Cruises offer endless food options, but not everything is worth trying. Here are a few things even seasoned cruisers and crew often avoid:
1. Buffet Sushi
While sushi can be a delicious treat, the buffet version is risky. Raw fish needs to be kept at very specific temperatures, and on a crowded buffet line, that’s hard to guarantee. If you’re craving sushi, opt for the specialty restaurant where it’s made fresh to order.
2. Undercooked Burgers
It might be tempting to order your burger medium-rare, but cruise kitchens cook for the masses and mistakes happen. Ground beef needs to be cooked thoroughly to avoid bacteria like E. coli. Play it safe and ask for your burger well-done.
3. Raw Oysters or Shellfish
Shellfish can carry harmful bacteria or viruses, especially if not stored properly. On a ship sailing through warm climates, seafood can spoil quickly. Unless you’re absolutely certain it’s fresh and well-prepared, it’s best to skip the raw stuff.
4. Communal Condiments
You’ll see ketchup, mustard and mayo out in big pump bottles at the buffet. These are touched by hundreds of hands a day and can be magnets for bacteria. Whenever possible, ask for individual packets or bring hand sanitizer before using them.
5. Room Service Eggs
Eggs made in bulk for room service often arrive lukewarm and undercooked. If they sit too long, they become breeding grounds for salmonella. Stick with freshly made eggs from the dining room or omelet station where you can see them being cooked.
6. Cream-Based Sauces and Salads
That creamy pasta or potato salad might look tasty, but it can spoil quickly in buffet conditions. Dairy and mayo-based items are particularly dangerous in warm environments. Go for oil-based dressings or fresh options instead.
7. Soft-Serve Ice Cream Late in the Day
Most cruise ships offer soft-serve machines by the pool — a favorite for kids and adults alike. But these machines aren’t cleaned as often as you might think. By the afternoon or evening, they can become a hygiene hazard. If you want ice cream, hit the main dining room or dessert station.
8. Exotic Dishes You’ve Never Tried Before
Cruises are a great place to try new foods — but trying something totally unfamiliar, like rare meats or very spicy dishes, could upset your stomach. Save your adventurous eating for when you’re close to a reliable bathroom — or back on land.
9. Tap Water from the Cabin Sink
While the ship’s water is treated and technically safe, it's not always the cleanest or best-tasting. Stick with bottled water or filtered water stations for drinking and brushing your teeth, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
10. Anything That’s Been Sitting Out Too Long
This may seem obvious, but many guests grab food that’s been sitting on buffet trays for hours. If it doesn’t look hot (or cold), smells off or looks dried out, pass it up. Fresh, frequently replaced dishes are always the better choice.
Planning your next voyage? Pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer, stay cautious at the buffet and trust your gut — literally. Being smart about what you eat can save you from stomach trouble and keep your cruise enjoyable.