Cruising is synonymous with overindulgence, especially when it comes to the vast array of buffet options presented to customers three times a day.
Whether you’re being served by the crew or helping yourself to all of the mouthwatering options available from the buffet, experts from Cruise Blog have listed the five things to be aware of.
Communal condiments
Condiments are supposed to be refrigerated after they are opened. However, on cruise ships they are often left out for extended periods of time.
With sauces containing ingredients that need to be temperature controlled, the chances of pathogenic bacteria growing increases rapidly. This can result in a bad bout of food poisoning.
Tap water
Staying hydrated while cruising around the Mediterranean is highly important. Constant sun exposure and non stop activities will result in you reaching for a glass of water.
Opting for bottled water may be the safest option, especially when stopping off at countries where the tap water is less regulated. Distribution systems may allow the water to become contaminated while on route too.
Scrambled eggs
This go-to breakfast choice for many may leave customers disappointed when on a cruise. It is not uncommon for cruise lines to use powdered eggs which differentiate in texture to fresh produce.
Some buffets do use fresh eggs. However, the heat lamps they lay underneath quickly suck the moisture out. For those craving this breakfast meal, an option could be to use the made to order service that certain ships offer, guaranteeing fresh scrambled eggs.
Soft serve ice cream
Soft serve is often self service, meaning the lever on the machines is touched by many people prior to you.
Sanitising the station is one way to ensure you do not pick up any germs from the machine. Another solution is to use a napkin when holding the lever.
Dinner rolls
Although not a food to be totally avoided, bread rolls are recommended to be approached with caution. Not for the germ avoidance reasons as stated above, but because eating too many of these side dishes will result in you not having enough room for your main meals.
Although buffets tempt customers to perhaps overfill their plates or to go up for seconds and thirds, bread rolls are an easy way to hinder your appetite, not saving enough room to eat the delicious food options.
