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9 cruise lines with the best food.

Set sail with one of these cruise lines for an epicurean adventure at sea.

Cruise Lines With the Best Food

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America Line's Tamarind restaurant offers delicious Pan-Asian cuisine.

Taking a cruise vacation transports you to coveted destinations in places around the world. For many people, though, it's all about the culinary experience, especially for those who return time and again to dine at their favorite onboard venues – many of which rival the best restaurants you'll find on land. While most cruise lines still offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style venues, some also feature next-level culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs at the helm, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive food and beverage programs.

If you're a foodie looking for the cruise lines with the best food, U.S. News has compiled this list of cruise lines focused on delivering an extraordinary dining experience, based on expert opinion and reviews. We've also highlighted two of the venues on each line that receive accolades for outstanding food and service.

Luxury cruise lines

Mainstream cruise lines.

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Oceania Cruises

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises' culinary program has long been regarded as one of the best of any cruise line – and the company has even trademarked the term "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." Jacques Pépin, the renowned French master chef, has been the executive culinary director since 2003; he has inspired the menus and cuisine on board the line's seven small luxury ships since that time, including the newest vessel, Vista . Oceania is also committed to sourcing the best ingredients from destinations around the world. In addition, the line has a high ratio of culinary staff to guests, and the ship's galleys are outfitted with equipment you'd typically see in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Guests can book exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours on two of the ships, Marina and Riviera . Hone your culinary skills or learn to prepare new types of cuisine at The Culinary Center, found on Marina, Riviera and Vista. You'll also find special wine-tasting and Champagne events in partnership with La Reserve by Wine Spectator. In addition, the line has just announced its first Culinary Masters' Cruise featuring Oceania's two French master chefs aboard Marina in October 2024.

Most of the dining venues are complimentary on Oceania Cruises (except for Privée and La Reserve), and options run the gamut from French and Asian cuisine to Italian fare and steakhouse specialties. There are also new culinary concepts on board Vista – including Ember, which features American classics, as well as Aquamar Kitchen, a venue focused on healthy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Here are two of Oceania's best restaurants:

• Red Ginger: Red Ginger's colorful red and gold interiors, designed with feng shui in mind, draw guests in when they enter the restaurant, but it's the bold Asian flavors that keep them coming back for more. With Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese specialties to choose from, diners will enjoy selections such as caramelized tiger prawns, crispy ginger calamari, red and green curries, and bulgogi rib-eye steak. Red Ginger is available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista.
• Toscana: The hearty cuisine inspired by Tuscan and northern Italian flavors at Toscana is served on Versace china that's custom designed for the restaurant. Diners should come with an appetite to enjoy several courses before the main event, including a hot or cold antipasti or soup, a selection of pastas, and a classic version of Caesar salad prepared tableside. Traditional main dish favorites include osso buco alla Milanese, veal scaloppini, lobster fra diavolo and Dover sole. Toscana is available on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Book an  Oceania Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea is another cruise line known for its culinary excellence. Guests will find a selection of international venues featuring Italian, Asian and French cuisine on board the line's fleet of 12 ships.

S.A.L.T., an immersive dining experience that stands for "Sea and Land Taste," is available on Silver Nova , Silver Moon and Silver Dawn . The S.A.L.T. program was created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine and three-time James Beard journalism award winner. The innovative program invites guests to experience the destination and local food culture through on-board hands-on activities, including making local recipes in the S.A.L.T. Lab. You can also attend cooking demonstrations and lectures, or book in-depth culinary excursions to working organic farms, Sicilian pasticcerias (where you'll learn how to make pastries) and vineyards in destinations around the world.

The all-inclusive luxury line's restaurant venues are complimentary with the following exceptions: French fine dining restaurant La Dame; the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table experience available on Silver Nova; Seishin Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion dishes on Silver Spirit; and Kaiseki, the Japanese, sushi and teppanyaki venue available on five Silversea ships.

These are two standout dining venues on Silversea:

• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: S.A.L.T. Kitchen's menu changes daily inspired by the destination, but diners will also find a "Voyage" menu that reflects the influences from the overall region of the itinerary. The daily "Terrain" menu in Italy might include dishes likes prawns cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and parsley or a classic risotto with clams topped with a pan-fried filet of sole. The "Voyage" menu on an Eastern Mediterranean sailing would feature dishes from Greece, Croatia and Italy. The immersive dining experience is available on Silver Ray, Moon, Dawn and Nova.
• La Dame: The curated menu at La Dame was created by Silversea's top chefs and is served in an elegant contemporary space with white-glove table service. The cuisine pays homage to classic French gastronomy along with modern techniques and flair. Guests can expect to dine on traditional French dishes such as seared duck foie gras, French onion soup, lobster bisque, Dover sole and souffles for dessert. La Dame is available on all the line's ships, except for Silver Origin.

Find a  Silversea Cruise  on GoToSea.

Explora Journeys

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

MSC Group's new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, features a top-notch culinary program with a team of international chefs at the helm. Acclaimed chef Franck Garanger, the line's head of culinary, has been recognized as a French master chef since 2008; he has also overseen the culinary programs for both Silversea and Oceania cruises before joining Explora.

According to Garanger, Explora Journeys has one of the highest chef-to-guest ratios and food costs of any cruise line, which is why you'll see offerings like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, ceviche, free range and organic chicken, made-to-order grilled fish, and other freshly prepared items in Emporium Marketplace, Explora's globally inspired all-day dining venue. There's also a large focus on plant-based dishes, wellness and healthy menu selections in venues across the ship.

The first of six 922-guest superyacht-style vessels, Explora I, offers guests a choice of six restaurant venues, including the French-inspired Fil Rouge; Marble & Co. Grill, an elegant European steakhouse; and Med Yacht Club, which features delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Guests will also enjoy boutique international and regional wines; try a glass of Moët & Chandon, Explora's "house" Champagne.

During your "journey," you can also attend cooking classes at the Chef's Kitchen, a private dining and culinary school with lead enrichment chef Jean-Louis Dumonet at the helm. Another world-class chef, Dumonet received the distinction of becoming a French master chef in 1994 and has had a very successful culinary career, including achieving his first Michelin star at age 28.

Explore these standouts in Explora's culinary program:

• Sakura: This beautiful Pan-Asian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bright and airy design features cherry blossoms suspended from the ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. The authentic dining experience also boasts an open kitchen and a sushi bar with many ingredients sourced from Japan, and the venue has outdoor seating and indoor tables with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Begin your evening with an Asian-inspired cocktail and a starter of crispy duck leg confit, wagyu beef tataki or soft-shell crab tempura. Main dish highlights include a miso black cod fillet, 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef panang and an addictive lobster pad Thai.
• Anthology: The innovative concept at Anthology "is imagined as a unique culinary stage showcasing global cooking talents and cuisines, provenance and rare ingredients along with wines by highly coveted winemakers." The tasting menus are curated by a rotation of top chefs that changes throughout the year. The first chef who opened the new ship, Mauro Uliassi, has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. The second chef (through April 2024) is Swedish-born Emma Bengtsson, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aquavit in New York. Anthology is the only dining venue on Explora I that comes at an additional cost. There's also an optional wine pairing.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas' culinary program, "Epicurean Indulgence," features top-notch dining experiences on board the luxury line's six ships. Guests will also find educational hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen and Epicurean Explorer tours focused on the wines, spirits and regional foods in destinations around the world. Regents' all-inclusive cruise fares include as many as seven dining venues (depending on the ship), that feature French, Italian, Pan-Asian and steakhouse restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service. You can also enjoy fine wines and spirits in all the restaurants, bar and lounges.

Regent Seven Seas boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, but here are two top options:

• Pacific Rim: The entrance to Pacific Rim is just as impressive as its food with the floor-to-ceiling bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel that sits just outside the venue. Inside, your evening experience in this beautiful zen-like space begins with a signature cocktail and a difficult decision of which Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Vietnamese dishes to order for dinner. Begin your meal with a selection of sushi and sashimi, then sample pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For a main dish, don't miss elevated dishes like miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura or aromatic duck.
• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is the largest specialty restaurant on Regent's ships, and you'll find the elegant venue across the fleet. The menu features classic favorites and dishes that are always available, including foie gras, escargot, Alaskan crab salad, black Angus cuts of beef, New Zealand lamb chops and a daily choice of pasta. The additional chef's gourmet menu changes daily. If you prefer lighter fare, choose one of the healthy Serene Spa & Wellness selections. Guests can also customize their dining preferences and order from any of the menus.

Explore  Regent Seven Seas  deals on GoToSea.

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Courtesy of Viking

Viking's nine 930-guest and adults-only ocean-going ships offer destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisine and local specialties. In addition, cruisers will find their favorite classic dishes (some with a twist), such as a Norwegian baby shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and linguine with clams in The Restaurant, Viking's main dining venue.

Other dining options include an open kitchen and international fare at World Café, which also has a large alfresco dining area called Aquavit Terrace. For more casual fare, head to Mamsen's, a favorite spot for Norwegian specialties, or stop by the Pool Grill, where you'll find made-to-order burgers and light bites. All of these venues – plus two specialty restaurants, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table – are included in the cruise fare.

Guests on board Viking's ships are also treated to a daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled space located next to the main pool. If you're interested in learning more about destination-focused cuisine, reserve a spot in one of the hands-on cooking classes at The Kitchen Table to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. These special excursions and culinary classes begin with a visit to a local market and end with an evening of cooking (or watching the dinner preparation) – plus multiple courses of food and wine pairings. There is a fee for the class.

The two specialty restaurants provide an exceptional experience with Viking :

• Manfredi's: Plan to make a reservation at Manfredi's, Viking's Italian restaurant. It features an impressive menu of Italian specialties, including dishes with influence from Tuscany and Rome. Start the evening with a selection of antipasti for two and pasta e fagioli or crème of porcini soup. Then, choose between traditional offerings like osso bucco alla Milanese, rosemary parmesan-crusted lamb or the Tuscan favorite dish bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak). There are also wonderful fresh pasta dishes and several types of risotto.
• The Chef's Table: The Chef's Table menu changes several times throughout the cruise, allowing guests to sample a variety of multicourse tasting menus that highlight international and regional specialties. The beautiful venue is perfect for a special evening and a "food journey" where you'll savor a selection of Asian, Norwegian, French or other cuisines paired with wines by the ship's master sommelier.

Book a  Viking Ocean Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Holland America's master chef and creative culinary artist, Rudi Sodamin, has been with the line for around 20 years. He also heads up the Culinary Council, a group of well-known chefs who will be on board for culinary cruises scheduled throughout the year. During these special voyages, guests can attend cooking demonstrations and coffee chats and make reservations for exclusive chef-hosted dinners and events throughout the cruise.

Holland America also has a new initiative with Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef and TV personality Masaharu Morimoto (you'll recognize him from "Iron Chef"). The Global Fresh Fish program affords the line the ability to source more than 80 varieties of fresh fish in destinations around the world. In addition, you'll find certified sustainable Alaskan seafood on the menu during Alaska cruises .

Wine aficionados can look for wine tastings and wine blending sessions on board the ship and excursions to wine regions ashore, some in partnership with Food & Wine magazine. Rudi's Sel De Mer is an excellent choice for a fine dining evening, but the French brasserie-inspired venue is only available on three ships.

Here are two of Holland America's top specialty restaurants:

• Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse, is a specialty restaurant (with an additional fee) that's available on all of the line's 11 ships. It's a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and features classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, filet mignon, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops. Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Be sure to save room for a twist on a timeless dessert – the not-so-classic baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.
• Tamarind: Tamarind's elegant atmosphere and flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine make this another top pick for Holland American cruisers. The specialty restaurant is available on four ships (for an additional fee) and features dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Appetizers include specialties like crispy duck with a steamed bao bun, shrimp tempura and Chinese five-spice baby back ribs. For the main course, choose from several types of curries, sample Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, or feast on wok-seared shrimp and lobster. Plan to come early to Tamarind Bar to enjoy a cocktail such as a saketini while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Find a  Holland America  cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Mark Ashman | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers excellent family-friendly dining options with over-the-top Disney- and movie-themed venues with live character performances and shows. The ships also have upscale adults-only lounges, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a romantic date night. Disney Cruise Line 's unique rotational family dining concept allows guests to experience three different restaurants while having the same dedicated servers every one of those evenings, so the service is personalized throughout your voyage.

Guests on board Disney Wish can dine in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The "Frozen"-themed evening includes Nordic-inspired dishes, musical performances by the characters and even singalongs for the audience. On Disney Wonder , guests are treated to a night filled with New Orleans-style jazz and street parties plus Southern-influenced fare at Tiana's Place. You can also meet Princess Tiana from Disney's animated feature "The Princess and the Frog."

Other top dining venues on Disney Cruise Line include:

Palo: This adults-only Venetian-inspired venue is an upscale spot ideal for a quiet evening without the kids (who will be very happy to spend time at the onboard kids club). The fine dining experience features northern Italian cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views from nearly every perspective. The specialty restaurant also serves brunch on longer cruises. The prix fixe (or "prezzo fisso") menu includes four courses, or you can opt to choose from the regular menu with a selection of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta and main dishes that are individually priced. Guests will find Palo on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

On Disney Wish, there's an updated version of the dining concept, Palo Steakhouse. The modern steakhouse and Italian restaurant – inspired by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from "Beauty and the Beast" – offers cuts of Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as delightful Italian cuisine and spectacular ocean views. Be sure to splurge on a cocktail at The Rose before dinner if you're dining at Palo Steakhouse. Note that meals at Palo and Palo Steakhouse come with an additional charge.

Remy: The exquisite dining experience at Remy is a collaboration between French chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise (a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France) and Walt Disney World Resort 's chef Scott Hunnel from the renowned restaurant Victoria & Albert's. Your leisurely evening of fine wines and a tasting menu of French fare begins with a signature Taittinger Champagne cocktail prepared tableside.

Special touches in the "Ratatouille"-inspired venue include Frette linens, Christofle silverware, exclusive Bernadaud china made for Remy, Riedel glassware, tableside international cheese service and decanting stations for wines. A Champagne brunch is served on sea days and select port days. There is an additional charge to dine at the restaurant, which is available on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' creative approach to cruising can be found in nearly every aspect of the line's three ships, including its adults-only vibe and fresh approach to dining. Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room – and there's no onboard buffet or large dining halls. What you will find is more than 20 eateries with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs that are included in the cruise fare. These smaller and more intimate venues include The Galley, a food court-style spot for casual and grab-and-go fare like bento boxes, tacos, salads, sushi, burgers, noodle bowls and desserts.

Meat lovers and vegetarians will love the veggie-forward dishes and indulgent pork or chicken specialties at boldly designed Razzle Dazzle. At Extra Virgin, sample trattoria-style Italian fare like crispy artichokes, seafood pasta, grilled Mediterranean sea bass and a special tableside preparation of affogato for dessert. For a Korean barbecue experience, head over to Gunbae, a fun spot where your evening begins with a shot of soju – Korea's national drink and the best-selling liquor in the world. The Wake is the largest venue on board and the closest restaurant to a main dining room; it sits at the back of the ship and features a raw bar in addition to a selection of steaks and seafood (some offerings come with an upcharge).

There are many excellent options for dinner, but these are two cruiser-favorite venues:

• The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Auguste Escoffier's "Ma Cuisine," The Test Kitchen is a favorite spot for its laboratory-like eatery and cooking school. The interior decor features metal furniture, beakers and test tubes to get diners in the mood for the exploratory culinary evening. Menus at this innovative venue are presented as a list of ingredients, and guests get to watch the chef combine the selected ingredients of the day for the six-course tasting menu. The upscale experience takes about 2.5 hours. Wine, beer or cocktail pairings come at an additional fee.
• Pink Agave: Virgin's stylish Mexican dining venue, Pink Agave, was inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City – and the restaurant features what the line calls the most extensive selection of mezcal and tequila at sea. The menu offerings include small, medium and large plates plus desserts. To begin the evening, order a few small bites to share, including esquites (a grilled corn dish) and aguachile, which is a ceviche made with raw tuna, avocado and jicama. Then, for the main course, choose between options like roasted duck or chicken, achiote marinated pork, or a vegetarian stuffed poblano pepper.

Compare  Virgin Voyages  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's selection and quality of restaurant venues – and attentive service – have made the line a favorite for food-focused cruisers for many years. If you're sailing on one of the Celebrity Edge-class ships ( Ascent , Beyond , Apex or Edge ), you'll have up to 32 restaurants to choose from with globally inspired menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher.

You can also look for special culinary cruises and onboard events designed in partnership with renowned Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud, the line's global culinary brand ambassador. Some of the onboard programs include wine-blending classes, whiskey and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and food and wine pairing workshops.

With so many complimentary dining and specialty options on Celebrity ships (making it hard to choose where to dine), here are two of the unique experiences not to be missed:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud: Daniel Boulud's first signature restaurant at sea is inspired by the chef's global travels. The interior of the specialty restaurant, designed by the Parisian architect-design team of Jouin Manku, is as much of an experience as the meal with its intimate decor and banquette seating. Guests can choose between a standard dinner menu, a regular five-course tasting menu or a plant-based tasting menu. Le Voyage is available on the new Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond and costs an additional fee.
• Le Petit Chef: The innovative and fantastical 3D dining experience at Le Petit Chef is one of the most unique ways to spend an evening at sea. The immersive meal, which is either served in the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, will delight cruisers of all ages, especially younger children. The tiny, animated chef (think about the size of your hand) entertains guests while preparing each dish. You may see him firing up a grill to sear a steak, picking fresh vegetables from a garden or even going on a fishing adventure in search of lobster. After each dish is prepared by "the chef," waiters will arrive with the actual dish. The 1.5-hour-long experience is an additional cost.

Explore  Celebrity Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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• Global Tastemakers

The 10 Best Cruises for Food

From intimate cruises with chef-led concepts to mega-ships with enough options to satisfy the whole family, these cruises topped our Global Tastemakers awards.

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Global Tastemakers is our first-ever reader’s choice awards, celebrating the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. F&W readers voted based on travel completed within the past three years, on categories including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. Due to the limitations of pandemic travel, this year’s Global Tastemakers winners reflect a smaller portion of the globe. In many categories, we’re including an editor’s pick to shout out some more culinary destinations in places you can’t miss. See all the winners at foodandwine.com/globaltastemakers .

Gone are the days when all-you-can-eat buffets dominated cruise ships. More and more, cruise lines are creating smaller specialty restaurants that offer guests a diverse variety of cuisines and hands-on experiences. The best cruise lines are ensuring quality dining onboard. Some have menus developed by celebrity chefs, while others are doing away with rigid mealtimes and making it easier for guests to eat whatever they want, whenever and wherever they want. 

When voting in our inaugural Global Tastemakers survey for the best cruises for food, our readers rewarded cruise lines placing quality above all else. Mid-size ships claimed the top three spots, and the No. 4 spot went to a river cruise company with a wealth of wine-focused itineraries in Europe. Nos. 5 to 10 are large and mega-ships where the number of onboard drinking and dining outlets ensure that there’s something to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Below, the full list of the ten best cruises for food. 

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Award-winning company Viking consistently ranks among the best for both ocean and river cruises. Known for engaging itineraries designed for inquisitive travelers, Viking is also known for the consistent quality across all of its ships, especially in the culinary department. Its ocean cruises have eight different food and beverage outlets, ranging from the Restaurant (its main dining venue serving regional cuisine and international classics) to the Wintergarden serving afternoon tea with live music by a string quartet. Every ship has an onboard herb garden, and ocean cruises have cooking classes onboard. And Viking never upcharges guests for its more upscale restaurants.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Beloved by industry experts and travelers alike, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has truly all-inclusive rates that include gourmet dining, unlimited beverages, and unlimited shore excursions, which might take the form of market tours with the chef, wine tastings, and more. Every ship has Compass Rose, the largest restaurant onboard the fleet, as well as the elegant steakhouse Prime 7 and the buffet restaurant, La Veranda, which transforms into a casual Italian restaurant in the evenings, and the Pool Grill. Select ships also have a French restaurant and a pan-Asian restaurant.

Oceania Cruises

Legendary chef Jacques Pépin is the executive culinary director for Oceania Cruises , and the executive chefs have star-studded resumes peppered with experience at the world’s top hotels and restaurants, so you can rest assured that quality is the brand’s top priority. In addition to the Grand Dining Room — inspired by Europe’s five-star hotels — all ships have the Terrace Café for informal dining, Waves Grill for al fresco dining, afternoon tea, and a coffee bar serving Illy coffee. Select ships also have specialty restaurants that serve Italian cuisine, bold Asian cuisine, steakhouse staples, inventive American cuisine, French cuisine by Jacques Pépin, and more.

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

In addition to general interest river cruises in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, AmaWaterways is known for an extensive selection of wine cruises that bring travelers to Burgundy, Bordeaux, Provence, and other wine regions in Europe. Naturally, guests enjoy regional wine pairings with lunch and dinner, which are served either in the main restaurant or at the chef’s table. Snacks are available between meals at the main lounge. All of the European ships are members of the prestigious Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a gastronomic society founded in Paris.

Princess Cruises

Alfredo Martinez / Getty Images

With cruises going to North and South America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean, Princess has a wide variety of ships and itineraries. In addition to the main dining room, specialty restaurants serving an array of cuisines, like French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, steakhouse, and New Orleans-style seafood are available for an extra charge. Princess also recently introduced OceanNow, which lets guests order food and drinks delivered to them wherever they are through an app or stateroom TV.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Finnbarr Webster / Getty Images

Norwegian ’s fleet sails pretty much all over the world, with destinations including the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Pacific, and beyond. It’s notable for its “Freestyle Dining” concept, which lets guests eat anytime, anywhere, without fixed dining times or assigned seating. Options range from the three main dining rooms, wide-ranging buffet, and 24-hour eatery, in addition to specialty dining, where guests can enjoy Mexican tacos, Brazilian meats, Texas BBQ, Spanish tapas, and more.

Disney Cruise Line

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

A favorite among families with young children, Disney Cruises also caters to adults traveling without kids by offering adults-only pools, nightlife, and specialty restaurants. All of the ships have different dining venues, ranging from the elegant 1923 — named for the year the Walt Disney Company was founded — to character-themed dinings, like the Royal Tea Court, where kids can enjoy a tea party in the company of Disney princesses. Kids — and let’s be honest, adults — love the unlimited soft serve ice cream. There’s also 24-hour room service and late-night snacks in the adult nightclubs and lounges.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America Line

A team of six world-class chefs — Rudi Sodamin, Ethan Stowell, David Burke, Jacques Torres, Jonnie Boer, and Andy Matsuda — form the Culinary Council that advises the culinary direction of Holland America ’s ships. The chefs’ influence can be felt everywhere from the flagship Dining Room to the specialty restaurants like Pinnacle Grill, which serves steakhouse recipes by David Burke, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, and sushi master Andy Matsuda’s Nama Sushi. It’s also worth noting that Holland America is the only cruise line with Alaska seafood certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity positions itself as a relaxed luxury resort at sea, with entertainment, pools, a spa, and diverse drinking and dining outlets. From its four Main Restaurants, Cyprus, Normandie, Tuscan, and Cosmopolitan, you'll find plenty of delicious options to satisfy your taste buds, while its specialty dining venues offer something exceptional, too, including Le Grand Bistro, serving meals inspired by classic French bistros. Guests of the all-suite Retreat also get exclusive access to Luminae, which serves dishes by its Brand Culinary Ambassador, Daniel Boulud.

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Despite its name, Royal Caribbean goes far beyond the Caribbean, with sailings to Alaska, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Asia, and Canada. The massive ships have a suitably huge variety of onboard dining options. Highlights include Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, meat and seafood grilled right before your eyes at Teppanyaki, modern American at 150 Central Park, and a globally-inspired buffet at Windjammer. There are plenty of kid-friendly options, like Johnny Rocket’s, as well as bars like a Latin-themed club with a live band playing salsa, merengue, samba, and cumbia.

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Cruise Ship Food Reviewed: Which Cruise Line Is Best?

by Contractor | Nov 21, 2020 | resources , Travel Tips | 0 comments

Experienced cruisers know that the food onboard a ship can make or break the cruise. But with most cruises claiming to have the best food, how are you supposed to know which ones actually deliver on their promise?

Below, we’ve vetted each cruise line’s food based on many factors, including customer reviews. And as you know, customers usually don’t hold back when reviewing a meal! This list should help you narrow down your options and choose the cruise with the best food for both your palate and budget.

The Cruise Lines with the Best Cuisine

The cruise lines on this list not only have the best cuisine, but their service and atmosphere are top-notch as well. Combined, you have every element you need to make your dining experience onboard an unforgettable part of your trip.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the highest-ranked cruise lines overall, providing excellent customer service and giving passengers a ton of value for their money.

It makes sense, then, that the restaurants aboard their ships are plentiful and staffed with super-friendly servers. The cruise line boasts a whopping 42 different dining options , over half of which are included in the passage cost.

Each ship houses between 20 and 30 of these food establishments, with a range of included and additional options. Whether you’re looking for a casual place to grab a quick bite or a more formal sit-down affair, Carnival has got you covered.

Regular vacationers know that one of the largest expenses on any trip can be the food, but on Carnival ships, you’ve got many included options to choose from; the following is just a small sampling:

• Shaq’s Big Chicken: fried chicken, sides, breakfast
• Lucky Bowl: casual healthy Asian fusion
• Guy’s Burger Joint: burgers and fries
• Dining Room : 3-course meals in a formal(ish) environment
• Swirls: soft-serve ice cream
• Blue Iguana Cantina: bold Mexican fare

If, by some strange chance, you can’t find what you’re craving among the included options, there are plenty of restaurants available at an additional (but still reasonable) cost:

• Emeril’s Bistro 1396: flavorful Creole cuisine
• Rudi’s Seagrill: beautifully presented seafood dishes
• Cucina del Capitano: family-friendly Italian
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor: smokehouse and brewhouse
• Bonsai Sushi: sushi and other Japanese fare

Carnival is known for going out of their way to please customers, and their restaurants are more than happy to accommodate any dietary restriction, though sometimes it helps to let them know ahead of time.

Want an unforgettable experience for your kids? Check out the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, an interactive Dr. Seuss-themed dining experience with colorful, sugar-laden dishes.

Celebrity Cruises

If you’re looking to get away from the tacky decor of some cruise ships, then Celebrity Cruises are for you. Their ships are outfitted with a sleek, modern atmosphere that makes you feel like a thousand bucks when coupled with their outstanding service.

Naturally, their restaurants are first-rate as well, with a mix of classic and contemporary dishes served in classy settings.

Celebrity doesn’t stand up to Carnival as far as the number of options goes, with only two dozen restaurants in total, and up to a dozen per ship. But each one features menus crafted by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher, so you’re definitely not going to go hungry.

Complimentary restaurants include:

• Main Restaurant: globally-inspired cuisine served in an airy, sophisticated setting
• Cyprus Restaurant: chic venue serving seafood and Mediterranean fare
• Normandie Restaurant: contemporary French dishes in an upscale environment
• Spa Cafe: healthy, light breakfast and lunch items
• Mast Grill: casual spot with burgers and more

Notable restaurants available at an additional cost:

Fine Cut Steakhouse: contemporary and traditional American fare

Le Grand Bistro: Parisian-style bistro

Rooftop Garden Grill Restaurant: Backyard BBQ with breathtaking views

Sushi on 5: authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine

The Porch Seafood Restaurant: fresh seafood in a rustic outdoor setting

Although we focused mainly on Celebrity’s official restaurants, they also have an impressive number of cafes, bars, and lounges where you can pick up comfort food, appetizers, and dessert.

Crystal Cruises

The award-winning Crystal Cruise Line has luxury cruising down to a T. Their outstanding service is matched only by their exquisite gourmet food, most of which is complimentary. In fact, only two restaurants on Crystal’s dining list incur additional fees, and even those offer each passenger one initial complimentary meal.

Known for providing a luxurious cruise experience with minimal passenger crowding, Crystal knows how to take care of their passengers.

Cruisers will enjoy complimentary meals at:

• The Classic Dining Room: a variety of options cooked in the French style
• Silk Road and Sushi Bar: sushi and Japanese fusion in a modern venue
• The Lido Cafe: casual buffet-style dining with made-to-order stations
• Trident Grill & Ice Cream Bar: burgers, wraps, and dessert items
• The Bistro: cafe drinks and fresh pastries

But what about their two specialty restaurants, you ask?

• Prego: seasonal Italian fare with an elegant old-world vibe
• Umi Uma and Sushi Bar: specialty sushi with Peruvian and European influences

In addition to regular dining options, Crystal Cruises feature a delightful afternoon tea, where you can try teas from all over the world.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Lines were started with families in mind, and they know how to create a magical experience you and your kids will remember for years to come.

That experience naturally extends to mealtimes, which feature outstanding cuisine served in restaurants ranging from classy, adults-only venues to restaurants that go all out to celebrate a Disney theme.

And best of all, almost all of the restaurants on Disney cruises are included with passage fares, so you and your family can try them all out. Just a few examples include:

• Duck-In Diner: Donald runs this quick-service spot, where you can grab dogs, burgers, and shawarma
• Tiana’s Palace: Southern cooking and live jazz inspired by The Princess and the Frog
• Enchanted Garden: seasonal menu and lunch buffet in an elegant faux outdoor setting complete with simulated sunrise and sunset
• Triton’s: upscale restaurant presided over Ariel’s dad, serving French and American cuisine
• Lumiere’s: Inspired by Beauty and the Beast , this refined spot offers American and French dishes

If you’re willing to pay a little extra to ditch the kids for the evening, there are also a couple of restaurants that cater to an adults-only crowd:

• Remy: Enjoy gourmet French-inspired dishes made with seasonal in a lavish setting
• Palo: A stylish venue offering Northern Italian cuisine

Disney does its part to make sure you get to try out different restaurants, featuring a rational dining schedule in which guests rotate between three dining rooms each evening. But don’t worry, your waitstaff rotates with you, so you won’t have to keep repeating dietary restrictions or preferences each night.

Holland America

Holland America caters to older adults who appreciate high-quality service and are willing to pay for it. As such, their dining options are exquisite and more refined than some of the cruises that primarily cater to families with children.

But that’s not to say that kids and teens are left out entirely: The cruise line has plenty to offer them as well; they just don’t beat you over the head with it.

Holland America offers flexible dining options or reserved seating, depending on your preference. The cruise line has just over a dozen restaurants and features a mix of included and specialty venues on each ship.

A few of the included dining options:

• The Dining Room: regionally inspired dishes, American fare, and vegetarian dishes
• Lido Market: wide range of options in a marketplace setting
• Dive-In: classic poolside spot serving up burgers and dogs
• New York Pizza: casual poolside pizzeria

There are also a wide range of specialty options for an additional charge:

• Pinnacle Grill: modern, refined steak and seafood grill
• Canaletto: rustic spot featuring authentic Italian dishes
• Tamarind: Asian fusion in a modern setting
• Rudi’s Sel de Mer: classy French brasserie with a contemporary twist
• Grand Dutch Cafe: traditional Dutch cafe located in an atrium

It’s worth noting that many specialty restaurants offer discounted rates for children so that the whole family can enjoy the treat. Speaking of treats, make sure to try the fantastic gelato at the ice cream parlor.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises cater to people from all over the world, so it makes sense that they offer a wide range of globally-inspired menus.

Known for providing an eclectic mix of entertainment aboard their ships, their dining experiences are equally diverse, offering options for every style and taste imaginable.

Which dining options are included with the price of the ticket? Well, here’s just a sample of what you might find:

• Main Restaurant: international dishes created by gourmet chefs
• Buffet Restaurant: extensive selections available morning, noon, and night

Looking for something a little more unique? Don’t worry, MSC is on it—there are a ton of amazing specialty restaurants in addition to the usual complimentary spots.

• Sports Bar: American food in a fun environment complete with games
• Tex-Mex and Steakhouse: steak and Mexican food served in a bright, cheerful atmosphere
• Galaxy Disco Restaurant: relive the 70s while enjoying the fusion dishes and tasting menu
• Eataly: fresh Italian cooking in a comfy homestyle setting
• Asian Fusion: Asian fusion in a trendy venue

Whether you’re off your diet during your holiday or are still trying to eat healthily, you’ll find something to suit your needs on MSC Cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for being laid back and casual, allowing cruisers to relax and have fun without worrying about dress codes and enforced schedules.

But one thing they do take seriously: providing amazing dining venues with finely crafted menus. Enjoy an elegant upscale meal or grab a casual bite at the buffet—Norwegian has something for everyone.

While they don’t have as many dining options as some other cruise lines, Norwegian makes up for the lack of quantity with quality. Fresh ingredients are expertly prepared and served by skilled waitstaff.

Complimentary dining options include:

• O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill: comfy spot offering pub food and drinks
• Main Dining Rooms: fine dining with a rotating menu
• Beyond Buffets: expansive buffet with everything from salads to meat, pasta to dessert
• Asian Fusion: Asian-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting
• Sabrett’s Hot Dogs: casual hot dog stand

If you’re looking for a more distinctive dining experience, try:

• American Diner: casual diner with a retro feel and classic car-booths
• Q Texas Smokehouse: authentic Texas BBQ complete with live country music
• Moderno Churrascaria: traditional Brazilian rotisserie in a trendy setting
• Le Bistro: formal, sophisticated French cuisine
• Food Republic: global fusion in a sleek, modern atmosphere

Although most of the restaurants are in keeping with the ship’s relaxed dress code, some of the fancier ones, like Le Bistro, are a little more formal, so keep that in mind.

Norwegian keeps the atmosphere onboard fun and relaxing, but you can bump up the enjoyment factor even more by stopping by one of their exclusive dessert shops for a treat.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises are perfect for cruisers looking for an upscale yet relaxed country club vibe during their holiday. If you want a premium experience at less than premium prices, Oceania is the cruise line for you.

Their mid-sized ships offer plenty to do, and more importantly, plenty to eat.

Their award-winning cuisine has won them the nickname “ the cruise line for foodies ” in some circles, which is not surprising. Given their venues’ relaxed elegance and gourmet menu options, there’s so much to love.

A few of the many included dining options:

• The Grand Dining Room: stately European-style dining area with a rotating menu
• Polo Grill: steak and seafood served in a warm, traditional atmosphere
• Toscana: traditional Italian cooking served on custom Versace china
• Jacques: eclectic Parisian bistro
• Red Ginger: bold, contemporary spot featuring updated Asian classics

There are only two specialty dining options to choose from, but both are exceptional:

• Privee: Private gourmet dining for up to ten guests in an exclusive setting
• La Reserve: pairing dinner for wine enthusiasts, by reservation only

If you find yourself with a free afternoon, the 4:00 tea time is delightful, with a string quartet playing in the background as skilled waitstaff serve pastries, finger sandwiches, and desserts.

Princess Cruises

One of the largest cruise lines in the world, Princess Cruises offers traditional-style cruises. What do we mean by traditional-style? Well, think more relaxing resort rather than a floating amusement park, and you’ve got the idea.

There is still plenty to do aboard Princess ships, but the focus is more on relaxation than on high-octane activities. For this reason, this cruise line is as popular with middle-aged couples as it is with families with kids.

Casual elegance and a warm, welcoming atmosphere permeate Princess ships, and their dining experiences take center stage.

Indulge in one of their fine dining options, included in the price of a ticket:

• Dining Rooms: upscale dining with a variety of options
• 24-Hour International Cafe: a casual spot for cafe fare
• Alfredo’s Pizzeria: gourmet pizzas in a warm, cozy atmosphere
• Vines: wine bar with sushi and tapas in the atrium
• Burger & Hot Dog Grill: casual place to grab burgers and daily specials

Specialty restaurants that are worth paying a little extra for:

• Share: Michelin star chef, Curtis Stone, offers a varied menu with fresh ingredients
• The Salty Dog: gastropub featuring gourmet takes on pub food
• Sabatini’s: award-winning Italian food with a modern twist
• Harmony: flavorful Cantonese cuisine expertly prepared by Chef Richard Chen
• Bayou Cafe: New Orleans-style dishes in a contemporary setting

If you’re looking to make your evening extra special, Princess Cruise’s chocolate and wine tasting is a perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Royal Caribbean

One of the most well-known cruise lines in the world, Royal Caribbean has been around since 1969. They offer a wide range of activities, from rock climbing walls to Broadway shows.

If you’re looking for a cruise line that will keep your day jam-packed with fun activities, this is the cruise line for you. And if you’re looking for a cruise line with amazing food served by friendly waitstaff—this cruise line is also for you.

Families, couples, and groups of friends will love the excellent dining options that range from casual to formal and everywhere in between.

What’s included with the passage fare, you ask?

• Cafe Promenade: casual cafe serving diner food 24 hours a day
• Park Cafe: gourmet deli food in a trendy setting
• Coastal Kitchen: smart casual spot featuring farm-fresh coastal fare
• El Loco Fresh: Mexican food made with fresh ingredients
• Dog House: casual hot dog joint offering traditional and updated dogs

There is plenty to choose from as far as included fare goes, but for those interested in seeking out even more options, these specialty restaurants are worth checking out:

• Chef’s Table: exclusive formal five-course meal for the ultimate foodies
• Samba Grill: contemporary venue serving cuisine from Brazil
• Portside BBQ: homestyle BBQ in a casual setting
• Sabor: contemporary Mexican fare in a trendy spot
• Teppanyaki: Asian dishes prepared at your table

There are two things you can be sure about if you take a Royal Caribbean cruise: you won’t be bored, and you won’t go hungry!

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises are, well, luxurious, as you could have probably guessed. They started out offering luxury river cruises but have since expanded into the ocean cruise market as well. For cruisers looking for a boutique hotel’s feel with the passing scenery and opportunities for exploring that only a cruise can offer, Scenic Luxury Cruises is the company to check out.

Providing one of the most glamorous cruise experiences available, it makes sense that the state-of-the-art vessels feature mouth-watering gourmet cuisine. Let’s take a look at just a few of their onboard dining facilities :

• Crystal Dining: varied menu prepared by award-winning chefs
• Portobellos: upscale Italian restaurant in an intimate setting
• River Cafe: casual dining spot with lighter fare and healthy options
• Table La Rive: exclusive dining experience for Diamond Members

Usually, this is the section where we’d list the available restaurants at an additional charge, but since everything in Scenic Luxury Cruises is included, that means that you already have access to all the fantastic dining experiences their ships have to offer.

This cruise line offers “dine anytime, anywhere” options and is one of the most flexible cruise lines when it comes to meals. Their chef will even prepare a picnic basket for you if you’d like to enjoy a bite next time you visit the shore—what other cruise lines do that?

Seabourn Cruise Line

The pioneer of ultra-luxury cruises on small ships, Seabourn Cruise Line takes vacationers all over the world. The all-inclusive cruises give the feel of a floating resort, where relaxation is the name of the game.

Stop by the spa for a tension relieving massage, then head over to one of their phenomenal restaurants for a taste of cruising that would make even the most snobbish food critic green with envy. Just some of the selections available are:

• The Restaurant: classic elegance with a varied menu
• The Grill by Thomas Keller: retro American food with a modern twist
• The Colonnade: indoor-outdoor restaurant with a casual feel and themed nights
• The Patio: casual poolside lunch and dinner under the open sky
• Sushi: authentic sushi rolls prepared by hand

The helpful staff on Seabourn cruises are more than happy to serve your dinner in your room if you wish—even full multi-course meals.

As you might have guessed, all restaurants on Seabourn cruises are complimentary. Relax in your room or on your veranda with a gourmet meal, or explore what the stylish dining rooms have to offer— with Seabourn, it’s entirely up to you.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is another cruise line that started by offering river cruises, then expanded out into the open water with ocean cruises.

Travel + Leisure named the cruise line #1 in luxury cruises , so clearly, they’re doing something right. One of the things they’re excelling at? That’s right, you guessed it: the cuisine.

The small ships do not cater to families with children, so they’re perfect for couples looking to get away and relax with some peace and quiet while on the way from one incredible destination to the next.

Of course, one of the best ways to pass the time is by indulging in some fantastic cuisine, and fortunately, Viking Cruises has taken care of everything. Take a look at a few of their offerings :

• The Restaurant: sophisticated dining featuring regional cuisine
• Manfredi’s: Italian trattoria with a private dining room
• World Cafe: global fare presented in a lively atmosphere
• Mamsen’s Norwegian Deli: Norwegian specialties in a tasteful space
• Aquavit Bar: Viking inspired indoor-outdoor space serving specialty drinks

As with most ultra-luxury cruises, Viking gives guests complimentary dining at all their venues and never charges for meals. Their top-notch cuisine and refined dining areas are sure to be a memorable part of your vacation.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offer boutique cruises on small ships and are known for their exemplary hospitality and unique destinations.

The small ships don’t offer nearly as many dining options as cruise lines with larger ships, but the quality is so impressive that you won’t miss the variety one bit. The refined decor and accommodating servers make every dining experience feel like a treat unto itself, not to mention the inventive cuisine.

Dining options include:

• Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso: tapas restaurant with a romantic, intimate feel
• Star Grill by Steven Raichlen: a casual outdoor spot for BBQ and grilled goodies
• AmphorA: stunning dining room offering regional delicacies, desserts, and wine
• Veranda: bright and spacious venue serving breakfast and lunch
• Candles Grill: outdoor dining with an unbeatable view and broad menu

Notably, the staff is very accommodating and go out of their way to assist those with special dietary restrictions. With Windstar, you never have to worry about one member of your party having their vacation dampened by limited food options or wait staff that is unknowledgeable or unhelpful.

All dining is included with passage, and there are no scheduled dining times to adhere to. Take advantage of the fantastic food and matchless ambiance of the dining venues onboard and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: your ultimate guide to the best cruise ship food available. While there are plenty of other things to consider when deciding which cruise line to book with, your dining experience is definitely one of the more important ones. If you’re not fed well, it’s going to be hard to enjoy other aspects of the cruise, especially for “foodie” vacationers.

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9 Cruise Lines With Best Food: A Gastronomer’s Sea Adventure!

Maybe I’m alone in this (doubt it) but when I travel, food is one of my top priorities. The word ‘diet’ flies out the window and I wholeheartedly enjoy myself.

So when booking a cruise, I want to make sure the food onboard is top-notch.

You’ll be having the majority of your meals on the ship anyways, you may as well make sure they’re enjoyable.

And if you’re a true foodie like myself, finding the cruise lines with the best food is high on your list.

So we did the dirty digging for you and rounded up the best cruise lines based purely on their food quality.

Get ready for your mouth to water…

Table of Contents

Which Cruise Lines Have The Best Food?

The top cruise lines for food enthusiasts are Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Each of these lines excels in culinary excellence, offering everything from sophisticated, award-winning menus to immersive, destination-focused dining experiences.

The choice of the best depends on individual preferences for style, ingredients, and variety, with each line presenting its unique approach to gourmet cruising.

How We Decided Which Cruise Lines Have The Best Food

The hallmark of quality cruise ship cuisine lies in its fresh ingredients, creative menus, and experienced culinary teams who craft each dish.

Presentation is key; each plate is often a work of art, visually impressive and designed to add to the overall dining pleasure.

In terms of flavor, the best cruise ship cuisine will take you on a journey, with authenticity in ethnic dishes and innovation in combining flavors.

Dining on a cruise ship is a complete sensory experience, with the gentle ocean backdrop and meticulous service enhancing the delight of each bite.

These are what we consider the best foodie cruise lines based on our own travel experience and online chatter.

Top 9 Cruise Lines for Foodies

Crystal cruises.

On Crystal Cruises, you’re treated to an array of sophisticated dining options that cater to your appreciation for gastronomic finesse.

The elegant main dining room and specialty restaurants offer menus crafted by award-winning chefs, featuring dishes like succulent lobster or perfectly aged steaks.

In addition to these exquisite dining venues, Crystal Cruises offers the unique Vintage Room, where wine connoisseurs can indulge in exceptional wine-pairing dinners.

For a more casual yet equally refined experience, the Lido Café presents a buffet-style service with an array of international cuisines.

The Bistro, a Parisian-inspired café, offers a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon, with specialty coffees and light snacks surrounded by an air of sophistication.

Whether it’s a formal dinner, a casual lunch by the pool, or a late-night snack, your taste buds will rejoice in the luxury that graces every plate.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises prides itself on what many call “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” .

Indulge in the signature dishes of world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin at the French-inspired Jacques restaurant.

Beyond the delights of Jacques, Oceania’s culinary repertoire extends to other specialty restaurants like the Polo Grill, embodying the essence of a classic American steakhouse, and Toscana, where guests can savor authentic Italian dishes.

The onboard cooking school, a unique feature of Oceania Cruises, offers hands-on culinary classes under the guidance of expert chefs.

This immersive experience allows guests not only to taste world-class cuisine but also to learn the secrets behind it, enriching their culinary knowledge and skills.

Seabourn Cruise Line

With Seabourn Cruise Line, you’ll savor multicourse meals that rival those of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Imagine dinners where truffles and caviar are no rarity but a standard expectation.

The Restaurant, the main dining venue on Seabourn ships, offers a variety of gourmet options in an open-seating arrangement, allowing guests to dine whenever they wish.

For a more intimate experience, guests can opt for The Grill by Thomas Keller, a unique collaboration with the renowned American chef, where classic American cuisine is reimagined with contemporary flair.

Seabourn’s commitment to personalized service elevates the dining experience further.

A dedicated staff ensures that each guest’s preferences and dietary needs are meticulously attended to, making every dining experience feel exclusive and tailored.

Your dining experience is elevated with a side of personalized service that ensures your culinary desires are met with impeccable attention.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes ‘all-inclusive’ to a new level. Here, you can dive into a world of flavors at no additional cost.

Relish in an extensive selection of fine wines and gourmet dishes in sophisticated venues like Prime 7 and Chartreuse.

These specialty restaurants, along with others like the Italian-inspired Sette Mari at La Veranda and the Asian fusion Pacific Rim, boast menus crafted with precision and flair, highlighting the finest ingredients from around the world.

The Compass Rose, the ship’s main dining room, offers a diverse menu that changes daily, ensuring that every meal is a new discovery.

Additionally, your journey includes culinary-focused shore excursions that tempt your senses with local cuisines.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises excels in providing you a taste of your destinations.

The Kitchen Table experience focuses on regional recipes and the importance of locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to connect with the culture through its cuisine.

Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant offers a hearty taste of Italy, while The Chef’s Table provides a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings that change every few days, reflecting the cuisine of the ship’s current region.

Mamsen’s, inspired by Norwegian heritage, serves Scandinavian delights, and the World Café features global cuisine with live cooking and open kitchens.

Their destination-focused dining will have you savoring the essence of each region you visit.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers you a modern luxury dining experience where menus are as inventive as they are diverse.

With venues like the Tuscan Grille and partnerships with wine producers, you can enjoy perfectly paired sips and bites.

Beyond these exquisite dining options, Celebrity Cruises also offers unique experiences like the Chef’s Market Discoveries, where guests can accompany the chef on a market tour, followed by a special dinner on board featuring the day’s freshest finds.

Blu, another exclusive restaurant for AquaClass guests, focuses on healthy and clean eating, offering a menu that features light and flavorful dishes.

Their focus on fresh, globally-inspired dishes will leave you eagerly anticipating your next meal.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises provides an intimate setting to enjoy your meals, often highlighting the authentic flavors of the itinerary’s regions.

Whether dining al fresco under the stars or in the coziness of The Restaurant, you’ll find dishes infused with local ingredients and traditions, making every bite a journey unto itself.

The culinary experience aboard Silversea extends to specialty restaurants like La Dame, featuring fine French cuisine, and the Grill, which offers an interactive dining experience where guests can cook their prime cuts on heated lava stones.

For a more casual setting, the Pool Grill serves up lighter fare in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

With Silversea Cruises, dining is not just a part of the day; it’s an integral aspect of the travel experience.

Each meal is a celebration of the local culture and a testament to the cruise line’s commitment to delivering an exquisite and authentic dining experience.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a culinary odyssey that is as diverse and exciting as its destinations.

Dining options range from Wonderland , where dishes are crafted through molecular gastronomy, to the authentic Italian flavors at Jamie’s

Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Each meal is an exploration, with options like sushi-making classes and wine tastings adding to the immersive experience. Casual yet diverse, the Windjammer Café presents a world of flavors, from lavish breakfast buffets to satisfying midnight snacks.

Quality is at the heart of Royal Caribbean’s culinary journey. Their focus is on using the finest ingredients to create exceptional dishes, whether it’s a classic gourmet burger at Johnny Rockets or an innovative Asian fusion meal at Izumi.

You truly can eat your way through Royal caribbean and never get bored…

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line redefines the dining experience at sea with its “Freestyle Dining” concept, offering a relaxed, resort-style atmosphere.

This approach allows guests the freedom to dine when and where they wish, choosing from an array of over 25 unique dining experiences.

Standouts include Onda by Scarpetta, known for its modern Italian fare, and Teppanyaki, where skilled chefs entertain as they cook.

The culinary journey on Norwegian extends to the indulgent desserts at Dolce Gelato and the sizzling steaks at Cagney’s Steakhouse.

Every restaurant on board aims to provide a distinct and memorable dining experience, ensuring that every palate is catered to. With Norwegian Cruise Line, the journey is as much about the diverse and delicious cuisine as it is about the destinations .

Unique Dining Experiences Onboard

Specialty restaurants and themed dinners.

Every cruise line boasts a signature style that extends to their dining options. Specialty restaurants offer you a chance to indulge in culinary delights that are often the brainchild of celebrity chefs.

Consider the specialty dining on Norwegian Cruise Line, where you can savor the flavors of a high-end Italian restaurant inspired by New York City’s Scarpetta.

Imagine feasting on barbecue with live country music as your backdrop, or delighting in Caribbean lobster risotto aboard an Ocean Blue venue.

Themed dinners, on the other hand, transform your meal into an event. Royal Caribbean International doesn’t just transport you around the world; it brings global flavors to your table with Mediterranean nights or a taste of Asia.

Your dinner could be a festive luau, complete with Hawaiian fare and traditional entertainment. These experiences redefine dining, making each meal an adventure in itself.

Chef-Led Cooking Demonstrations and Classes

Have you ever wanted to learn the secrets behind your favorite dishes? Cruise ships offer you the chance to put on an apron and learn from the masters in chef-led cooking classes.

Celebrity Cruises, known for their exquisite culinary standards, may allow you to witness the artful preparation of gourmet dishes right before your eyes, and perhaps even try your hand under the guidance of skilled chefs.

Such immersive experiences are not just about eating; they’re about learning, engaging, and taking a bit of the journey home with you.

As chefs share their personal tips and tricks, you’ll be able to add new recipes to your repertoire and dazzle your family and friends long after your voyage has ended. It’s a delicious education you won’t easily forget.

Dining Plans and Packages

Cruise lines offer a variety of dining plans and packages to cater to your culinary preferences, whether you’re in the mood for an all-encompassing gourmet experience or prefer to pick and choose specific eateries as you go.

All-Inclusive vs. A La Carte Options

All-Inclusive Dining : On certain lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, your fare includes a wide range of dining options, meaning you can indulge in a variety of cuisines at no additional cost.

You’ll have the freedom to savor gourmet meals across multiple venues without worrying about the bill. This often includes main dining rooms, buffets, and sometimes even specialty restaurants.

A La Carte Options : Alternatively, some cruise lines operate on an a la carte basis. You pay for each meal outside of the included buffet or main dining room options.

This allows you to sample specialties from critically acclaimed chefs at your own pace, creating a custom dining experience that aligns with your cravings and budget.

Beverage and Specialty Dining Packages

Beverage Packages : If your sea days are incomplete without a refreshing drink in hand, beverage packages can be a convenient and cost-saving option.

Depending on the cruise line, packages can range from non-alcoholic drinks to premium spirits and fine wines. You’ll find options like Carnival’s Cheers package or Royal Caribbeans Deluxe Package , which covers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your voyage.

Specialty Dining Packages : For a more elevated dining experience, specialty dining packages allow you to dine at exclusive restaurants for a set fee.

These packages may offer a selection of fine dining establishments that are not included in the standard fare, such as Celebrity’s Tuscan Grille or Norwegian’s steakhouses.

These dining experiences usually require reservations, so it’s wise to book in advance to secure your spot.

How to Choose the Right Cruise for Your Palate

Culinary Themes and Itineraries

When you’re looking at cruise options, pay close attention to the culinary themes. Some cruises are explicitly designed around gastronomic experiences, offering itineraries that include stops at ports known for their food culture.

A cruise stopping in St. Barts may delight with its French-inspired dining options, akin to what you might find in the French Riviera.

Research the line’s specialty restaurants as well, like the Tuscan Grille on Celebrity Cruises, which is renowned for its dish quality and variety.

Certain cruise lines may feature on-board food and wine festivals, culinary workshops, and chef-hosted dinners that could greatly enhance your journey.

Always check the cruise’s schedule to see if these align with the dates of your travel for an enriched culinary voyage.

Personal Dietary Needs and Preferences

If you have specific preferences or restrictions—be it vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, or any other—verify in advance that the cruise line can accommodate you.

Don’t hesitate to contact them directly to discuss your requirements; customer service can provide detailed information about on-board dining options and menu flexibility.

For a smooth dining experience, it’s also helpful to look at the availability of various dining venues on the cruise.

Larger ships typically offer an impressive array of dining options without additional fees, as seen with lines like Carnival.

This variety means you’re more likely to find eateries that suit your palate and dietary preferences, providing a stress-free cruise where you can enjoy the food just as much as the voyage itself.

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CRUISE DINING & FOOD

Palate pleasing culinary crusade.

If you’re craving delicious food, we have an entire fleet filled with foodie favorites.

Indulge in an authentic taste of Italy with homemade pastas and Old World-inspired entrees at the newly reimagined Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen. Set out on an epicurean adventure east with exotic Asian flavors and tasty teppanyaki prepared tableside at Izumi. Savor captivating and creative culinary delights designed to spirit you away with every bite at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Or taste your way around the world with global goodness served buffet-style at the Windjammer. From top-notch free cruise dining included in your fare, to specialty cruise restaurants that dish up plenty of delicious flavor, we go bolder than any other cruise line when it comes to the best food onboard. 

DINING OPTIONS FOR EVERY DAY AND NIGHT

When you cruise with us, the dining options are as diverse as the flavors you’ll find on each menu. From casual bites to elevated dinner and cocktail spots that raise the bar, you’ll find something onboard for every craving and occasion during your cruise.

CASUAL DINING

Great flavor doesn’t need to come with lots of fuss. Enjoy grab-and-go goodness and amazing eats at casual, laid-back dining options — like the complimentary Windjammer, El Loco Fresh℠, Café Promenade, Dog House, and Sorrento’s Pizza.

SPECIALTY DINING

Dial up dinner at upscale specialty cruise restaurants like Chops Grille℠ and Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen, go all out on an exclusive culinary journey at Chef’s Table, or savor global flavors one complimentary course at a time in the Main Dining Room.

No matter what you’re in the mood for — and when — room service onboard our cruise ships delivers all your favorite cruise foods right to your stateroom, from juicy burgers, fresh salads and tasty sandwiches, to breakfast in bed with a couple of refreshing mimosas.

BARS & LOUNGES

If you’re craving cocktails, we offer amazing bars onboard our cruises where the vibe is always right and the drinks are always delicious. Like R Bar, known for its classic cocktails and retro vibes, or Boleros, where every sip comes paired with live salsa beats.

DINING PACKAGES

BEVERAGE PACKAGES

TOP-RATED RESTAURANTS

Each cruise ship in our fleet is home to world class dining options that will take you from Tuscany to Tokyo — and plenty of culinary capitals in between. From fresh-caught fish and New England style dishes at Hooked Seafood℠, to izakaya-style appetizers at Izumi and Old-World flavors at Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen, these are the top-rated restaurants onboard. 

ITALIAN KITCHEN

Chop's Grille

150 CENTRAL PARK

Hooked Seafood

Main Dining Room

Jamie's Italian

ALL INCLUDED COMPLIMENTARY DINING 

MINI BITES      

El Loco Fresh

Splashaway Café

Solarium Bistro Restaurant

Café Promenade

Sorrento's Pizza

Coastal Kitchen

The Café @ Two70

Vitality Café

Surfside Eatery & Surfside Bites

OUR UNIQUE SPECIALTY DINING VENUES 

Chef's Table     

Café Latte-tudes

Samba Grill

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen 

Portside BBQ

Johnny Rockets

Fish & Ships

Chops Grille

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Room Service

La Patisserie

Cupcake Cupboard

Sugar Beach

Sichuan Red

Giovanni's Table

Johnny Rockets Express

Coffee & Tea Shop

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

150 Central Park

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

The Mason Jar

DIG INTO LATE-NIGHT BITES

Nightlife is a big part of any cruise vacation, and we offer endless ways to play after dark no matter which ship you’re sailing on. Once you’ve worked up an appetite on the dance floor, satisfy your cravings with delicious bites available late at night. Like cheesy, oven-baked perfection by the slice at Sorrento’s Pizza, and shareable apps, sandwiches, and sweet treats at the always-buzzing Café Promenade, stocked 24-7 with snacks that hit the spot.

After a night living it up on deck, there’s nothing more satisfying than a great slice of pizza — and Sorrento’s serves up the best at sea even after all the bars have closed. If you’re a traditionalist, go for a slice of classic cheese or Margherita. Or mix things up with a specialty pie, like the bacon and BBQ-infused Caribbean Dream.

CAFÉ PROMENADE

Café Promenade is open around the clock, which means you can enjoy shareable apps and savory snacks that hit the spot as late as you like. From fried artichoke and perfectly cooked meatballs to spicy marinated cheese and decadent desserts, there’s no curfew for your cravings at this free hotspot.

SIPS THAT RAISE THE BAR 

Schooner Bar  

Trellis Bar 

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade 

The Lime and Coconut

North Star Bar 

Diamond Lounge 

Rising Tide Bar 

Solarium Bar 

Suite Lounge 

Pool Bar & Sand Bar 

Sunshine Bar 

Viking Crown Lounge

English Pub

Wipe Out Bar

The Bamboo Room

Cantina Fresca℠

The Lemon Post℠ Bar

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Everything you need to know about cruise dining onboard.

Great flavor isn’t the only thing that has we earned a reputation as one of the best cruise lines for delicious food. It’s also the incredible diversity of dining options you’ll find on every ship. Whether you’re looking to level up your night out with elevated cuisine and white tablecloth service at Chops Grille℠ or Chef’s Table, help yourself to fresh global flavors and tranquil vibes at the Solarium Bistro, or kick back poolside with casual, no-frills noshing at El Loco Fresh℠ and Windjammer, the options to satisfy your cravings are endless. You can even treat yourself to breakfast in bed or a date night dinner in with delicious dishes delivered straight to your stateroom by our staff via room service. For additional information please see our  FAQ  section.

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KIDS CHOICE A SWEET SURPRISE

Treat your sweet tooth to every candy under the sun — plus a few sugarcoated surprises. Sugar Beach℠ is stocked to max candy capacity with more than 200 tantalizing confections and all kinds of creamy, dreamy ice cream flavors. From epic sundaes piled high with all your favorite toppings, to fluffy freshly baked cupcakes you can decorate yourself, Sugar Beach℠ is hands-down the sweetest spot at sea.

Portside BBQ℠    

Johnny Rockets®

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

Fish & Ships℠

Johnny Rockets® Express

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The Best Food on Every Major Cruise Line

Cruise travel used to be all about quantity over quality when it came to dining and other culinary experiences, but that’s most definitely not the case today when it comes to eating and imbibing at sea and on the world’s rivers. Celebrity chef-helmed onboard restaurants, cooking classes, food-centric shore excursions and themed culinary cruises mean shipshape culinary experiences abound.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its family-friendly options, but when parents or doting grandparents need an evening off, all four ships in the fleet feature adults-only Palo restaurants, with two-top tables and flavorful Italian dishes like sea scallops with a prosecco and black truffle reduction, dover sole served with Italian staples (like capers, anchovies and sun-dried tomatoes) and a lemoncello tart or chocolate soufflé for dessert (why not order both?). Two Disney ships (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) also offer adults-only Remy restaurants, with an elegant French-leaning dining experience.

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Blog » Resources » 27 Best Cruise Food Dishes in 2023

27 Best Cruise Food Dishes in 2023

You have found our list of the 27 best cruise food in 2023.

Food service on a cruise ship refers to the comprehensive array of dining experiences offered to passengers throughout their voyage. This encompasses everything from the main dining rooms and buffet restaurants, where passengers can enjoy a variety of included meals in a more casual setting, to specialty restaurants that offer unique cuisines at an additional cost. Cruise ships also often accommodate special dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that passengers can enjoy their meals comfortably. With themed dining events, room service options, and the chance to try new dishes from around the world, food service on a cruise ship is designed to provide a diverse and satisfying culinary journey for passengers throughout their trip.

This list includes:

• Best cruise food in 2023
• Cruise food that people are eating in 2023
• Award-winning cruise ship cuisine
• Fine dining on cruise ships
• Food to eat while on a cruise

Let’s go!

The 27 Best Cruise Food Dishes in 2023 is a curated selection of exceptional and delectable dishes served on cruise ships during the year 2023. This list showcases the finest culinary creations offered to passengers, including a diverse range of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and specialty items, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the world of cruise ship dining excellence.

1. Sushi Lollipops – Celebrity Cruises

People love to indulge in Sushi Lollipops on Celebrity Cruises because they represent a fusion of artful presentation and exquisite taste. These bite-sized sushi creations are as visually stunning as they are delicious, showcasing the cruise line’s commitment to culinary elegance and innovation.

2. Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes – Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes are a culinary delight that guests adore for their luxurious flavors and Disney’s exceptional attention to detail. This dish combines the earthy richness of black truffles with delicate pasta purses, offering a taste of gourmet indulgence that elevates the onboard dining experience.

3. Froot Loop French Toast – Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line’s Froot Loop French Toast is a nostalgic favorite that appeals to the inner child in all of us. Passengers love this whimsical breakfast option for its playful twist on a classic dish, showcasing the cruise line’s ability to infuse fun into their culinary offerings.

4. Butter-Poached Lobster Tail – Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ Butter-Poached Lobster Tail is a seafood lover’s dream. People relish this dish for its succulent, buttery lobster tail, reflecting the cruise line’s dedication to serving premium, restaurant-quality seafood in an elegant dining setting.

5. 29 oz. Tomahawk Rib Chop – Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 29 oz. Tomahawk Rib Chop is a carnivore’s delight. This massive, beautifully prepared steak satisfies meat enthusiasts who appreciate the cruise line’s commitment to providing top-tier dining options with bold flavors and generous portions.

6. Louis XV – Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s Louis XV dessert is a masterpiece that patrons adore. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, it showcases the cruise line’s dedication to creating memorable, high-end dining experiences with a touch of Disney magic.

7. Ahi Tuna Tataki – Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ahi Tuna Tataki is a favorite among those seeking a taste of the sea. This dish stands out for its fresh, vibrant flavors, demonstrating the cruise line’s ability to serve up exceptional seafood dishes with a modern twist.

8. Guy’s Burgers – Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line’s Guy’s Burgers have a dedicated following because they offer a satisfying and mouthwatering burger experience. These burgers are a comfort food treat that embodies the cruise line’s commitment to delivering delicious, crowd-pleasing fare.

9. Charlotte La Bouff’s Bucatini Pasta – Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s Charlotte La Bouff’s Bucatini Pasta is a nod to the beloved Disney classic “The Princess and the Frog.” Passengers appreciate this dish for its homage to Disney storytelling through delectable cuisine, making it a memorable dining choice.

10. Duck Leg Confit – Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ Duck Leg Confit is a sophisticated choice that appeals to those with refined palates. The expert preparation and presentation of this dish highlight the cruise line’s dedication to providing gourmet dining experiences with a touch of elegance.

11. California Roll – Norwegian Cruise Line

The California Roll has become a beloved choice among passengers aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line for its fusion of fresh ingredients and exquisite presentation. This sushi classic embodies the essence of Californian cuisine with its inclusion of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and succulent crab meat, all wrapped in a delicate layer of seaweed and rice. Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to sourcing high-quality seafood ensures that every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a must-have for sushi enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of the West Coast while cruising.

12. Green Eggs and Ham – Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line’s playful take on Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham has captured the hearts of both children and adults alike. Served as part of their Seuss at Sea program, this whimsical dish offers a nostalgic and fun dining experience. Passengers adore it not only for its quirky presentation but also for its delightful taste, as the fluffy green eggs and savory ham combine to create a unique and memorable meal that perfectly complements the joyous atmosphere of a Carnival cruise.

13. Camarones Al Ajillo – Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Camarones Al Ajillo has become a favorite among guests for its ability to transport them to the vibrant flavors of Latin America while sailing the high seas. This Spanish-inspired dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic and chili sauce, creating a perfect balance of spice and richness. Travelers appreciate the cruise line’s commitment to offering authentic international cuisine, and the Camarones Al Ajillo exemplifies this dedication to culinary excellence.

14. Tiana’s Buttermilk Beignets – Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has earned a reputation for creating magical dining experiences, and Tiana’s Buttermilk Beignets are no exception. Inspired by the beloved character from “The Princess and the Frog,” these warm and fluffy beignets are served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a delightful dipping sauce. Passengers love them not only for their delicious taste but also for the nostalgia and enchantment they bring to the dining table, making it a must-order dessert for families and Disney fans.

15. Lump Crab Martini – Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’ Lump Crab Martini is a sophisticated and delectable appetizer that has won the hearts of discerning travelers. This elegant dish features tender lump crab meat stacked with avocado, mango, and a zesty citrus dressing, presented in a martini glass. The combination of fresh ingredients and artistic plating makes it a top choice for those seeking a refined culinary experience and a taste of luxury on the high seas.

16. Chocolate Tombstone – Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’ Chocolate Tombstone dessert is a decadent masterpiece that satisfies passengers’ sweet cravings in the most indulgent way. This rich and velvety chocolate creation, shaped like a tombstone, is the perfect sweet finale to an exquisite meal. Guests love the sheer indulgence of this dessert and the way it adds a touch of extravagance to their dining experience, making it a highlight of their cruise.

17. Pickled Beet Salad – Celebrity Cruises

The Pickled Beet Salad on Celebrity Cruises has garnered a dedicated following for its vibrant and health-conscious appeal. Comprising a colorful array of pickled beets, goat cheese, candied pecans, and arugula, this salad is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. Passengers appreciate the cruise line’s commitment to offering a range of culinary options, including wholesome and visually appealing dishes like this salad, making it a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing and nutritious dining option.

18. Palo’s Chocolate Soufflé – Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s Palo restaurant is renowned for its upscale dining experience, and the Chocolate Soufflé is a dessert that stands out as a must-try. This warm and airy soufflé, served with a rich chocolate sauce, epitomizes indulgence and decadence. Passengers savor every bite while enjoying the elegant ambiance of Palo, making it a quintessential part of their Disney cruise experience.

19. 18-oz. Bone-In Ribeye – Norwegian Cruise Line

The 18-ounce Bone-In Ribeye steak on Norwegian Cruise Line satisfies the cravings of meat lovers with its succulent and perfectly cooked cut of beef. This hearty dish is a favorite among passengers for its generous portion size and the cruise line’s commitment to delivering top-quality steaks. Whether dining in a specialty restaurant or enjoying a meal at the main dining room, travelers relish the opportunity to savor a juicy and flavorful ribeye while at sea.

20. Tomatoes and Burrata – Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ Tomatoes and Burrata salad is a light and refreshing appetizer that appeals to those seeking a taste of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, this dish embodies the essence of simplicity and quality ingredients. Passengers love it for its vibrant flavors and the cruise line’s dedication to offering a taste of the Mediterranean while cruising to various destinations.

21. Angus Beef Carpaccio – Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’ Angus Beef Carpaccio is a culinary work of art that entices diners with its delicate presentation and exquisite flavors. Thinly sliced Angus beef is paired with capers, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of truffle oil, creating a harmonious and luxurious dish. Travelers appreciate the cruise line’s commitment to fine dining and relish the opportunity to savor this elegant appetizer as part of their Celebrity cruise experience.

22. Citron Tart – Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ Citron Tart dessert is a zesty and delightful creation that captures the essence of citrusy goodness. This tart features a buttery crust filled with a tangy lemon or lime custard and is often garnished with fresh berries. Passengers adore the refreshing and palate-cleansing qualities of this dessert, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a light and vibrant conclusion to their meal.

23. Miso Black Cod Skewers – Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Miso Black Cod Skewers offer a savory and umami-rich experience that draws inspiration from Japanese cuisine. Marinated in a flavorful miso glaze, the tender black cod skewers are a favorite among passengers for their complex and satisfying taste. The cruise line’s dedication to offering diverse and international flavors ensures that travelers can enjoy this fusion of Japanese and seafood cuisines while cruising.

24. Toffee Cheesecake – Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ Toffee Cheesecake is a dessert that has won the hearts of passengers with its irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake and rich toffee. This indulgent treat is adored for its sweet and decadent qualities, making it a perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth. Guests often look forward to concluding their meal with a slice of this delectable cheesecake, adding a touch of sweetness to their Princess cruise experience.

25. Tarta de Cítricos – Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Tarta de Cítricos, or Citrus Tart, is a dessert that embodies the brightness and flavors of the Mediterranean. This dessert features a delicate citrus-infused custard on a buttery crust, often garnished with candied citrus zest or berries. Passengers appreciate the cruise line’s commitment to offering a taste of the Mediterranean’s sunny and

26. Warm Chocolate Melting Cake – Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line’s Warm Chocolate Melting Cake is a dessert that has become legendary among cruise enthusiasts. Passengers eagerly anticipate the moment when they can savor this indulgent treat. What makes it so beloved is the sheer decadence of it all – a perfectly baked chocolate cake with a gooey, molten center, served hot and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The anticipation as you cut into the cake, watching the warm chocolate ooze out, is a moment of pure delight. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, and Carnival Cruise Line has perfected it to the point where it’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that leaves passengers with a lasting memory of their cruise.

27. Strawberry Fields – Celebrity Cruise

Celebrity Cruises’ Strawberry Fields is a dessert that embodies the essence of elegance and freshness. Passengers are drawn to this exquisite creation for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The dessert typically features luscious strawberries, often macerated in a light syrup, served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of homemade strawberry sorbet. What sets Celebrity Cruises apart is their attention to detail and quality, ensuring that each strawberry is at the peak of ripeness. Dining on Strawberry Fields aboard a Celebrity cruise is like indulging in a symphony of strawberry perfection, and passengers relish the opportunity to savor this refined dessert in the luxurious ambiance of their cruise experience.

Parting Thoughts

The quality and presentation of food on modern cruise ships often rival that of upscale onshore restaurants, earning praise from passengers who appreciate the attention to detail and the culinary craftsmanship. The dining experience on these ships is not just about satisfying hunger but also about indulging in gourmet delights that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s the artfully plated sushi, the perfectly seared steaks, or the decadent desserts, the cuisine on modern cruise ships has become an integral part of the overall appeal, making every mealtime a cherished moment of the journey. Ultimately, it’s this combination of culinary diversity and exceptional quality that people love most about the dining options on today’s cruise ships.  These signature dishes reflect the unique culinary experiences that passengers seek on specific cruise lines, adding to the overall allure and enjoyment of their cruise vacations.

FAQ: 27 Best Cruise Food Dishes in 2023

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 27 Best Cruise Food Dishes in 2023

What do people find most exciting about dining on a cruise ship?

People love dining on a cruise ship for its exceptional combination of culinary diversity and quality, coupled with breathtaking ocean views.  The inclusion of stunning vistas through large windows or outdoor seating adds a unique charm, making each meal an immersive and memorable experience. Moreover, the convenience of not having to cook or clean up, the opportunities for social interaction with fellow travelers, and the occasional special dining events or entertainment further enhance the appeal of dining on a cruise ship, making it an integral and cherished aspect of the overall cruise vacation.

What kinds of dining experiences can I expect to find on cruise ship?

Cruise ships offer a diverse array of dining experiences to cater to every palate and preference. Most cruise ships feature formal dining rooms, where you can enjoy elegant multi-course meals in a refined atmosphere. Additionally, casual buffet-style dining venues provide a wide variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specialty restaurants often showcase cuisine from around the world, offering everything from Italian, French, and Japanese to steakhouse and seafood options. Some cruises even feature themed dining nights, like Mexican fiestas or BBQ extravaganzas. For a more intimate experience, room service is usually available 24/7. Dietary restrictions are typically accommodated, and many cruise lines now focus on farm-to-table and regional cuisine, ensuring a rich and satisfying culinary journey during your cruise vacation.

Which cruise line offers the best dining experience for foodies?

Determining the cruise line that offers the absolute best dining experience for foodies can be subjective and dependent on individual tastes and preferences. However, several cruise lines are renowned for their exceptional culinary offerings. Celebrity Cruises, for instance, is often praised for its innovative cuisine and partnerships with renowned chefs. Viking Ocean Cruises is known for its commitment to fine dining and a focus on destination-inspired menus. Oceania Cruises is celebrated for its gourmet cuisine and extensive wine lists. On the luxury end, Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are esteemed for their all-inclusive fine dining experiences. Ultimately, the best cruise line for foodies may vary based on factors like the specific itinerary, the type of cuisine you prefer, and your overall cruise expectations.

13 Best Foodie Cruises For Every Budget (RANKED)

When it comes to sampling the world’s sweetest and most savory specialties, there’s really no better method than by cruise. Cruising continues to rise in popularity, and that means that there are ever more options when it comes to crafting the perfect vacation. Mainstream cruise lines offer a dizzying array of activities, amenities, and itineraries, while luxury lines keep things refined, elegant, and innovative. Cruise dining is no exception! For the curious epicures among us, we’ve put together the definitive ranking of the best cruise lines for foodies for every budget - be it affordable cruises, premium cruises, or luxury cruises.

We stand by our list, but we’re not looking to make (too many) waves - leave a comment for us if you have an opinion on our ranking. Who knows? We just might be swayed.

Best Mainstream Foodie Cruises

Best premium foodie cruises, best luxury foodie cruises, check out these articles for more information on cruise dining:.

Mainstream cruise lines tend to have larger ships (carrying a capacity of around 2,500 to 5,000 passengers), cheaper cruise prices, and action-packed activity and entertainment programs. Most also boast a cornucopia of dining options, from poolside grills to 24-hour buffets to room service to upscale specialty restaurants. These cruise lines cater to families, budget cruisers, large groups, and younger cruisers, and are bright, colorful, boisterous, and vibrant cities at sea. 

These cruise lines offer some of the best value cruises on the market, but foodies should be aware that many specialty restaurants and the accompanying beers, wines, cocktails, and spirits cost extra, and could add a significant amount to the final tab. If you’re sailing with one of these cruise lines, check out their available drinks packages or specialty dining packages in advance to save yourself some serious sticker shock later on.

Now, let’s get into the rankings. In the spirit of fun, we’re saving the best for last.

7. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival gets a bad rep among some cruise connoisseurs for being a budget option specializing in quantity over quality, but we’ve found it’s undeserved. In fact, when it comes to cheap cruises for foodies, Carnival is actually one of the best options. With bargain fares and varied cruise destinations and itineraries, Carnival opens up the world to foodies to explore in comfort and style. Combine that with the cruise line’s excellent Chef’s Table program - particularly worth a tour on Carnival Vista - and you have a superb selection for foodies looking for budget cruises. 

Where to eat onboard: Guy’s Burger Joint is a prime example of how to do mouthwatering burgers the right way. Honorable mentions go to the fish tacos at Blue Iguana and the more upscale dining with a bold design style at Fahrenheit 555.

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6. Disney Cruise Line

The ultimate family cruise line offers larger-than-life entertainment and exclusive access to your favorite Disney characters, including Star Wars and Marvel heroes. Disney cruises excel at offering pitch-perfect family-friendly entertainment in all aspects of the cruise experience, from over the top main dining room spectacles to the more tasteful nods to Disney franchises in the grown-up dining venues and bars. For foodies, Disney excels in the modern menus offered at some of the specialty restaurants, though you will have to pay extra to eat there.

Where to eat onboard: Remy, Disney Cruises’ Ratatouille-inspired French specialty restaurant goes all out with the fine dining experience, offering seven-course meals and wine pairing, and some of the best fish dishes on the sea. Palo, the line’s Italian specialty restaurant, also deserves a nod thanks to its superb lobster ravioli. Both restaurants cost extra, so plan accordingly.

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5. Princess Cruises

Princess excels in a few different culinary areas, and each warrant a mention. First, it’s one of few cruise lines that offers mixed-style main dining meal times, at least on Regal Princess . The Symphony dining room sticks to set dining times, while the Allegro and Concerto dining rooms take a more laissez-faire approach, letting guests come and eat when they’re hungry. 

Next, Princess Cruises also boasts one of the best pizzerias at sea, Alfredo’s, which serves up authentic, hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizzas loaded with fresh and funky toppings. The best part? You can indulge on these thin-crust pies for free.

Speaking of free, the cruise buffet onboard, Horizon Bistro, puts other buffets to shame with its made-to-order omelets, sandwiches, and locavore dinners. Of course, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, you can always splurge on a flight of Norman Love chocolates and carefully selected wines.

Where to eat onboard: Honestly, foodies could easily save their onboard credit for shopping, entertainment, or other activities and stick to the free dining in the main dining rooms, casual eateries like Alfredo’s, and the Horizon Bistro buffet and still come away feeling full and happy.

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4. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian ’s focus on “freestyle cruising” definitely extends to the line’s approach to dining. NCL nixed the set meal times and dress code that gave cruising its stuffy reputation, and replaced it with a veritable smorgasbord of complimentary and specialty restaurants onboard. Some of the best food on the cruise can be found at Geoffrey Zakarian’s upscale seafood restaurant Ocean Blue, though homegrown foodies may gravitate more toward Jimmy Buffett’s unflappably cool Margaritaville at Sea. 

Zakarian isn’t the only chef to partner with NCL, and if you’re craving some modern Mexican fare, the creations by Iron Chef Jose Garces are guaranteed to please. Head to Bayamo for sophisticated Cuban dishes, or Pincho Tapas Bar for something a bit more continental. 

Where to eat onboard: While Norwegian’s free-wheeling cruise approach is a great way to unwind and stay spontaneous, true foodies should buckle down and make reservations for the line’s specialty restaurants for the full experience. We recommend Ocean Blue and Cagney’s Steakhouse for surf and turf, respectively.

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3. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean cruises consistently wow foodies with the sheer quantity of available dining options onboard. After all, Royal Caribbean currently boasts the largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas , which clocks in at a max capacity of 6,680 passengers. However, this cruise line doesn’t just impress with the quantity of shipside dining; the quality of its restaurants is also worth writing home about. 

Imaginative bars and restaurants include the bionic bar where robots mix your cocktails, and Wonderland, which serves up experimental cuisine. Foodies with a sweet tooth can satisfy their dessert cravings at the oft-lauded Cupcake Cupboard, which plies hungry cruisers with extra-large cupcakes piled high with indulgent frosting. Or head to Ben and Jerry’s for some of the best ice cream to be found at sea. 

Where to eat onboard: If we’re being honest, Michael’s Genuine Pub and Jamie’s Italian (designed by chefs Michael Schwartz and Jamie Oliver, respectively) are high on our list of places to return to, thanks to authentic grub, sophisticated decor, and an impressive variety of beer on tap.

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2. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity ’s focus on pampering passengers effortlessly extends to its epicurean delights. The focus on high-quality dining to fit every price point, from main dining room to buffet to delectable specialty spots, earns this cruise line a particularly high ranking in our book. Most ships boast dozens of dining venues onboard, with Celebrity Edge maxing out at a whopping 29 onboard eateries. 

One of the most innovative additions to the line was Le Petit Chef, a collaboration with TableMotion Studios that features a 3D animation of a tiny chef preparing your plate for you just in time for it to be served. Perfect for Instagram aficionados and kids alike!

Where to eat onboard: We’d be remiss not to mention Celebrity’s fantastical small-plate specialty restaurant Qsine, which is equipped with iPad menus, puzzle box desserts, and sushi lollipops. Hands-on foodies will also love the real-grass Lawn Club Grill, where guests can sear their own steak in an alfresco park paradise.

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1. Holland America Line

Coming in first place is the créme de la créme of affordable foodie cruises, Holland America Line . What makes this the best cruise line for food? We’re so glad you asked. From immersive food-themed cruises to impeccable onboard Chef’s Tables, from partnerships with “MasterChef” and “MasterChef Junior” to cooking demonstrations led by celebrity chefs, HAL delivers the full foodie cruise experience with panache. 

Holland America excels precisely because it allows passengers to get in on the action, whether in a cooking class, mixologist course, wine-blending master class, or market tour. HAL also does a great job accommodating cruisers with dietary restrictions, which definitely earns it some extra bonus points.

Where to eat onboard: The reservation-only Pinnacle Grill is the place to eat, particularly on one of the line’s Food & Wine Aficionado cruises, which precede an intimate dinner with in-depth cooking and cocktail-crafting classes with sought-after celeb chefs.

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Fine dining, spacious staterooms, more inclusive fares - what could be better? While mainstream cruises may be the best value option on the cruise market and luxury cruises may be the cream of the crop when it comes to all-inclusive fares, the best premium cruises combine the best parts of both. Premium cruise lines typically offer smaller, more intimate cruise ships that focus on providing high-quality service, entertainment, enrichment, and yes, dining. While they do come with a heftier price tag, these cruise lines also include plenty of extras. Some may include a meal in a specialty or a la carte restaurant; some may include an excursion on port days. 

Of course, while bottled water may be included on many premium cruise lines, foodies and oenophiles should be advised that, like mainstream lines, investing in beverage packages in preparation for their premium cruise is a good idea. 

Here are our top two picks for the best premium foodie cruise lines on the market and the accompanying best cruise ship restaurants.

2. Windstar Cruises

Windstar ’s masted ships cut a romantic silhouette, and lend a feeling of timelessness and adventure to every cruise. The sensuous experience of sailing on the teak-deck ships extends to the excitement of the cruise line’s excellent market tours. Windstar makes a point to offer at least one chef-led market tour on every sailing, during which cruisers can explore the locavore life, sample new flavors, and watch vendors’ eyes widen at the massive orders. Windstar’s dedication to providing locally-sourced cuisine onboard also means that the cruise line stimulates local economies and prepares the ingredients you helped pick into mouthwatering dishes. The best part? These tours are totally free.

Where to eat onboard: Splurge on an unforgettable date night for you and your sweetheart at Candles, Windstar’s open-air restaurant that specializes in impeccable wine pairings. Of course, we simply assume that’s in addition to the superb deck barbecue provided by Windstar on every sailing.

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1. Oceania Cruises

Those in the know won’t be surprised by Oceania ’s solid #1 ranking - after all, the cruise line has built quite a reputation for having the best cuisine at sea. Partnering with French chef Jacques Pépin is a great start, and offering cruise fares that include all meals at sea only sweetens the deal. Oceania Marina is undoubtedly one of the best cruise ships for food available, not least of all because of the open seating, anytime dining availability. From the numerous specialty restaurants onboard to Oceania’s partnership with Bon Appetit Magazine, foodie cruisers will soon find themselves spoiled by the food included in the cruise, cooking classes offered on the ship, and spacious suites where 24-hour complimentary room service comes standard. 

Where to eat onboard: You’d be hard-pressed to find a sub-par eatery on an Oceania cruise, but one must-try spot is Jacques, the eponymous French specialty restaurant. It’s not often that you’ll find French fare this fabulous included in the price of your cruise, so make the most of it.

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We promised we’d save the very best for last, and these luxury lines certainly live up to the hype. With smaller ship sizes, higher crew-to-guest ratios, and ultra-inclusive fares (some even including airfare and accommodation before your cruise), these are the best cruises for food money can buy. Luxury foodie cruises offer exclusive access to remote locations all over the world, stylish and sophisticated suites, six-star service, and dining styled by Michelin-starred chefs. 

While these cruise lines are some of the priciest in the industry, they more than make up for it in the exceptional quality of everything onboard. That’s why cruisers who upgrade to luxury lines rarely go back to lower-tier sailings - once you experience the quality of life on these cruises, you’ll be hooked.

Here are our picks for the best of the best luxury foodie cruises.

4. Regent Seven Seas

The most all-inclusive cruise line in the industry, Regent Seven Seas offers some fantastic foodie favorites. Seven Seas Explorer offers cruisers the opportunity to take a class in the state of the art Culinary Arts Kitchen, equipped with 18 stations and tons of expertise. The real draw of this line, however, is the fantastic (and complimentary) restaurants. La Veranda offers a casual dining experience that transforms into a top-notch Italian restaurant for dinner. Chartreuse, the line’s French restaurant, serves up exquisite Parisian plates that are sure to make your mouth water. And Compass Rose offers a variety of styles for picky eaters or indecisive guests.

Where to eat onboard:  Carnivores can’t miss Prime 7, Regent’s elegant steakhouse, which features a 36-ounce porterhouse as the crown jewel of its menu.

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3. Seabourn

This luxury line’s small ship size means stellar service is always just a snap away (figuratively speaking, of course - you shouldn’t actually snap at servers). What’s more, Seabourn  offers intimate and exclusive market tours in select ports with the chef, called Shopping With the Chef, where interested passengers can get an inside glimpse on the market process and even walk away with some scrumptious recipes. Seabourn’s collaboration with Michelin chef Thomas Keller has led to some deliciously revamped American cuisine at The Grill ( Seabourn Ovation ), and the Restaurant 2 also receives consistently high praise. 

Where to eat onboard: Restaurant 2 is a must-try mainstay, where discerning foodies can sample foie gras creme brulee, lobster ravioli, and duck confit. 

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2. Silversea Cruises

While this luxury cruise line’s Relais & Chateaux L’Ecole des Chefs cooking cruises are honestly enough to warrant a solid second place alone, Silversea offers even more. The renowned cooking school at sea is offered on around 10 select sailings a year, with passengers able to partake in knife skill courses, baking lessons, and sauce preparation, as well as market tours and 6-course onboard meals complete with wine pairings. Plus, despite the small size of these intimate ships, there are around six to eight specialty restaurants onboard - all included in the fare. Feel like staying in? Order room service to be butler-served course by course.

Where to eat onboard: Le Champagne’s chic French fare is accompanied by white-glove service, and is a must for francophile foodies.

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1. Crystal Cruises

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony outshine the competition in large part because of the vast variety available to foodies on any Crystal cruise. From onboard beer programs to dedicated sommeliers crafting curated drinking experiences to celebrity chef collaborations with Piero Selvaggio and Nobu Matsuhisa, Crystal does it all. Even the main dining room, Crystal Dining Room, is a mealtime masterpiece, with elegant decor and an innovative and indomitable menu. 

Where to eat onboard: Try the best sushi at sea at the Silk Road and Sushi Bar by Nobu Matsuhisa, which offers raw fish favorites (obviously) as well as pork and Wagyu beef dishes. 

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• Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Ship Dining
• Cruise Ships With the Best Food

How to Plan a Foodie Cruise From Start to Finish

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.

• Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas  in January.
• My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar.
• I've yet to see most of the amenities on my list on other cruise ships.

There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings .

The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting.

But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Take a look at what made the cut.

1. The six-slide waterpark

It wouldn't be a roundup of Icon of the Seas' best amenities without a mention of its waterpark.

Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft.

However, if you don't like the feeling of your stomach dropping, I'd advise skipping the 46-foot-tall drop slide.

2. The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs. As a kid-fearing adult, I loved the grown-ups-only suspended infinity pool.

I spent my time there perched at one of its in-water loungers, contently splashing my legs around the water, wondering if I actually hated cruises.

While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

3. The Crown’s Edge thrill 'ride'

There's no need to grab coffee before harnessing up for the part-zipling, part-agility Crown's Edge course. You'll be jolted awake when the floor drops from beneath your feet, leaving you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before the zipline kicks in.

Unfortunately, it comes with two costs: $49 and a spike of anxiety.

4. The 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Aqua Action!' shows

If you hate cruise shows, Icon of the Seas could make you change your mind.

The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

For something less traditional, the semi-circle AquaDome theater hosts a compelling multi-disciplinary swim, dive, and aerial show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites.

5. The live jazz bar

Ya like jazz? So do I.

Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

6. The customizable Mediterranean-style wrap at the five-stall food hall

The mega-ship's food hall wasn't nearly as diverse or exciting as the one on Norwegian Prima .

But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent.

The Cava -like meal was balanced, succulent, and filling. Ending it with a strawberry nutella crepe from one of the vendors didn't hurt either.

7. The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

Everyone takes a picture inside the Pearl . But few people know that the best part about the glittering structure isn't what's inside it — it's what's behind it: the Pearl Café.

Admittedly, the food wasn't standout.

But it's 2024. In this era, we don't dine for food. We dine for vibes . And the Pearl Café was definitely "serving" (even with its mediocre sandwiches).

At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. It turns out it's a great place to get some work done.

8. The lounging pods that tower above passerbys

Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome.

If you want to feel like you're drinking in a nest atop a tree, bring your coffee-infused cocktail from nearby Rye and Bean to one of the elevated pods. .

Just don't drink too much. What goes up must come down. And to get down from the pods, you'll have to take the stairs.

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Disney cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

One of the best things about a cruise is the food, especially if you're sailing on Disney Cruise Line .

From the oldest Disney ship, Disney Magic , to the newest, Disney Wish , the cruise line has continued to raise the bar when it comes to dining on a cruise ship. One thing that makes Disney cruise dining stand out among its competitors is the line's rotational dining program. Throughout a sailing, guests rotate dinners through three main Disney cruise restaurants, and their service team moves with them.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Along with the three main dining rooms across each ship, each Disney Cruise Line vessel also has an abundance of complimentary casual dining spots, at least one adults-only specialty restaurant and some lounges that offer food at an extra cost. With so many choices across the fleet, it can be confusing to know which restaurants are on which Disney ships.

Our Disney cruise food guide has all you need to know about dining options across the cruise line's fleet, including where to find them and whether they cost extra or are included in your fare. We also answer some of the most popular questions about dining and food on Disney Cruise Line.

Disney's rotational dining restaurants

Enchanted garden.

Included and a la carte; rotational dining; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Imagine stepping into a restaurant that's bright with light from the sun and is inspired by the gardens of Versailles. That's exactly what Enchanted Garden is. The venue is one of the rotational dining restaurants on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream .

Dinner at Enchanted Garden is three courses, with appetizers like lobster ravioli or a curried carrot and apple soup. The sea bass on the entree menu is a favorite of mine and is always cooked to perfection. Polish off the meal with a piece of chocolate torte or a banana sundae.

On every ship fleetwide, sit-down breakfast and lunch are served in one of the rotational dining restaurants daily. Which restaurant hosts breakfast and which hosts lunch varies by itinerary, and they can be the same venue for each meal or different for breakfast and lunch.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The menus are typically set menus and do not change based on the host venue. On disembarkation day, your family will dine in the final restaurant of your set rotation, whether you ate dinner there or not. All breakfast menus on the final morning are the same across the ship's rotational dining options.

For breakfast, try one of the made-to-order omelets or Mickey-shaped waffles, all served by a team of helpful waiters and waitresses. Then, for lunch, menus feature soups, sandwiches, full entrees and desserts over three courses. Breakfast and lunch are both open seating, so you don't have to wait for a certain time or your assigned dinner table to be open to enjoy a meal.

Available on : Disney Fantasy and Dream

Animator's Palate

Disney Cruise Line's signature rotational dining restaurant is Animator's Palate, which can be found on the four oldest Disney ships. On Disney Magic and Disney Wonder , the restaurant is covered in black-and-white sketches of popular Disney and Pixar characters. On Disney's larger ships, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, the space is themed after an animator's studio, complete with maquettes, light boxes and computer workstations.

While enjoying the ambience, you can indulge in a menu filled with Asian and California fusion dishes. One of the most popular, and my favorite dish on the menu, is the black truffle pasta purseittes tossed in a creamy Champagne sauce. For something sweet after dinner, try the creme brulee or opt for a classic Mickey ice cream bar, which can be ordered at any of the rotational dining options fleetwide even though it's not listed on the menu.

Depending on which ship you're on, you have the chance to see three different shows inside Animator's Palate. On Disney Magic (on seven-night sailings or longer) and Disney Fantasy, you can draw your own character and, just before dessert, everyone's drawings are animated and come to life on screens near your seat.

On Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, "Drawn to Magic" shows off characters going from rough sketches to full-color animations. At the end of the show, Sorcerer Mickey stops by to say hello. If you're sailing on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, you'll also be able to join in the fun of "Undersea Magic," where Crush, from the Pixar movie "Finding Nemo," swims through the video screens around the room and stops to have conversations with various diners.

Available on : Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure

Get ready to belt out "Let It Go" for the millionth time at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure . This rotational dining restaurant on Disney Wish highlights Norwegian-inspired dishes. One highlight of the menu is Elsa's Royal Baked Scallops, which is scallops in a tarragon bisque loaded into a crock that's topped with puff pastry and baked to golden brown perfection. If your sweet tooth is as big as Anna and Elsa's, you can indulge in desserts like butter cake, apple cake or a mint chocolate chip sundae.

The dinner experience also includes a mealtime show. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf make their way around the restaurant to meet guests and perform songs from "Frozen" on stage. A highlight is when Elsa's "ice magic" from the movie lights up the dining room through fiber optics in the ceiling. Kids can join in the final celebration and march around the restaurant conga line-style as they wave flags and sing along to "Love is an Open Door" with the dining room service team.

Available on : Disney Wish

Lumiere's

"Beauty and the Beast" fans will love dining in the restaurant named after the candelabra in the film. When you walk into Lumiere's, you'll notice more nods to the animated classic, including glass domes covering red roses and a large mural that shows the iconic ballroom scene from the fan-favorite movie.

This restaurant is part of the rotational dining program on Disney Magic, and a four-course, French-inspired meal is waiting for you. Highlights of the menu include a bacon and mushroom tart, French onion soup, roasted duck breast and creme brulee.

Additionally, breakfast and dinner are served here for those who want a more relaxing meal. Breakfast is fairly basic, with options like made-to-order omelets and pancakes. The lunch menu rotates daily and is a three-course meal.

Available on : Disney Magic

Disney Wish's 1923 is one of the best rotational dining options across Disney Cruise Line. The restaurant is named after the year that The Walt Disney Company was founded and celebrates animation through glass-encased shadow boxes of sketches and maquettes of Disney characters.

The restaurant is divided into two dining rooms named after Walt and his brother Roy, though both serve the same menu, which celebrates California cuisine. My favorite dishes include the seared tuna appetizer, grilled filet entree and the churros with caramel dipping sauce. This is a great spot for a steakhouse date night, too, so if you have kids, drop them off in the kids club and enjoy a meal to yourself without having to pay extra for Palo Steakhouse.

Related: Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey

Located just off the Grand Hall, 1923 also offers a waiter-served breakfast and lunch every sailing day. Menus for both can be seen on the Disney Cruise Line app or by asking a crew member at the restaurant. Be sure to ask for a seat near a window because the views are usually incredible.

Rapunzel's Royal Table

My favorite rotational dining restaurant on Disney Magic is Rapunzel's Royal Table, which is themed after the Disney movie "Tangled." The restaurant features dinner and a show. Enjoy a meal while being entertained by Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, the thugs and ruffians from The Snuggly Duckling and a live band, who are all celebrating Rapunzel's birthday.

Dinner here is one of the best on the ship, with dishes like beef and portobello mushroom ravioli, sea bass with Champagne-truffle vinaigrette, and pesto pasta with seared scallops. Of course, no birthday party is complete without dessert, and the menu is filled with options like creme brulee cheesecake and chocolate cake.

Royal Court

The fine dining option for rotational dining on Disney Fantasy is Royal Court. The restaurant serves a French-inspired menu for dinner with dishes like lobster and shrimp cocktail, wild boar tenderloin and peanut butter mousse — which just happens to be my favorite combination of courses to order here.

The dining room is also open for breakfast and lunch for table service meals in a beautiful atmosphere. The breakfast menu is the standard fare, though do look out for the pastry plate that is walked around by a server and try one of the sweet cinnamon rolls. Lunch is a three-course meal with a rotating menu throughout the cruise.

Available on : Disney Fantasy

Royal Palace

Cruisers looking for a spot to enjoy a meal at a leisurely pace will love Royal Palace. The restaurant is part of Disney's rotational dining service for dinner but is also open for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is a four-course meal inspired by French cuisine with dishes like spinach souffle, rack of lamb and creme brulee.

Breakfast is fairly basic with traditional morning options, but it's always nice to be served rather than fight others at the buffet line. Lunch is a three-course meal where the menu changes daily, so be sure to check the cruise line app for the most up-to-date menus once you board the ship.

Available on : Disney Dream

Tiana's Place

Exclusive to Disney Wonder is Tiana's Place, part of the rotational dining roster on the ship. The restaurant is themed after the Disney animated movie "The Princess and the Frog," with a menu that highlights Creole and Cajun cooking. While enjoying your dinner, you'll also be entertained by a live jazz band playing songs from the movie and other instrumental melodies.

Of course, no dinner at a New Orleans-themed restaurant on a Disney ship is complete without seeing the Bayou princess herself, Tiana. She swings by nightly and gets everyone out of their seats to parade around the restaurant with servers just like a parade through the French Quarter.

Available on : Disney Wonder

Triton's

The last of the rotational dining options on Disney Wonder is Triton's, which is the ship's fine dining option among the rotational dining restaurants. The art deco-style restaurant is themed after "The Little Mermaid," with a mural of Ariel and King Triton, plus a bronze statue of Ariel just outside the restaurant.

Breakfast here is fairly basic but more relaxing than hitting the buffet line. Menu options include omelets, French toast and fruit. The three-course lunch menu is a nice alternative if you're looking for a table-service lunch.

Related: How much does a Disney cruise really cost?

Dinner features French and American fare with dishes like duck confit and escargot for starters, then roasted lamb shank or lobster macaroni and cheese for entrees. One thing not to miss when it's on the menu is the Grand Marnier souffle, which is my favorite dessert across the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Worlds of Marvel

Fans of the Avengers and other Marvel characters will love dining in Worlds of Marvel . The meal starts with your hosts, Ant-Man and the Wasp, explaining what the interactive quantum core on your table is for. Then, throughout the meal, you'll work with Marvel superheroes to save the ship from an impending villain.

The menu at Worlds of Marvel is themed after the different fictional and real locations featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, like Wakanda, New York and Sokovia. Highlights of the menu include a pork belly bao bun, chicken schnitzel and a lamb shawarma salad. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, the ricotta gnocchi with fontina cheese and pesto sauces is a delightful plate.

Extra-fee specialty dining on Disney Cruise Line

Enchante by chef arnaud lallement.

Extra cost; adults-only; brunch, dinner and dessert

Adults looking for a culinary wonderland on Disney Wish will want to make reservations for the French-inspired dining experience, Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement , whose restaurant L'Assiette Champenoise in Reims, France, has three Michelin stars.

For all three meal services — brunch, dinner and dessert — ingredients are sourced from around the world, and no two menus are ever the same. Dinner is a fine dining experience that can take upward of three hours, so you might miss the evening show in the Walt Disney Theater. Schedule your dinner with care if there's a show you don't want to miss.

The Champagne brunch at Enchante is a prix-fixe meal paired with a glass of Champagne, while Just Desserts is a five-course dessert menu served with some of the best coffee on the ship.

Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Pricing for brunch, dinner and dessert starts at $80, $135 and $60, respectively, for a prix-fixe meal. There is also an a la carte menu for brunch and dinner.

Extra cost; adults-only; brunch and dinner

Drop your kids off at the Oceaneer Club or Oceaneer Lab and head to Palo, an adults-only Italian restaurant on four Disney ships. The restaurant is named after the poles used by gondoliers in Venice. Walking into Palo, you'll notice the panoramic windows looking to the ocean that offer spectacular sunset views.

Dinner at the restaurant can be done as an a la carte meal where you pay for each item or a set cost prix-fixe menu for $50. I prefer to do the a la carte menu because it has more options. Plus, most of the dishes are shared among family or friends, so choosing this option makes it so I can try more things. The a la carte menu is also the only way to try the restaurant's iconic potato gnocchi, which is tossed in a fresh basil pesto sauce.

Related: The best $50 you can spend on a Disney cruise

No matter which you choose, be sure to get the signature Palo chocolate souffle with vanilla bean gelato for dessert.

Brunch is a more casual affair than dinner but no less delicious at $50. Brunch at Palo is one of my favorite things to do on Disney Cruise Line, and the meal service is offered on all ships on most sea days. If you don't have a sea day on your itinerary, brunch might be served on a port day. On a recent cruise, I made a reservation for brunch at Palo when the ship was docked in Nassau, Bahamas.

Brunch starts with a glass of prosecco or a mimosa, then your choice of antipasti plates. I suggest taking a few people with you to brunch so you can try a few of the dishes on the menu, though one not to miss is the chicken Parmesan that's served with risotto. Another favorite is the lasagna, which is the perfect size for everyone to get a few bites before moving on to something else. The almond croissants are heavenly. If you eat your first almond croissant in a hurry, just ask your server if they can bring you another one.

Additionally, Platinum- and Pearl-level Castaway Club members get one free dinner at Palo per sailing for everyone sharing their cabin.

Available on : Disney Wonder, Magic, Fantasy and Dream

Palo Steakhouse

While the four older Disney Cruise Line ships have Palo, Disney Wish has a new variation of the popular adults-only restaurant called Palo Steakhouse. The ocean-facing restaurant serves dinner nightly and brunch on most sea days and the occasional port day.

The dinner menu is similar to that of Palo on the other Disney ships, with a prix-fixe dinner starting at $50 and an a la carte option. The a la carte menu emphasizes steaks, with American prime cuts, Australian wagyu and Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef you can pair with one of five sauces. If you ask, you can also get a sauce flight to try all of the options with your steak.

Do not overlook the dessert menu. While the classic chocolate souffle is available, the carrot cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is an exquisite end to a meal.

Brunch, which is also $50, is the same menu across the fleet, so you can get your favorite items here while overlooking the ocean in an elegant setting.

Additionally, Platinum- and Pearl-level Castaway Club members get one free dinner at Palo Steakhouse per sailing to share with everyone in their cabin.

Adults looking for an upscale meal without kids will want to book Remy on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The adults-only French restaurant is themed after the Pixar movie "Ratatouille," and eagle-eyed diners will even spot the little chef made of glass perched in the dining room. The menus here are curated by chef Scott Hunnel from Walt Disney World's Victoria & Albert's and chef Arnaud Lallement.

The dinner service starts with a complimentary Champagne cocktail called "Collette" after the female chef in "Ratatouille." The tasting menu does change seasonally, so no matter when you go, you'll find something new to try. After your meal, a cheese trolley comes around to serve a selection of cheeses from France along with accompaniments. Finish off your meal with coffee and dessert. The prix-fixe menu at Remy is $135, and there's also an a la carte menu.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

On four-night or longer sailings, Remy also offers brunch and a dessert event, which are $80 and $65, respectively. Brunch at Remy is prix fixe with dishes like lobster cannelloni and sea bass, plus a glass of Champagne and a dessert. Those with a sweet tooth will want to try the dessert service where a five-course dessert menu is served with coffee. During the sweet meal, Remy's executive chef and pastry chef will talk about the history of each dessert and how it's made.

Available on : Disney Dream and Fantasy

Olaf's Royal Picnic

Extra cost; character experience

For even more "Frozen" fun on Disney Wish, kids can spend time with their favorite characters from the movie at Olaf's Royal Picnic, an extra-cost lunch and character experience. The event, which isn't a true picnic, takes place inside Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure and features a two-course meal, one savory and one sweet. While enjoying lunch at one of the restaurant tables, kids and their accompanying adults can sing along to "Frozen" songs and meet Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf.

For kids ages 3 to 12, pricing for the event is $220 and includes lunch and a goodie bag filled with gifts like an Olaf hat, a mandolin and a plush troll doll. Adult meals are $69.

Royal Court Royal Tea

Extra cost; character experience; tea party

If your kids love tea parties and Disney princesses, you might want to book one of the Royal Court Royal Tea experiences on a Disney cruise. The tea party is for young cruisers ages 3 to 12, though a parent will have to accompany their children.

During the tea party, kids can choose from a selection of teas and pair their drinks with one sweet and one savory course. A Royal hostess and pastry chef tell stories, dance and sing with the group before welcoming in a few Disney princesses. Each child will receive an assortment of gifts as a keepsake after the event.

Pricing is $220 for kids ages 3 to 12 and $69 for adults. Kids ages 13 to 17 years old who attend with a younger sibling will be charged the adult price.

Available on : Disney Magic, Wonder, Fantasy and Dream

Casual Disney cruise dining options and snacks

Included; buffet; breakfast and lunch

Cabanas is Disney's buffet on its older ships, with 10 food stations in a beach-themed space. For breakfast, you can get everything from eggs and hash browns to Mickey-shaped waffles and fruit. Typically, once per cruise, the buffet will also offer churro Mickey waffles, which are a sweet take on the traditional breakfast dish.

For lunch, you can try out a variety of salads, sandwiches and pizzas. If you're looking for something heartier, try the carving station near the back of the buffet. The classic kids menu options of macaroni and cheese and chicken strips are readily available as well. Be sure to find the towering piles of crab legs and poached shrimp that grace the buffet line as well.

Marceline Market

Marceline Market is named after Walt Disney's hometown of Marceline, Missouri. The food hall-style buffet serves breakfast and lunch.

The casual eatery has a variety of breakfast options, including an omelet station, Asian favorites like congee and fried rice, and a kids station with pancakes and Mickey-shaped waffles. Lunch is a bigger deal here with a carving station, a salad bar, an international station where I've had great Indian food and a dessert bar.

One thing to note about Marceline Market versus Cabanas on the other Disney ships is that at Marceline Market, crew members often fill up your plate for you and then pass it over the glass food guards. This process makes the buffet a little easier and healthier than the self-serve option.

The buffet has both inside and outside seating, so on warm sea days, take your plate outside to enjoy the view of the ship's wake.

Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods

Included; lunch, dinner and snacks

Near Disney Wish's main pool is Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods. This outdoor open-air concept is made up of five smaller quick-service windows dishing out barbecue, pizza, burgers, tacos and ice cream. My favorite is Donald's Cantina, which is a make-your-own Tex-Mex spot with plenty of base, protein and topping options, along with a nearby salsa and hot sauce bar.

One big bonus to this location is that it's open until 6 p.m., so if you don't want to deal with one of the main dining rooms for dinner, you can come here early for a casual meal.

Flo's Cafe

Included; lunch and snacks

If you're out by the pool and in need of a quick lunch or a snack, stop by Flo's Cafe, which is made up of three different "Cars"-themed windows serving cruise classics like burgers, pizza, salad and chicken tenders.

Pinocchio's Pizzeria

Included; casual dining; snacks and lunch

If you're looking for a hot slice of pizza, look no further than Pinocchio's Pizzeria. The menu is small, with only a few pie choices, including cheese, pepperoni and vegetarian. That said, the pizza is always hot and fresh, making this a great poolside snack while watching a movie on the funnel TV.

Available on : Disney Wonder and Magic

Pete's Broiler Bites

Included; casual dining; lunch, dinner and snacks

If Cabanas is too busy or you just want a quick meal, head to Pete's Broiler Bites. The outdoor grill has a menu filled with American classics like burgers, hot dogs, brats and chicken tenders, all of which can be served with crispy fries. This is a hot spot on sea days for quick snacks and meals at lunchtime, so go during off times for a shorter wait.

Daisy's De-Lites

Included; casual dining; snacks

You'll find Daisy's De-Lites near the pool on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The casual counter-service spot has a nice selection of salads, sandwiches, wraps and fruit. I like to grab a wrap and some fruit to take with me to watch a movie on the funnel or in the cinemas on the ship.

Duck-In Diner

Outside on the pool deck of Disney Magic, Duck-In Diner dishes out lunch and snacks to hungry cruisers. The menu here is a fun mix of American favorites like burgers and dogs, plus Middle Eastern-inspired shawarma wrapped in a warm pita. I love the shawarma because you can see it rotating on a vertical spit right behind the counter and load up your sandwich with your favorite toppings.

Eye Scream Treats

Included; snacks

One of my favorite things about a cruise is the unlimited soft serve ice cream. At Eye Scream Treats, you can get as many ice cream cones or cups as you want throughout your sailing. The flavors do change daily, so check out what's mixing in the machines each day.

Extra-fee snacks

Extra cost; snacks

Just outside the Walt Disney Theater is a snack bar where you can get candy, popcorn and drinks before a show or movie. Before you even get to Preludes, you will smell the freshly popped popcorn, which can be served in a souvenir popcorn bucket. If you bring your bucket back to Preludes, you can enjoy discounted popcorn refills throughout your cruise. Buckets that are brought on board from other cruises or from a Disney Park are not available for refills at the discounted price.

Available : Fleetwide

Frozone Treats

While most food and snacks on Disney Cruise Line are included, some options are not, including Frozone Treats. This small snack stand whips up poolside smoothies for an extra cost that can be charged to your onboard bill.

Available on : Disney Magic, Fantasy and Dream

Sweet on You

Sweet on You is the adorable ice cream shop on Disney Fantasy. The snack shop has a variety of ice cream and gelatos that can be paired with 32 different toppings. There's also a whole case of baked goods, including cookies and cupcakes, and confections like truffles and candy. Each of the treats is an additional cost that can be charged to your cabin with your room key.

Senses Juice Bar

After a hard workout or time in the steam room, nothing is more refreshing than a fresh juice or smoothie. At Senses Juice Bar, you can get blended drinks made with fruit and veggies, then take them over to a small cafe table to look out onto the ocean or port of call while you enjoy your drink.

Vanellope's Sweets & Treats

Get a sugar rush at Vanellope's Sweets & Treats, which is themed after the movie "Wreck-It Ralph." The extra-cost snack shop has everything from gelato in crispy waffle cones to baked goodies and candy.

Inside Out: Joyful Sweets

Even though there are plenty of snacks and sweets available as part of your cruise fare, you might want to pop into Inside Out: Joyful Sweets to treat yourself to a sugary splurge. The sweet shop is where you can find hand-scooped gelato and ice cream in a variety of flavors. The shop is also known for its "Memory Orbs" cupcakes that pay tribute to the main characters in the Pixar movie "Inside Out."

Wheezy's Freezies

Wheezy's Freezies is the onboard smoothie shop on Disney Wish. Indulge in fruity drinks for an extra fee.

Room Service

Included and a la carte; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Unlike many other cruise lines that charge for room service, Disney Cruise Line still includes room service in its fares. In the morning, continental breakfast offerings can be delivered to your room from 7 to 10 a.m. To get breakfast, you will need to fill out one of the request cards in your room and leave it hanging on the door the night before your meal. Alternatively, you can call room service from your cabin phone to order in the morning.

For lunch and dinner, the menu is filled with sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts. If there are chicken wings listed on the menu, I implore you to get them. I always get an order after a day at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island, and the wings consistently arrive hot and crispy.

Don't forget that you can order Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bars from room service even though the sweet treat is not on the menu. I love ordering one of these on a sea day to enjoy while taking in the view of the ocean from the balcony of my room.

Frequently asked Disney Cruise Line questions

How does rotational dining work?

You will be assigned a rotational dining restaurant for each night of your cruise. You will move through all three main dining rooms throughout your cruise and more than once on sailings longer than three nights. Your service team will move with you, and your table number will remain the same each night. At booking, you will select either main dining (5:45 p.m.) or late dining (8:15 p.m.) for your dining time. Your selected time will always be the opposite of the time you are slated to see the show inside the Walt Disney Theater.

Do I need reservations for specialty restaurants?

Yes, reservations are highlight recommended for all of the adults-only specialty restaurants fleetwide. Reservations can be made online as early as 123 days prior to your embarkation day, depending on your level within Disney's loyalty program called Castaway Club.

It's best to make reservations as early as possible so you know you have a guaranteed table at the time slot that you want. Some reservations for Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy and Enchante might be available to book once you're on board, but it's not guaranteed.

What drinks are included with my cruise fare?

Most drinks are included with your overall Disney cruise cost. These include drip coffee, juice, soda from soda machines, tap water, milk, tea and lemonade. The exceptions are alcoholic drinks, canned sodas from bars, bottled water and smoothies, which are purchased individually and charged to your folio.

Related: Disney cruise drink packages: How to save on beer, wine, cocktails and coffee

Bottom line

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of dining options to please everyone from picky kids to epicurean adults. With treats like unlimited ice cream available near the pool, chicken tenders and fries to munch on while watching a movie and build-your-own taco bowls available on various ships, you'll always find something tasty.

Families enjoy rotational dining because they can try out different restaurants each night while sticking with the waiters who quickly get to know everyone and learn their preferences. Adults will find that the restaurants reserved just for them dish out some of the best meals on the ship in an inviting atmosphere.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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A far cry from the buffets of old: Cruises are catering to foodies

“I’m changing the menu for tomorrow,” Joseph Kalynuik, executive chef of Windstar Star Legend, said as we walked through the Mercato delle Vettovaglie in Livorno, Italy. “I’m looking for local charcuterie, cheeses, truffles, lavender, limoncello. Look at all this!”

We were on the “Market Tour with the Chef,” a popular excursion offered on Windstar cruises. The market is beautiful, located in an historic 19th-century building, designed by the Italian architect Angiolo Badaloni, and modeled after Les Halles, the central market in Paris.

But this was more than a look-see through the historic 1894 market. Chef Kalynuik was on a buying mission, looking for the best local ingredients to include in the ship’s restaurant dishes.

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“Va bene!,” a cheese vendor said to our small group, offering us slivers of pecorino sardo al tartufo. It was aged, firm and salty, laced with the earthy taste of truffles. Kalynuik bought a kilo of the cheese, along with links of local sausages.

We trailed Kalynuik through the market, tasting and buying along the way: disks of creamy camembert, bags of fresh Meyer lemons, a variety of salumi, marinated peppers, olives and anchovies, truffle chips, and honey.

The next day the fruits of our labor were in full view. Lunch at Veranda, one of the restaurants aboard Star Legend, featured a bountiful charcuterie table, filled with the market finds. Also, on the menu were sausages with peppers and onions, truffle risotto, Bolognese fettuccine flavored with local meats and spices, and a shrimp and crab dish in a limoncello-flavored beurre blanc. Later that evening at Windstar’s Amphora restaurant, we enjoyed a warm camembert appetizer, topped with a lemon-flavored fig jam, drizzled with honey.

“Our guests are keen on trying new and adventurous dishes, predominantly local, authentic foods,” Kalynuik said. “It’s about experiencing the local culture through food.”

We’d joined a recent seven-day Barcelona to Rome Mediterranean cruise aboard Windstar’s Star Legend to check out its updated culinary offerings. Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation , and the official cruise line for the National Health Association. On our cruise, we not only went to market with Kalynuik, but also joined his cooking class to learn how to make chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent (“Remember to coddle the cream!” Kalynuik advised) and Italian seafood chowder. We had lunch at the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, cookbook author, TV host, and founder of Barbecue University, where we dined on bourbon-brined turkey breast, tender smoked pork shoulder, and burnt ends.

Lunch and dinner menus in the main restaurants included dishes from James Beard-winning chefs, like Annie Pettry’s glazed wild shrimp and Spanish chorizo dish, Paul Berglund’s roasted rack of lamb with preserved green and red tomatoes, Duskie Estes’s prosciutto and watermelon salad, Amy Brandwein’s grilled filet of branzino, and Irene Li’s coconut dashi clam chowder. A James Beard award-winning chef was not aboard our cruise, but Windstar has already hosted 48 James Beard award-winning chefs on board, and will host chefs Omar Anani, Tanya Holland, and Loryn Nalic on upcoming 2024 culinary cruises. They’ll conduct on-board cooking demonstrations, lead market tours, host a special multicourse dinner, and provide multiple recipes to be featured on Windstar’s menus on all its cruises.

“Not only will you get to eat their food — you’ll get to know them,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “You may even learn a few tips and tricks for being a better cook yourself, and you’ll definitely have a richer and deeper travel experience because of it.”

If we were on a gluten-free diet or committed to only healthy eating (sadly, we’re not!), there were plenty of options. Windstar, in partnership with the National Health Association, offers whole foods, plant-based, SOS (salt, oil, and sugar free) and gluten-free appetizers, soups, entrees, and desserts in all its main dining venues.

Windstar showcases what’s happening throughout the cruise industry: an across-the-board effort to upgrade culinary offerings.

“Cruise clients, particularly more seasoned and discerning sailors, are seeking a more personalized experience and elevated culinary excellence, delivered in a more comfortable ‘country club’ atmosphere,” says Elizabeth Cincotta, founder and luxury travel designer of Rising Tide Travel, which specializes in luxury cruises.

Kristin Karst, cofounder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways, agrees, “Delving into regional food and wine specialties has become an important part of how travelers experience a destination,” she says. “A heightened culinary focus enables our guests to develop a deeper and more nuanced appreciation for a country, its history, culture, and people.”

Major cruise lines have responded in a big way to the demands of a more discerning and food-wise clientele. Today, it’s not uncommon for cruise lines to offer celebrity chef tie-ins, cooking classes, local market excursions, specialty restaurants, and a variety of healthy options. For example, Silversea has a new culinary program called S.A.L.T. (sea and land tours), that includes food excursions, cooking classes, chef’s tables, and an evolving restaurant that adapts to each port. Oceania, with celebrity chef Jacques Pepin as its executive culinary director, has a state-of-the-art Culinary Center, offering classes from international master chefs, immersive culinary tours (e.g., an Argentine dinner at a local’s residence, traditional Irish bread making in Belfast, or a Paella workshop in Alicante), and a host of specialty restaurants, including Toscana’s serving authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Red Ginger’s Asian flavors, French country cuisine at Jacques, and the Dom Perignon Experience at La Reserve. Regent Seven Seas has introduced its new Epicurean Perfection programming, including specialty restaurants, special tastings, deck-top regional barbecues, on-shore culinary, wine, and spirits tours, hands-on cooking classes in its state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen, and specially curated Spotlight Voyages designed around specific culinary interests. AmaWaterways, the first river cruise line member of the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, offers at least one wine or culinary-focused excursion on all its itineraries, while others, like Essence of Burgundy & Provence and Taste of Bordeaux, include six tours designed to showcase the culinary experiences in these regions. In 2024, the cruise line will offer more than 70 wine-focused cruises.

Our winter Mediterranean cruise began in Barcelona. But it wasn’t until the final day onboard, docked in Rome, that we were able to snag a seat at Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, touted as one of the world’s youngest Michelin-starred chefs. It’s an intimate, 40-person-or-so restaurant with an open kitchen and warm, inviting vibe. We enjoyed glasses of house-made sangria and plates of Jamón Ibérico, Cantabrian anchovies and marinated olives, poached cod, and romesco pork belly. It was a far cry from the grand ballroom dinners and buffets of old.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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9 Cruise Lines With the Best Food

T aking a cruise vacation transports you to coveted destinations in places around the world. For many people, though, it's all about the culinary experience, especially for those who return time and again to dine at their favorite onboard venues – many of which rival the best restaurants you'll find on land. While most cruise lines still offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style venues, some also feature next-level culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs at the helm, menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, and immersive food and beverage programs.

If you're a foodie looking for the cruise lines with the best food, U.S. News has compiled this list of cruise lines focused on delivering an extraordinary dining experience, based on expert opinion and reviews. We've also highlighted two of the venues on each line that receive accolades for outstanding food and service.

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Luxury cruise lines

Oceania cruises.

Oceania Cruises' culinary program has long been regarded as one of the best of any cruise line – and the company has even trademarked the term "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." Jacques Pépin, the renowned French master chef, has been the executive culinary director since 2003; he has inspired the menus and cuisine on board the line's seven small luxury ships since that time, including the newest vessel, Vista . Oceania is also committed to sourcing the best ingredients from destinations around the world. In addition, the line has a high ratio of culinary staff to guests, and the ship's galleys are outfitted with equipment you'd typically see in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Guests can book exclusive Culinary Discovery Tours on two of the ships, Marina and Riviera . Hone your culinary skills or learn to prepare new types of cuisine at The Culinary Center, found on Marina, Riviera and Vista. You'll also find special wine-tasting and Champagne events in partnership with La Reserve by Wine Spectator. In addition, the line has just announced its first Culinary Masters' Cruise featuring Oceania's two French master chefs aboard Marina in October 2024.

Most of the dining venues are complimentary on Oceania Cruises (except for Privée and La Reserve), and options run the gamut from French and Asian cuisine to Italian fare and steakhouse specialties. There are also new culinary concepts on board Vista – including Ember, which features American classics, as well as Aquamar Kitchen, a venue focused on healthy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Here are two of Oceania's best restaurants:

• Red Ginger: Red Ginger's colorful red and gold interiors, designed with feng shui in mind, draw guests in when they enter the restaurant, but it's the bold Asian flavors that keep them coming back for more. With Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese specialties to choose from, diners will enjoy selections such as caramelized tiger prawns, crispy ginger calamari, red and green curries, and bulgogi rib-eye steak. Red Ginger is available on Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista.
• Toscana: The hearty cuisine inspired by Tuscan and northern Italian flavors at Toscana is served on Versace china that's custom designed for the restaurant. Diners should come with an appetite to enjoy several courses before the main event, including a hot or cold antipasti or soup, a selection of pastas, and a classic version of Caesar salad prepared tableside. Traditional main dish favorites include osso buco alla Milanese, veal scaloppini, lobster fra diavolo and Dover sole. Toscana is available on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera and Vista.

Book an  Oceania Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea is another cruise line known for its culinary excellence. Guests will find a selection of international venues featuring Italian, Asian and French cuisine on board the line's fleet of 12 ships.

S.A.L.T., an immersive dining experience that stands for "Sea and Land Taste," is available on Silver Nova , Silver Moon and Silver Dawn . The S.A.L.T. program was created by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine and three-time James Beard journalism award winner. The innovative program invites guests to experience the destination and local food culture through on-board hands-on activities, including making local recipes in the S.A.L.T. Lab. You can also attend cooking demonstrations and lectures, or book in-depth culinary excursions to working organic farms, Sicilian pasticcerias (where you'll learn how to make pastries) and vineyards in destinations around the world.

The all-inclusive luxury line's restaurant venues are complimentary with the following exceptions: French fine dining restaurant La Dame; the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table experience available on Silver Nova; Seishin Restaurant, which serves Asian fusion dishes on Silver Spirit; and Kaiseki, the Japanese, sushi and teppanyaki venue available on five Silversea ships.

These are two standout dining venues on Silversea:

• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: S.A.L.T. Kitchen's menu changes daily inspired by the destination, but diners will also find a "Voyage" menu that reflects the influences from the overall region of the itinerary. The daily "Terrain" menu in Italy might include dishes likes prawns cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, white wine and parsley or a classic risotto with clams topped with a pan-fried filet of sole. The "Voyage" menu on an Eastern Mediterranean sailing would feature dishes from Greece, Croatia and Italy. The immersive dining experience is available on Silver Ray, Moon, Dawn and Nova.
• La Dame: The curated menu at La Dame was created by Silversea's top chefs and is served in an elegant contemporary space with white-glove table service. The cuisine pays homage to classic French gastronomy along with modern techniques and flair. Guests can expect to dine on traditional French dishes such as seared duck foie gras, French onion soup, lobster bisque, Dover sole and souffles for dessert. La Dame is available on all the line's ships, except for Silver Origin.

Find a  Silversea Cruise  on GoToSea.

Explora Journeys

MSC Group's new luxury brand, Explora Journeys, features a top-notch culinary program with a team of international chefs at the helm. Acclaimed chef Franck Garanger, the line's head of culinary, has been recognized as a French master chef since 2008; he has also overseen the culinary programs for both Silversea and Oceania cruises before joining Explora.

According to Garanger, Explora Journeys has one of the highest chef-to-guest ratios and food costs of any cruise line, which is why you'll see offerings like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, ceviche, free range and organic chicken, made-to-order grilled fish, and other freshly prepared items in Emporium Marketplace, Explora's globally inspired all-day dining venue. There's also a large focus on plant-based dishes, wellness and healthy menu selections in venues across the ship.

The first of six 922-guest superyacht-style vessels, Explora I, offers guests a choice of six restaurant venues, including the French-inspired Fil Rouge; Marble & Co. Grill, an elegant European steakhouse; and Med Yacht Club, which features delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Guests will also enjoy boutique international and regional wines; try a glass of Moët & Chandon, Explora's "house" Champagne.

During your "journey," you can also attend cooking classes at the Chef's Kitchen, a private dining and culinary school with lead enrichment chef Jean-Louis Dumonet at the helm. Another world-class chef, Dumonet received the distinction of becoming a French master chef in 1994 and has had a very successful culinary career, including achieving his first Michelin star at age 28.

Explore these standouts in Explora's culinary program:

• Sakura: This beautiful Pan-Asian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The bright and airy design features cherry blossoms suspended from the ceilings and Asian-inspired decor. The authentic dining experience also boasts an open kitchen and a sushi bar with many ingredients sourced from Japan, and the venue has outdoor seating and indoor tables with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Begin your evening with an Asian-inspired cocktail and a starter of crispy duck leg confit, wagyu beef tataki or soft-shell crab tempura. Main dish highlights include a miso black cod fillet, 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef panang and an addictive lobster pad Thai.
• Anthology: The innovative concept at Anthology "is imagined as a unique culinary stage showcasing global cooking talents and cuisines, provenance and rare ingredients along with wines by highly coveted winemakers." The tasting menus are curated by a rotation of top chefs that changes throughout the year. The first chef who opened the new ship, Mauro Uliassi, has a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. The second chef (through April 2024) is Swedish-born Emma Bengtsson, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aquavit in New York. Anthology is the only dining venue on Explora I that comes at an additional cost. There's also an optional wine pairing.

Compare  Explora Journeys  cruises on GoToSea.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas' culinary program, "Epicurean Indulgence," features top-notch dining experiences on board the luxury line's six ships. Guests will also find educational hands-on cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen and Epicurean Explorer tours focused on the wines, spirits and regional foods in destinations around the world. Regents' all-inclusive cruise fares include as many as seven dining venues (depending on the ship), that feature French, Italian, Pan-Asian and steakhouse restaurants as well as 24-hour in-suite room service. You can also enjoy fine wines and spirits in all the restaurants, bar and lounges.

Regent Seven Seas boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, but here are two top options:

• Pacific Rim: The entrance to Pacific Rim is just as impressive as its food with the floor-to-ceiling bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel that sits just outside the venue. Inside, your evening experience in this beautiful zen-like space begins with a signature cocktail and a difficult decision of which Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese or Vietnamese dishes to order for dinner. Begin your meal with a selection of sushi and sashimi, then sample pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For a main dish, don't miss elevated dishes like miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura or aromatic duck.
• Compass Rose: Compass Rose is the largest specialty restaurant on Regent's ships, and you'll find the elegant venue across the fleet. The menu features classic favorites and dishes that are always available, including foie gras, escargot, Alaskan crab salad, black Angus cuts of beef, New Zealand lamb chops and a daily choice of pasta. The additional chef's gourmet menu changes daily. If you prefer lighter fare, choose one of the healthy Serene Spa & Wellness selections. Guests can also customize their dining preferences and order from any of the menus.

Explore  Regent Seven Seas  deals on GoToSea.

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Viking's nine 930-guest and adults-only ocean-going ships offer destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisine and local specialties. In addition, cruisers will find their favorite classic dishes (some with a twist), such as a Norwegian baby shrimp cocktail, beef tenderloin and linguine with clams in The Restaurant, Viking's main dining venue.

Other dining options include an open kitchen and international fare at World Café, which also has a large alfresco dining area called Aquavit Terrace. For more casual fare, head to Mamsen's, a favorite spot for Norwegian specialties, or stop by the Pool Grill, where you'll find made-to-order burgers and light bites. All of these venues – plus two specialty restaurants, Manfredi's and The Chef's Table – are included in the cruise fare.

Guests on board Viking's ships are also treated to a daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, a Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled space located next to the main pool. If you're interested in learning more about destination-focused cuisine, reserve a spot in one of the hands-on cooking classes at The Kitchen Table to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes. These special excursions and culinary classes begin with a visit to a local market and end with an evening of cooking (or watching the dinner preparation) – plus multiple courses of food and wine pairings. There is a fee for the class.

The two specialty restaurants provide an exceptional experience with Viking :

• Manfredi's: Plan to make a reservation at Manfredi's, Viking's Italian restaurant. It features an impressive menu of Italian specialties, including dishes with influence from Tuscany and Rome. Start the evening with a selection of antipasti for two and pasta e fagioli or crème of porcini soup. Then, choose between traditional offerings like osso bucco alla Milanese, rosemary parmesan-crusted lamb or the Tuscan favorite dish bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak). There are also wonderful fresh pasta dishes and several types of risotto.
• The Chef's Table: The Chef's Table menu changes several times throughout the cruise, allowing guests to sample a variety of multicourse tasting menus that highlight international and regional specialties. The beautiful venue is perfect for a special evening and a "food journey" where you'll savor a selection of Asian, Norwegian, French or other cuisines paired with wines by the ship's master sommelier.

Book a  Viking Ocean Cruises  itinerary on GoToSea.

Mainstream cruise lines

Holland america line.

Holland America's master chef and creative culinary artist, Rudi Sodamin, has been with the line for around 20 years. He also heads up the Culinary Council, a group of well-known chefs who will be on board for culinary cruises scheduled throughout the year. During these special voyages, guests can attend cooking demonstrations and coffee chats and make reservations for exclusive chef-hosted dinners and events throughout the cruise.

Holland America also has a new initiative with Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef and TV personality Masaharu Morimoto (you'll recognize him from "Iron Chef"). The Global Fresh Fish program affords the line the ability to source more than 80 varieties of fresh fish in destinations around the world. In addition, you'll find certified sustainable Alaskan seafood on the menu during Alaska cruises .

Wine aficionados can look for wine tastings and wine blending sessions on board the ship and excursions to wine regions ashore, some in partnership with Food & Wine magazine. Rudi's Sel De Mer is an excellent choice for a fine dining evening, but the French brasserie-inspired venue is only available on three ships.

Here are two of Holland America's top specialty restaurants:

• Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill, an upscale steakhouse, is a specialty restaurant (with an additional fee) that's available on all of the line's 11 ships. It's a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and features classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, filet mignon, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops. Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Be sure to save room for a twist on a timeless dessert – the not-so-classic baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.
• Tamarind: Tamarind's elegant atmosphere and flavorful Pan-Asian cuisine make this another top pick for Holland American cruisers. The specialty restaurant is available on four ships (for an additional fee) and features dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries. Appetizers include specialties like crispy duck with a steamed bao bun, shrimp tempura and Chinese five-spice baby back ribs. For the main course, choose from several types of curries, sample Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, or feast on wok-seared shrimp and lobster. Plan to come early to Tamarind Bar to enjoy a cocktail such as a saketini while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Find a  Holland America  cruise on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers excellent family-friendly dining options with over-the-top Disney- and movie-themed venues with live character performances and shows. The ships also have upscale adults-only lounges, bars and restaurants that are perfect for a romantic date night. Disney Cruise Line 's unique rotational family dining concept allows guests to experience three different restaurants while having the same dedicated servers every one of those evenings, so the service is personalized throughout your voyage.

Guests on board Disney Wish can dine in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. The "Frozen"-themed evening includes Nordic-inspired dishes, musical performances by the characters and even singalongs for the audience. On Disney Wonder , guests are treated to a night filled with New Orleans-style jazz and street parties plus Southern-influenced fare at Tiana's Place. You can also meet Princess Tiana from Disney's animated feature "The Princess and the Frog."

Other top dining venues on Disney Cruise Line include:

Palo: This adults-only Venetian-inspired venue is an upscale spot ideal for a quiet evening without the kids (who will be very happy to spend time at the onboard kids club). The fine dining experience features northern Italian cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views from nearly every perspective. The specialty restaurant also serves brunch on longer cruises. The prix fixe (or "prezzo fisso") menu includes four courses, or you can opt to choose from the regular menu with a selection of appetizers, salads, pizza, pasta and main dishes that are individually priced. Guests will find Palo on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.

On Disney Wish, there's an updated version of the dining concept, Palo Steakhouse. The modern steakhouse and Italian restaurant – inspired by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from "Beauty and the Beast" – offers cuts of Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as delightful Italian cuisine and spectacular ocean views. Be sure to splurge on a cocktail at The Rose before dinner if you're dining at Palo Steakhouse. Note that meals at Palo and Palo Steakhouse come with an additional charge.

Remy: The exquisite dining experience at Remy is a collaboration between French chef Arnaud Lallement from l'Assiette Champenoise (a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France) and Walt Disney World Resort 's chef Scott Hunnel from the renowned restaurant Victoria & Albert's. Your leisurely evening of fine wines and a tasting menu of French fare begins with a signature Taittinger Champagne cocktail prepared tableside.

Special touches in the "Ratatouille"-inspired venue include Frette linens, Christofle silverware, exclusive Bernadaud china made for Remy, Riedel glassware, tableside international cheese service and decanting stations for wines. A Champagne brunch is served on sea days and select port days. There is an additional charge to dine at the restaurant, which is available on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Explore  Disney Cruise Line  deals on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' creative approach to cruising can be found in nearly every aspect of the line's three ships, including its adults-only vibe and fresh approach to dining. Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room – and there's no onboard buffet or large dining halls. What you will find is more than 20 eateries with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs that are included in the cruise fare. These smaller and more intimate venues include The Galley, a food court-style spot for casual and grab-and-go fare like bento boxes, tacos, salads, sushi, burgers, noodle bowls and desserts.

Meat lovers and vegetarians will love the veggie-forward dishes and indulgent pork or chicken specialties at boldly designed Razzle Dazzle. At Extra Virgin, sample trattoria-style Italian fare like crispy artichokes, seafood pasta, grilled Mediterranean sea bass and a special tableside preparation of affogato for dessert. For a Korean barbecue experience, head over to Gunbae, a fun spot where your evening begins with a shot of soju – Korea's national drink and the best-selling liquor in the world. The Wake is the largest venue on board and the closest restaurant to a main dining room; it sits at the back of the ship and features a raw bar in addition to a selection of steaks and seafood (some offerings come with an upcharge).

There are many excellent options for dinner, but these are two cruiser-favorite venues:

• The Test Kitchen: Inspired by Auguste Escoffier's "Ma Cuisine," The Test Kitchen is a favorite spot for its laboratory-like eatery and cooking school. The interior decor features metal furniture, beakers and test tubes to get diners in the mood for the exploratory culinary evening. Menus at this innovative venue are presented as a list of ingredients, and guests get to watch the chef combine the selected ingredients of the day for the six-course tasting menu. The upscale experience takes about 2.5 hours. Wine, beer or cocktail pairings come at an additional fee.
• Pink Agave: Virgin's stylish Mexican dining venue, Pink Agave, was inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico City – and the restaurant features what the line calls the most extensive selection of mezcal and tequila at sea. The menu offerings include small, medium and large plates plus desserts. To begin the evening, order a few small bites to share, including esquites (a grilled corn dish) and aguachile, which is a ceviche made with raw tuna, avocado and jicama. Then, for the main course, choose between options like roasted duck or chicken, achiote marinated pork, or a vegetarian stuffed poblano pepper.

Compare  Virgin Voyages  cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's selection and quality of restaurant venues – and attentive service – have made the line a favorite for food-focused cruisers for many years. If you're sailing on one of the Celebrity Edge-class ships ( Ascent , Beyond , Apex or Edge ), you'll have up to 32 restaurants to choose from with globally inspired menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher.

You can also look for special culinary cruises and onboard events designed in partnership with renowned Michelin-star French chef Daniel Boulud, the line's global culinary brand ambassador. Some of the onboard programs include wine-blending classes, whiskey and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and food and wine pairing workshops.

With so many complimentary dining and specialty options on Celebrity ships (making it hard to choose where to dine), here are two of the unique experiences not to be missed:

• Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud: Daniel Boulud's first signature restaurant at sea is inspired by the chef's global travels. The interior of the specialty restaurant, designed by the Parisian architect-design team of Jouin Manku, is as much of an experience as the meal with its intimate decor and banquette seating. Guests can choose between a standard dinner menu, a regular five-course tasting menu or a plant-based tasting menu. Le Voyage is available on the new Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond and costs an additional fee.
• Le Petit Chef: The innovative and fantastical 3D dining experience at Le Petit Chef is one of the most unique ways to spend an evening at sea. The immersive meal, which is either served in the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, will delight cruisers of all ages, especially younger children. The tiny, animated chef (think about the size of your hand) entertains guests while preparing each dish. You may see him firing up a grill to sear a steak, picking fresh vegetables from a garden or even going on a fishing adventure in search of lobster. After each dish is prepared by "the chef," waiters will arrive with the actual dish. The 1.5-hour-long experience is an additional cost.

Explore  Celebrity Cruises  deals on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

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• The Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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