From Hamburger Helper to Lobster Night: Why Cruise Dining is the Ultimate Upgrade

I grew up in a household where dinner meant stretching what we had—hamburger helper, instant mashed potatoes, canned veggies. Filling, yes. Fancy, not so much. As life got steadier, so did my curiosity—and I fell a little in love with food. Cruising turned that spark into a full-on flame: you step onboard and the dining possibilities suddenly feel endless. The best part? Most of it is already included in your fare.

What’s Included in Most Cruise Fares

• Unlimited dining in the buffet and main dining rooms (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, late-night bites).
• Beverages like water, drip coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and basic juices (usually at breakfast/lunch).
• Main Dining Rooms with rotating multi-course menus and sit-down service.
• Buffet that’s open most of the day for come-and-go flexibility.

Note: Specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, alcohol, and specialty restaurants are typically extra unless you’ve purchased a package or promo that includes them. Offerings can vary by ship and itinerary.

Included Eats by Cruise Line (Highlights)

Royal Caribbean

• Windjammer Café buffet with global variety, open for multiple meals.
• Sorrento’s for that late-night pizza fix.
• Main Dining Rooms with classic multi-course dinners included.

Carnival Cruise Line

• Guy’s Burger Joint (included) — juicy, messy, and worth the line.
• Big Chicken by Shaq (on many ships, included) — crispy, flavorful, craveable.
• Lido Marketplace buffet + main dining rooms for full-day options.

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Freestyle Dining — eat when/where you want at included venues.
• Garden Café buffet and main dining rooms are staples.
• Many ships offer a 24-hour casual spot (e.g., The Local) with included pub-style bites.

MSC Cruises

• Marketplace Buffet with a Mediterranean lean—fresh breads, pastas, salads.
• Main Dining Rooms featuring international selections each night.

Why It Feels So Special

For someone who once stretched every meal, walking into a cruise buffet feels like stepping into abundance—fresh salads and soups, late-night pizza, decadent desserts, and yes, the occasional lobster night. It’s the perfect place to be adventurous: try the dish you can’t pronounce, taste your first escargot, or discover how good a perfectly baked soufflé can be. If it’s not your favorite, no stress—try something else.

Final Bite

Cruising is more than travel—it’s freedom at the table. It’s moving from boxed mashed potatoes to tasting flavors from around the world without worrying about the bill after dinner. Whether you’re a late-night pizza person, a Lido-deck burger hunter, or a three-course-menu devotee, remember: cruises aren’t just about where the ship goes. They’re about where your taste buds get to go, too.