentary gourmet food on cruises. You can expect lobster at least once during your cruise, typically served in the main dining room on special occasions like formal nights or the captain’s welcome and farewell dinners. Skip the buffet on those evenings; you wouldn’t want to miss the lobster tail! You can even order lobster with steak. The photo above is from Princess Cruise.
Steak
You’ll find plenty of chances to enjoy complimentary steak in the main dining room during your cruise. On most cruises, steak is an everyday item that you can order for free—usually, it’s New York Strip steak. On special evenings such as Captain’s Dinner or Formal Nights, more premium steak cuts, such as fillet mignon, will be offered on the menu.
Cheese Platter
You can always order a free gourmet cheese platter as a dessert course on most cruises in the main dining room. You will be able to sample a selection of gourmet cheeses, olives, and grapes. You can also always get a variety of cheese from the buffet.
Souffle
Soufflé is another gourmet dessert served on cruises. It’s usually on the menu during special evenings such as Captain’s dinners and Formal nights. Make sure not to miss out on these special evenings—ask your waiter when they’re scheduled so you can enjoy the experience in the main dining room. On those special nights, skip the specialty restaurants and buffet!
Lamb Shank
Lamb Shank is a complimentary gourmet meat dish available in the cruise’s main dining room. It’s a tender, slow-cooked lamb that practically falls off the bone.
Escargot
Escargot is a delicious free gourmet appetizer that you can enjoy on cruises. This classic French delicacy is often served as a starter in the main dining room. On cruises like Celebrity Cruises, you can find it as a regular daily appetizer option.
Prime Rib
Prime Rib is also frequently offered for free on cruises. It’s typically featured on the menu in the main dining room on certain evenings, and you might find it at the buffet as well. It’s delicious, especially when paired with a little horseradish.
Beef Wellington
Beef Wellington is a popular complimentary gourmet dish offered on cruises. It’s a classic dish of beef wrapped in flaky puff pastry and is typically served in the main dining room.
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktails are free gourmet food typically available on the main dining room menu daily. The waiter will serve you large, chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce and fresh lemon. The best part is you can usually order a few rounds of shrimp cocktails as an appetizer at no additional cost! On some cruises, you can find shrimp cocktails at the buffet. The photo is from Celebrity Cruise.
Risotto
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that you can typically find on the cruise main dining room menu at least once. It’s a creamy rice dish that is slow cooked and finished with butter and parmesan cheese. This photo of Risotto is from Princess Cruise. Check out 10 Best Things About Going on a Princess Cruise
Duck L’Orange
Duck L’orange is a delicious French dish you can enjoy for free in the cruise’s main dining room. It’s a classic French roast duck dish with crispy skin and an orange glaze. This photo of Duck L’Orange is from Celebrity Cruise. Check out Is Celebrity Cruise Really More Upscale? Honest Review
Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is a beloved classic cruise dessert that is complimentary and usually served in the main dining room on special evenings. It’s a dessert with ice cream, cake and meringue. The wait staff makes a big show of it, parading it around the dining room. Check out 24 Best Foods to Eat on Cruises
Osso Bucco
Osso Bucco is another gourmet dish you can order for free on cruises. This traditional Italian favorite features braised veal shank typically served with a creamy side of polenta. This photo is from MSC Cruise. Check out I Went on My First MSC Cruise, Here is My Honest Review
Mussels
Moules (Mussels) is a classic seafood dish served complimentary on cruises. Fresh mussels are steamed in a flavorful broth made with garlic, shallots, and white wine, and they are typically served with crusty bread on the side. Check out 18 Worst Things that Can Ruin Your Cruise Vacation
Gourmet Cakes
Get ready to indulge in all kinds of complimentary gourmet cake at the buffet or main dining room. Whether you’re craving tiramisu or a slice of red velvet, there’s something on the menu for you to enjoy. Check out 10 Food I’ll Never Eat at a Cruise Buffet