I’m a cruise ship worker… here are nine things NOT to do at the buffet

A world of culinary delights may be available on a luxury cruise, but one experienced crew member has given his list of dos and don’ts when approaching the buffet.

Lucy Southerton, 28, from Birmingham, has worked on cruise ships for nine years and regularly shares tips on how passengers and crew members can make the most of their experience.

Lucy, who runs Cruising as Crew’s social media accounts, uploaded a video to YouTube in February with the caption: “9 things NOT to do at the cruise buffet.”

In it videocruise worker reveals her top tips for onboard buffet etiquette, ensuring guests enjoy their dining experiences while maintaining hygiene, respect and courtesy.

1. Avoid crowds

It’s tempting to go straight to the buffet when boarding, but Lucy advises against it.

Opt for alternative dining venues or wait for the initial crowd to subside to avoid long lines and crowds.

Lucy said: “You’ll get served quicker and probably get better food, and a lot of restaurants offer free food on boarding day because they know everyone wants to get on board and eat.”

2. No takeaway

While the buffet may offer a variety of delicious treats, it is essential to enjoy them in designated dining areas.

According to Lucy, taking food outside the buffet not only violates ship policies but also poses hygiene and safety risks.

3. Dress appropriately

The swimsuit may be appropriate for lounging by the pool, but it has no place at the buffet table, warns Lucy.

Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for mealtime, show consideration for other diners, and maintain a pleasant dining atmosphere.

Shorts and t-shirts are allowed, but wearing swimsuits fresh from the pool can also be dangerous and guests could be injured if water is still dripping on the floor.

4. Prioritize hygiene

Before enjoying the buffet offerings, it is essential to wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly.

Cruise ships often offer hand-washing stations or crew members armed with sanitizer to ensure guests maintain proper hygiene standards.

Lucy said: ‘The amount of people who just walk by and think they can get away with it. There is no excuse. What did we learn from 2020? Things spread like wildfire.’

5. Explore the entire extension

With a wide variety of dishes on offer, it’s easy to miss hidden culinary gems.

Take a moment to explore the entire buffet area, as some ships may have multiple service lines or specialized stations offering unique fares.

6. Minimize waste

While the buffet encourages guests to indulge, it is essential to avoid waste.

Lucy said: “The amount people consume because they want to get their money’s worth unfortunately leads to a lot of food waste.”

She advises consuming only what you can comfortably consume, resisting the temptation to overfill your plates in search of good value for money.

7. Be careful with tweezers

Pay attention to the utensils, like tongs, you use to serve yourself, says Lucy.

Mixing tongs or serving spoons can cause cross-contamination and pose risks to those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

8. Opt for a balanced diet

While it’s tempting to indulge in decadent treats such as pizza, burgers and pasta, Lucy recommends balancing the indulgence with healthier options, especially for those who are conscious of gaining weight while at sea.

Cruise buffets typically offer a variety of nutritious dishes, such as salads, chicken and fish options, ensuring guests can maintain a balanced diet during the voyage.

9. Plate protocol

As Lucy emphasizes, hygiene on board cruise ships is paramount, especially when it comes to serving yourself at the buffet.

Avoid reusing plates for second servings to minimize the risk of contamination and maintain a clean eating environment.

She says, “You might be thinking that the crew members will have to do more washing; believe me, they would rather do the dishes than have a disease spread throughout the ship.”