USA TODAY 10Best
The best cruise for foodies? Check out Koningsdam
Best Ship for Dining (2022)
Cruise ships have come a long way from only offering fixed seating in a single dining room. These days, the best cruises offer guests their choice of restaurants, dining halls, and creative menus inspired by the world's top chefs. Some even offer cooking classes!
The top 10 winners in the category Best Cruise Ship for Dining are as follows:
Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises
No. 10: Marina - Oceania Cruises
The only trouble foodies face aboard Marina (Oceania Cruises) is the problem of deciding what to eat. Culinary highlights include Parisian bistro classics at Jacques and contemporary Asian fusion at Red Ginger. La Reserve by Wine Spectator takes wine tastings, seminars and pairing dinners to sea.
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
No. 9: Norwegian Encore - Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Encore, sails in the Caribbean, Alaska and along the East Coast. There’s no excuse to go hungry, with a variety of dining rooms, casual cafes, buffets and grab-and-go options. Highlights of the specialty dining program onboard include Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, American comfort fare at American Diner, barbecue at Q or a succulent steak at Cagney’s.
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
No. 8: Norwegian Bliss - Norwegian Cruise Line
Guests have no shortage of eating options aboard Norwegian Bliss, thanks to three main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a range of casual cafes – all complimentary. The dozen or so specialty dining options range from seafood at Ocean Blue or steakhouse favorites at Cagney’s Steakhouse to global fusion at Food Republic or smoked barbecue at Q.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises
No. 7: Royal Princess - Princess Cruises
Passengers aboard Royal Princess can opt for traditional set-time dining in the Traditional Dining Room, or go with more flexibility at one of the ship's numerous restaurants through the Anytime Dining option. The ship's three specialty restaurants, Sabatini's, Crown Grill and Crab Shack, serve Italian, steaks and fresh succulent seafood respectively, while casual eateries include Horizon Court top deck buffet, Chocolate Journies, Alfredo's Pizzeria and Vines wine, sushi and tapas bar.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
No. 6: Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
After working up an appetite with Oasis of the Sea’s abundant onboard activities, passengers can refuel at popular onboard restaurants like Chef Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian, Far East at Izumi or Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Other options, many complimentary, include hot dogs, Mexican, pizza, seafood and steaks.
Photo courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises
No. 5: Viking Star - Viking Ocean Cruises
Cruisers aboard Viking Star have plenty of options come meal time, including the spacious main dining venue, The Restaurant. Manfredi's (Italian), The Chef's Table (global), The World Cafe (buffet), Mamsen's (Norwegian deli) and Wintergarden (afternoon tea) provide variety. The Kitchen Table takes passengers on an excursion into a local market at port before returning to the ship for a multi-course feast.
Photo courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises
No. 4: Viking Jupiter - Viking Ocean Cruises
Guests aboard Viking Jupiter enjoy tasty food from bow to stern. Menus often reflect the destinations where Jupiter sails, and all specialty restaurants are included in the fare. Highlights include morning waffles at Mamsen’s, fresh sushi from World Cafe and the intimate tasting menu experience at The Chef’s Table.
Photo courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises
No. 3: Viking Sea - Viking Ocean Cruises
All meals are free of charge aboard Viking Sea, even at specialty restaurants. The star of the ship, Manfredi's, serves a menu of hearty Italian fare in a homey setting. The Chef's Table is themed to a different region of the world each night, while The World Cafe serves global specialties buffet-style. For an extra cost, guests can sign up for The Kitchen Table, part restaurant and part shore excursion into a local market to pick out ingredients for dinner.
Photo courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line
No. 2: Seabourn Ovation - Seabourn Cruise Line
Aboard Seabourn Ovation, complimentary restaurant options include the open-seating main restaurant, al fresco fare on The Patio, the casual Colonnade, tropical beverages at Sky Bar or updated American favorites at The Grill by Thomas Keller. In-suite dining is also available around the clock.
Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
No. 1: Koningsdam - Holland America Line
Guests sailing on Holland America Line's Koningsdam have 10 dining options to choose from. In addition to the main dining room, there are Asian specialties at Tamarind, French seafood at Sel de Mar, authentic Italian at Canaletto, poolside burgers at Dive-In and the chance to take hands-on cooking classes through the ship's Port To Table program.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning cruise ships!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Don and Heidi Bucolo
Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team... Read More
Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Their love for cruising began after taking their first cruise together back in 2007. Having spent over 180 days at sea on more than 30 cruises with various cruise brands, they have learned a thing or two about planning and executing the perfect cruise vacation. The couple was voted as one of Porthole Cruise's Top 10 Cruise Influencers and is featured in the new book Cruising Interrupted. You can find them on the web and social media sharing detailed cruise ship reviews, port guides, packing tips and planning tips to help travelers "sea the world, one port at a time."
Don and Heidi Bucolo
Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Their love for cruising began after taking their first cruise together back in 2007. Having spent over 180 days at sea on more than 30 cruises with various cruise brands, they have learned a thing or two about planning and executing the perfect cruise vacation. The couple was voted as one of Porthole Cruise's Top 10 Cruise Influencers and is featured in the new book Cruising Interrupted. You can find them on the web and social media sharing detailed cruise ship reviews, port guides, packing tips and planning tips to help travelers "sea the world, one port at a time."
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert... Read More
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents’ shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes “he said, she said” cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents’ shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes “he said, she said” cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been... Read More
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry for 27 years. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on nearly 60 cruises and has experienced over 20 ocean and river cruise lines.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry for 27 years. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on nearly 60 cruises and has experienced over 20 ocean and river cruise lines.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than... Read More
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.