Cruising for a picky eater

[gapearl]

My wife, young daughter (8) and I are opposite, we plan are meals at Port weeks before the cruise, we have food goals, such as:

 

Belize: Beliken flavored with Sorrel berries and Gibnut Stew

Roatan: Balleadas and shots of Guifidi

Grand Cayman: Turtle, Stewed Cowsfoot and Mannish water

Ensenada: Lengua(Tongue) tacos, Urchin and Octopus cerviche and margarita at Hussongs

 

etc..

 

Oh my! I wish I could be adventurous like that. I don't even know what half that list is lol. I haven't even eaten a hamburger since 1993! :eek:

[kat228]

That's us, too - we are foodies and we like to try new things. However, I used to be a picky eater, so I understand what it's like when trying new things is anathema to you.

 

Agreed. Up until 5 years ago, I was really picky. My now-husband got me to try a few new foods and I've changed my outlook. Now I'll try anything at least once and find that I like a lot of what I try.

 

I mean, there are still some things that I stay away from because I know I don't like. I absolutely abhor most peppers. I don't like raw onion on anything. And I have a very strong aversion to fatty meats (like duck. My husband loves duck and I can't stomach it.)

 

The great thing about cruising is how the waitstaff will really bend over backwards for you. PLUS it's a great opportunity to try new things. You don't have to worry about putting money towards a full entree at a restaurant that you don't know if you'll like, so you can order something just to try it. Actually, on our Legend cruise in 2009, my (now) husband ordered the duck and discovered he really loved it. Now whenever it's on the menu, he orders it!

 

So I would say that it might be worth it to you to give yourself a challenge to trying at least one new thing every time you go to the buffet. If you don't like it, no big deal because the rest of your plate you should like! But if you do, it might mean less stress on future vacations.

[maurinsky2]

I think I was picky mostly because my mother hated cooking and was not good at it! I didn't realize that vegetables didn't have to be a soggy boiled mash of flavorless slime until I was an adult and learned how to cook.

[suzybeezy]

Thanks for all the responses. Its great to hear I'm not the only picky eater out there going on a cruise. I really appreciate everyone's advice. It brings me comfort to know that I won't have to worry about this aspect of the cruise that I was fretting over a bit. Thanks again!

[yakdaddy42]

What perfect way to broaden your choice of foods, you get the chance to try many different styles of food in the buffet every day for zero money out of pocket. By cruising I now know I hate lobster and caviar, but have found I like Indian food and french onion soup, warm melting cake and many more. one thing we try to do in every country we visit is to try some of the local food items. and by local I mean food stands and restaurants used by the locals not the tourist food. Most if not all has been some of the best experiences of the ports we have visited. Some of the best Mexican food I have ever had was in and roof top open air restaurant where we could not read the menu or speak with the staff, but by pointing at the menu and the broken Spanish and English we got it done. Dont let the opportunity pass you by it will enrich you life and cruise experience.

[jenng1976]

I have to say ... It drives me crazy when non-picky eaters think their way is best and you should just try whatever and you'll like it.

 

It's one of the reasons I don't like to eat with strangers, since I hate to be judged by what I eat or don't eat at a meal.

 

It doesn't bother me if I eat the same thing for every dinner or whatever, so I never understood the compulsion if others to to and convert me to their way of thinking. Just because 'you' like it, doesn't mean everybody does, or should.

 

Maybe on a cruise some people just like to eat what they enjoy.

 

Jenn

[Slopfrog]

I think I was picky mostly because my mother hated cooking and was not good at it! I didn't realize that vegetables didn't have to be a soggy boiled mash of flavorless slime until I was an adult and learned how to cook.

 

My mother, though I love her dearly, was also a terrible cook. She used to dump cans of spinach or Brussel sprouts into pots and bring them to a boil. I think the worst though were those canned "white potatoes." Sometimes she would get creative and make salsa spaghetti (jug of salsa dumped on noodles), or fried peanut butter and jelly (the jelly just melts into the bread and gets it disgusting.). It wasn't that we were that poor, she just didn't know any better and my dad would rather her not spend money because he never ate with us anyways!

 

As a kid I hated every meal, and always wanted to eat at friends' houses because they always had better stuff. I always told my mother I would have better tasting food when I grew up, and I meant it! We spend inordinate amounts of time and money cooking, growing my own vegetables and fruits, seeking out farmers markets, and always trying new and tasty things. I just love having my mind blown by new flavors and textures - I was on a huge Indian kick for awhile, then it went to Vietnamese, and now I'm really into Jamaican food. I gotta say, curry goat is delicious! I don't always like what I try, but those gems where I really love it make it all worthwhile!

 

The one thing I note about "American" food is the ridiculously high calorie to flavor ratio. We consume massive amounts of calories in terribly bland and/or boring food, I.e., mashed potatoes, French fries, or macaroni and cheese. I find that eating ethnically enables me to have more enjoyment much more healthily.

 

Interesting how similar childhood experiences created opposite habits!

[yakdaddy42]

I have to say ... It drives me crazy when non-picky eaters think their way is best and you should just try whatever and you'll like it.

 

It's one of the reasons I don't like to eat with strangers, since I hate to be judged by what I eat or don't eat at a meal.

 

It doesn't bother me if I eat the same thing for every dinner or whatever, so I never understood the compulsion if others to to and convert me to their way of thinking. Just because 'you' like it, doesn't mean everybody does, or should.

 

Maybe on a cruise some people just like to eat what they enjoy.

 

Jenn

 

Sorry to interject my joy of trying new things. Your right, stay in the little box all safe and sound. as for me I will enjoy all that comes my way that is part of MY fun of going to different country's to see and try new things. peace OUT

[jenng1976]

Sorry to interject my joy of trying new things. Your right, stay in the little box all safe and sound. as for me I will enjoy all that comes my way that is part of MY fun of going to different country's to see and try new things. peace OUT

 

I specifically didn't call anyone out and quote anyone in my post ... And didn't say YOU couldn't eat new things if that's what you liked to do while on holiday.

 

Just that I hate when others judge ME based on if I wanted to try new things or not. Which I do, in my own time and place - just don't feel there should be a rule that I have to try a new thing everyday or whatever like some suggest while I'm on vacation. Again, not specifically referring to you.

[oscarbuzz]

Don't be one of those people that complains that there is nothing to eat. A multitude of options awaits and you can order a steak every night of the week in the main dining room. Go into your first cruise optimistic, not looking to complain or be disappointed, and your experience should be awesome!

 

Have fun

[kathy884]

DS (17) is a picky eater, likes very plain foods, and is not experimental. My number one choice for vacations is a condo or house rental, so we have our own kitchen. // There were foods he would eat on the cruise, and he often ordered off the kids menu. The wait staff was super friendly and accommodating (even remembering his favorites), and he loved the main dining room experience (we all did -- one of our favorite things about cruising). The main issue for me is that there weren't fruits and vegtables he liked, so his diet for the week was pretty starchy -- plain pasta, mac and cheese (He loved their mac and cheese), chicken, hot dogs, french fries, pizza, and soft serve ice cream. He did not starve, but he didn't have a very healthy diet for the week either. I wouldn't have a problem doing a cruise every two years or so, as one week of this is not a huge problem, and we actually have a week long cruise booked next March. With his palate, though, I tend to favor vacations where we have a kitchen available as healthy eating is a big deal to me, and we do land vs. cruise vacations with a ratio of about of about 5 to 1.

 

Enjoy your cruise. I think you will find foods that you can eat and enjoy. You might have the same issue DS has though and not have an overly balanced and healthy diet for the cruise duration, though.

[maurinsky2]

 

As a kid I hated every meal, and always wanted to eat at friends' houses because they always had better stuff. I always told my mother I would have better tasting food when I grew up, and I meant it! We spend inordinate amounts of time and money cooking, growing my own vegetables and fruits, seeking out farmers markets, and always trying new and tasty things. I just love having my mind blown by new flavors and textures - I was on a huge Indian kick for awhile, then it went to Vietnamese, and now I'm really into Jamaican food. I gotta say, curry goat is delicious! I don't always like what I try, but those gems where I really love it make it all worthwhile!

 

The one thing I note about "American" food is the ridiculously high calorie to flavor ratio. We consume massive amounts of calories in terribly bland and/or boring food, I.e., mashed potatoes, French fries, or macaroni and cheese. I find that eating ethnically enables me to have more enjoyment much more healthily.

 

Interesting how similar childhood experiences created opposite habits!

 

Oh, I'm not picky anymore! But I have family members who have limited palates, and sometimes people just don't like things. I like almost everything, but I don't eat beans unless they are hidden in things, because I see a bean and my brain says "cockroach!"

 

I love curried goat, too!

[Elaine5715]

Just order your meals as you desire. Just don't feel the need to give the 25 minute back story to the wait staff. They do not have the time or desire to understand since many come from countries where food is a luxury.

[arpie05]

I'm only picky on breakfast foods. Growing up I would eat a hamburger patty or grilled cheese. On a cruise I usually go to the deli and get a sandwich or the pizza station.

 

 

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[Tantra1]

I don't understand being a picky eater when there are so many interesting and tasty things to try. However, I suppose I could be considered a picky eater since I have had experience working in a few restaurants and saw first hand what goes on in many of them (think Kitchen Nightmares). It's enough to turn you into a macrobiotic vegetarian that only eats the food they prepare themselves. And if you knew how meats of all kinds are handled, raised, and processed you would never eat hamburger or any processed meats. At least on most cruise ships you have a much better chances of clean food prep.

 

Cheers!

[Aplmac]

Pickiest eater on the face of the planet

may be the Chinese Panda Bear: he eats bamboo shoots.

Nothing else. :eek:

 

So what happens to Panda Bear

if some eco-freako accident happens and all the bamboo shoots go away?

He's in big trouble. :eek:

 

Not good to be so incredibly specialised re. one's dietary intake.

 

 

By comparison, humans are FAR less specialised,

even the allegedly-picky ones among us, myself included! :)

 

.

[erby2283]

I am the pickiest eater in the world (no seafood, heck I'm Italian and don't even like cheese!). I can always find something to eat. At dinner I usually can find a soup or appetizer although not many b/c they usually are salads or seafood which I don't eat. But some days they have chicken or hot soups and some days I just skip the appetizer and eat all the yummy bread!

 

If there is nothing on the menu that night, you can always get something off the any-time menu which would include some kind of chicken or steak. Some nights we will check the menu a few hours before dinner and if there's nothing I will eat, we'll just head to the buffet.

 

From one picky eater to another, you'll be fine!