Cruise passengers slammed over “tacky” buffet etiquette
Though buffets are designed to feed hungry passengers while onboard, one cruise guest has sparked a row online over whether it should be an option to take buffet fare beyond the ship.
Taking to Reddit, the passenger asked whether they were allowed to fill plastic containers they brought with them with buffet food to take on day excursions.
“Are we allowed to fill our personal plastic containers with buffet food?” they asked.
“We will be leaving the ship and exploring but want to take food from the ship and pack it for later during the day while we are out exploring.”
While it might be allowed, other passengers quickly shared their horror at the suggestion.
“Wow, I can’t think of anything more tacky honestly,” one said.
“Take a box of granola bars with you if you must, for when hunger strikes and food is nowhere to be seen but practices like this are exactly why Venice stopped allowing cruise ships to dock in their ports.
“Passengers would come off the ship, bring a picnic, tour the sights, leave their garbage in the city, spend as little money as they could get away with, and sail off leaving the city more worn than it was before without really doing much to contribute.
“Please consider partaking of local food, drink and delicacies while you are ashore in various places.
“The people who graciously welcome tourists into their ports also depend on them for their livelihood.”
Another added: “I would slightly judge someone filling up a container in line but you paid for the food.”
With many tourist hotspots eagerly welcoming cruise ships back into their ports after the pandemic saw businesses across the travel and tourism industry suffer, others also suggested choosing to enjoy the local cuisine.
“Eat a hearty meal before departing the ship,” a guest wrote.
“Partake in some local cuisine instead of dealing with the hassles of taking food into foreign countries.”
Some warned that taking food from the buffet to eat later could increase the risk of getting sick, while one user pointed out that some ports won’t allow food from the ship.
“Many cruise destinations do not allow food from the ship to go to shore, particularly fruits, seeds, nuts etc,” they wrote.
“So be careful and make sure it is allowed. The shore talks typically address this.”
“Keeping food in your backpack at room temperature until you want to eat it sounds like a good way to get food poisoning.” another warned.
Image: Getty Images