Cruisers’ Choice: Top 10 Favorite Buffets at Sea—and the Ones to Avoid
Buffets on cruise ships are a rite of passage for every cruiser. They’re where endless options meet bottomless plates; somehow, breakfast pizza feels like the most natural thing in the world.
But not all buffets are created equal. Some cruise lines have perfected the art of buffet dining, while others leave guests wondering if room service might have been the better choice.
Here, we’re diving into the buffets that cruisers can’t stop raving about—and a few that, well, might need a little extra love from the kitchen.
Top 10 Favorite Cruise Line Buffets
BUT Before we head to the list, I need to say this list was curated by reading through numerous reviews and forums to come up with a general consensus, with a little of my own opinions thrown in from time to time. Of course, you may disagree or have had different experiences, and if that’s the case, I hope you’ll share them in the comments.
Terrace Café – Oceania Cruises
Renowned for its upscale ambiance and diverse offerings, the Terrace Café provides themed lunches and dinners daily, featuring fresh seafood, a carving station, and an impressive salad bar. The attentive staff enhances the dining experience by assisting with trays and preparing made-to-order dishes.
Horizon Court – Princess Cruises
Horizon Court stands out with its extensive selection of international cuisines and live cooking stations. Guests can enjoy freshly baked pastries, rotisserie meats, a Japanese hibachi grill, and build-your-own tacos. The buffet also includes a designated area for children and convenient hand-washing stations.
Oceanview Café – Celebrity Cruises
Modeled after an international marketplace, the Oceanview Café offers a variety of global dishes, including stir-fry, sushi, pasta, and pizza. The spacious layout with multiple food islands and active stations ensures a pleasant dining experience. An exceptional salad bar, meat-carving station, and dessert station add to its appeal.
Lido Marketplace – Carnival Cruise Line
As the primary dining venue on Carnival’s newer ships, Lido Marketplace features numerous food stations such as the Carvery, Continental, Deli, Comfort Kitchen, and Pizzeria. The buffet offers a wide selection of meat and vegetarian options, with the pizzeria open 24/7 (although I think this is changing, and it may close at night now). Indoor and outdoor seating options cater to different preferences.
Windows Café – Azamara
Located on the pool deck, Windows Café is known for its themed dinners that vary nightly, offering international cuisines like Italian, Greek, Indian, and Asian. The buffet includes a salad bar, meat-carving stations, and a dessert display, all complemented by live entertainment and attentive staff.
Cabanas – Disney Cruise Line
Cabanas offers a vibrant, beach-themed atmosphere with many options, including made-to-order omelets, fresh seafood, and international dishes. The family-friendly environment and attentive service make it a favorite among cruisers.
Cabanas is my favorite cruise buffet.
Windjammer Café – Royal Caribbean International
Known for its variety and quality, Windjammer Café provides a range of international cuisines, from Asian stir-fries to Italian pasta. The buffet’s layout reduces congestion, and the attentive staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. The Daily Meal
Garden Café – Norwegian Cruise Line
Offering floor-to-ceiling windows and a diverse menu, Garden Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with made-to-order omelets, pasta stations, and carving stations. The casual atmosphere and variety make it a popular choice.
La Veranda – Regent Seven Seas Cruises
La Veranda provides a sophisticated dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating. The buffet features a selection of international dishes, fresh seafood, and a pizzeria, all presented with elegance.
The Colonnade – Seabourn Cruise Line
The Colonnade offers a casual yet refined dining experience with themed dinners and various international cuisines. The indoor and outdoor seating options and attentive service enhance the overall experience.
5 Buffets That Miss the Mark
This can be for several reasons, usually lack of options or food freshness. I hate going to the buffet for lunch and seeing the same thing repeatedly.
Costa Toscana Buffet
Passengers have reported issues with organization and food quality, describing the buffet as chaotic and the food as subpar. The lack of variety and freshness has led to disappointment among cruisers.
MSC Cruises Buffet
Some travelers have noted that MSC’s buffet offerings lack variety and consistency, with certain dishes being repetitive and not meeting expectations in terms of taste and quality.
P&O Cruises Buffet
Feedback indicates that P&O’s buffet can be hit or miss, with some meals lacking flavor and the selection not being as extensive as other cruise lines.
Holland America Line Buffet
While Holland America is praised for its dining rooms, some passengers feel that the buffet falls short, citing limited options and food that doesn’t always meet the high standards set elsewhere on the ship.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Older Ships Buffets
On some of Carnival’s older vessels, the buffet experience has been described as lacking in variety and quality compared to their newer ships, leading to a less satisfying dining experience.
