Are There Still Buffets On Cruise Ships?

Carnival’s buffets were always self-serve, even after the July 2021 post-shutdown restart. Passengers on all Carnival vessels can serve themselves in the onboard buffets, as the crew is all vaccinated and 95% of cruise ships still have buffets. Royal Caribbean confirmed that starting with cruises departed on or after April 2, 2022, guests can serve themselves instead of crew members.

The future of self-serve cruise ship buffets was an unknown topic, but now it’s back in spring 2022. Each line has unique services and offerings, making it hard to pick just one. Here are six top picks of the best cruise ship buffets:

1. Cabanas – Disney Cruise.

While most cruise lines still have crew members serving guests at the buffet, a handful of ships have changed to self-service for guests. In a Facebook group for Pinnacle members in the Crown Cruise ship buffets, either love the all-you-can-eat fare and the uber-casual setting or hate the crowds, queues, and food that sits out a bit too long.

Cruise ships are famous for the endless food choices onboard, but its hard to beat the convenience of a cruise ship buffet. Most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney, have returned to the self-serve buffet in April 2022. Buffets serve an important function on a cruise ship, providing a quick-service, grab-and-go meal option.

Windjammer is the main self-serve buffet offering across the Royal Caribbean fleet. Additional buffet-style options vary by ship, and all ships offer beautifully crafted menus in up to three Main Dining Rooms, a buffet, and a variety of casual eateries. Some cruise lines will still offer late-night chocolate buffets.