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

A world of culinary delights can be available on a luxury cruise, but one experienced crew member has given her list of do’s 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 fellow crew members can get the most out of their experience.

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

In the videothe cruise ship attendant reveals her top tips for onboard buffet etiquette so guests can enjoy their dining experiences while maintaining hygiene, respect and courtesy.

1. Avoid the crowds

It is tempting to go straight to the buffet when boarding, but Lucy advises against this.

Choose alternative dining options or wait until the initial crowds subside to avoid long lines and overcrowding.

Lucy said: ‘You’ll be served faster and probably get better food – and many restaurants offer free food on embarkation day because they know everyone on board will want to come and eat.’

2. No takeaways

While the buffet offers an array of delectable treats, it is essential to enjoy them in the designated dining areas.

Taking food outside the buffet is not only against ship policy, but also poses hygiene and safety risks, Lucy said.

3. Dress appropriately

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

Guests are urged to dress appropriately during meals, be considerate of other guests and maintain a pleasant dining atmosphere.

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

4. Prioritize hygiene

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

Cruise ships typically have hand-washing stations or crew members armed with sanitizer to ensure guests are meeting proper hygiene standards.

Lucy said: “The amount of people who just walk past and think they can get away with it. There is no excuse. What have we learned from 2020? It’s that things are spreading like wildfire.”

5. Explore the entire spread

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

Take some time to explore the entire buffet area, as some ships have multiple serving lines or special stations offering unique dishes.

6. Minimize waste

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

Lucy said: ‘The amount that people consume because they want to get value for money unfortunately leads to a lot of food waste.’

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

7. Note the pliers

Pay attention to the utensils, such as tongs, that you use to serve yourself, says Lucy.

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

8. Choose a balanced diet

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

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

9. Plate protocol

As Lucy emphasizes, hygiene on board cruise ships is of paramount importance, 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 think this is going to mean more dishes for the crew members. Trust me, they’d rather do the dishes than spread the disease across the ship.’