Cruise expert reveals the five foods passengers should avoid at all costs while onboard

A cruise expert has revealed the five foods that you should probably avoid while on vacation.

Cruises are a popular vacation choice. Credit: David Sacks / Getty

If you're anything like me, then going on vacation is a time for relaxation and seeing how much food your body will accept before it starts to hurt.

But if you're also someone who does this, then it's important to take note of what you're eating to avoid getting sick.

Because... you know... safety first before eating your body weight in pasta.

And while I could sit here and talk about food all day, it's probably better to listen to the experts on the matter.

YouTuber Angie — known online as Cruise Blog — has spilled the metaphorical beans on the five foods you should not eat on a cruise, especially if you’ve got a sensitive stomach or just want to avoid the onboard food flops.

You should be careful what you eat on a cruise. Credit: David Sacks / Getty

In her viral video, Angie explains exactly what to dodge if you want to sail smooth and avoid spending half your vacation curled up in your cabin.

Because, as Angie says: "Cruise ships are a foodie's heaven. There's something for every craving, whether it's late-night pizza, a juicy steak, seafood, or salad for those looking for a lighter option."

But she adds: "Even so, cruise lines aren't typically known for their high-quality food. While that's not to say you won't have delicious meals, not everything offered will be the same quality you would expect in fine-dining restaurants."

1. Communal Condiments — AKA The Buffet Bacteria Trap

If your cruise fantasy involves fries dipped in every sauce imaginable, Angie has some news that might sink your appetite.

She warns that communal condiments—those bulk ketchup, mustard, or mayo bottles chilling on buffet counters—are a major no-no.

"While it's suggested that everyone washes their hands before entering the buffet, it's unlikely that absolutely everyone is going to scrub with soap and water before filling their plates with food," Angie explains.

Even worse? These sauces often sit out for hours, unrefrigerated, and sometimes even outside in the heat.

Make sure your condiments are fresh and only you are enjoying them. Credit: Kristina Igumnova / Getty

"Since their temperature isn't being controlled, the chances of pathogenic bacteria growing is increased," she warns.

"You do not want to get food poisoning."

2. Tap Water — Don’t Let It Sink Your Trip

Staying hydrated is important, but Angie suggests thinking twice before filling up your cup with tap water — especially if you’re docked somewhere like Mexico.

"Drinking contaminated water is a quick way to ruin your trip," she says.

Angie advises people to bring a refillable bottle and stick to filtered or bottled water whenever possible.

3. Scrambled Eggs — Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be

Egg lovers, prepare to be betrayed. Scrambled eggs make the list, and the reason might ruin your breakfast buffet buzz.

"Scrambled eggs are normally my go-to," Angie admits, but says cruise lines often use powdered eggs, which have a "squishy texture."

Even when made fresh, they tend to dry out fast under heat lamps.

Angie says to skip the mystery mush and head to the 'made to order' station for a fresh omelette instead.

Be careful with those scrambled eggs! Credit: billnoll / Getty

4. Soft-Serve Ice Cream — Sounds Sweet, But Handle with Caution

A swirl of soft-serve ice cream on a sunny sea day? Delightful. Scooping it yourself from a self-serve machine used by hundreds of other passengers? Not so much.

Angie says the hygiene concern here is similar to the condiment situation — too many hands, not enough cleanliness.

If you're craving something cold, you might want to stick to preportioned desserts or cones handed out by staff.

Avoid self-serve ice cream/dessert bars. Credit: SolStock/Getty Images

5. Dinner Rolls — The Bread Trap That Fills You Before the Fun Starts

Last but not least, Angie’s advice stabs right in the heart of every carb-lover: skip the dinner rolls.

Not because they’re gross — oh no, they’re too good.

You don’t want to get too full up on bread and not be able to manage your starter, main, and pudding.

And honestly… fair. We’ve all told ourselves, “Just one roll,” only to demolish three before the appetizer hits the table.

And even as I write this article, I know full well that I will ruin a dinner in the future by eating too much bread.

Featured image credit: Dagmar Schneider / Getty