What Can You Not Eat on a Cruise Ship Buffet?

By Michael Ferguson

When you think of a cruise ship, you may imagine a lavish buffet with an endless array of food. Although cruise ship buffets offer a wide selection of dishes, there are certain items you should not eat. Here are some foods that are typically off-limits at cruise ship buffets:

Raw Oysters

Raw oysters can contain harmful bacteria, such as Vibrio vulnificus and Salmonella, which can lead to serious illness. For this reason, it is best to avoid raw oysters at the buffet. If you do decide to indulge in these delicacies, make sure they have been properly cooked.

Undercooked Eggs

Cruise ships often serve eggs for breakfast or brunch. But it is important to remember that eggs must be cooked until the yolks and whites are solid in order to prevent the risk of salmonella poisoning. So steer clear of any eggs that appear undercooked or runny.

Unpasteurized Cheese

Pasteurization is the process of heating milk and cheese products to kill harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized cheese (such as feta or Brie) can contain listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning if consumed. So it is best to stay away from unpasteurized cheese at the buffet.

Rare Meats

Some cruise ships offer rare meats like steak tartare or steak au poivre on their buffets. Again, these dishes may contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses if not cooked properly. To play it safe, opt for well-done meat instead of rare cuts at the buffet table.

Conclusion:

Cruise ship buffets offer a wide variety of delicious dishes but there are some foods you should avoid due to the potential risk of foodborne illnesses they pose. Raw oysters, undercooked eggs, unpasteurized cheese, and rare meats should all be avoided when dining at a cruise ship buffet in order to stay safe and healthy during your vacation!