These Cruise Lines Are a Must for Food Lovers

Cruising offers a fantastic opportunity to indulge in some of the world’s finest cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie seeking gourmet dishes or just enjoying a laid-back buffet, there’s something to satisfy every taste. But which cruise lines truly stand out for their food?

Before diving into the list, let me clarify: this isn’t just based on my own experiences, although I’ve cruised extensively and tasted my way through many of these lines. I’ve also scoured reviews from top cruise websites and forums packed with unbiased and honest customer feedback.

With that, I’ve compiled a list of the eight cruise lines known for serving up the best food. Let’s dig in!

Top cruise lines for food lovers

You’ll find excellent dining options on many cruise lines. Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, and Celebrity Cruises are known for their top-notch food.

Princess Cruises and Viking River Cruises also offer tasty meals. If you fancy variety, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have lots of choices. Disney Cruise Line is great for families who want good grub.

Remember, what you think is yummy might not be the same for everyone else. Your budget and any special diets you have will also affect your choices.

It’s worth looking into different cruise lines to see which one suits your taste buds best.

1. Seabourn

Seabourn takes dining to new heights with its membership in the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Every eatery on board serves top-notch food. Each spot has its own vibe, but they all use the best ingredients and cooking methods.

Many guests rave about the tasty meals, beautiful settings, and spot-on service. The partnership with American chef Thomas Keller adds a special touch that makes Seabourn stand out.

The main dining room and some other spots cater to veggie and vegan diets. Do you have special food needs? No worries! You can ask Guest Services before you sail. This lets the chefs get creative and mix up your meals during the trip.

Here’s a quick look at some dining spots:

• The Restaurant: Main dining room
• The Colonnade: Buffet-style eatery
• The Patio Grill: Casual outdoor dining
• Earth & Ocean: Al fresco dinner venue
• The Grill by Thomas Keller: Fancy Steakhouse

With Seabourn, you’re in for a treat at every meal!

2. Oceania Cruises

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining on Oceania Cruises. The food here is top-notch, with guests raving about the variety and quality of meals.

I have to say, when I went on Oceania, I was blown away by the quality of the food.

Fancy Italian? Pop into Toscana. Craving a juicy steak? Head to the Polo Grill. In the mood for Asian flavours? Red Ginger’s got you covered. The best part? You won’t pay extra for these special restaurants.

The menus are packed with tasty options from around the world, and the chefs really know how to make your plate look pretty.

If you can’t find what you’re after, just ask—they’ll whip up a custom meal just for you. This is brilliant if you have food allergies or follow a special diet.

3. Princess Cruises

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the delectable dining options on Princess Cruises. From global flavours to comforting classics, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Fancy a gourmet burger? You’re in luck! Princess has teamed up with top chefs like Curtis Stone and Ernesto Uchimura to create mouthwatering patties you won’t soon forget.

For a truly special night out, why not try the Chef’s Table Experience? Available on Royal-class and Sphere-class ships, you’ll get a peek behind the kitchen curtain before indulging in a multi-course feast with perfectly paired wines.

Princess Cruises caters to various needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meals. While some dishes might pop up more than once, the main dining room chefs are always happy to whip up something to suit your tastes.

4. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a feast for your taste buds. You’ll find a wide range of dining options to suit every palate.

The Main Dining Room serves delicious meals in an elegant setting. For a more casual atmosphere, visit the Oceanview Cafe.

Fancy something special? Try one of the speciality restaurants. Tuck into Italian favourites at Tuscan Grille or savour Japanese delights at Sushi on Five. These options come with a small extra charge.

For a truly unique experience, don’t miss ‘Le Petit Chef’. This innovative dining concept blends food with technology. Watch as your table comes alive with 3D animations of a tiny chef preparing your meal. It’s a hit with kids and grown-ups alike!

Do you have special dietary needs? No worries! The chefs are happy to cater to your requirements. They’ll even whip up something just for you if you ask.

5. Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises offers a delightful food experience that will make your taste buds dance. You’ll find a wonderful mix of local dishes and classic favourites on board. The chefs use fresh ingredients inspired by each port, giving you a true taste of your destination.

Don’t worry about extra costs – all the restaurants are included in your fare. You can enjoy:

• Main Dining Room: Daily changing menus
• World Cafe: Watch chefs cook live
• The Chef’s Table: Special tasting menus

For lunch and dinner, you’ll always find some familiar dishes. But the menu changes daily, so you won’t get bored. This is great if you have special dietary needs.

You’ll love the variety and quality of food on your Viking River Cruise. It’s a key part of your journey!

6. Norwegian Cruise Line 

If you’re looking for a laid-back eating experience, Norwegian Cruise Line is the company for you. They’ve thrown out the rulebook on set mealtimes, letting you dine whenever your tummy rumbles.

But don’t think this means skimping on quality – far from it! NCL serves up a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Fancy dining rooms, bountiful buffets, and round-the-clock eateries are all on the menu. For a special treat, try their extra-cost restaurants.

Meat lovers rave about Cagney’s Steakhouse. It’s known for its top-notch beef and cosy atmosphere—perfect for a romantic dinner!

Vegans and veggies, don’t fret! NCL’s got you covered too. While most dishes include animal products, you’ll find plenty of plant-based options at every meal. There’s even a special vegan buffet for lunch and dinner.

So whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, a steak fan or a salad lover, NCL’s flexible dining will hit the spot.

7. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a smorgasbord of dining choices to suit every taste. Your fare includes plenty of yummy options, from posh main dining rooms to laid-back buffets at the Windjammer. Fancy a quick nibble? Pop into the Café Promenade for snacks and pastries.

Feeling adventurous? Try these speciality restaurants for a small fee:

• Chops Grille: Juicy steaks and seafood
• Jamie’s Italian: Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s tasty pasta dishes

For a truly unique experience, visit Wonderland. This Alice-inspired eatery lets you pick dishes based on natural elements like Earth, Sea, and Fire. Craving Mexican? Head to Sabor for zesty tacos and margaritas. Don’t forget to save room for a sweet treat at Sugar Beach ice cream parlour!

8. Disney Cruises

You’re in for a treat with Disney Cruise Line’s food offerings. It’s not just Mickey-shaped biscuits (though those are brilliant too). The menu balances kid-friendly favourites with posh nosh for the grown-ups.

Fancy a bit of everything? Head to Cabanas buffet. It’s casual and included in your fare. For a special night out, book a table at Remy or Palo. These fancy spots serve up top-notch French and Italian cuisine.

The coolest part? You’ll get to try three different dining rooms during your trip. Your waiters move with you, so they’ll know just how you like your tea by the end.

Want a royal touch? Book a princess-themed afternoon tea. It’s a magical way to spend an afternoon at sea.

With so many yummy choices, you’ll never go hungry on a Disney cruise!

Choosing the right cruise for your taste buds

Picking a cruise line with great food can make your trip even more special. Different ships offer unique dining experiences. Your perfect match depends on what you like.

For fancy meals, you might enjoy Oceania, Seabourn, Celebrity, Princess, or Viking River cruises. These lines are known for their top-notch food.

If you prefer laid-back eating, try Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney, or Royal Caribbean. They have lots of casual options.

Don’t worry if you have special diet needs. Most cruise lines can help you out. But Oceania, Seabourn, and Celebrity have the biggest range of choices.

Remember, the best food for you is what makes you happy. Think about the kind of meals you want on your holiday. Then pick a cruise that fits your style.