Cruises are built around indulgence.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Buffets stacked high, late-night pizza counters, soft-serve machines humming away by the pool — it’s basically a floating food festival. But according to one cruise expert, not everything on board deserves a spot on your plate.
YouTuber Angie, known online as Cruise Blog, has revealed the five foods passengers may want to avoid — especially if you have a “sensitive stomach or simply want to avoid some of the worst options”.
In a video that’s racked up attention online, Angie explains that while cruise ships offer endless variety, quality and hygiene can vary.
As she puts it: “Cruise ships are a foodie’s heaven. There’s something for every craving, whether it’s late-night pizza, a juicy steak, seafood, or salad for those looking for a lighter option.”
But she adds a reality check: “Even so, cruise lines aren’t typically known for their high-quality food. While that’s not to say you won’t have delicious meals, not everything offered will be the same quality you would expect in fine-dining restaurants.”
Here’s what she says to think twice about before loading up your plate.
Communal Condiments
Yes — even the ketchup.
Angie warns that shared sauce bottles sitting out on buffet counters can be a hygiene risk.
“While it’s suggested that everyone washes their hands before entering the buffet, it’s unlikely that absolutely everyone is going to scrub with soap and water before filling their plates with food,” she explains.
On top of that, these condiments can sit unrefrigerated for hours — sometimes even outdoors.
“Since their temperature isn’t being controlled, the chances of pathogenic bacteria growing is increased,” she warns. “You do not want to get food poisoning.”
If you’re the type who loads up on dipping sauces, it might be worth reconsidering.
Tap Water
Hydration is key on holiday — but Angie says be cautious about where your water comes from, particularly when docked.
“Drinking contaminated water is a quick way to ruin your trip,” she says.
Her advice? Bring a refillable bottle and stick to filtered or bottled water whenever possible, especially in destinations such as Mexico.
Scrambled Eggs
Breakfast lovers might not like this one.
Angie admits: “Scrambled eggs are normally my go-to,” but warns that cruise ships sometimes use powdered eggs, which have a “squishy texture.”
Even when freshly prepared, they can suffer under buffet heat lamps.
“Even if they’re prepared fresh, scrambled eggs under heat lamps dry out quickly,” she notes — recommending that passengers head to the “made to order” station for a fresh omelette instead.
Soft-Serve Ice Cream
A swirl of ice cream on deck sounds like the perfect sea-day treat. But if it’s self-serve, Angie suggests caution.
The issue mirrors the condiment problem — lots of hands, lots of contact, and varying hygiene standards.
If you’re craving something sweet, pre-portioned desserts or cones served by staff may be the safer bet.
Dinner Rolls
This final warning isn’t about bacteria — it’s about strategy.
Angie advises passengers to skip the dinner rolls at the start of a meal. Not because they’re bad, but because they’re filling.
Load up on bread too early and you might not have room for your starter, main and pudding.
And on a cruise, that’s a sacrifice few are willing to make.
Cruises may be a “foodie’s heaven”, but a little selectiveness can go a long way toward keeping your holiday smooth sailing — and out of the cabin with a stomach ache.
Because nothing ruins unlimited buffet access quite like food poisoning.
Featured image credit: WorldManual/YouTube/CruiseBlog (screenshot)
