15 Foods You Should Try On A Cruise

Cruise ships are floating food playgrounds, and choosing what to try can feel like a delicious challenge. From elegant dining room classics to poolside favorites, the best bites often appear when you least expect them.

Consider this your friendly cheat sheet to what’s worth ordering so you never miss the highlights. Grab a napkin, because by the end, you’ll know exactly what to hunt down on your next sailing.

1. The nightly main dining room signature entree

Every night, the main dining room typically features a rotating signature entree. This is the kitchen’s pride piece, the dish they highlight to show off technique, ingredients, and style.

Ordering it feels like saying yes to the chef’s recommendation.

You get a built-in adventure without risking your whole meal. If it’s not your favorite, other courses usually save the day.

When it is great, you’ll remember it long after sailaway.

Ask your server what tonight’s standout is and why. You might discover a regional twist or seasonal inspiration.

It’s the easiest way to taste the ship’s best.

2. Prime rib or a classic steakhouse cut

Steak night on a ship feels like vacation turned up. Prime rib or a classic ribeye hits that special-occasion zone with all the trimmings.

Order confidently and lean into steak-and-sides mode with a bold red wine.

Ask for your preferred doneness and trust the kitchen to nail it. The crust, the char, the buttery finish, it all sings at sea.

If there’s a specialty venue, make a reservation early.

Add creamed spinach, fries, or a baked potato for the full experience. Share sides to sample more.

It’s indulgent, satisfying, and worth the splurge.

3. Lobster night option

Lobster night is a little victory before the plate even lands. That bright shell, the steam, the butter, it screams vacation.

It’s a tradition on many lines and a memorable way to mark your sailing.

Ask for extra lemon and keep the butter warm. Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with citrus.

If you prefer, mix surf-and-turf by adding a small steak.

Even if you rarely order lobster ashore, do it here. The ceremony of cracking and dipping feels festive.

It’s indulgent, simple, and very cruise-coded.

4. Eggs Benedict at brunch

Eggs Benedict is the cruise brunch litmus test. Perfectly poached eggs, silky hollandaise, and a toasty muffin say everything about timing and technique.

When the yolk runs just right, your morning is made.

Customize with smoked salmon or spinach if available. Hollandaise should be bright, buttery, and balanced.

Pair with a mimosa or strong coffee and linger a little longer.

If the kitchen nails Benedict, chances are the rest of brunch shines too. It’s rich, satisfying, and portioned for leisurely mornings.

You’ll taste the ship’s attention to detail in every bite.

5. Made-to-order omelet station

The omelet station is your breakfast playground. Fresh eggs, sizzling pans, and a lineup of toppings beat pre-set buffet trays every time.

You choose the flavors and watch it come together hot.

Go classic with ham and cheddar, or load veggies for a lighter plate. Ask for extra browning or a softer fold.

The chef’s quick hands make it fun and fast.

Pair with fresh fruit and crispy hash browns to round things out. It’s satisfying without feeling heavy.

Customize it differently each day to keep mornings interesting.

6. Indian curry from the buffet

Many ships quietly serve standout Indian dishes on the buffet. Even one scoop of curry can transform your plate with deep spice and comfort.

Look for dal, chana masala, tikka, or a rotating vegetable curry.

Spoon it over rice and add naan if available. The aromas alone tell you it’s the right move.

Heat levels vary, so start small and go back for more.

Curry night can become a favorite surprise. It’s flavorful, budget-friendly, and vegetarian-friendly too.

Keep an eye on the buffet rotation so you do not miss it.

7. Caribbean jerk chicken or pork

If you’re sailing the Caribbean, jerk is a must. Smoky, spicy, and fragrant with allspice, it turns a simple lunch into a destination meal.

The char and heat play perfectly with ocean air.

Pair with rice and peas, plantains, and a cool salad. A sweet-hot combo makes the spices pop.

Ask for sauce on the side if you’re testing the heat.

Whether chicken or pork, it’s a flavor postcard from port days. You’ll taste the islands without leaving the ship.

It’s comfort and adventure in the same bite.

8. Fish tacos by the pool

Fish tacos just make sense at sea. Light, citrusy, and easy to eat outside, they’re perfect after sun and saltwater.

The crunch of slaw with tender fish feels instantly refreshing.

Go grilled for something lighter or battered for extra texture. Squeeze fresh lime and add a mild salsa to keep things bright.

They pair beautifully with a cold beer or sparkling water.

Find a shady spot, kick off your flip-flops, and enjoy. Poolside snacks are part of the cruise charm.

These hit the spot without slowing down your day.

9. Fresh seafood pasta

Seafood pasta tastes extra right while sailing. Shrimp, scallops, or mussels in a light sauce feel luxurious yet not heavy.

The ocean view may trick your brain into thinking it’s fresher, but the flavors deliver.

Ask for al dente pasta and a gentle hand with sauce. Garlic, lemon, and herbs keep it bright.

If offered, add chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Enjoy it in the dining room or a specialty Italian venue. It’s comfort with a coastal vibe.

You’ll finish satisfied without needing a post-meal nap.

10. A regional soup you have never tried

Soups rotate often in cruise dining rooms, making them the easiest way to try something new. It’s low risk and high reward.

Even a small cup can surprise you with depth and comfort.

Look for regional choices tied to your itinerary. Ask your server for a recommendation and tasting notes.

If it’s a hit, you have a new favorite.

From callaloo to caldo verde, soup can be the sleeper star. It warms you up after breezy deck time.

Try it once per night and keep track of winners.

11. Sushi on ships that do it well

Sushi at sea can be delightful when done carefully. Stick to simple rolls, nigiri, or cooked items if you’re cautious.

Freshness, knife work, and rice texture tell the whole story.

Order a few pieces first, then expand if it’s great. Pair with crisp beer or green tea for balance.

Avoid overloading sauces so the fish shines.

On lines known for sushi, consider a set menu. It’s a fun sea-day lunch or pre-dinner bite.

Keep it light and savor the clean flavors.

12. A noodle bowl or ramen

A hot noodle bowl after a breezy night on deck hits perfectly. Ramen or udon brings comfort, warmth, and slurpable joy.

The broth does the heavy lifting with richness and seasoning.

Customize spice level, toppings, and noodle firmness if possible. A soft egg or extra greens adds texture.

It’s restorative after excursions or late shows.

Take it slow and breathe in the steam. Pair with iced tea or a light lager.

This is your recharge moment before the next round of fun.

13. A proper cheese plate

A cheese course slows the evening down in the best way. You taste, sip, pause, and enjoy the conversation.

It’s a lovely reset after rich entrees.

Ask for a mix of textures and milk types. Add honey, nuts, or chutney to play with contrasts.

A small pour of port or a crisp white works beautifully.

Even simple selections can feel special at sea. Share with the table to sample more.

It’s an easy, elegant finish that invites lingering and people-watching.

14. The ship’s most famous dessert

Every line has that dessert everyone raves about. Maybe it’s a molten chocolate cake, a souffle, or warm sticky toffee pudding.

Order it once just to see what the fuss is about.

Rich, gooey, and nostalgic, it scratches the vacation-sweet itch. Share if you want balance, or keep it all and enjoy the moment.

Servers know how to pace it with coffee.

Even if you prefer lighter options, this is a box to check. You’ll either join the fan club or move on.

Either way, you tried the legend.

15. Gelato or soft-serve on deck

Soft-serve on deck is simple magic. Sun on your face, ocean breeze in your hair, and a cold swirl in hand.

It tastes better in flip-flops, no question.

Gelato stands, when available, bring richer flavors. Try pistachio, stracciatella, or a bright sorbet between activities.

It’s a refresh that keeps afternoons light.

Walk the promenade with your cone and people-watch. Add sprinkles if you’re in a playful mood.

This ritual turns a regular day at sea into a little celebration.