Cruise ships are a foodie's paradise.
The food on offer can satisfy any craving, from late-night pizza to mouth-watering steaks, seafood, and even fresh salads.
But despite the variety of options, cruise lines aren't exactly known for high-quality food.
The meals are still delicious, but the quality of the ingredients isn't what you'd expect from fine dining on the mainland.
And while cruising, there is always a risk of illness or gastrointestinal discomfort. Many beginners complain of stomach upset or even nausea and vomiting.
The last thing you want is an unfortunate stomachache ruining your cruise vacation.
To ensure a smooth sailing, be careful about what you eat during your cruise.
Whether you have a sensitive stomach, want to eat healthier, or simply feel like you need to be careful, beware of these 9 foods you should never eat on a cruise.
1. Old, congealed pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular foods on Royal Caribbean cruises, but keep an eye out for any out-of-date items.
If you find a slice of pizza that looks mushy with hardened cheese, it's probably been sitting around for a while.
This is normal, especially if it's not your peak eating time and you're looking for an afternoon or evening snack.
You can always request a new pizza or head to a place with fresher ingredients.
Pizza in Sorrento usually has fresh, warm slices, so keep your eyes peeled!
2. Joint seasoning
Windjammer Buffet staff always encourage guests to wash their hands before entering.
However, there is no way to ensure that everyone has washed their hands with soap and warm water before eating from the buffet.
When you see a large station full of communal condiments, keep in mind that other people have probably touched that station.
Additionally, seasonings must be refrigerated after opening. However, on a cruise ship you will find yourself left outdoors for hours.
Some areas have outdoor condiment stands, like Perfect day at Cococay.
The inability to control outdoor temperatures increases the chances of pathogenic bacteria growing.
This may increase your risk of contracting food poisoning while on vacation.
So be careful when grabbing the seasoning.
Think twice before you put ketchup on your burger and grab it with your hands.
3. Tap water in the port
Staying hydrated is important in a tropical outdoor environment like a cruise.
If you do not drink water consistently, you may experience severe headaches during activity.
Drinking water is always included in Royal Caribbean's base fare. This does not include plastic water bottles, but you can always carry a refillable water bottle with you.
This ensures that you always have healthy drinking water with you.
In certain port destinations, tap water may not always be safe and there is a risk of waterborne illness. Some countries may not have clean drinking water or may contain bacteria that your body is not familiar with.
Always be careful not to drink contaminated tap water!
Drinking dirty water is a surefire way to ruin your trip quickly since you'll probably have to stay close to the bathroom for a while.
read more: Best Royal Caribbean Dining Tips
4. Windjammer’s Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are generally a good food for your morning protein intake.
But on cruise ships, buffet eggs tend to be missing. It's not uncommon for cruise lines to use egg powder that has a slimy, watery texture.
Even if eggs are freshly prepared, they will dry out quickly if stored under a heat lamp.
Instead, head to the made-to-order section and try an omelet.
You’re guaranteed fresh eggs that can be customized with spinach, cheese, and more.
5. Breakfast Bacon
There's one more thing I always avoid when eating breakfast at Windjammer: bacon.
I love a nice, smoked slice of bacon for breakfast. But every time I've tried the bacon at Windjammer, it's lukewarm and incredibly greasy.
Every piece tastes like a greasy crayon and leaves a thick film on the plate.
Of course, taste is subjective and depends on personal taste. I might think the meat was overcooked and others might still enjoy it.
However, it is an objective fact that overly fatty bacon is low quality and unhealthy in the long run.
If you don't want to ruin your appetite for the rest of the day, don't eat bacon for breakfast.
Enjoy fruit, coffee, muffins, and other delicious breakfast options at Windjammer.
6. Don’t eat too many dinner rolls
Dinner rolls in the main dining room are a delicious bread appetizer. Don't avoid it completely, but approach the roll with caution.
If you eat too much, you won't have room left for the rest of your appetizer, main course, or dessert.
Pace is important in multi-course meals, such as those served in the main dining room.
It's tempting and easy to go overboard on a cruise with unlimited food options.
But be careful to monitor what you eat. Think about whether you eat just because you can, or whether you are actually hungry.
Don’t strain your stomach just because the food looks delicious!
7. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
I want to end with some encouragement for you to eat on your cruise. Try different types of food!
Also, I want to eat frequently enough to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach increases the effects of alcohol and increases the rate at which unsafe amounts of alcohol accumulate in your body.
You may feel worse and end up with a bad hangover.
Ultimately, make taking care of your health a priority so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.