Cruise ships are famous for their endless food — but not all meals are created equal, and those “extras” can add up fast. The good news? With a little insider know-how, you can unlock tastier dishes, skip the crowds and even dine like a VIP without spending a dollar more. Here are the smartest cruise dining hacks to help you eat better (and cheaper) on your next sailing.
DIY Room Service
Head to the buffet, load a plate with what you want, and bring it back to your cabin or balcony instead of using paid room service.
First-Night Specialty Deal
Book a specialty restaurant on night one of your cruise when discounts or free perks (like wine) are often offered.
Track the Soft-Serve
Find the free soft-serve ice cream station and use it for dessert, a late snack, or a treat at any hour.
Make Friends With the Bartender
Even if you’re not having cocktails, the bar staff can mix sodas, juices, ice-cream floats or add free extras like fruit slices.
Bring Your Own Mixers and Coffee Fixings
Pack powdered drink mixes, tea bags, instant coffee or soda packets to avoid paying high onboard beverage prices.
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Explore Hidden Breakfast Venues
Skip the crowd at the main dining room by finding lesser-used breakfast spots that may offer à la carte or less-crowded options.
Hacking the Main Dining Room Menu
You’re not obligated to order three full courses: share apps, take two desserts, ask for half-portions, or reorder your favourite dish another night.
Share or Split High-End Meals
In specialty restaurants or main dining, share an entrée or ask to combine portions so you try more options and save money.
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Off-Menu Requests Work
Don’t assume you’re limited to what’s printed: ask for custom dishes, dietary tweaks or items from room-service menus at the dining venue.
Sneak Snacks and Stock the Cabin
Use buffets, coffee bars, and kiosks to pick up snacks, cookies, fruit, or pastries to store in your cabin for later.
Bring a Tray and Other Tools
A cheap tray or container helps you transport food from buffet to cabin easily and hygienically.
Stay Ahead of the Menus
Check the ship’s app or daily sheet for the dining menu, pop-up events, or specialty meals so you time your best meals for value.
Bed-and-Breakfast In Room
Use complimentary room-service breakfast (if available) for a calm start, then use the main dining or buffet later, when lines are shorter.
Bring Allowed Drinks & Use Them Wisely
If policy allows, bring your own bottle of wine or chilled drinks and enjoy them in your cabin or at dinner to sidestep high-priced ships’ drinks.
Dessert Hacks & Late-Night Treats
Use soft-serve, toppings, cookies from the buffet, or ask to take dessert back to your room for a midnight snack or balcony treat.
More Cruise Tips You Might Like
- 7 Things You Should Never Buy on a Cruise Ship — Skip the impulse purchases onboard — from pricey spa treatments to Wi-Fi packages and excursions — to keep your cruise truly budget-friendly.
- 10 Things You Should Never Eat on a Cruise — Avoid specific buffet and menu items — like powdered-egg scrambled eggs, unattended soft-serve machines and stale pizza — that could leave you bloated or disappointed.
- 23 Things That You Should Never Do on a Cruise — From ignoring safety drills to reserving pool chairs for hours, this guide flags the common no-go behaviors that can derail your vacation.
