Top 6 Cruise Ships with the Best Cruise Ship Food in 2025 (and Why)

Morgan Cottrill
Jun 23
3 min read

When it comes to cruising, the destination is important—but let’s be honest, the food can make or break the experience. For foodies at sea, not all cruise lines are created equal. If you're dreaming of unforgettable dining, from gourmet tasting menus to sushi, steak, or Southern comfort food, this list is for you. Here are the 6 cruise ships with the best food in 2025, and why they’re worth sailing on.

Best Cruise Ship Food in 2025:

1. Celebrity Beyond – For Culinary Artistry & Global Flavors

Celebrity Cruises consistently earns top marks for its dining, but Celebrity Beyond takes it to the next level with a mix of innovation and elegance.

Why it’s on the list:

Fine Cut Steakhouse for prime cuts and ocean views
Eden Restaurant, a sensory, multi-course experience that blends flavor and performance
Le Petit Chef, where your meal comes to life with tabletop animations

✨ Travel Advisor Tip: Some specialty restaurants can be booked ahead of time—and they fill fast. I help clients reserve the must-do dining early, and even snag complimentary perks.

Neon sign reading "GUNBAE Korean BBQ" with colorful glasses icon on a dark background, conveying a lively atmosphere from Virgin Voyages — Korean BBQ on Virgin Voyages

2. Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady – For Modern, Elevated Dining Without Buffets

Virgin shook up the cruise dining game with its no buffet, no dining hall concept. Everything is made to order and included—no upcharges for “specialty” venues.

Why it’s on the list:

Gunbae, the first Korean BBQ at sea
The Wake, a sleek, upscale steakhouse with retro vibes
Pink Agave, a sexy take on upscale Mexican cuisine

✨ Travel Advisor Tip: I help my clients plan their dining times to avoid long waits and ensure they try every must-eat spot.

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3. MSC World Europa – For Variety & Instagram-Worthy Presentation

MSC has made serious culinary strides, and the World Europa is its most ambitious food-forward ship yet.

Why it’s on the list:

Chef’s Garden Kitchen, a plant-to-plate experience with an onboard hydroponic garden
Butcher’s Cut for high-end steaks and wine pairings
Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar for interactive dining

✨ Travel Advisor Tip: MSC offers dining packages that are often confusing to book—this is where I step in to maximize value and guide you to the right plan.

A group relaxes on a sunny balcony with mountain views, enjoying drinks and snacks. Vibrant summer attire adds a lively, cheerful vibe. — Photo Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

4. Disney Wish – For Immersive Family-Friendly Dining

You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate the creativity of Disney dining. Disney Wish brings next-level themed dining experiences to the sea.

Why it’s on the list:

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, with live performances and Nordic cuisine
1923, an elegant nod to old Hollywood with sophisticated menus
Marceline Market, Disney’s upscale take on a casual food hall

✨ Travel Advisor Tip: I help you plan your rotational dining and book hard-to-get adult-exclusive dining like Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté.

Edible plate of red and white mushrooms and spices that look like dirt. Royal Caribbean Wonderland restaurant — Food from Wonderland Restaurant on Royal Caribbean

5. Regent Seven Seas Splendor – For Ultra-Luxury, All-Inclusive Fine Dining

If you’re after the best of the best, Regent Splendor offers an all-inclusive gourmet dining experience with no compromises.

Why it’s on the list:

Chartreuse, serving French cuisine in a chic, Parisian-inspired setting
Pacific Rim, an elegant Pan-Asian venue with a jaw-dropping entrance
Compass Rose, which lets you fully customize your entrée

✨ Travel Advisor Tip: Regent's all-inclusive model includes top-shelf wine and spirits with meals—no extra charge, no surprises.

Couple dining joyfully on a cruise ship at night, under blue lights. "Utopia of the Seas" visible in background. Wine glasses on table. — Utopia of the Sea Specialty Dining

6. Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas – For Family Favorites & Specialty Delights

Royal Caribbean knows how to feed a crowd—and Icon of the Seas, its newest ship, combines nostalgia, innovation, and variety into one epic culinary lineup.

Why it’s on the list:

Izumi for fresh, made-to-order sushi and hibachi
The Mason Jar, a Southern kitchen and bar with fried chicken and live country music
Royal Railway – U.K. Experience, a dining car–themed experience that takes you on a storytelling journey with your meal

✨ Travel Advisor Tip: Many of Royal Caribbean’s best food experiences are specialty dining—working with me ensures you get bundled pricing, pre-booked times, and insider recommendations tailored to your preferences.

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🧭 Why Work with a Travel Advisor Who Knows Cruise Cuisine?

Booking through a pro like me means:

You won’t miss out on sold-out dining experiences
You’ll know what’s included—and what’s worth splurging on
I help you craft a foodie-focused cruise itinerary (with wine tastings, chef’s tables, and more)