10 Things NOT to Do at the Cruise Ship Buffet

[@LifeWellCruised]

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[@Desman228]

Good evening. I am going on a cruise July 2nd. What's the earliest I can board to avoid the crowds

[@firststateelder8521]

Children at the buffet, unsupervised

[@nealjones84]

​@Desman228 l the cruise line provide everyone with a boarding time

[@Desman228]

@nealjones84 thanks much 🙏

[@litabilotti7169]

Is it ok to take a plate of food to your cabin?

[@mritchywrath]

Kinda bummed that some people have to be reminded not to dip their fingers in communal sauce bowls :(

[@axsheldon]

Ewww!!

[@daphnehinds5581]

Sad but true!

[@mexicanbeachbumtv]

nasty people

[@peterbechard1900]

Best advice - Don’t cruise on the Wa Mart😮of cruise lines. Come on, we all know who they are. 😀

[@PsychGirlRaven]

😂 but are you surprised? I mean we saw the nastiness during Covid!

[@julieDJTFP]

I appreciate the ships that have added the hand washing stations. Antibac doesn't cut it because it can't get solids off your hands.

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

Yes...solid 💩

[@sarahann530]

Why do you have solids on your hands . Did you not learn to wash your hands before you leave the bathroom !

[@marybaure8440]

I go to the buffet several times during a cruise, but usually eat in the MDR if available. I wish all cruise lines would go to having servers dish up the food. That would help with contamination. Especially an ice cream machine, that we had on Carnival. It was always a mess and the children were just always helping themselves and dropping ice cream on the floor and all over the machine. Not all parents watch their children at the buffet and they tend to touch everything!

[@mexicanbeachbumtv]

nasty kids, actually bad parenting

[@franklindixon9774]

Whenever I attend a buffet, I always walk the entire buffet before choosing a dish. That way I know I won’t overeat because I missed something

[@lovecruisin6457]

I watched a lady taste a soup with the serving ladle and put the ladle back in the soup. I couldn’t help it, I said to her, “really, eating out of the ladle?” She glared at me and walked off. There was a man standing next to me who saw the whole thing also, so I asked him to keep people away from the soup while I grabbed a staff member. The crew member pulled the soup and ladle. It was a shame because it was almost full. I have not eaten in a buffet since then - that was 12 years ago.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Uggh good thing you mentioned to a crew member

[@lynhanna917]

I live in a small town where church women do the food for funerals. That cured me of ever eating pot lucks or sandwich plates when you see people putting together food plates and licking their fingers whendoing it or the knife! Spread the filling and licked the knife before cutting the bread.

[@lovecruisin6457]

@@lynhanna917 Yuck! I am with you there - I don’t even eat out much because I worked in a restaurant and saw what happened a to the food!

[@wallymcallister5831]

I always go to the pool side grill and have a cheeseburger, fries and a Diet Coke. It is a tradition.

[@247458]

Enjoy your videos! Do you know what ship is being shown in this video at the buffet? Its so open and beautiful. Just curious! Thankyou!

[@furrysfunnies]

step one-stop at the bar on your way and get your drink, then claim a table. step two...do a lap and scout out what's there and where it is located! ( it was day 8 of a 10 day cruise before I located the waffles!) step three-pick the cold stuff first, take full plate back to table, now go get the hot stuff. it's a buffet you can go back and get more! so just take a little bit, if you like it you can go get more!

[@kaiwildly3938]

We recently went on a princess cruise and over the years it has been wonderful at the buffet. This time, the food at the buffet was horrible. They've really gone down hill over the years. Golden Corral would be better.

[@TomSchmidt-vu2vi]

Nothing like watching kids eating right off the spoons in the buffet.

[@richardr1627]

Love the buffet … rather than dinning room

[@Next_Cruise_Please]

I would rather the crew serve at the buffet all the time. How clean are all of guests' hands?

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

100% THIS!

[@susandodd3767]

Do not eat items while standing at the buffet, even if you put it on your plate first. It is not a grazing bar. Get your food, get out of the way, go sit down. Use your utensils and serviette/napkin.

[@jeannietarrance9855]

The problem I've seen at the buffet is adults letting very young children be unsupervised. They may spill, be unsanitary, and interrupt the flow of the entire buffet area. I guess this is hand-in-hand with adults not adequately supervising their children on a cruise.

[@MR3DDev]

The problem I've sene on cruises is adults leaving young children unsupervised. Yes that is it.

[@mlbumller]

True at any buffet doesn't matter where it is

[@lisamuhammad5825]

EXACTLY!!!!

[@phillipayoung10]

Same here. New Year's.

[@sftnslkyable]

We only do Disney cruises, and this is a HUGE and I mean HUGE issue on their cruises. Heaven forbid if a cast member corrects their behavior,... the "parents" jump down their throat. How about you, parent your child? Is that so incredibly hard??

[@pattymc4726]

Had this experience at the table in the buffet on our last cruise. Hubby and I were at a table for four. Beside the empty seats of our table was another table where four people sat down. There was a short space between the tables. A woman immediately reached over and took the cutlery from one of the empty seats at our table. She didn’t bother asking if there would be people joining us who would use the cutlery. She didn’t want to have to take five steps to get her own or, God forbid, wait a few minutes for a waiter to bring her some. We found that annoying but ignored it since we knew no one would be using it at our table. It was what she did next that really got under my skin. We had finished our meals and were enjoying a cup of coffee. They had finished eating and the woman stacked all their plates up and reached over and put their dirty dishes on our table. I couldn’t believe my eyes! She didn’t want the dirty dishes under hers nose but was only too happy to put them under ours. Rude, disgusting behaviour. We just got up and left. I wanted to tell her how rude and inappropriate her actions were but I couldn’t be bothered. She had obviously been raised by wolves and if she hadn’t learned proper manners by her age, she wasn’t going to learn anything I had to teach her. I hope she is reading this post and blushing.

[@kriscampbell2327]

Wow. I've never been on a cruise. Going on a cruise is on my bucket list. But that would really annoy me, the moving of their dirty dishes to the table I would be sitting at. I doubt I would have had the calmness that you had to not say anything. I am impressed that you walked away without yelling at them. In fact that is one of the things that keeps me from going on a cruise, I am afraid I will get irritated with people in such close quarters.

[@fluffytail6355]

Those people are NEVER self-aware. If they were, they wouldn’t do this to begin with.

[@boboconnor9062]

I would have immediately put the dirty dishes back on their table.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Oh my!! 😬

[@pattymc4726]

@@kriscampbell2327 The ships are big enough that you can always move on when someone annoys you. I admit that I’m very easily annoyed. It’s a character fault I’m not proud of. I’m most bothered by by people who speak louder than they have to. My husband and I are quiet and we do our best not to share our conversations with others. We don’t mind moving somewhere else and sometimes go to our cabin if we can’t find a peaceful and quiet spot. It stands to reason that if you are sharing a space with a couple thousand people that you will, at some point, encounter someone who rubs you the wrong way. Don’t let that stop you from cruising though. It happens on land too so you might as well enjoy being pampered and having wonderful views from a ship. You won’t regret it.

[@suewolf3279]

We do eat at the buffet. Not every meal but some meals.. The one thing we do is we walk the entire Buffet before we even pick up our plate. Looking everything over before you start adding food items to your plate is the best way to know ahead of time what you would like to eat and or try.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Agree

[@balderasvivian]

Yes look first so that you don’t get something you don’t want and waste it cause you saw something else as your getting your last item on your plate to only leave food on your plate to get something else you saw. Let’s be thankful to God and not waste what he has given us. It’s a blessing to be able to be where we go.

[@thomaslarson459]

When I was on Norwegian Jewel in May, each lunch at the buffet seemed to have a theme. One day it was Asian food, then the next it was German. I thought it was kinda neat. That black forest cake was to die for.

[@yvonnemcnaughton455]

Totally agree checking out the buffet options before starting a plate. When trying a dish new to me I only get a small amount, sometimes just a tablespoon! I really don't like to waste food.

[@ritafreeman3252]

Exactly what I do🇦🇺

[@carmenwheatley7316]

That wasn’t easy to do when I went. You just have to get in line and wait for the line to move. Unless you are going to invade other peoples personal space to look over their shoulder. Just grab a bite of everything and go back for what you liked the best.

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

Yes !! Agree

[@maggiesatterfield2402]

I harken back to my mother's policy at table. Try 1 small spoonful of each item available then ask for more of your favorites. Mother did this to broaden our taste palates ...and to remind us to not waste what others would love to have but can't afford.

[@barbaralazier8352]

On my latest cruise I saw a passenger dip his finger into a sauce to see how it tasted. Gross! He then carried on down the line. I told a nearby server who immediately removed the sauce. Since our cruise had Covid spreading after the second day ship’s wait staff began to serve all of us with the utensils being out of touch for us to use. I felt so much better. 😊

[@kathya22]

I wish all ships would serve the food in the buffet because some people are gross 🤢

[@catfishdog]

Whoa.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@kathya22 agreed! Catching a cold or worse on vacation is a miserable experience and people have proven over and over again how uncouth they can be.

[@ecas13]

I'm a big fan of grabbing food (especially breakfast) at the buffet and then taking it back to my room to enjoy it on the balcony. As long as it isn't a SUPER windy day, it's a wonderful way to enjoy your breakfast with a view and no need to endlessly search for a table, plus you can have a peaceful conversation or sit in silence to start your day.

[@jacquelinegrayden4706]

I would have placed those plates back on her table

[@turboboost99]

@@jacquelinegrayden4706 And I would have added my own dirty dishes to the stack as well.

[@StandardGoose]

I enjoy taking a midnight dessert back to my cabin.

[@shannonferguson4810]

I love this idea!

[@YTcommieD]

I would definitely do that. 👍

[@chezellis]

The one place where the buffet outshines all the other dining venues is the made to order omelet station at breakfast. I like mine to be piping hot and sometimes the MDR or even the suite restaurant, the omelet sits a bit before being served and gets lukewarm. There's nothing better to start a day than a piping hot omelet made right there for you in the buffet.

[@barryhuizing2804]

Absolutely you are totally right!

[@LifeWellCruised]

So true 👏

[@Lisa-je5bb]

Waffle bar too

[@emmellcee]

Absolutely yes

[@richardfortner1251]

We also enjoy the fresh made omelettes. But one thing really grinded my gears on the last cruise. Groups would send one or two people to omelette line, while the others ravaged the buffett of suasages or bacon. The people in the omelette line would then order two or three omelettes, stopping the process for ten minutes. EAch time the chef apologized fot the delay he had no control over. If you want an omelette, get in line like others!

[@retiredinnameonly8429]

I love to go up early. grab my coffee and perhaps some pastries and sit on my balcony as the sun comes up.

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

@retiredinnameonly8429 I like to do the same thing, but in reverse. Enjoy a nice glass of wine on my balcony,🍷and watch the sun set. Then back out to a show or to The Club. The only time I 'd see the sun rise is if I stayed up all night in the casino.😂 Our differences are what make the world go round! Happy Sailing.🐳🛳 🌊

[@KanaTron]

My Mom and I were alone, two empty chairs.. we noticed a lady looking for a seat. We offered her one of ours. She was a solo cruiser from Indiana. Turns out, she was also staying across the hall from our stateroom. It was nice getting to know other passengers. She was super friendly. Funny thing, I don't think we saw her (again) but maybe once.

[@bugwar5545]

Nice story.

[@user-yj3ob9kd3l]

That's nice. I do the same thing. Also, as a solo cruiser, if I have a plate of food, I'm not going to spend much time looking for a seat if I see a larger table with empties. I don't hesitate to ask if a seat is occupied.

[@dorothysekellick612]

Important to stay in touch with people you hit it off with, these days that’s rare. Meeting people on cruises is one of the best parts, you don’t get opportunities like that at a resorts.

[@carolschedler3832]

Was vacationing in Mexico. Saw an elderly couple searching for shade. Invited them to sit under our umbrella as there were two extra lounges. They were ridiculously grateful to find a place out of the sun. In chatting, we discovered that he was a retired doctor/professor at a huge hospital near home. I was scheduled for a first visit with a specialist who had trained under him. He gave me his name and told me to use his name to say Dr So&So said to say hello. I was treated especially well by the specialist!! who knew it would end up to be my blessing! ♥️

[@YTcommieD]

She was _Rose_ from Titanic I'm just kidding 😅

[@christianoliver3572]

Yes check out the options. Take a 'lap' around the buffet before you decide. Please don't bring used or dirty plates to the buffet to put more food on. People do this for a good reason as they think it'll be one less plate someone has to wash but it's not good to do.

[@misryluvsco8169]

I love your videos because you have the nicest, most positive attitude about everything.

[@revlulu]

You also give positive alternatives to the “not so fresh or tasty” dishes. Thanks!

[@barbarashuster9029]

Our two cruises last year were both crew served buffet! Loved it and you didn't hear about any norovirus then either.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I love that too…

[@nancyruckman5875]

What cruise lines?

[@barbarashuster9029]

@@nancyruckman5875 Princess and HAL

[@nancyruckman5875]

@@barbarashuster9029 Wonderful! Leaving on a Princess cruise in 3 weeks. I hope they are still doing that!

[@bigale8668732]

I always tell any first time Cruisers to watch as many videos Llana has made that they can. She has helped me many times with her advice.

[@loannealford1113]

I never understood why people pile their food at a buffet. You can go back as many times as you want .

[@Piusplac]

I guess we all know the answer but I gave up to believe people are still able to learn when they are grown up.

[@lifeisgood8905]

I took me years of cruising to learn to avoid the buffet on embarkation day because it's just pure chaos. It's hard to find seats, long lines to get food, people dragging their carry on suitcases everywhere and running into you or over your feet and they don't know where they are going. These days I only go the main dining room or 24/7 snack bar for lunch.

[@michellescofield]

Your buffet hygiene section should be tagged on to the Muster Drill. I mean, we're talking safety, right? If only everyone would simply follow the guidelines you mentioned, I think we could all have a better time cruising. Thanks!

[@3frenchhens818]

One thing about buffets (and maybe this doesn't apply to cruise lines) is they put the most expensive dishes at the back of the serving area. I do a quick look at that section first. I look from out of the line, then I go back and start the line like a good little passenger -- I know what to save room for! Another thing: I have only one useful hand, so carrying is an issue. You can use a tray that fits your walker. Or use a basket with a flat bottom, it keeps the plates from spilling. You can find collapsible baskets online so it's easier to pack.

[@victoriamcclain910]

Don't fill your water bottle directly from the water dispenser. Use a cup to fill your bottle. You don't want the edge of your bottle where you sip to touch where others will be drinking.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Yes!! I feel like there may need to be a part 2 😬😂

[@myworldmeumundo2633]

I saw that too!

[@casey4602]

I was at a doctor's waiting room when a patient filled their water bottle from the water cooler.🤢🤮

[@bugwar5545]

And of course, run that water through another filter before you drink it. Can't be too careful.

[@bugwar5545]

@@casey4602 Were there many deaths?

[@vincentbakerii4343]

We only eat at the buffet if we have to. The lines and finding a place to sit are sometimes almost impossible. The rude passengers seem to be the ones at the buffet.

[@LifeWellCruised]

It can be difficult

[@thefox47545]

You're scaring me for my first cruise. I love buffets but if it's gonna be a cluster f*** I think I may reconsider.

[@chezellis]

@@thefox47545 It's not always and does highly depend on the other cruisers as to whether things are chaotic or not. If you happen to be on a ship with the Rude Jerks Convention, check for the 24-hour restaurant, which may also have some offerings early for breakfast. Or go at the very start of the buffet hours to avoid the rush.

[@imagewire]

What you say is probably true, but this is Celebrity. A totally different experience.

[@LiftUpNotDown]

@@thefox47545 Seasoned cruisers often have lots of opinions. You’ll be fine in the buffet. Take your time, look at the options first and if it seems busy, have one person in your party hold a table while you get your food and then they can go get theirs. The experience is what you make of it, not what others think.

[@tracylynn4296]

One thing we did on one of my first cruises, we ONLY ate at the buffet which I don't recommend. We had a child that was 18 months with us and we were afraid the more formal dining experiences were going to be too long/much for him. We were also afraid we would ruin others experiences if he started getting cranky. Although the cruise staff loved him (and he was a hit the all the people working in the buffet - seriously, he was the staff's favorite guest), the last meal we did decide to do in the formal setting and he did great. Don't think the buffet is your only option.

[@j.m.7056]

How lovely of you to consider both your child and other passengers!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great point! Especially at the early dining, the staff are great with kids & other passengers don’t mind :)

[@sandranoyd9576]

Ilana, the things not to eat: I would add eggs Benedict In the MDR. I love it, but after getting sick twice on one cruise, I no longer order it. Forgive me for posting on the wrong video, it it just switched so fast! Love your posts.

[@arosenweig]

I enjoy eating at the buffet for breakfast and lunch most days. I especially enjoy the made to order omelettes because the chefs usually do a good job cooking omelets.

[@davis9971]

I agree about checking both sides of the buffet. On a recent Viking Ocean cruise, we found many differences between the different sides of the buffet. I love sushi and it was only offered on one side of the buffet, so I missed out on it the first two times that I ate at the buffet.

[@LifeWellCruised]

So true!! Thanks for sharing that specific cruise line tip

[@patrick8128]

@@LifeWellCruised 🤨

[@willianbrennan414]

I am handicapped and I don't like it when people take the reserved handicapped seating that are not handicapped I hate it the same thing happens on land with people taking the parking spaces

[@RobertLocke-hn8vt]

I always walk the entire buffet lay out. Then I plan my attack.

[@lisetravis]

This is the way!

[@randyo6019]

Great tips and advice as always. I always put small portions on my plate to finish and go back for more later. I hate wasting food especially since others are going hungry. Got back from Vegas not too long ago and gave away my leftovers to the homeless.

[@WildBikerBill]

My parents grew up during the Great Depression. Growing up, throwing away food was unthinkable. One of the house rules was 'take all you want, but eat all you take, and you can always go back for seconds if you're still hungry'. I remember as an adult learning to do BBQ meals for 700+ for an annual church fundraiser. I noted that we assembled the meals versus it being a buffett. I was told people routinely pile high the food, eat what they want, and throw the remaining half away. That's a lot of money in the trash. And then people wonder why meals are so expensive - they just can not figure it out!

[@michellequinn2160]

You took food items away from Las Vegas and brought to your home state to feed homeless? There’s all kind of safety wrongs in that. Not to mention you basically used others money to pay for the homeless.

[@randyo6019]

@@michellequinn2160 I fed the homeless in Vegas dear

[@almabelhumeur6672]

You are unbelievable!!! That is not what she said!!!???@@michellequinn2160

[@chrisinhotwater9896]

Buffet story ! Although not on a cruise ship buffet, but Buffet non the less. Was a watch 2 kids at the dessert bar with a chocolate fountain that you could dip various things in. The kids where scooping chocolate with there hands and and drinking it and scooping more. And the best part was an employee was watching as well and did nothing. So never eat from the chocolate fountain or anything that kids like..

[@Pirategirl4nightwish]

Something that goes along with etiquette and hygiene is watching your kids carefully in the buffet. My 4 year old has a habit of touching food with her hands, so that’s something for parents to consider too. We’ll be having a talk with her about not touching everything before we embark.

[@fluffytail6355]

It sounds like since COVID is “over” (at least in people’s minds) that ships aren’t having staff serve customers at the buffet anymore. I think certain COVID protocols should have always stayed in place going forward as they’re good practices for controlling spread of ANY disease, let alone those on a ship!

[@altairolp1557]

Need a leash

[@Pirategirl4nightwish]

@@altairolp1557 How does that stop a child touching things? Backpack leashes are made to stop children running away from their parents, especially in crowded places.

[@hume6900]

A child of 4 yrs,is far too young to be serving themselves or even being allowed to touch anything in the buffet line. Perhaps, parents should take the child around the child friendly part of the buffet during the less busy periods and describe the food to them or give them a couple of options such as do you want spaghetti, hamburger or pizza. Perhaps, I am making a donkey out of myself, but I am assuming the parent is not taking the child/children by themselves and can leave them with another adult in their party while the first parent gets their food and takes it back to the table.

[@Pirategirl4nightwish]

@@hume6900 I never said I allowed her to serve herself. I take her with me and sometimes she reaches for what she wants. Once I get her plate I usually take her back to the table with my husband so I can go back and get my food. And also my child eats just about everything, not just pizza and hamburgers. She's been asking if there will be broccoli on the cruise lol. I merely made the comment to bring attention to other parents with little ones.

[@colormetakenaback]

Only been on one cruise, back when I was middle school aged or around then (45 now). It might as well have been Willy Wonka's cruise because I was in awe at the food and how I could just go grab something 😂 At any time! Going to the pizza parlor and being the only one there and ordering a "free" pizza blew my little mind haha

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha, I still love cruise ship pizza 🍕😂

[@colormetakenaback]

@@LifeWellCruised Yes girl! I hope I can go on another one and I'll be like mz pac man 😂 with my Pepto in my purse of course hahaha

[@foreverlovesophie]

I’m 48 and going on my first cruise in August. I will most likely be like a kid running from station to station 😂

[@colormetakenaback]

@@foreverlovesophie Do it do it!! Hit up the pastries then come tell me all about them 😍😍😂

[@foreverlovesophie]

@@colormetakenaback lol! The pastries are always my weak spot! I plan to wear my stretchy pants for our Alaska cruise . Don’t need a summer body for this vacation anyways 🤣😆

[@beckymigdal3140]

If I’m going on a cruise, I’m not eating healthy.

[@penelopepitstop762]

Yes on not piling your plate! I like to "window shop" first and then take only a spoonful. If I like something or want to try something new, then I can always go back. I really, really hate all the food waste!

[@deesjourney213]

I like the people that have a plate of bacon for breakfast! I mean the entire plate is stacked with bacon. Maybe they don’t have it where they come from? Lol

[@dianacurry6248]

​@@deesjourney213 I had to laugh at your comment as on our first cruise my then 13 yr old grandson did that. We didn't find as he does not eat a lot of meats and he needs the protein . He is a very picky eater but usualy prefers most any type of beans. But with an option if all the bacon he wanted that breakfast made his vacation! That and all the different salads abd pastas!

[@ronaldarchuleta2496]

The buffet is the last resort for me. I much prefer the dining room or other options. I really only choose the buffet if I have an early excursion.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Totally understand, it’s good that there are options

[@tonymarotta2504]

Love your channel, keep up the great content!!!! Ok here's my biggest pet peeve when cruising and I mention this in EVERY post-cruise survey. You can wash your hands all you want, sanitize all you want but if you don't want to contaminate everything you touch, DO NOT EAT OFF YOUR PLATE IN THE BUFFET LINE!!!! That is the single fastest way to spread germs from your mouth to your hands to every utensil you touch. Want the extra minute until you sit down. Cruise lines spend so much time talking about safety, telling you to wash your hands, sanitize, etc but never take the extra minute to talk about food safety. That's how you really prevent sickness at buffets. I step off my soap box now.

[@CL-mp4vn]

Ewww...so gross. 😱

[@queenmoreau2098]

Another thing is to wash your hands before and after you fix your plate in the buffet. Cause remember you're all touching the same utensils to grab the food....I bet too many people don't think about this. If you touch something somebody else has touched, wash your hands afterward before you eat anything and touch your face.

[@kathya22]

@@queenmoreau2098 If I go to the buffet, I always wash my hands or at the very least use hand wipes or sanitizer before eating my food because some people are gross

[@suewolf3279]

We always use the hand sanitizer when entering the buffet. We also use our sanitizing towelettes at the table before we begin to eat, that way we're cleansing our hands after touching all of the serving utensils

[@bobbifoth5492]

Check out the names of the chemicals on the back label in that sanitizer you’re slathering on your skin Those cancer causing chemicals are being absorbed into your body Do your research on the internet if you don’t believe me - you’ll never use liquid or wipes sanitizer again

[@lawnerd67]

We do too! I have an auto-immune disease and my husband has leukopenia.

[@lizadivine3785]

@@lawnerd67 I take precautions too but reality is God calls you home on his dime and in his time.

[@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042]

Unfortunately, norovirus isn’t killed by hand san, but it does kill many other pathogens.

[@sportsMike87]

Take the little cereal boxes as a snack for excursions

[@richsack]

You can’t do that anymore as the cruise lines now have cereal in the bin tubes!

[@michellequinn2160]

@@richsack Exactly! Too many were taking the boxes of cereal … 😳

[@marcospark2803]

Thanks to people like you, no more!

[@sylviashell8293]

Oh yes since I am diabetic it is one of my go to’s. Also try to put a little sandwich together if possible.

[@morrisvanderslice1735]

If there are two of you at a table for four or more and you notice the buffet is getting crowded, offer to share your table with those who are searching for a seat. Also, never get rude with the crew working in the buffet. It’s a rapid pace, high stress environment. If you have a major issue, save your private comment (s) for the officer in charge at the buffet; otherwise, if it’s a trivial problem try to relax so to enjoy your vacation.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great idea

[@johnl56]

Where would I put my 3rd and 4th plate?

[@morrisvanderslice1735]

@@johnl56 Hi John, ha ha, I only cruise with RCCL. Whenever, we go to the buffet the wait staff has our old plates cleared away by the time I go up for a third trip. We also usually look for for our usual servers from the main dining room when we go to the buffet. If we find them, we sit in their area and say hello to them - when we do this the table service is impeccable. Good luck, Cheers!

[@RaymondMullen-t9j]

On a Cruise We usually eat there at least once if not Twice. A Day ..The Buffet is a good place to try New Foods But just take small amounts You can always go BACK ..Judy & I always do a walk around Before deciding on what We want. As usually GREAT TIPS, Thanks...

[@LifeWellCruised]

I agree - lots of good choices

[@mcvine81]

Buffet-NOT my first choice!

[@JayCaesar]

I always bring disposable gloves and wear one on the hand I use when handling the buffet serving utensils....the ones that many other people are using. Sure, I wash/sanitize before serving myself, but I can't trust that everyone else did, too. "Not the cruise buffet police." Loved that one. I love your channel. I hope your Alaska cruise was amazing and fun! Your skin looks fabulous, Ilana! Thanks for all the wonderful vids!

[@sashasuber1670]

That’s a great idea! Thanks I’ll do the same.

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

Yes ! Gloves

[@johnp139]

Or they should just issue the guests with separate tongs.

[@michellequinn2160]

@@johnp139 No then what did each guest do with their tongs BEFORE they got to the station to use it?

[@kathrynr5026]

We brought gloves and will continue to use them. We've heard too many horror stories about unsanitary practices by fellow cruisers.

[@cassidynichols-dahill1066]

We just got back from our first cruise. We did the main dining hall the first 2 nights but ended up just going to the buffet the rest of the cruise. They ended up having the same food as the main dining hall plus a whole lot of additional options. (Except for the food that was an extra charge at the main dining hall) we never had a problem finding a table and lines weren’t bad. The only downside was it was a little hard to maneuver a stroller and a wheelchair scooter through the tables

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s great! Thanks for sharing the pros & cons

[@darrinrein7235]

Just got back from Alaska and the Buffett had designated area for people with disabilities. That saved me, because trying to get wheelchair around those tables usually meant having to apologize 100 times for bumping into people.

[@cassidynichols-dahill1066]

@@darrinrein7235 we were on Royal Caribbean and we went to the Bahamas. Thankfully my MIL could walk a short distance with her cane so we parked her scooter on the outskirts of the tables and she walked to the table.

[@user-yj3ob9kd3l]

Welcome to cruising!!! One thing--cruise ships don't have dining halls. You may have noticed that it looks like a large dining room. It's known as the main dining room or MDR. Most first timers get hooked, so Bon Voyage!

[@paulbunion6233]

sounds like a drive thru is needed

[@MomsTravelTeam]

We've cruised as a family 3 times, and on embarkation day we save our appetite for once we are on board. I love to walk around the buffet and check all the options. I usually eat lightly with small portions of many different items. One time on embarkation day there were several delays and by the time we were eating I was nearing the "hangry" mood. Sometimes there seems to be a line, others you can just step up to what you want. I've also noticed that people hop in line right at the beginning and there is less traffic down the line and usually the same offerings. There are so many options, I love that there are tiny servings-allows for more tasting of new foods and still have room for dessert. I've loved building a great salad too. When our children were younger we went with them to ensure they learned and practiced appropriate buffet etiquette and didn't contaminate foods.

[@Cayla2015]

I've found the best time to eat at the buffet is right after you get back from an excursion (but before you leave the port)!

[@HealthToday99]

100% agree with you!!!!

[@williamwaters4506]

My wife and I have been in a few cruses and this is good advice. We were always shocked at the amount of food people ate. There is also a lot of alcohol consumption.

[@johnp139]

That’s WHY PEOPLE CRUISE!!!!

[@jackeycunningham8874]

I go with disposable gloves. Make my plate then throw the gloves out prior to eating.

[@cruisecrazy]

Thank you for the great video. The main problem I experience is that some people still assume that there is one line for the entire buffet instead of recognizing the unique, separate stations. They get irritated by people moving beyond their own line. Luckily, on my recent Princess Cruise, the buffet staff constantly made announcements that there were many more areas to check out and that there was no longer one strict line starting from the buffet entrance. It prevented a lot of misunderstandings between the guests.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

Not all ships have different stations. The bulk of the food is in the same line. The only separate stations were for pizza, burgers,hot dogs, tacos and desserts.

[@maureenrogers1092]

Yes love the buffet. My husband uses a disposable glove on the hand he uses at the buffet. I laughed originally but have taken up this habit as I watched some of the people at the buffet. Better safe than sorry!!!!

[@doreenhayden-cote553]

I have thought about doing that! Wouldn't it be great if they had those at the "washy washy" stations! Although I wash my hands at those stations, I always think it is almost a waste because if even one person doesn't wash and then touches a serving utensil I think it is all for naught. I try to remember to have Purell wipes in my purse to clean my hands again before starting to eat.

[@derikuk2967]

The two cases of *food poisoning* in my recent memory on cruises... did not come from buffet dining, but from *full service restaurants.* One came from a specialty restaurant, and the other from the main dining room. So, misfortunes do not only come from the buffet. But yes, I wish the excuses-for-parent would keep their little ill-disciplined tyrants under control.

[@bradpeterson5299]

Great advice. I always sanitize my hands after putting my plate on the table before eating. Think about how many people touched the same tongs you just did

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

We usually have breakfast and lunch at the buffet. Few years ago, we were in the Mediterranean and my friend picked up the spoon to serve himself. A lady put her arm between my friend's arm and his chest to grab something. We couldn't believe our eyes, we were shocked! 😲

[@LifeWellCruised]

Eek!!

[@j.m.7056]

That is nuts!

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

@@j.m.7056 We laugh about it now but then it was "what the hell?" Some people have no sense of boundaries.

[@nancyruckman5875]

Shoulda smacked her with the spoon! lol!!!

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

@@nancyruckman5875 lolll

[@cindylb715]

On our recent 16 day Panama Canal cruise we witnessed a passenger at the buffet eating off his plate with his fingers and then licking them and grabbing the serving spoons. So disgusted by some peoples habits. 😠

[@cherylmcwilliams7238]

I always eat the buffet! There are so many choices with main dish and desserts that aren't on the menu's in the main dining area. I usually grab a small salad, small main dish and then a small dessert or fresh fruit. So many choices! You can get a well-balanced diet 3 times a day and not overdo it by eating too much and gaining weight.

[@jamesseabolt5915]

Good review and suggestions. I love cruising and never really have any problems with the buffets. There is always that guy that stands there and picks out all the shrimp out of a dish, or picks out all of the beef out of the mongolian dish, but overall people are courteous. You just made me want to go on another one. 😁

[@kimberlysmiley4732]

Just recovered from an Alaskan cruise (Holland America; May, 2023)… the buffet has the best cooked food, but the worst hygiene! The Norovirus outbreak got to the point that crew were stationed at the Perell stations (and STILL people either said they were “allergic”, or immediately dumped the perell! But the worst was the LACK OF TABLE WIPING. People searching for tables would sit at the cleared tables, but they weren’t wiped down yet (and the silverware hadn’t been placed on the table)… The poolside dining was worse… i mentioned this lack to crew members 3 different times, and on the day my husband was quarantined, I became a “Karen”, warning people not to sit at unwiped tables! I even admonished a crew member (young man) who put silverware on an unwiped table (that he cleared about 15 minutes previously, except for a dirty glass)! I loved the cruise, except for this particular point. And yes, I contracted Noro 3 days after debarking… I believe my husband was cleared too soon.

[@lowerstreet]

I do wish they wouldn't leave silverware or glasses on tables. You don't know how long it's been there or who might have touched it. I'd rather they hand it out at the end of the buffet line. I know it's a tad inconvenient, but norovirus spreads too easily.

[@SharonPerson-hm9ds]

Sorry to hear of your bad experience on your Alaska trip. One of my favorite destinations - cruised there 5 times so far and am ready to plan trip #6. Beginning in 2010, have cruised almost exclusively on Celebrity (with Royal Caribbean and a Disney mixed in). In the buffet the silverware is wrapped in cloth napkins and available at different food stations. I don't recall ever seeing it on the tables. And Celebrity's dining staff, no matter what restaurant, practices excellent hygiene. Dirty dishes don't sit on tables, everything is wiped & cleaned as soon as the dishes are cleared, and the new large sinks and washing area (upon entry to the buffet on Edge class ships) is utilized by a majority of passengers. Fortunately, we've never gotten sick on any of our cruises, Alaska or otherwise.😊🛳🌊🐳🦅

[@BrettJ_Online]

Fixing to embark on a crrise since I have been diagnosed as Type 2 diabetic. Done really good getting my A1C down from 10.8 back in late 2021 to 5.0 last month. Bur with this cruise, this will be the first time travelling where I may not have access to nutrition information to keep my carbs portions I like per meal/snack. I have a few diabetic specific apps on my phone that have basic nutritional information based on well nown restraunts and grocery store items. Not sure if I'll have that information on a cruise.

[@chezellis]

If you have not done so, get in touch asap with the access desk for your cruise line. For NCL, I fill out a form with my medical and special needs, which has to be in there 45 days ahead, so they can tailor the food to my allergies and diabetes. If you do this ahead of time, rather then informing the wait staff, you'll have an easier time of it. That said, if your cruise is within a week or so, contact the dining manager as soon as you board to let them know. They will also be able to supply you a sharps container.

[@tosh4771]

I'm diabetic as well and headed on a cruise. Anytime I don't know whats in the food, I just stick to filling my plate with meat and veggies. I will have only one serving of a carb (one spoonful of potatoes, or one bread item, or a small dessert) and that usually works out fine for me. My biggest issue is too much salt (which gives me the worst headache), so I try to stay away from foods tossed in a sauce. Also, I just steer clear of the pasta. It sucks because you can't really take advantage of a buffet like other people, but you should be okay. Good job on getting your A1c down that far!

[@pierrefireball2505]

Years ago, my brother and I took a Carnival inaugural Cruise in the Baltic Sea. It was amazing, we did not have a single problem, this was a 21-day cruise. One of the many times we ate at our dinner table one guest at our table was eating some delicious ribs, and she told us guys you must try this, well our amazing hostess heard her, and we were already halfway eating but then she came over she said she would be back soon with a surprise. Well, she brought me and my brother half a serving each of those delicious riibs. It does pay back a lot when you are always kind and appreciate who is your hostess or whomever is looking after you. One of the guest's younger kids was sick one night she had her phone and she left before her meal was over, well our hostess made sure she had a meal sent to her cabin while looking at her sick son. Now that was amazing, and of course, at the end of the cruise, everyone was extremely pleased with our hostess.

[@Philippa-]

Yes I always check both sides. I am also a preview eater. I check what’s available first. I often check out the lunch in the MDR and if I fancy what’s on offer will do that instead of buffet lunch.

[@LifeWellCruised]

👏👏

[@jenniferleever9482]

On one of our cruises, there was a woman who broke several of these rules all at once. She cut in line at the buffet, right in front of me, she was wearing a teeny tiny bikini, no coverup, no shoes, dripping wet, clearly drunk as a skunk, as she was swaying, holding a beer, taking food out of the buffet with her fingers, and standing still while she ate it, moved along the buffet line, doing the same thing over and over. She finally had her fill, and stumbled out of line and went on her way.😳

[@teresacahlik6887]

Yuck! She should have been politely redirected

[@jenniferleever9482]

@@teresacahlik6887 I wanted to say something to her, but she was so drunk I didn’t know how she would react. I just steered clear of every dish she touched!

[@sandramartin9106]

What turned me off big time on celebrity cruise was kids unsupervised in buffet line- touching all the plates and silver, and the self serve ice cream bar. gross. Parents can be such ignorant louts. They let kids in the adults only pool, and they hogged all the lounge chairs. Words to the steward fell on dead ears, nothing was done. I would only ever go on an adult only cruise.

[@doubledrats235]

Not on a cruise but at the buffet at a Golden Corral when vacationing years ago they had a chocolate fountain for fondue. And there were kids putting their hands into the flowing chocolate and licking their fingers. And putting them back in the chocolate again and again. Turned me off for chocolate fountains forever. I saw one on my last cruise and stayed far far away.

[@GrnXnham]

Hygiene tip: If you go to a self-serve buffet, always wash your hands AFTER you have filled your plate with food but before you eat it. Most people don't do this and their hands are covered with germs from all the serving utensils. Then they use their hands to eat their finger food, of course, thereby consuming the germs.

[@urbanurchin5930]

It is always a good tip to keep a couple of those pre-moistened alcohol wipes for just such a situation. Also, I use them at the grocery store to open cooler doors, bread bins, etc.

[@donsemper9606]

I can only remember one incident at the buffet after 8 cruises and that was when one little old lady just stood there and took virtually every shrimp out of the seafood paella. I stared at her and all she did was smile at me and walk away. Still can’t believe it.

[@j.m.7056]

Crazy!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha not nice

[@johnphelps9788]

Staring achieves nothing, the sort of people that do this are stare proof. If I were following her I would ask her to leave some for me.

[@turboboost99]

@@johnphelps9788 Ask her? I would have literally reached out and pulled some of those shrimp right off of her plate. Rude, inconsiderate people deserve the same in return, and I never hesitate to give it to them.

[@mexicanbeachbumtv]

@@turboboost99 yep, right off her plate, take that shrimp!! I like you

[@iceygivenz3117]

At any buffet, land or sea I have always brought my own disposable gloves. There is nothing worse than seeing someone eat, lick their fingers and go back to the buffet and serve themselves again. Chicken Wings my friend. Be safe out there.

[@jeaninedobleman4195]

10 Foods Not To eat at Buffets Scrambled Eggs Hamburgers Go To The Self Serve Ice Cream Anything Spicy, you could get sick Avoid Drinks of thee Day

[@HemiDad1963]

Kids have no class at a buffet. They touch everything. I will avoid any buffet at all costs. Or better yet an adults only cruise.

[@j.m.7056]

Yes! Sign me up!

[@MrJimmyDrake]

After 14 cruises, I think there are times when it's OK to move ahead of the person in front of you who is waiting for the attendant to do something . The food beyond the person waiting will virtually never run out, so it's not like you're taking the last piece of bacon by jumping ahead.

[@band3513]

lots of trips to get small amounts. The more trips the more calories you burn off😁

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha I’ll go with that 👏

[@alphawiz]

Whenever I got to a buffet, before I get in line I make a "first pass" as it were and scope out everything and kind of decide what I want to try and what I don't so I don't get in line, fill up a plate and then come to something else and lo and behold, no more room.

[@lynnmcclure812]

This may have be mentioned…but just in case the picture of the lady in a bathing suit with a see-through coverup would not be permitted at the buffet. While this has not been heavily enforced, it is restricted in the information put out by least two cruise lines of which I am aware.

[@makiontour6686]

Thank you for the video. One thing I would suggest to add to the list is: Thinking that you will not see the buffet staff again. Even if you will not go to the buffet anymore, you will probably see them again somewhere else on the ship. That's because they switch their work places on the ship. E. g. we met our waiter from the main dining room for dinner in the buffet restaurant during breakfast on our last cruise. And on another cruise, we met our waiter at the pool bar. So they definitely don't stay at one place for the whole day. And of course you should always be nice to service staff, no matter if you will meet them again or not!

[@Billa893]

When are the cruise lines going to learn, passengers should not be serving themselves at the buffet. You don't know the hygiene of people and they touch the serving utensil. The passenger should be handing their plate to a server on the other side of a glass barrier for them to place on their plate. How do you think Norovirus gets started on these cruise ships?

[@kathrynjajich6705]

As an RN, I would also add that after sitting down, pulling your chair in, use hand sanitizer on your utensil handles and glass, then again on your hands, then eat & enjoy!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Good idea

[@stoehrcov]

Diarrhea too

[@jennifergonzales4299]

❤yes

[@catswhisper]

Great great idea

[@valiantredneck]

Obviously single.

[@gregblair5139]

Another buffet tip, at least if you're able-bodied. "Look" at everything before you "touch" anything. This was way, you'll take what you want most, rather than what you see first! Also, if you don't like anything, don't finish it. There's too much good food to enjoy!

[@markej4801]

As a buffet-a-holic, I agree with everything you say here. And yes, I've seen every single one of those faux-pas. Thanks for the reminders. For my part, I eat a healthy salad on embarkation day at the buffet as it just works best for me, and I tend to LOSE weight on a cruise! LOL. Looking forward to our January '24 cruise on the brand new Carnival Jubilee!!! Think I'll need to check ahead of our cruise to see what other offerings might be worthwhile on cruise day.

[@martinschulz9381]

Buffet's are hog barns.....the big difference is is that hogs eat everything. These rules apply everywhere, when going out eating... dress appropriately, and think about the people around you. Don't waste time talking, making decisions and holding up the line.

[@alanfenick1103]

Before I use any buffet I look before I get into line. I also look for cleanliness of the actual buffet and serving staff! Great advice, thanks!

[@karenbarton6783]

Taking a piece of fruit or a yogurt back to your cabin might be okay. But I've seen people carrying full plates of hot food, uncovered, through the hallways. It's not only messy, but unsafe if spills occur. Please be considerate of other guests.

[@stevefrancis1762]

We do not cruise with Carnival any longer, however I would see people stationed in the Buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have also seen people with 8 Guys burgers piled on their plate. I also witnessed women in T-Backs and no cover ups, men with no shirts, and small children left unsupervised in the buffet area. I am loyal to Royal and Princess cruises, and I am glad to be through with Carnival. You get what you pay for!

[@Eric-jo8uh]

I am absolutely appalled by the manners of MANY people on cruises…putting their fingers in dishes then licking them to taste the dish, coughing all over the food, refusing to wash their hands before eating .. i could go on…and on…and on.

[@steveshama5960]

One mistake that is done is almost any self serve restaurant (cruise or otherwise) is where do you you put the tongs after you have used them to transfer food to your plate. Most people casually place them back on the edge of the serving tray where the food is. In doing that part that has been held by your hands may, and often does, touch the food that remains on the tray, contaminating it. Instead, insist that the restaurant have a separate open container where the tongs can be placed, open tongs end. In this way, the hand held end will never touch the food. A video of this procedure should be seen by all cruise passengers along with the emergency drill. I think it is important enough.

[@sharonsalzberg2654]

Will be going on an adults only international cruise on a luxury cruise ship next week. Having cruised on mega ships, I have lost my appetite watching morbidly obese people load their plates with 3 days worth of calories. Thankfully, I do not anticipate seeing such people on this ship. Gorging on food is a main activity for many people on these large ships. Just a microcosm of the obesity epidemic that exists here in the U.S.

[@pensacola321]

My wife and I recently completed a 19-day Transatlantic on Norwegian. We ate plenty and good and drink plenty and good. But we gained NO weight. We stay very active, went to the gym, we walked the stairs and did not make pigs of ourselves at the buffet or at the dining rooms. We are senior citizens ..... We did indulge ourselves at the specialty restaurants a bit though.😢

[@azobrn45]

I’m impressed bc I gained 8.1 pounds in our Panama ocean to ocean. I guess I don’t have any control 😅

[@stephenhope7319]

Good to hear. We use the stairs ( up ) all the time and we eat well but eat salads first and use the fitness center and the Zumba classes etc and we are in our 60's. It can be done. Specialty dining is the best food and service.Its fine to indulge but it can be walked off, try several laps of the promenade deck before breakfast.

[@sharonsalzberg2654]

I never take the elevator on a ship and will continue my high level fitness regimen on the ship. Also, I eat healthy and do not drink alcohol. Will not gain an ounce on my upcoming 12 day cruise.

[@mariomovillon1613]

Rich or poor, learned or not, proper etiquette and good hygiene, coupled with utmost consideration for others versus putting oneself first over others feeling and acting as if you are the most 'privileged one'(translated: simple arrogance) are basic human behavior(positive and otherwise) that are both learned and acquired early in life. Common sense dictates that modest and humble people knew too well why some people just go overboard, when it comes to unacceptable behaviors.

[@marivega3294]

I went on a 10 day cruise, ate at the buffet every day, sometimes past bed time and lost 3 lbs. All I did was walk on the track every day, went to the gym some days, took the stairs to my cabin sometimes, aside from walking into town on port days. In my opinion, if you gain that much weight in such a little time, you're doing something very wrong.

[@kathieepler156]

Like you, I eat at the buffet for all my meals and usually lose 10 lbs.. When I eat in the MDR (or any of the other restaurants) I gain weight. Love the buffet as I can get just what I want and really try not to waste food.

[@bugwar5545]

That is inspiring. How much do you lose each week while on shore?

[@marivega3294]

@@bugwar5545 about 3lbs entry week since then. I've lost so much weight already

[@kathieepler156]

@@bugwar5545 Don't I wish. Not an ounce.

[@KanaTron]

yes, I lost 5 lbs on my first cruise. I did so much walking.

[@lawrenceseguin1865]

Sounds like great advice for an on-land buffet!

[@lindaschultz8124]

I hate using the utensils at the buffet. I believe it is the primary cause of sickness on board. Not everyone washes their hands effectively and a box of throw away gloves is really required. I bring my own. What is your opinion?

[@maryfettig3378]

We will eat breakfast at the buffet because we are somewhat early risers. Never ever eat dinner there. I liked to be served and enjoy the presentation

[@hannamarybredenkamp3544]

Hi, i just love your inputt. How do you know at what resturants do you pay for your meals. We are going on our first international cruise, MSC Preziosa and don t want to land up with a suprise bill.

[@Epcotfans54]

Since the pandemic I always take rubber gloves to the buffet. I put one on the hand that I will be touching utensils. When I sit down I take the glove half way off so I can reuse it for seconds.

[@nancyruckman5875]

Exactly what I plan to do!

[@connieshelton3469]

Weird!

[@alisam4649]

So by reusing that glove it's the same as using your bare hands. Cross contamination. Gloves are single use!

[@Epcotfans54]

@@alisam4649 no i turn the glove inside out down to the the fingers and then slip them back on

[@anneo3754]

Always use gloves only once! You should wash your hands with soap and water before putting on gloves and after taking them off! Look up your glove manufacturer and see how many microscopic holes are allowed for gloves to still be considered hygienic 😮