10 Foods to Avoid on a Cruise

Undercooked meats—whether rare steaks, undercooked burgers, or other meats cooked less than well-done—can carry significant risks. When someone doesn’t cook meats to the proper temperature, harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can survive and cause foodborne illnesses that ruin your cruise experience.

This risk increases in environments where people prepare a large volume of food quickly, like in a cruise kitchen. The hustle and bustle of serving thousands of guests can lead to shortcuts and overlooked food safety procedures. While some people enjoy their meat cooked rare or medium-rare, cruise travelers should stick to well-done options, especially for ground meats like burgers, which are more prone to contamination.

Cruise ship kitchens handle enormous quantities of food daily, and occasional lapses in cooking conditions can happen. For instance, ground meats can harbor bacteria throughout, making thorough cooking essential for safety. Additionally, steak, lamb, and other whole cuts of meat may have bacteria on the surface that cooking kills. However, if someone mishandles these cuts, cross-contamination can still pose a threat.

When you order meat dishes on board, always ask about the cooking process. If you prefer your steak rare, consider asking for it medium instead. At a buffet, avoid any meat dishes that look undercooked or unappetizing. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to skip it altogether.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are vital for a healthy diet, but you should be extra cautious about unwashed or poorly handled produce on a cruise. While cruise ships usually maintain high cleanliness standards, some items, especially those that you can’t peel—like leafy greens or berries—can pose risks if someone doesn’t wash them properly.

Produce like lettuce in salads, pre-cut fruits, and other raw vegetables can harbor germs and bacteria if someone exposes them to unclean water. Cruise ships often source produce from various ports where sanitation practices can vary. If someone doesn’t wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, they can spread illness.

When selecting fruits and vegetables, choose items that you can peel, such as bananas, oranges, or apples. Cooking vegetables instead of eating them raw is a safer option. If you’re unsure about the cleanliness of a salad bar or buffet, it’s wise to choose a sit-down restaurant where the food handling practices are typically stricter.

Additionally, order whole fruit instead of pre-cut fruit. Whole fruits carry a lower risk of contamination because fewer people handle them. Remember that many salads contain a mix of ingredients, making it hard to determine which part might be unsafe.

4. Soft-Serve Ice Cream: A Fun but Risky Snack

Soft-serve ice cream can be a fun and convenient snack on a cruise, but the machines that dispense it can sometimes breed bacteria. These machines need strict and frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria from growing inside, which isn’t always guaranteed with large crowds.

If someone doesn’t clean the machines properly, harmful bacteria can develop inside and contaminate your ice cream. Illnesses like gastroenteritis can link to contaminated soft-serve ice cream because its creamy texture provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. To stay safe, choose pre-packaged ice cream or desserts served in the ship’s formal dining areas. These options are more likely to have better storage and handling practices.

If you choose to indulge in soft-serve ice cream, pay attention to the machine’s cleanliness and how busy it is. If the area seems neglected or the machine appears to have ice cream that has been sitting for too long, it’s best to steer clear. You might also consider asking the staff about the maintenance schedule for the soft-serve machines to get a sense of their hygiene practices.

5. Shellfish: Enjoy with Caution

Shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams are common treats aboard cruise ships, but they come with their fair share of risks. it’s are filter feeders, which means they filter water to feed on plankton and other small organisms. Unfortunately, this also means they can accumulate toxins and harmful bacteria from their environment, making them prone to causing foodborne illnesses, especially if they are not cooked properly.

The risks associated with shellfish become heightened on cruises, where the ship may source seafood from various ports along the way. This variability can introduce inconsistencies in freshness and safety. Raw or undercooked shellfish, in particular, should be avoided, as they may harbor bacteria such as Vibrio, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness.

If you can’t resist shellfish, ensure it is thoroughly cooked. Steamed mussels or grilled shrimp are typically safer choices, as cooking kills harmful pathogens. Alternatively, you might choose to stick to seafood offered in more reputable restaurants on the ship, where the standards for freshness and preparation are likely to be higher.

When dining in unfamiliar ports, exercise extra caution. Street vendors and local markets may offer tempting shellfish dishes, but their food safety standards may not meet your home country’s regulations. Opting for cooked shellfish from well-reviewed restaurants can minimize your risk while allowing you to experience local cuisine.

6. Foods Left Out for Too Long: Be Aware

At any buffet, food left out too long—especially under warm lights—can quickly breed bacteria. This problem is especially concerning in places where people prepare food in bulk, like a cruise ship buffet. Dishes that sit out for extended periods without replacement can harbor germs, especially in the warm, humid conditions common on tropical cruises.

Always look for freshly prepared dishes and avoid items that seem to have been sitting out for a long time. Pay attention to the time of day when you dine; food left out during less busy hours might not be as fresh as food served during peak meal times. If you find a dish appealing but worry it may have been out too long, feel free to ask the staff how often they refresh the buffet items.

When in doubt, request a fresh dish from the kitchen or order from the menu at one of the ship’s sit-down restaurants. These options usually provide better food handling practices, ensuring that the dishes you receive are freshly prepared.

Additionally, some cruise lines offer “safety zones” in their buffets—designated areas where staff keep food under strict temperature control. Look for these stations to increase your chances of getting freshly prepared dishes.

7. Cream-Based Sauces and Dressings: Consider Alternatives

Rich, cream-based sauces and dressings like Alfredo, béarnaise, or ranch can be delicious but come with some downsides. These heavy sauces can spoil quickly if not kept at the right temperature and can be harder to digest, particularly in warm, humid climates where cruise ships often travel. Furthermore, rich, fatty foods can lead to digestive discomfort, especially when indulged in regularly during your trip.

When enjoying meals on board, be mindful of how often you choose heavy sauces. Lighter, more acidic dressings like vinaigrettes or fresh tomato-based sauces are safer and easier on the stomach, making them a better choice during a cruise. If you love creamy sauces, consider using them sparingly or on the side so that you can control the portion you consume.

Additionally, many cruise lines offer healthier alternatives to traditional dressings and sauces. Look for options that incorporate fresh herbs, citrus juices, or yogurt-based components. These alternatives provide flavor without the heaviness, allowing you to enjoy your meals without feeling weighed down.

If you are dining at a specialty restaurant, don’t hesitate to ask the server for lighter sauce options or recommendations. Chefs often appreciate guests who show interest in healthier choices and may be willing to accommodate your requests.

8. Excessive Alcohol: Moderation is Key

While unlimited drink packages on cruises may sound like a dream come true, overindulging in alcohol can lead to a slew of problems beyond just a nasty hangover. Drinking excessively can cause dehydration, particularly in a maritime environment where the sea air can be dry and dehydrating. Dehydration can contribute to feelings of seasickness, which no one wants to deal with while trying to enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can impair your judgment, increasing the risk of accidents both on and off the ship. From stumbling down the deck to making poor food choices, the consequences of overindulgence can affect more than just your health. It’s crucial to pace yourself, enjoy drinks in moderation, and alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated.

When exploring ports of call, be particularly cautious about drinking in unfamiliar places. Local bars may offer tempting drink specials, but the quality of the beverages and the cleanliness of the establishments can vary widely. If you choose to indulge, stick to well-known bars or restaurants with positive reviews from fellow travelers.

If you find it challenging to pace yourself, consider setting a daily limit for alcoholic beverages. This strategy allows you to enjoy the social aspects of cruising without risking the pitfalls of excessive drinking. Keep in mind that many cruise lines offer mocktail options—delicious non-alcoholic beverages that let you participate in the festivities without the drawbacks of alcohol.

9. Salads from the Buffet: A Hidden Hazard

Salads can be a healthy choice, but buffet-style salads can sometimes be unsafe, especially if the raw vegetables and leafy greens have not been properly washed. Lettuce, spinach, and other raw vegetables may harbor bacteria and parasites that are difficult to remove without thorough washing, and unfortunately, food safety standards can vary across cruise destinations.

If you’re a salad lover, consider ordering one from the ship’s dining room rather than the buffet. This option ensures that the produce has been handled with greater care and is likely washed properly before being served. Many cruise lines take pride in the quality of their dining experiences and will provide fresh, safe salads made with ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers.

When ordering salads, ask for the dressing on the side. This way, you can control the amount of dressing you use and avoid any potential food safety concerns associated with bulk dressings left out on the buffet table.

Additionally, if you are dining in a location with locally sourced produce, consider asking about how the salads are prepared and whether they are washed appropriately. Knowledgeable staff members will be able to provide information about their food handling practices, which can help you feel more secure about your choices.

10. Exotic Foods at Ports: Tempting but Risky

When your cruise docks at exciting ports of call, it’s tempting to try the local cuisine. Many travelers consider food to be an essential part of experiencing a new culture, and sampling local dishes can enhance your overall journey. However, exotic foods—especially from street vendors or unfamiliar eateries—can carry risks. Local food safety standards may differ from what you’re used to, and unfamiliar dishes can sometimes contain ingredients or preparation methods that could upset your stomach or cause illness.

To minimize risks, stick to well-cooked foods and avoid raw or undercooked dishes, especially seafood and meats. Street food can be enticing, but it’s important to ensure that the vendor practices proper hygiene. Look for stalls that have high turnover rates—where many customers are served—which usually indicates fresh food.

Before venturing out to explore local food options, consider doing a bit of research. Travel blogs, food guides, and social media can offer insights into reputable restaurants and must-try dishes. Ask fellow travelers for recommendations based on their experiences. Locals can also be great sources of information, so don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions on where to find safe and delicious food.

Finally, keep an eye on your portion sizes when trying new dishes. It can be tempting to sample everything, but overeating unfamiliar foods may upset your stomach. Instead, consider ordering small plates or sharing dishes with others in your group. This approach allows you to experience a wider variety of flavors without overwhelming your digestive system.

Conclusion

While cruising offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, taking care with what you eat can help ensure your vacation goes smoothly. By steering clear of high-risk foods like undercooked meats, buffet sushi, and shellfish, you can greatly reduce the chance of encountering foodborne illnesses. Being mindful of hygiene, food storage, and preparation practices will help you enjoy every bite without worry. After all, the goal is to have fun and explore—not to spend your trip feeling unwell!

Embracing a culinary adventure while keeping health and safety in mind can lead to a delightful cruising experience. With a little caution and smart choices, you can indulge in the many delicious offerings on board while ensuring that your vacation remains enjoyable.