7 foods not to eat on a cruise

Cruise ships are a foodie’s heaven.

The foods offered can satisfy every craving, from late-night pizza to mouthwatering steaks, seafood, or even fresh salad.

But despite the variety of options, cruise lines aren’t exactly known for high-quality food.

While meals will still taste delicious, the ingredients won’t be the same quality you can expect from fine dining on land.

And there’s always the risk of disease or stomach discomfort while cruising. Many first-time cruisers complain of an upset stomach, or even nausea and vomiting.

The last thing you want is an unhappy stomach ruining your cruise vacation.

To ensure smooth sailing, stay mindful of the foods you do consume on your cruise.

Whether you have a sensitive stomach, want to eat healthier, or simply feel the need to be careful, stay wary of these 9 foods you should never eat on a cruise.

1. Old, congealed pizza

Pizza is one of the most popular offerings on Royal Caribbean cruises but keep an eye out for any older pieces.

If you happen upon a piece of pizza that looks cloudy, with congealed cheese, it’s probably been sitting out for a while.

Especially if it’s not a peak mealtime, and you’re looking for an afternoon or evening snack, this is normal.

You can always ask for a new pizza or head to a venue with more fresh ingredients. 

Sorrento’s pizza usually has fresh, warm slices, so just keep your eyes peeled!

2. Communal condiments 

Crew members at the Windjammer buffet always encourage guests to wash their hands before entering.

However, you have no way to confirm if absolutely everyone has scrubbed their hands with soap and warm water before grabbing food at the buffet.

When you see those large stations of communal condiments, just keep in mind that others have probably touched those stations.

Additionally, condiments are supposed to be refrigerated after they’re opened. But you’ll notice that they are left out in the open for hours on cruise ships.

Some areas even have condiment stations outdoors, like on Perfect day at Cococay. 

Since the outdoor temperature can’t be controlled, the chances of pathogenic bacteria growing increases.

This can leave you vulnerable to getting food poisoning on your vacation.

For those reasons, be careful when it comes to grabbing condiments.

You may want to think twice before pumping ketchup on your burger and then grabbing it with your hands.

3. Tap water in port

In a tropical, outdoorsy environment like a cruise, staying hydrated is important. 

If you don’t drink water consistently, you might find yourself with a pulsing headache in the middle of an activity. 

Drinking water is always included in your base fare with Royal Caribbean. This doesn’t include plastic water bottles, but you can always bring a refillable water bottle along with you.

This ensures that you’re always carrying around healthy drinking water.

Tap water may not always be safe in certain port destinations, carrying the risk of waterborne illnesses. Some countries may not have clean drinking water, or they might just contain bacteria your body is unfamiliar with.

Always be mindful that you’re not drinking contaminated tap water! 

Drinking dirty water is a surefire way to quickly ruin your trip since you’ll probably have to stay close to the bathroom for some time.

Read more: Top Royal Caribbean dining hacks

4. Scrambled eggs at the Windjammer

Scrambled eggs are typically a great go-to for some morning protein.

On cruise ships, however, the buffet eggs tend to be a miss. It’s not uncommon for a cruise line to use powdered eggs, which have a squishy, water texture.

Even if the eggs are prepared fresh, they dry out quickly when kept under heat lamps.

Instead, try heading to the made-to-order section and getting an omelet.

You will be guaranteed fresh eggs that you can customize with spinach, cheese, and more.

5. Breakfast bacon

When it comes to breakfast at the Windjammer, there’s one other food item I always avoid: bacon.

I love good, smoky pieces of bacon for breakfast. But every time I’ve tried the bacon at the windjammer, it is lukewarm and impossibly greasy.

Every slice tastes like oily crayons and leaves a thick film on my plate.

Of course, taste is subjective to personal preferences. It could be that I find the meat too overcooked, and others might still enjoy it.

But it’s an objective fact that overly greasy bacon is lower quality and unhealthy in the long run.

To avoid ruining your appetite for the rest of the day, don’t try the bacon for breakfast. 

Stick to fruit, coffee, muffins, and other tasty morning offerings at the windjammer.

6. Don’t overdo it with dinner rolls

Dinner rolls at the main dining room are a delicious bread appetizer. Don’t avoid them completely, but do approach the rolls with caution. 

If you eat too many, you won’t have room left for your remaining appetizer, entree, or dessert.

At a multiple-course meal like those served in the Main Dining Room, it’s key to pace yourself.

It’s tempting and easy to go overboard on a cruise with unlimited food options.

But be careful to monitor what you eat. Consider if you’re eating just because you can, or if you’re actually hungry.

Don’t overload your stomach just because the food looks tasty!

7. Alcohol on an empty stomach

I’d like to end with an encouragement that you do eat on your cruise. Take advantage of the many types of food you have available to you!

Additionally, you want to eat frequently enough that you won’t be drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Drinking on an empty stomach will increase the effects of alcohol and increase the rate at which you could have an unsafe amount of alcohol in your system.

You’ll feel worse, and probably end up with a nasty hangover.

Ultimately, prioritize taking care of your health so that you can enjoy your vacation to its fullest.