Is Your Stomach Up for the Challenge of a Cruise?
Welcome to the cruise ship! It's just you, the open waters, and a bunch of food calling your name. Dozens of daily options sound like a dream come true, but the reality is that only some dishes make the cut. Before you hit the open sea, let's explore which foods to avoid and which are safest to indulge in.
1. Scrambled Eggs
This number-one breakfast food only appears like a safe option. The reality is that they may not be the best quality on a cruise, and if they’re sitting at the breakfast buffet, they're probably even worse.
2. Buffet Sushi
Sushi is one of those foods you always need to be careful with. One wrong temperature or ill-prepared dish can send you to the toilet for days, so it’s a good idea to avoid buffet fish. The last thing you want is to upset your stomach when you're rocking on the water.
3. Pizza
When it comes to pizza quality on a cruise ship, it really depends on where you get it from. Grabbing it off a menu is far safer than picking at whatever congealed cheese awaits you at the buffet.
4. Wilted Greens
It’s typically hit or miss with a cruise salad bar. Some are stuffed with fresh greens and veggies, while others are a little more questionable. If it looks like your salad has seen better days, it’s best to leave it.
5. Too Much Alcohol
Hey, you're on vacation, and that means alcohol! Indulging in a glass here or there isn’t a problem, but overconsumption won't do you any favors. Too much alcohol can make the rest of your trip seem like a nightmare; you don't want to make yourself sick or spend half your time hungover.
6. Soft Serve Ice Cream
We rarely win the battle against ice cream’s temptation, though you may want to think twice on a cruise ship. Think of the soft serve machines like the water fountain in elementary school—they won’t seriously harm you, but it’s a cesspool for germs.
7. Saucy Foods
Foods doused in sauce can put you on the fast track to stomach upset. It’s one thing to order it off a menu, but move on from any saucy foods marinating under a heat lamp. Pasta dishes will likely be dry, the sauce could easily be lumpy or congealed, and you don't have long before bacteria sets in.
8. Sliced Meat
If you see meat hanging around the buffet, be wary of how much you take. The reality is that sliced meat is best when it’s freshly cut—if it’s sitting under a heat lamp, you risk chowing down when it’s already dry or slimy.
9. Shared Condiments
If your cruise line offers condiment packets, grab on and don’t let go. What you should let go of are the communal bottles that pass from hand to hand and can easily get you sick. It's not really something people concern themselves with on vacation, but you don't want to risk any nasty bugs on your vacation.
10. Communal Bread Basket
Bread baskets raise two major flags. One: it’s easy to fill up and miss out on all the other good stuff. Two: if people use their hands instead of tongs, that bread roll suddenly isn’t too appealing. We can't stop you from indulging, but we can implore you to reconsider!
With some lackluster items out of the way, let's dive into the yummy options you should reach for more often.
1. Fresh Fruit
Cruises generally have fresh fruit during tea time, so it’s best to indulge then. It’s good for you, won’t upset your stomach, and more often than not, is one of the safest food options.
2. Chicken Dishes
If the buffet looks a little iffy, grab a chicken dish off the menu for something fresher. You'll sink your teeth into a properly prepared meal and indulge in sides that are just as good for you. It's a little more expensive, but the cost is worth avoiding dried-out breasts.
3. Pasta
That buffet pasta doesn't look too appealing, but plates off the menu are a great way to score noodles. That said, just be mindful of when you order! Pasta leans on the heavier side, so it might be a better dinner choice than lunch.
Sestrjevitovschii Ina on Unsplash
4. Fresh Fish
You’re on the water, so why not reach for some fresh fish? (From the chefs, of course.) As mentioned, you don't want to roll the dice with seafood, so grabbing fish off the menu ensures you stick with fresh, healthy options.
5. Steak
Then again, fish isn't for everyone. If you're itching for a savory meal, it might be time to treat yourself to a great steak dinner. You're guaranteed a meal cooked to perfection, and it’s far better than whatever’s sweating in the buffet.
Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash
6. Classic BBQ Dishes
BBQ favorites like burgers or hot dogs are a safe bet for sensitive stomachs. While some burgers are hit or miss on a cruise, with any luck, you’ll nab one that leaves your mouth watering, not recoiling.
7. Desserts
Chances are, you won’t see anything too extravagant on a dessert menu, which is exactly why you should treat your sweet tooth! Most options are pretty mild and offer a wide variety of classic options like ice cream, cake, butter tarts, and mousse.
8. Classic Cocktails
The last thing your stomach needs is excessive alcohol—but a vacation calls for colorful drinks and cute umbrellas. If you’re up for it, sip on some refreshing cocktails to get the most out of your time at sea. So long as you don't push it too hard, you're in the clear.
9. Your Own Snacks
On a cruise ship packed with food, why would anyone bring their own? We know it sounds a bit weird, but snacks from home ensure you eat what you like. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to what you know, especially if you have a sensitive stomach!
10. Afternoon Tea
Even if you don’t want to munch on the snacks at tea time, there’s still plenty to drink. Tea is a great way to calm your stomach, so indulge in those leaves if you want to keep it low-key (or prevent unwanted bathroom breaks).
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