Which Cruise Lines Have The Best Food?

Picture yourself on a fancy cruise ship, feeling the soft sea breeze on your skin as you travel to exciting places around the world. Many people love going on cruises to explore new cities, beautiful beaches, and old ruins, but for a lot of travelers, the best part of a cruise is the amazing food.

There is one question on every foodie’s mind: Which Cruise Lines have the Best Food? 

On the top cruise lines, you can enjoy delicious seafood under the stars and eat gourmet meals made by famous chefs. The food on these cruises is so good that it creates unforgettable memories for everyone who tries it. 

Get ready to find out about the best food cruise lines that will make your next vacation even better. If you want to enjoy delicious meals while cruising on beautiful seas, keep reading for an amazing food adventure and find out Which Cruise Line has the Best Food. 

Here is the list of Cruise Lines with Best Cruise Food 2024:

Best Mainstream Foodie Cruises

Mainstream cruise lines have big ships with a capacity of 2,500 to 5,000 passengers. They offer cheaper prices, lots of activities and entertainment, and an exciting range of dining options.

From poolside grills serving up juicy burgers and sizzling hot dogs to round-the-clock buffets offering an endless array of international cuisine, these ships are a food lover’s paradise. Let us start with the rankings. 

Holland America Line 

Holland America Line (HAL) is the top choice for budget-friendly foodie cruises, this Cruise Line knows how to elevate the culinary experience for passengers without breaking the bank.  

From specialized food-themed cruises to exclusive Chef’s Tables and collaborations with MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, HAL provides a full-fledged foodie cruise adventure.

What sets HAL apart is its commitment to engaging passengers through cooking classes, mixology courses, wine blending sessions, and market tours. The cruise line excels in catering to passengers with dietary restrictions, further enhancing its appeal. 

For 20 years, Rudi Sodamin, a talented chef, has been creating delicious food for Holland America Line. He has a lot of experience with different types of food and loves to be creative. Chef Sodamin’s commitment to using the best ingredients and making new dishes has made Holland America Line known for having great food. 

HAL’s food is not only tasty but also fresh and sourced. Collaborating with acclaimed chef and Culinary Council member Ethan Stowell, the cruise line has developed a selection of unique menu items for its Alaska trips.

The dishes use sustainable and certified Alaskan seafood obtained through a partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and certification by Responsible Fisheries Management. 

Below are the top two Holland America Specialty Restaurants. 

Pinnacle Grill: Pinnacle Grill is an upscale steakhouse that requires an extra fee and can be found on all 11 ships in the fleet. It is a favorite spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening and serves classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, lobster bisque, surf and turf, and grilled lamb chops.  

Seafood lovers will also find Alaskan king salmon and halibut. Save room for a unique dessert – baked Alaska with Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream.

Tamarind: Tamarind is a popular choice for Holland American cruisers. This restaurant can be found on 4 ships. It serves Pan-Asian food for an extra cost. The menu has dishes from Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and other Asian countries. You can start with crispy duck, shrimp tempura, or Chinese five-spice baby back ribs.  

For the main course, there are different curries, Mongolian barbecue lamb chops, and wok-seared shrimp and lobster. You can also go to the Tamarind Bar before dinner for a cocktail such as a saketini and watch the sunset. 

Celebrity Cruises 

Celebrity Cruises offer high-quality dining at different prices, from the main dining room to buffet to specialty spots. This makes the cruise line very popular. They make sure to pamper their food-focused cruisers with delicious food and attentive service.  

If you are on a Celebrity Edge-class ship, you can choose from up to 32 restaurants with menus created by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher. 

The line’s most innovative addition was Le Petit Chef. A collaboration with Table Motion Studios introduces a tiny, animated chef who uses 3D technology to prepare delightful, interactive culinary creations right before the passengers’ eyes just before it is served. It is great for Instagram fans and kids. 

On Celebrity ships, there are many free and special dining options. It can be hard to decide where to eat. Here are unique experiences you should not miss. 

Le Petit Chef: Le Petit Chef is a 3D dining experience that is unique and fun. This immersive culinary journey takes place in either the quirky Qsine restaurant or Le Grand Bistro, depending on the ship, and is sure to captivate guests of all ages, particularly younger children.

A small, animated chef prepares each dish and entertains guests. The meal lasts 1.5 hours and costs extra. 

Celebrity has a great small-plate specialty restaurant called Qsine. Featuring iPad menus, puzzle box desserts, and sushi lollipops. For a hands-on experience, food enthusiasts will enjoy the Lawn Club Grill, where guests can cook their own steak in a beautiful outdoor setting. 

Royal Caribbean 

Royal Caribbean cruises amazes food enthusiasts with variety of dining options, from the grand main dining rooms to the laid-back buffet at the Windjammer and snacks at the Cafe Promenade. These options are included in your fare. 

The Royal Caribbean offers unique bars and restaurants experiences such as the bionic bar where robots prepare cocktails and Alice-themed Wonderland restaurant, where guests can select dishes based on natural elements like Earth, Sea, Fire, Ice, and Sun. Wonderland restaurant is known for its experimental cuisine.

The Empire Supper Club on Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas takes diners on a journey to 1930s New York City. This fancy restaurant serves delicious food while guests enjoy live jazz music, making it the priciest place to eat on the ship.

Sweet-toothed food lovers can go to the popular Cupcake Cupboard, which offers large cupcakes with lots of frosting. You can also go to modern Mexican restaurant Sabor, Sugar Beach ice cream parlor, Ben, and Jerry’s for some of the best ice cream at sea. 

Royal Caribbean is also able to cater to various dietary needs such as food allergies, gluten-free, kosher, and low-fat diets due to its extensive food options. 

Royal Caribbean offers two dining options for cruise passengers in Main Dining Room. The first is Traditional dining, with set meal times and assigned seating. The second option is My Time Dining, which is more flexible and very popular.

Norwegian Cruise Line 

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) provides a more flexible dining experience compared to other cruise lines & on of the best cruise line for food. They got rid of set mealtimes and dress codes, and now offer a variety of free and specialty restaurants on board, ensuring there is something for every palate. 

Even with its laid-back atmosphere, NCL maintains high-quality dining choices, including elegant dining areas, buffets, and 24-hour eateries. NCL offers specialty restaurants or guests interested in a unique culinary experience at an extra cost. 

Ocean Blue, a fancy seafood restaurant by Geoffrey Zakarian, serves some of the best food on the cruise. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea is also popular. NCL has partnered with other chefs too, like Iron Chef Jose Garces who offers modern Mexican dishes. You can also try sophisticated Cuban food at Bayamo or continental fare at Pincho Tapas Bar. 

Cagney’s Steakhouse restaurant of NCL is highly praised for its premium beef cuts and inviting atmosphere.  

Even for those looking for vegetarian or vegan options, NCL can still be a great choice. While most menu items are not vegan-friendly, there is a generous selection of vegan-compatible dishes available throughout the day and even special vegan lunch and dinner buffets. 

Princess Cruises 

Princess Cruises is known for its excellent dining options and bar menus. They have a variety of restaurants that serve food from around the world, home-style dishes, and gourmet meals with carefully chosen flavors. 

It’s one of the few cruise lines that offers different meal times in the main dining area, at least on Regal Princess. The Symphony dining room has set meal times, while the Allegro and Concerto dining rooms let guests come and eat whenever they want. 

They have collaborated with famous chefs like Curtis Stone and Ernesto Uchimura, who have created award-winning burgers. Princess Cruises also has one of the best pizzerias at sea, Alfredo’s, which serves authentic, hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizzas with fresh and interesting toppings. The best part? You can eat these thin-crust pizzas for free. 

The cruise buffet, Horizon Bistro, is also great, with made-to-order omelets, sandwiches, and locally sourced dinners. And if you want to spend some money, you can get a flight of Norman Love chocolates and carefully chosen wines.

Princess Cruise Ships also caters to special dietary needs. While some people find the food options repetitive, the chefs in the main dining room are willing to accommodate your requests. 

Disney Cruise Line 

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of food options for everyone. Whether you are a Disney fan or a foodie, there is something for you. The diverse culinary offerings ensure that every guest finds something to savor. 

The top-notch family cruise lines offer amazing entertainment and chances to meet favorite Disney characters like Star Wars and Marvel heroes. Disney cruises offer great entertainment for everyone, from big shows in the main dining room to small references to Disney movies in the adult areas and bars. 

The restaurant offers food for families with Mickey-shaped food and princess-themed teas. There are also gourmet options for food enthusiasts. The restaurant has many dining choices, including themed main dining rooms, casual buffets, and specialty restaurants like Remy and Palo, which serve French and Italian cuisine.  

One unique feature is rotational dining, where guests visit three different dining venues and have personalized service. The staff are also prepared to accommodate any dietary needs. Disney also offers modern menus at specialty restaurants, but you must pay extra for them. 

Carnival Cruise Line 

Some people think Carnival Cruises are cheap and not very good, but we disagree. In fact, Carnival is a smart choice for people who love food and want an affordable cruise. Carnival offers low prices and many different cruise destinations.

They also have a special Chef’s Table program, which is especially good on the Carnival Vista Class Ships. So, if you love food and want a budget cruise, Carnival is a great option. 

You can eat at Guy’s Burger Joint for delicious burgers. Also, don’t miss the tasty fish tacos at Blue Iguana and the stylish, upscale dining experience at Fahrenheit 555. 

Best Luxury Foodie Cruises

If you’re passionate about food and want an exceptional dining experience while cruising, it’s important to consider smaller ship sizes and higher crew-to-guest ratios. Luxury cruise lines with fewer passengers can provide personalized and attentive service, ensuring that your dining needs are met with precision and care. 

Explore the world’s remote locations on the best luxury foodie cruises, indulging in sumptuous meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs while sailing through exotic destinations. The stylish suite accommodations and top-notch service enhance your experience, making every moment on board a delight for the senses. 20

These cruise companies are very expensive, but their high-quality onboard experience makes the cost worth it. Passengers who try luxury cruises usually don’t go back to cheaper ones. Once you experience the high quality of life on these trips, you’ll be captivated. 

Check out the top luxury culinary cruises available. 

Crystal Cruises 

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have more dining options available to food enthusiasts than their competitors on every Crystal cruise. This makes them stand out.  

Crystal offers onboard beer programs, personalized drinking experiences crafted by sommeliers, and collaborations with celebrity chefs such as Piero Selvaggio and Nobu Matsuhisa. 

The Crystal Dining Room is a culinary masterpiece with elegant decor and an innovative, unbeatable menu. 

Looking for an unparalleled culinary experience at sea? Look no further than Silk Road & Sushi Bar by Nobu Matsuhisa, where you can indulge in the finest sushi offerings on a Crystal Cruise. 

This onboard restaurant is famous for its fresh and expertly prepared raw fish. It also offers delicious pork and Wagyu beef dishes, going beyond traditional sushi. 

 If you love seafood or want a filling meal, Silk Road & Sushi Bar has something for everyone. 

Silversea Cruises 

Silversea Cruises is known for its luxury travel and great food on its ships. Guests can take cooking classes at the famous cooking school. Top-tier chefs will teach the classes, and guests will learn gourmet cooking secrets while enjoying ocean views.

Food enthusiasts can learn cooking from Relais & Chateaux L’Ecole des Chef.

The famous cooking program at sea is offered on about 10 specific voyages annually. You can join classes to learn about knife skills, baking, and making sauces. You can also go on market tours and have 6-course meals with wine pairings. 

On Silversea Cruises, the dining experience is great, even though the ships are small. Passengers have six to eight specialty restaurants to choose from, and they are all included in the fare. 

Le Champagne offers elegant French cuisine with exemplary white-glove service. It is a must-visit for food enthusiasts who love French food. 

Seabourn 

Seabourn is an ultra-luxury cruise line. The small size of the luxury cruise line’s ships means that excellent service is always close by. They have a few extra options, but their high quality makes up for the lack of choices. 

They are a member of the prestigious gastronomic and fine-dining society called the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Each dining venue on the ship has its own atmosphere and offers a variety of dishes. They all use high-quality ingredients and top culinary skills. 

Passengers have highlighted that Seabourn’s collaboration with American chef Thomas Keller adds an exclusive touch to their dining experience, elevating it to a whole new level. 

Seabourn provides special market tours in some ports with the chef, called Shopping with the Chef, allowing interested passengers to learn about the market process and even take home some tasty recipes.  

The main dining area and some other restaurants serve vegetarian and vegan food. If you have special dietary needs, you can pre-order by contacting Guest Services before the cruise. This will help ensure there are enough ingredients for the chefs to be creative and vary the meals during your trip. 

Regent Seven Seas 

Regent Seven Seas is a cruise line that offers great food options and is a paradise for foodies. On the Seven Seas Explorer ship, passengers can take a cooking class in the Culinary Arts Kitchen, which has 18 stations and lots of expertise. What truly sets this cruise line apart are its exceptional and complimentary dining options. 

La Veranda offers a laid-back dining experience that transforms into an upscale Italian restaurant in the evenings. Chartreuse, the French restaurant on board, serves delectable Parisian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Rose offers various food styles for fussy or indecisive guests. 

Pacific Rim has an impressive entrance with a big bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel outside. Inside, you can have a special cocktail and pick from a variety of Asian dishes (Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, or Vietnamese dishes).

You can start with sushi and sashimi, then have pork and shrimp siu mai or thom kha gai soup. For the main dish, you can try miso black cod, Canadian lobster tempura, or aromatic duck. 

Carnivores should visit Prime 7, Regent’s fancy steakhouse. It offers a 36-ounce porterhouse steak as its best dish.

Best Premium Foodie Cruises

Premium cruise lines have smaller ships and focus on providing high-quality service, entertainment, and dining. From Michelin-starred chefs crafting culinary masterpieces to carefully curated wine pairings, indulging in gourmet cuisine is an essential part of the journey. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients makes every meal memorable.

What is better than enjoying exquisite dining, luxurious staterooms, and all-inclusive pricing? Premium cruises offer the best of both mainstream and luxury cruises. They have fine dining, spacious staterooms, and more inclusive fares. They cost more but also include extras like specialty meals and port day excursions. 

Here are our top two choices for the best Premium foodie cruise lines and their best cruise ship restaurants. 

Oceania Cruises 

Oceania is famous for its great food at sea and is ranked number 1 for it. Oceania Cruises has received excellent guest reviews for their food. They provide both luxury and relaxed dining options, showing their dedication to offering the best dining experience at sea. 

They have a great reputation for their cuisine, thanks to their partnership with French chef Jacques P pin and their all-inclusive meal fares. Oceania Marina is one of the best cruise ships for food, offering open seating and dining anytime. 

Next to the main dining room, there are specialty restaurants like Toscana for Italian food, the Polo Grill for steaks, and Red Ginger for Pan-Asian dishes. You do not have to pay extra to eat at these specialty restaurants. 

If you cannot find anything you like on the menu, you can ask for a custom-made meal. This is helpful if you have special dietary needs, like allergies or if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Food lovers will be spoiled by the delicious food and dining options on the ship. 

Windstar Cruises 

Windstar’s ships are more than just cruise ships; they are beautiful works of art that make you feel like you’re on a timeless adventure. The tall masts give them a romantic look, taking passengers back to a time of classic voyages and maritime exploration. 

Sailing on a wooden ship is a magical experience that recalls traditional sea adventures. Windstar Cruises focuses on food experiences. They always include a tour led by their chefs on each cruise. This lets guests explore markets and try local food. 

On these tours, passengers can experience local life, try new foods and the cultures and traditions of each port. Windstar is committed to utilize locally sourced food. Windstar not only promotes sustainability but also supports the economies of the destinations they visit.  

Imagine strolling through a vibrant market in Greece, hand-selecting olives, feta cheese, and fresh produce that will later grace your plate as part of a delectable Mediterranean feast on board. The best part is that these tours are free.

FAQs – Which Cruise Lines Have the Best Food 2024