Written by Shaun Chatman
   on January 11, 2013

Some people take a cruise for the beautiful scenery. Some cruise for a relaxing vacation. And others enjoy cruises for the fabulous food! There’s no doubt about it, food is one of the big draws for those who enjoy cruises. So what kind of food will you eat on your next cruise?

Traditional Dining

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One option you’ll have on most cruise ships is traditional dining. This basically means that you are assigned to a specific dining table at a specific time. The table can seat as few as two or as many as 10. Sometimes you can request a private table, but in many cases you could be dining with other couples of families. The table assignments are up to the cruise line, but you are usually grouped based on something you all have in common, like age or travel group size. You don’t have a lot of control with traditional dining, but you can choose an early or late seating in many cases.

Buffet Dining

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If you prefer more casual dining options, you’re going to like the buffet service. Many cruise lines offer buffets for breakfast or lunch. There are some that also offer a buffet at dinner time, but often the ambiance is kicked up a notch at dinner. While you walk down the sides of the buffet choosing sides and salads, your entrée is being prepared and delivered to your table. You may also be escorted to your table. But don’t worry, buffet dining is casual, so there’s no need to dress up or change out of your daytime outfit. If you’re looking for Asian cruise deals, search for an option with buffet service.

Specialty Dining

Photo by MaxChu via Flickr Creative Commons

Some cruise lines will also offer what is called specialty dining. These options are usually considered a “premium” and as such you’ll pay a little bit more than you would with traditional or buffet dining. The price is usually $10 – 30 more per person. Specialty dining options might include restaurants that feature specific cuisine, like New Orleans fare or French-inspired dishes. You’ll also find steak shops and Italian cuisine with most specialty dining.

How to Decide

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You may want to ask yourself a few questions before choosing your dining options on a cruise. Some questions to ask include:
1. Do I have a preference for the time I eat?
2. Do I like to keep it casual or dress up?
3. How much have I budgeted for tips?
4. What meal options are included on my cruise line?
5. Do I prefer to dine alone or with other people?

One thing is for certain. When you are on a cruise, no matter what dining option you choose, you will leave well fed and satisfied.

Resources: cruisemates.com , cruises.about.com

Shaun Chatman is a freelance writer from Dunedin, FL, who loves advising friends about gadgets and cruises. His dream is to travel the world with his collection of gadgets.

Shaun Chatman

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