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 seasoned crew member has dished out her 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 advice on how passengers and other crew members can get the most out of their experience.

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

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

1. Avoid the crowds

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

Choose alternative dining options or wait for the first rush to die down to avoid long lines and overcrowding.

Lucy said: ‘You’ll be served quicker and likely to get better food – and many restaurants do free food on boarding day because they know everyone will come on board and eat.’

2. No takeaways

Although the buffet can offer a variety of delicious treats, it is important to enjoy them within designated dining areas.

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

3. Dress appropriately

Swimwear may be suitable for lounging by the pool – but it has no place at the buffet table, warns Lucy.

Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately at mealtimes, be considerate of fellow diners and maintain a pleasant dining atmosphere.

Shorts and T-shirts are allowed, but wearing swimwear directly from the pool can also prove dangerous and guests can get injured if the water still drips onto the floor.

4. Prioritize hygiene

Before indulging in the buffet’s offerings, it is essential to wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly.

Cruise ships typically provide hand-washing stations or crew members armed with disinfectant 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? It’s that things are spreading like wildfire.’

5. Scout the entire spread

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

Take a moment to explore the entire buffet area, as some ships may have multiple serving lines or specialty stations offering unique food.

6. Minimize waste

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

Lucy said: ‘Unfortunately, the amount that people consume because they want to get their money’s worth leads to a lot of food waste.’

She advises only what you can comfortably consume and resist the temptation to overfill plates in pursuit of value for money.

7. Take care of the pliers

Be aware of the utensils, such as tongs, you use to serve yourself, says Lucy.

Mixing tongs or serving spoons can lead to cross-contamination and pose a risk to people with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

8. Choose a balanced diet

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

Cruise ship buffets often offer a variety of nutritious dishes, such as salads, chicken and fish options, ensuring that guests can maintain a balanced diet during their journey.

9. Plate protocol

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

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

She says: ‘You might think it will mean more washing up for the crew members – believe me, they’d rather wash up than have a disease spread across the ship.’