Those Foods Brits Can’t Absolutely Live Without When Going on a Cruise!

Cruises aren’t just about the ports you visit—they’re about the flavors you savor while floating from one destination to another. For travelers, food becomes as much a part of the journey as the destinations themselves. With passengers spending days at sea, the allure of the perfect meal at every turn can make or break the experience. But what dishes top the list for cruise-goers? Here’s a look at what’s capturing taste buds onboard.

While cruises offer chances to explore international waters, Brits are keeping close to the flavors they know and love. When you’re surrounded by miles of ocean, sometimes the comfort of a full English breakfast or a classic Sunday roast is the taste of home you crave. There’s something about familiarity that brings stability—even more so on a moving vessel. For many, the option to indulge in a familiar dish can make the high seas feel a little more like home.

For Britons on cruises, the sea calls for a plate of fish and chips. There’s a nostalgic charm to tucking into crispy, golden fish with fries, often overlooking the very ocean that yielded the catch. It’s a national staple that feels even more satisfying onboard, adding a playful nod to classic seaside traditions while serving as a reminder that, sometimes, simple is best.

Afternoon tea might be a cherished land-based tradition, but cruise lines have taken this ritual to new heights. Passengers can unwind with tea, scones, and finger sandwiches, whether cruising through the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. There’s an elegance to an afternoon tea spread on a ship that feels timeless, and it offers a charming pause from the day’s adventures. After all, a few bites of clotted cream and jam can keep seasickness at bay—at least temporarily.

One of the more surprising yet welcome features of modern cruise lines is the onboard pub, complete with drafts and dartboards. For many Brits, popping in for a pint offers a slice of local life, even when far from British shores. The pub atmosphere fosters camaraderie among passengers, making it a spot where friendships are formed, travel tales are swapped, and the spirit of the British pub lives on—even in international waters.

While comfort foods dominate the must-have list, the adventurous cruise-goer isn’t entirely stuck in the familiar. Many are eager to try dishes that give a taste of the destinations they’re passing, from Mediterranean mezze to Caribbean jerk chicken. This mix of British classics and global flavors means a cruise menu that keeps everyone’s taste buds engaged, offering a bit of home with a dash of the unknown.