Are you going on a cruise for the first time? One of the best things about cruising is the wide variety of food onboard the ship- from gourmet meals to comfort food. It’s impossible to try everything! However, there are a few iconic cruise ship dishes you absolutely must try. Don’t miss it!
Surf and Turf
Surf and Turf is an iconic cruise ship dish. It’s a luxurious combination of seafood and meat in one dish, typically combining steak and lobster tail. You can usually enjoy it during the special evenings in the main dining room. It’s also a staple in the cruise ship’s specialty restaurant, usually the steakhouse. This is a photo of surf and turf from Princess Cruise’s Specialty restaurant steakhouse, Crown Grill.
Steak
Steak is a beloved favorite on cruise ships, and you can find it on the menu every day in the main dining room! Most days, you can order NY strip steak. But for those special occasions—like Captain’s Dinners, Formal Nights, and Farewell Dinners—you can look forward to indulging in premium cuts like filet mignon.
Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is a must-try dessert on cruises. It’s a layered cake with ice cream and a toasted meringue topping. The wait staff usually makes a big show out of it by parading a flaming Baked Alaska through the main dining room. It’s typically served on the same evening as when lobster is on the menu, usually on special evenings like Formal Nights and Gala Dinners.
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is an iconic cruise appetizer you should try during your cruise vacation. It’s jumbo shrimp, served chilled with cocktail sauce and fresh lemon. The best part is that the shrimp cocktail is typically offered as an everyday appetizer, and you can order it off the menu during dinner in the main dining room. Don’t be shy to order two rounds of shrimp cocktails at dinner!
Caesar Salad
If you’re a fan of Caesar salad, you’re in for a real treat! This classic salad is a staple on cruise menus, available for lunch or dinner in the main dining room. The Caesar salad on MSC Cruise is a must-try- see photo!
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is an iconic cruise ship soup you shouldn’t miss. It’s delicious broth topped with a slice of toasted baguette and gooey melted Gruyère cheese. It’s so popular that on most cruise ships, it’s a staple item served every day on the main dining room menu. The French onion soup on Princess Cruise is one of the best!
Indian Food
Indian food is an iconic cruise ship food. Almost every cruise ship has an Indian section in the buffet. You can indulge in curries, naan bread, papadums, and chutneys. These dishes are authentically prepared by the cruise ship’s talented Indian chefs. Try it at least once—you won’t regret it! Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer buffet has one of the best Indian foods at sea!
Prime Rib
Prime rib is a quintessential cruise ship dish, often found in the main dining room or at the buffet. This tender, slow-roasted beef is served with flavorful au jus and horseradish sauce. Make sure you don’t miss out on it!
Lobster Tail
Lobster Tail is a classic cruise dish that you shouldn’t miss out on. It’s typically served with warm butter, accompanied by either creamy mashed potatoes or rice. You’ll find it on the main dining room menu at least once during your cruise, often on special evenings like Formal Night, the Captain’s Gala Dinner, or the Farewell Dinner.
Burger
Burgers are a classic cruise ship food. You can get a delicious, freshly cooked, juicy burger from the poolside grill or grab one from the buffet whenever you’re hungry. The cheeseburger from Celebrity Cruise’s poolside grill is a must-try!
Fish and Chips
Fish and chips are classic cruise ship food. It’s deep-fried fish served with fries, mushy peas, tartar sauce, and malt vinegar. It’s often served in British Isle Cruises and other European cruises. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise, have excellent fish and chips in their pub.
Chocolate Cake
If you’re a chocolate cake lover, you’re in for a real treat! On almost every cruise ship, you can indulge in this classic cruise dessert. Whether you choose a classic chocolate layered cake or a fancy chocolate molten lava cake, you’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Grandma’s chocolate cake on MSC Cruise is delicious- see photo! Check out 12 Free Things on MSC Cruises that You Need to Know About
Pizza
Pizza is a classic cruise ship food. It’s a go-to for lunch or a quick snack, and you can easily grab a slice at the poolside snack bar. The buffet offers it all day and even late into the evening, making it perfect for those late-night cravings! Princess Cruise and MSC Cruise have one of the best pizzas at sea! Check out 10 Best Things About Going on a Princess Cruise
Escargot
Escargot is a classic cruise appetizer you must try at least once. It’s a French delicacy of snails topped with a rich garlic and parsley butter sauce. Don’t be afraid to try it—once you taste it, you’ll be hooked! It’s typically served during dinner in the main dining room, and on some cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, it’s on the dinner menu every day. Check out Is Celebrity Cruise Really More Upscale? Honest Review
Beach BBQ Buffet
A Beach BBQ is a quintessential dining experience on cruises that visit the cruise line’s private island. You will be served a BBQ buffet with ribs, corn, burgers, hotdogs, pulled pork, and cold salads, all served in an open-air pavilion. It’s the perfect setting to soak up that laid-back Caribbean island vibe! Check out 10 Cruise Private Island Mistakes You’ll Regret Making
Hotdogs
Hotdogs are a classic cruise ship food. You can easily find them at the poolside snack bar or grab one from the grill or buffet. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, even feature a snack bar dedicated to hotdogs and bratwursts. You can order your hotdog with a variety of toppings! Check out 12 Things You Should Never Do at a Cruise Buffet