Top Cruise Lines Serving Up the Seas’ Finest Cuisine

I’m salivating at the thought of penning this tale. While I sit here reflecting on all the quotes deemed worthy of being featured under the heading “top-notch.”
cruise line food
It’s clear how significantly cruise ship dining has transformed.

In the past, cruise-goers had limited choices: they could either sit at assigned tables in the primary dining area or opt for a less formal setting at the buffet. Nowadays, guests have an abundance of selections available to them, particularly aboard the biggest ships where numerous alternatives abound.

Among the vast array of culinary options available are
pizza
and
burgers
, sushi,
steak
, French, Indian, Mexican, Asian Fusion, and Diner cuisine, among others. Add collaborations with renowned chefs such as Jacques Pépin and Guy Fieri, and you have a winning combination for culinary excellence.

Almost everybody who goes cruising anticipates the meals. No matter whether your taste buds are simple or you’re seeking an upscale culinary adventure, this compilation highlights the top cruise lines known for their cuisine.

Here are my top picks for cruise lines known for their cuisine, arranged alphabetically.

Carnival Cruise Line

Caution: I am going to make an ambitious and contentious assertion.
Carnival Cruise Line
has the
best all-around food
of any mainstream cruise line. The food quality is even more surprising because the brand’s fares are some of the industry’s lowest.

Besides offering an enjoyable array of dishes in their shipboard buffets, travelers can also discover tasty choices on the daily main dining room menus. (A lesser-known gem is the cruise line’s selection of Indian food. Shouldn’t spot it listed, feel free to inquire; this choice frequently appeals greatly to those following vegetarian or vegan diets.)

Certainly, Carnival charges an additional fee for dining options like steak and seafood. However, when it comes to complimentary meals, Carnival boasts one of the most extensive selections of alternative dining choices where you won’t have to pay more. Specifically, I would like to highlight certain standout offerings.
Guy’s Burger Joint
By Guy Fieri; the Blue Iguana Cantina, serving Mexican cuisine; Big Chicken, Shaquille O’Neal’s establishment for fried chicken; and
Pizza Pirate or Captain’s Pizzeria
(relying on the vessel), known for their absolutely mouthwatering pies.

If you feel like treating yourself, consider visiting Emeril’s Bistro, where you can enjoy New Orleans-inspired dishes à la carte thanks to celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse; Rudi’s Seagrill, a seafood eatery created by chef Rudi Sodamin; or Bonsai Teppanyaki.

Holland America Line

Maybe I ought not to be astonished that Carnival’s sibling brand
Holland America
also excels in providing top-notch cruise dining. The company generally avoids the extravagant amenities found on other cruise lines. (You won’t find zip lines or)
roller coasters
Onboard, rather than offering extra features, it concentrates on delivering essential facilities such as an extensive range of options.
truly talented musicians
and, of course,
food that stands out
.

All the food I have enjoyed in the main dining area has been exceptionally delicious, and you simply cannot go wrong with the grilled cheese sandwiches or pea soup at the complimentary Grand Dutch Cafe found on the latest vessels of this cruise line.

At the Sel de Mer seafood restaurant, Chef Rudi Sodamin’s playful yet delicious concoctions include steak, various types of seafood, fish, duck, and lamb dishes alongside vegetarian choices. You’ll find these meals come with an amusing twist when they arrive at your table in the form of comically designed edible presentations. If you’re craving one of the finest cuts of meat available both aboard ships and ashore, head over to Pinnacle Grill. For those fond of East Asian flavors, spending a bit more will grant access to what might be among the most satisfying Asian cuisines served onboard at Tamarind.

Moreover, HAL’s cuisine stands out not only because it’s delicious but also due to its freshness and ethical sourcing. This range collaborates with acclaimed chef and Culinary Council member Ethan Stowell to develop an exclusive selection of dishes for their menu.
Alaska voyages
. The dishes use sustainable Alaskan seafood sourced through a partnership with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Holland America has become the only cruise line to receive the Responsible Fisheries Management certification for serving only sustainable, wild Alaska seafood on its ships sailing the region.

Oceania Cruises

Upscale cruise line
Oceania
Fits numerous eateries into its compact vessels, yet every choice turns out excellent. Regardless of whether you appreciate diverse culinary options and delicious dishes or have high standards when it comes to food, Oceania promises a triumphant experience. Given that Jacques Pépin and Giada De Laurentiis help design the menu offerings, this outcome seems almost inevitable. Moreover, most meal costs cover everything except for the premium wine-tasting events.

On the smaller ships of this line, you’ll find two speciality dining options: a steakhouse and an Italian eatery, alongside the Grand Dining Room which offers extensive global menu choices. There’s also the Terrace Café, a premium buffet spot featuring sushi, French cheeses, and artisanal ice creams. The bigger ships boast four reservation-based eateries, offering cuisines such as French, American, and Pan-Asian dishes, varying according to the specific vessel.

Oceania pays equal heed to meticulous details and delightful flavors even in its more compact dining areas. At Waves Grill located on the pool deck, diners can savor options beyond standard cheeseburgers, such as salmon sandwiches and wagyu beef burgers. Additionally, the cruise line’s afternoon tea stands out as a highlight, featuring elegantly served treats wheeled around the observation lounge on serving carts.

On the latest vessels of this line,
Vista
And Allura, begin your morning on a delightful note at Aquamar Kitchen where you can enjoy various kinds of avocado toast along with freshly squeezed juices mixed with healing spices. Don’t miss their pizza nights, which offer authentic Italian-style pizzas as well as an appealing selection of burrata dishes.

Ultimately, true gastronomes searching for an exceptional culinary adventure may opt to spend additional funds on wine-pairing dinners that compete with the finest banquets experienced either ashore or aboard pricier cruise lines. Recognizing this, Oceania has incorporated cozy dining venues directly into their vessels, designated solely for such gourmet occasions catering specifically to discerning diners.

Luxurious Scenery Cruises & Excursions

For me, exceptional cuisine strikes a perfect harmony between premium quality ingredients, flawless tastes, and innovative plating, ensuring satisfaction for even the most selective diners. Unfortunately, I frequently encounter upscale eateries that employ unconventional components (think organ meats I’d avoid like the plague), prioritize aesthetics over flavor, or serve minuscule servings that fail to satiate hunger pangs. Among various dining experiences, luxury cruise line Scenic stands out as it achieves this equilibrium without falling into those pitfalls.

Starting with basic fare such as eggs for breakfast at the buffet, all the way up to the remarkably sophisticated chef’s table experience offered onboard an expedition vessel.
Scenic Eclipse I
—a ship offering an extensive array of dining choices considering its dimensions—the cuisine was delicious and skillfully made.

However, this does not imply that it lacked creativity. Take, for instance, the offerings at the chef’s table: they presented candied foie gras (and in my case, candied dates) as lollipops along with cured meats shaped to resemble cigars complete with ash details—but these weren’t merely aesthetic novelties. Each flavor was perfectly executed, and alternative options were provided for finicky diners such as myself and our vegetarian traveling partner.

In the space between buffets that require no reservations and exclusive chef’s tables lies an array of notable reservation-needed alternatives such as Koko’s Sushi (be sure not to skip their handcrafted cotton candy), the Night Market teppanyaki, and the French eatery called Lumière, which surprisingly won over even this highly critical cruise ship passenger known for disliking French cuisine.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Luxury brand
Seabourn Cruise Line
Offers exceptional cuisine across all its eateries, such as The Restaurant for fine dining and The Colonnade for buffets, with daily changing menus. Even the café within Seabourn Square—a combination relaxation spot and customer assistance zone—provides top-notch fare. Plus, many vessels feature delightful informal meal choices available outside during evenings.

Moreover, the ships on this route aren’t very numerous; however, they compensate for their limited quantity with exceptional quality.

An excellent illustration is “Earth and Ocean,” an outdoor dining event held at The Patio. Savor a range of dishes from both terrestrial and aquatic sources, each packed with vibrant flavors and presented stylishly. Potential offerings could consist of Belgian endive salad, prosciutto-enwrapped asparagus, rib-eye steak, seafood bouillabaisse, baked Camembert, and a salted caramel gelato sundae. Be sure not to skip the freshly made breadsticks.

Additionally, check out the new Mediterranean restaurant called Solis, which made its debut on Seabourn cruise ships in 2024. (This establishment took the place of The Grill by Thomas Keller since their collaboration came to an end.)

A notable luxury experience offered by Seabourn is their renowned “caviar in the surf” event, which takes place once per cruise. During this beach day activity, waitstaff enter the waters carrying trays of caviar and additional treats. For cruises conducted in colder climates, similar setups with tables are arranged on an outdoor deck. It’s worth noting that passengers have the option to request complimentary caviar anytime they desire throughout the voyage.

Virgin Voyages

When
Virgin Voyages
When it was launched, it eliminated the conventional main dining room experience and introduced an alternative approach.
nearly a dozen restaurants
That matches the atmosphere, quality, and innovation of the finest high-end restaurants ashore. Instead of offering a conventional cruise ship buffet, it introduced a food court concept. Furthermore, it has made significant efforts to accommodate various dietary needs, providing numerous options for vegetarians, vegans, and those following a gluten-free diet.

Everything is covered in the price — with the exception of a new dinner theater experience.
Resilient Lady
This lineup provides excellent value without compromising on quality. Collaborating with renowned chefs such as Matt Lambert from New York’s The Musket Room, Sohui Kim from Insa, The Good Fork, and Gage & Tollner in New York, along with Silavana Salcido Esparza from Barrio Café in Phoenix, this collection features an array of dishes ranging from Mexican cuisine, Italian cooking, and steaks to Korean barbecue, vegetable-centric meals, and even molecular gastronomy.

Regarding the dining experience at this venue, it offers more than just visual appeal. The cuisine is exceptional as well, presenting innovative Indian-inspired dishes that are perfectly spiced.

Looking for something more laid-back? Guests can indulge in almost continuous offerings such as personal pizzas, happy hour mezze platters, ice cream scoops, and classic American snacks including soft pretzels, hot dogs, and sweets – all at no extra cost. If you’re craving heartier fare in a relaxed setting, visit The Galley, which offers various food-court style stations featuring diner classics, noodle dishes, paninis, salads, tacos, ready-to-grab sushi options, along with an array of sweet treats and other savory selections.

Thinking about a cruise? Begin with these tales:

• The top 5 sought-after cabin positions on any cruise liner
• An introductory guide for selecting a cruise line
• The 8 least desirable cabin positions on any cruise ship
• The definitive checklist for packing essentials before your cruise voyage
• A brief overview of the top cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks to ensure your cruise goes seamlessly
• Main ways cruise travelers fritter away their cash
• The definitive handbook for selecting a cruise ship stateroom