A cruise trip is not only an opportunity to visit several countries in one trip, but also a unique gastronomic experience. For Russian tourists planning their first or next cruise, the issue of food on board often becomes one of the key issues when choosing a liner and fare.
Types of meals on cruises
Basic nutrition
Almost all cruise companies include meals in the main restaurant and buffet in the ticket price. This means breakfast, lunch and dinner at no extra charge. It is important for Russian tourists to know that the quality of basic meals on modern liners significantly exceeds the standards of all-inclusive hotels.
Premium Food Packages
Many cruise lines offer extended meal packages that include:
- Access to specialty restaurants
- 24/7 cabin service
- Unlimited drinks
- Priority maintenance
Restaurants and food places on board
Main restaurant
The main restaurant is at the heart of any cruise ship's gastronomic program. International cuisine is served here, taking into account the preferences of passengers of different nationalities. Russian tourists often note the variety of meat dishes, seafood and desserts.
Buffet and food court
The buffet is open almost around the clock and offers a wide range of dishes for every taste. They are especially popular among Russian passengers:
- A station with soups (often there is borscht and solyanka)
- Grill area with meat and fish
- Salad bar with a large selection of fresh vegetables
- Dessert area
Specialty restaurants
Restaurants of various cuisines of the world operate on modern liners. For Russians, they are especially interesting:
- Steakhouses with premium meat
- Italian cheeses with pasta and pizza
- Asian sushi and wok restaurants
- French bistros
Special features for Russian tourists
The language barrier
Many Russian tourists worry about the language barrier when ordering food. Modern cruise companies solve this problem in several ways:
- Menus in Russian in popular destinations
- Russian-speaking staff
- Visual menus with photos of dishes
- Mobile apps with translation
Familiar dishes
Most cruise companies adapt the menu to suit the preferences of Russian passengers. In the buffet you can often find:
Popular articles
- Buckwheat porridge
- Cottage cheese and sour cream
- Pickled cucumbers and sauerkraut
- Pancakes and cheesecakes
Drinks on board
Free drinks
The cruise price usually includes:
- Water, tea, coffee
- Juices for breakfast
- Lemonades in some areas
Beverage packages
For Russian tourists who are accustomed to the all-inclusive system, it is recommended to consider buying a package of drinks. This is especially beneficial for amateurs.:
- Wine and beer
- Cocktails
- Premium coffee drinks
- Freshly squeezed juices
Practical advice
Meal planning
Experienced cruisers from Russia recommend:
- Book tables in specialized restaurants in advance
- Study the work schedule of all food outlets
- Don't overeat in the first few days — there's a lot of delicious things ahead.
- Sample local dishes at ports of call
Saving and optimization
To save the budget, Russian tourists can:
- Buy packages of drinks before the start of the cruise (cheaper)
- Use the happy Hour clock for cocktails
- Order lunch at the port through the room service
- Participate in tastings and cooking classes
Dietary needs
Special diets
Cruise companies provide meals for passengers with special needs:
- Vegetarian and vegan cuisine
- Gluten-free meals
- Kosher and halal food
- Diabetic menu
It is important to notify the cruise company of the dietary restrictions when booking.
Conclusion
Food on a cruise is an important component of a vacation, which can both enhance the trip and spoil the experience. For Russian tourists, modern cruise ships offer a wide range of dishes adapted to different tastes and preferences. Proper meal planning will help you get the most out of the gastronomic program and make your cruise unforgettable.
The main rule of successful cruise catering is not to be afraid to experiment and try new things, because it is the variety of cuisines in the world that makes cruise travel so attractive to Russian tourists.
