How We Compared
We evaluated the dining experience across all major cruise lines, looking at the quality of included restaurants, the range and price of specialty dining, the buffet experience, room service options, and whether dietary requirements are well catered for. We also considered whether drinks are included and the overall value for money of the dining experience.
Celebrity Cruises — Best Overall Dining
Celebrity Cruises consistently delivers the best dining experience at sea. The main dining room serves restaurant-quality meals with a modern, globally-inspired menu. Specialty restaurants include the outstanding Luminae (for suite guests) and Eden Restaurant. Celebrity's Eden is a theatrical dining experience unique in the industry. The Oceanview Cafe buffet is a cut above most cruise ship buffets. Celebrity also excels at dietary accommodations.
P&O Cruises — Best British Dining
P&O has invested heavily in its food offering in recent years. Ships like Iona and Arvia feature restaurants by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, as well as the excellent Sindhu restaurant serving Indian cuisine. The main dining rooms offer traditional British favourites alongside international dishes. P&O also offers a fantastic afternoon tea service.
MSC Cruises — Best Value Dining
MSC offers impressive dining value, especially on their all-inclusive packages. The main dining rooms serve excellent Italian cuisine — hardly surprising given MSC's Italian heritage. The buffets feature live cooking stations and regional specialties. Specialty restaurants are reasonably priced at £20-30 per person.
Royal Caribbean — Most Variety
Royal Caribbean's mega-ships offer the widest variety of dining options, with up to 20+ restaurants on their largest ships. From Jamie Oliver's Italian to Japanese teppanyaki, there is something for every taste. The included main dining room and Windjammer buffet are solid, if not exceptional. The sheer number of options means you will never get bored.