I'm a cruise ship attendant…here are nine things you should never do at a buffet

A world of delicious cuisine can be had on a luxury cruise – but one experienced crew member has given her a list of do's and don'ts when approaching the buffet.

Lucy Southerton, 28, from Birmingham, has been working on cruise ships for nine years, and regularly offers advice on how passengers and crew can get the most out 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 a cruise ship buffet.”

In the videoa cruise ship attendant reveals her top tips for buffet etiquette on board, ensuring guests enjoy their dining experiences while maintaining cleanliness, respect and decorum.

1. Avoid crowds

It's tempting to head straight to the buffet when boarding, but Lucy advises against that.

Choose alternative places to eat or wait until the initial rush subsides to avoid long lines and crowds.

“You'll get service faster and probably get better food — and a lot of restaurants offer free food on the day of the ride because they know everyone wants to join the ship and eat,” Lucy said.

2. No fast food

While a buffet may offer an array of delicious dishes, it is essential to enjoy them in designated dining areas.

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

3. Dress appropriately

Lucy warns that swimsuits may be appropriate for lounging by the pool, but they have no place at a buffet table.

Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for mealtimes, show interest in fellow diners and maintain a pleasant dining atmosphere.

Shorts and T-shirts are permitted, but wearing swimsuits directly from the pool can also be dangerous and guests may be harmed if water continues to drip onto the floor.

4. Prioritize cleanliness

Before enjoying the buffet offers, it is necessary to wash and sanitize your hands well.

Cruise ships typically provide hand-washing stations or crew members armed with disinfectants to ensure guests maintain proper hygiene standards.

“The number of people who walk by and think they can get away with it,” Lucy said. There is no excuse. What did we learn from 2020? It is that things spread like wildfire.

5. Explore the entire space

With such a wide range 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 serving lines or specialty stations offering unique fare.

6. Reduce waste

While a buffet encourages guests to enjoy themselves, it is essential to avoid waste.

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

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

7. Take care of the tweezers

Pay attention to the tools, like tweezers, you use to service 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 savory delights, such as pizza, burgers and pasta, Lucy recommends balancing indulgences with healthy options, especially for those who are aware of gaining weight while at sea.

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

9. Panel protocol

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

Avoid reusing dishes for second meals to reduce the risk of contamination and maintain a clean dining environment.

“You might think it would take more laundry for the crew – trust me, they would rather do the laundry than spread disease through the ship,” she says.