Buffet Etiquette

[Becci]

"Just wait until slow Sally or sloth Steve make their way through and use the gap to your advantage. The people that move through the line like Sally and Steve are quite ubiquitous. It helps everyone as you're one less person clogging the line behind Sally and Steve."

 

I gotta agree with this one. If you don't want people to cut the line don't take up more time than necessary. It's people like Sally and Steve that make the lines long to begin with. I'm sure someone will take offense to this but there's two sides to everything.

[Budget Queen]

The one thing that drives me crazy is when people start eating on the buffet. That usually leads to licking their fingers and touching more tongs or serving spoons.

 

.

 

This is SO common, I shake my head and secretively think about all the people they are swapping spit with, with multiple "bathroom" ingesting possibilities.

 

Same with the "bottle fillers" at the drink stations- CONTAMINATING the spigots when they place their bottle or insert their drink cups above the spigots. NO they are not "clean" with them- maybe doing a sink rinse - once. Then just "filling" them when they are empty. Happens ALL day long. No clue with most people, just not getting it.

 

Yes, I worked in infection control. :) :)

 

You will ALWAYS see me, get my food, then drop it where I'm sitting- with me, heading right to washing my hands- nope- never touching the spigots to turn them off, or door handles to get out of the bathroom. Never touch the seats, salt/pepper either. And most often, eat everything with utensils- yep, sandwiches. Doesn't matter what anyone else does. This is my choice. :)

[misslucy01]

I wish nasty people would not lick their fingers and pick up the next serving utensil. I would like to smack them over the head with it!!

[SuiteTraveler]

The only long line I have stood in at the Carnival buffet was for Pizza Pirate. That took almost 30 minutes because people were taking either 1/2 of a pizza or one or more whole pizzas which seemed a bit inconsiderate as there was a long line. I only wanted 1 slice - which to me is 1/6 of a pizza. Anyway, I finally got up there and they automatically gave me 1/2 of a pizza - waaaaaay too much! I tried it and it was just OK - it had just come out of the oven and I thought the crust was decent, but the toppings and sauce left a lot to be desired. If Carnival would improve the sauce and toppings, they might have a good product instead of something that is only mediocre. So I really don't know what the long line is about in the first place or why people would want to eat so much of that pizza at one time. Seems strange to me that people would stand in line for such mediocre pizza.

Edited December 20, 2015 by SuiteTraveler

[skyeman27]

You will ALWAYS see me, get my food, then drop it where I'm sitting- with me, heading right to washing my hands- nope- never touching the spigots to turn them off, or door handles to get out of the bathroom. Never touch the seats, salt/pepper either. And most often, eat everything with utensils- yep, sandwiches. Doesn't matter what anyone else does. This is my choice. :)

Never touch the menus, they never get sanitized...

[Cruzin2paradise09]

Obviously...... I would think most people use manners when doing this, including myself. With that said, my experience is that people get really upset by this!

 

 

Unfortunately it is NOT obvious! The problem isn't someone needing to grab one item, it's that nobody seems to know how to say "excuse me, would you mind if I just grab a yogurt?" As with anywhere on a cruise, everyone is entitled to the 'here and now' and screw you....

 

I absolutely love cruising and won't do any other type of vacation but somehow manners and respect are left at the port.

[Bases5]

For $5 dollars a day you can download the new

Carnival Gap App

With this app you can make a gap in the buffet line at any time.

When someone ask just show them your gap app and grab your food

[cruising maniac]

I have no problem with someone "grabbing" something. By the time you go through 3 lines for your meal, everything is cold.

[kerryincork]

But this is not how the buffet line is supposed to work. You are meant to walk up to the thing you want then walk away. You are not meant to stand in front of counter you are not getting food and block access to it. Often if you walk to the back of the buffet there is no one using those counters, everyone blindly starts queuing at the first counter they see?.

Sure if there are people waiting at omelet or carvery, wait your turn. But if there no one at counter just walk up to, if people are blocking access to counter they are not using politely say I'm just taking whatever, I think it is lot more inconsiderate for people to block access to counters they are not using and it they used the buffet as should be used, it would flow much better.

[MaiTaiMary]

Just wait until slow Sally or sloth Steve make their way through and use the gap to your advantage. The people that move through the line like Sally and Steve are quite ubiquitous. It helps everyone as you're one less person clogging the line behind Sally and Steve.

 

 

"Sloth Steve" :D LOL!!! OMG, too funny...

[crusinpsychRN]

I can never find the butter!

[mesci14]

But this is not how the buffet line is supposed to work. You are meant to walk up to the thing you want then walk away. You are not meant to stand in front of counter you are not getting food and block access to it. Often if you walk to the back of the buffet there is no one using those counters, everyone blindly starts queuing at the first counter they see?.

Sure if there are people waiting at omelet or carvery, wait your turn. But if there no one at counter just walk up to, if people are blocking access to counter they are not using politely say I'm just taking whatever, I think it is lot more inconsiderate for people to block access to counters they are not using and it they used the buffet as should be used, it would flow much better.

 

That is not accurate. Buffet means a selection of food to choose from, but you must wait your turn in line. Buffet etiquette:

 

So with Mirza Grotts' help, we bring to you (drum roll, please) ... The 10 Commandments of Cruise Buffet Etiquette:

 

1. Thou Shalt Not Cut the Line: You wouldn't do it at the grocery store, so don't do it on a cruise ship. Even when someone is lollygagging, you should wait patiently -- though that person should remember there's an entire line of people waiting. If she or he really is taking a long time, it's O.K. to ask if you may pass, but don't just walk around them. Also, if you've already been in line but forgotten one item, like dressing or a tomato, again it's O.K. to ask if you can grab the one item. Asking permission is just courteous behavior.

 

2. Thou Shalt Not Switch Direction: Buffets go in one direction only. Don't start making your way through the line from the opposite direction. That's the equivalent of cutting the line.

 

3. Thou Shalt Watch Thy Children: Always escort your young children, say 10 or younger, to the buffet. They need you to remind them to not cut the line and not use their fingers. Food items such as nuts, crudites and bread are tempting for kids to grab with their bare hands. Smaller kids might also be prone to running around and risk bumping into people carrying trays or drinks. Keeping them close to you can prevent unnecessary accidents.

 

4. Thou Shalt Keep Thy Fingers to Thyself: Kids aren't the only offenders here. Adults are just as likely to grab the top cucumber or the front slice of bread with their hands. Don't do it. There are tongs for a reason.

 

5. Thou Shalt Not Move Tongs: Speaking of tongs, never, ever move the tongs from one platter or hot food station to another. What if the person behind you has allergies to shrimp and you've just moved the tongs from a shrimp dish to a chicken dish? What if that person is kosher or vegetarian? Be courteous, even if it means you have to wait for someone to bring you another serving utensil. Remember, the food isn't going anywhere.

 

6. Thou Shalt Not Eat in Line: The food on your plate isn't going anywhere either, so there's no need to start nibbling while you're in line. Unless you're diabetic or hypoglycemic, you're not going to die from waiting a few more minutes to eat.

 

7. Thou Shalt Not Take More Than Thou Can Eat: Buffet dining, by its very nature, is gluttonous, but that doesn't mean you have to be a glutton. Don't load up your plate; take a few items on your first pass through the line, then go back for seconds if you still want more. Similarly, don't take the last piece of something; it's rude to leave the people behind you with nothing. Instead, alert a server that the item needs to be replenished, and wait for the refill before serving yourself. It's the polite thing to do.

 

8. Thou Shalt Use a New Plate Each Time: If you go back for seconds, leave your dirty plate at the table and get a fresh one each time. Your fork has touched the dirty plate, so you don't want the serving spoon or tongs to touch it.

 

9. Thou Shalt Wash Thy Hands: Sticking with the hygiene theme, always wash your hands before getting in the buffet line. You might not be touching the food directly, but you will be handling the serving utensils. You wouldn't want the person in front of you touching everything with dirty hands; don't be that guy to the person behind you.

 

10. Thou Shalt Not Make a Doggie Bag: There are no doggie bags at buffets, no exceptions. On a cruise ship, you can make a phone call to room service 24/7 and get food, so there's never a need to bag anything.

[Alabaster Cruiser]

that is not accurate. Buffet means a selection of food to choose from, but you must wait your turn in line. Buffet etiquette:

 

So with mirza grotts' help, we bring to you (drum roll, please) ... The 10 commandments of cruise buffet etiquette:

 

1. Thou shalt not cut the line: You wouldn't do it at the grocery store, so don't do it on a cruise ship. Even when someone is lollygagging, you should wait patiently -- though that person should remember there's an entire line of people waiting. If she or he really is taking a long time, it's o.k. To ask if you may pass, but don't just walk around them. Also, if you've already been in line but forgotten one item, like dressing or a tomato, again it's o.k. To ask if you can grab the one item. Asking permission is just courteous behavior.

 

2. Thou shalt not switch direction: Buffets go in one direction only. Don't start making your way through the line from the opposite direction. That's the equivalent of cutting the line.

 

3. Thou shalt watch thy children: Always escort your young children, say 10 or younger, to the buffet. They need you to remind them to not cut the line and not use their fingers. Food items such as nuts, crudites and bread are tempting for kids to grab with their bare hands. Smaller kids might also be prone to running around and risk bumping into people carrying trays or drinks. Keeping them close to you can prevent unnecessary accidents.

 

4. Thou shalt keep thy fingers to thyself: Kids aren't the only offenders here. Adults are just as likely to grab the top cucumber or the front slice of bread with their hands. Don't do it. There are tongs for a reason.

 

5. Thou shalt not move tongs: Speaking of tongs, never, ever move the tongs from one platter or hot food station to another. What if the person behind you has allergies to shrimp and you've just moved the tongs from a shrimp dish to a chicken dish? What if that person is kosher or vegetarian? Be courteous, even if it means you have to wait for someone to bring you another serving utensil. Remember, the food isn't going anywhere.

 

6. Thou shalt not eat in line: The food on your plate isn't going anywhere either, so there's no need to start nibbling while you're in line. Unless you're diabetic or hypoglycemic, you're not going to die from waiting a few more minutes to eat.

 

7. Thou shalt not take more than thou can eat: Buffet dining, by its very nature, is gluttonous, but that doesn't mean you have to be a glutton. Don't load up your plate; take a few items on your first pass through the line, then go back for seconds if you still want more. Similarly, don't take the last piece of something; it's rude to leave the people behind you with nothing. Instead, alert a server that the item needs to be replenished, and wait for the refill before serving yourself. It's the polite thing to do.

 

8. Thou shalt use a new plate each time: If you go back for seconds, leave your dirty plate at the table and get a fresh one each time. Your fork has touched the dirty plate, so you don't want the serving spoon or tongs to touch it.

 

9. Thou shalt wash thy hands: Sticking with the hygiene theme, always wash your hands before getting in the buffet line. You might not be touching the food directly, but you will be handling the serving utensils. You wouldn't want the person in front of you touching everything with dirty hands; don't be that guy to the person behind you.

 

10. Thou shalt not make a doggie bag: There are no doggie bags at buffets, no exceptions. On a cruise ship, you can make a phone call to room service 24/7 and get food, so there's never a need to bag anything.

 

thank you!

[Alwaysacruiseinthequeue]

Simple manners solve a lot: "pardon me but my I just grab a couple pieces of cheese?"

 

EXACTLY!

 

I was just on the Breeze and needed something in the middle of the line that I'd forgotten.

 

I asked those in the line, "May I please grab 'xyz' really quickly?". They all said, "Sure". I said, "Ok. Whew! I don't know your rules so I didn't want to just jump in!". They laughed and were much obliged.

 

That's how I really feel. It should be up to those in the line as to whether you breaking in the line is right or wrong.

 

Who agrees?

[crusinpsychRN]

 

10. Thou Shalt Not Make a Doggie Bag: There are no doggie bags at buffets, no exceptions. On a cruise ship, you can make a phone call to room service 24/7 and get food, so there's never a need to bag anything.

 

Whole heartedly disagree. Many times I take a croissant, cheese plate, deli sandwich, a piece of pie or OJ to my cabin.

[The4Cruisers]

Whole heartedly disagree. Many times I take a croissant, cheese plate, deli sandwich, a piece of pie or OJ to my cabin.

 

I agree. I've got no problem doing that either...

[Jana60]

That is not accurate. Buffet means a selection of food to choose from, but you must wait your turn in line. Buffet etiquette:

 

So with Mirza Grotts' help, we bring to you (drum roll, please) ... The 10 Commandments of Cruise Buffet Etiquette:

 

5. Thou Shalt Not Move Tongs: Speaking of tongs, never, ever move the tongs from one platter or hot food station to another. What if the person behind you has allergies to shrimp and you've just moved the tongs from a shrimp dish to a chicken dish? What if that person is kosher or vegetarian?

 

10. Thou Shalt Not Make a Doggie Bag: There are no doggie bags at buffets, no exceptions. On a cruise ship, you can make a phone call to room service 24/7 and get food, so there's never a need to bag anything.

 

I agree with most of what you have to say especially number 5 since I'm allergic to crab I have to be very careful if a utensil has touched crab. I disagree with you on only two points. Number one if there is a huge gap in the line in front of the person who's in front of me and they have come to a complete standstill in front of the salad in the state of indecision as to which particular salad they want I do not consider it inappropriate to simply walk around them. It would be different if I had to practically push them out of the way to walk around them. I also disagree with you about taking food from the buffet to other areas. I often cruise solo and I don't always feel comfortable sitting alone and eating alone in the buffet however I feel totally comfortable eating alone in my room watching TV or sitting on my balcony watching the ocean. I also have been known to take a plate for lunch and go to where the trivia or karaoke are taking place on a sea day and eat my lunch while engaging in these activities. I have even had them prepare my dessert to go in the main dining room and have taken it to a show in the main show lounge. After all they serve drinks in the show lounge some of which are practically like a dessert so I don't have a problem with this. If someone else does they are welcome to avert their eyes and certainly not follow my example.

Edited December 21, 2015 by Jana60

[kerryincork]

There are points I agree with about moving tongs, washing hands, licking fingers and then touching utensils. But I disagree about the queuing. The buffet is not a canteen where you que. The food choices are repeated many times in the buffet you have multiple entrances to buffet (usually front, middle back) are you really saying a person entering buffet from rear entrance should walk by empty counters to que at the front?

I'm not talking about going up to counters and shoving people out of the way or not waiting your turn at counters where you will be served food. If there is counter empty it is ridiculous to suggest you have to find a que and join it even if it is half way down the buffet. This is not how buffets are designed. If it was a canteen style food choices wouldn't be repeated in multiple locations in buffet, there would be one of each option.

[Cruisegoer]

And I'll do me.

 

Then I'll laugh at you while you stand in line frustrated.

[jimdalva]

But this is not how the buffet line is supposed to work. You are meant to walk up to the thing you want then walk away. You are not meant to stand in front of counter you are not getting food and block access to it. Often if you walk to the back of the buffet there is no one using those counters, everyone blindly starts queuing at the first counter they see?.

Sure if there are people waiting at omelet or carvery, wait your turn. But if there no one at counter just walk up to, if people are blocking access to counter they are not using politely say I'm just taking whatever, I think it is lot more inconsiderate for people to block access to counters they are not using and it they used the buffet as should be used, it would flow much better.

 

This is SPOT ON !

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Could care less if someone cuts in to grab something. It won't hurt me to wait a tad longer to eat. But it may be tuff on the farmers.

[swilliams1660]

That is not accurate. Buffet means a selection of food to choose from, but you must wait your turn in line. Buffet etiquette:

 

So with Mirza Grotts' help, we bring to you (drum roll, please) ... The 10 Commandments of Cruise Buffet Etiquette:

 

1. Thou Shalt Not Cut the Line: You wouldn't do it at the grocery store, so don't do it on a cruise ship. Even when someone is lollygagging, you should wait patiently -- though that person should remember there's an entire line of people waiting. If she or he really is taking a long time, it's O.K. to ask if you may pass, but don't just walk around them. Also, if you've already been in line but forgotten one item, like dressing or a tomato, again it's O.K. to ask if you can grab the one item. Asking permission is just courteous behavior.

 

2. Thou Shalt Not Switch Direction: Buffets go in one direction only. Don't start making your way through the line from the opposite direction. That's the equivalent of cutting the line.

 

3. Thou Shalt Watch Thy Children: Always escort your young children, say 10 or younger, to the buffet. They need you to remind them to not cut the line and not use their fingers. Food items such as nuts, crudites and bread are tempting for kids to grab with their bare hands. Smaller kids might also be prone to running around and risk bumping into people carrying trays or drinks. Keeping them close to you can prevent unnecessary accidents.

 

4. Thou Shalt Keep Thy Fingers to Thyself: Kids aren't the only offenders here. Adults are just as likely to grab the top cucumber or the front slice of bread with their hands. Don't do it. There are tongs for a reason.

 

5. Thou Shalt Not Move Tongs: Speaking of tongs, never, ever move the tongs from one platter or hot food station to another. What if the person behind you has allergies to shrimp and you've just moved the tongs from a shrimp dish to a chicken dish? What if that person is kosher or vegetarian? Be courteous, even if it means you have to wait for someone to bring you another serving utensil. Remember, the food isn't going anywhere.

 

6. Thou Shalt Not Eat in Line: The food on your plate isn't going anywhere either, so there's no need to start nibbling while you're in line. Unless you're diabetic or hypoglycemic, you're not going to die from waiting a few more minutes to eat.

 

7. Thou Shalt Not Take More Than Thou Can Eat: Buffet dining, by its very nature, is gluttonous, but that doesn't mean you have to be a glutton. Don't load up your plate; take a few items on your first pass through the line, then go back for seconds if you still want more. Similarly, don't take the last piece of something; it's rude to leave the people behind you with nothing. Instead, alert a server that the item needs to be replenished, and wait for the refill before serving yourself. It's the polite thing to do.

 

8. Thou Shalt Use a New Plate Each Time: If you go back for seconds, leave your dirty plate at the table and get a fresh one each time. Your fork has touched the dirty plate, so you don't want the serving spoon or tongs to touch it.

 

9. Thou Shalt Wash Thy Hands: Sticking with the hygiene theme, always wash your hands before getting in the buffet line. You might not be touching the food directly, but you will be handling the serving utensils. You wouldn't want the person in front of you touching everything with dirty hands; don't be that guy to the person behind you.

 

10. Thou Shalt Not Make a Doggie Bag: There are no doggie bags at buffets, no exceptions. On a cruise ship, you can make a phone call to room service 24/7 and get food, so there's never a need to bag anything.

 

And don't forget.......

#11. If you push and shove, you get through a lot quicker.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

That is not accurate. Buffet means a selection of food to choose from, but you must wait your turn in line. Buffet etiquette:

 

So with Mirza Grotts' help, we bring to you (drum roll, please) ... The 10 Commandments of Cruise Buffet Etiquette:

 

1. Thou Shalt Not Cut the Line: You wouldn't do it at the grocery store, so don't do it on a cruise ship. Even when someone is lollygagging, you should wait patiently -- though that person should remember there's an entire line of people waiting. If she or he really is taking a long time, it's O.K. to ask if you may pass, but don't just walk around them. Also, if you've already been in line but forgotten one item, like dressing or a tomato, again it's O.K. to ask if you can grab the one item. Asking permission is just courteous behavior.

 

2. Thou Shalt Not Switch Direction: Buffets go in one direction only. Don't start making your way through the line from the opposite direction. That's the equivalent of cutting the line.

 

3. Thou Shalt Watch Thy Children: Always escort your young children, say 10 or younger, to the buffet. They need you to remind them to not cut the line and not use their fingers. Food items such as nuts, crudites and bread are tempting for kids to grab with their bare hands. Smaller kids might also be prone to running around and risk bumping into people carrying trays or drinks. Keeping them close to you can prevent unnecessary accidents.

 

4. Thou Shalt Keep Thy Fingers to Thyself: Kids aren't the only offenders here. Adults are just as likely to grab the top cucumber or the front slice of bread with their hands. Don't do it. There are tongs for a reason.

 

5. Thou Shalt Not Move Tongs: Speaking of tongs, never, ever move the tongs from one platter or hot food station to another. What if the person behind you has allergies to shrimp and you've just moved the tongs from a shrimp dish to a chicken dish? What if that person is kosher or vegetarian? Be courteous, even if it means you have to wait for someone to bring you another serving utensil. Remember, the food isn't going anywhere.

 

6. Thou Shalt Not Eat in Line: The food on your plate isn't going anywhere either, so there's no need to start nibbling while you're in line. Unless you're diabetic or hypoglycemic, you're not going to die from waiting a few more minutes to eat.

 

7. Thou Shalt Not Take More Than Thou Can Eat: Buffet dining, by its very nature, is gluttonous, but that doesn't mean you have to be a glutton. Don't load up your plate; take a few items on your first pass through the line, then go back for seconds if you still want more. Similarly, don't take the last piece of something; it's rude to leave the people behind you with nothing. Instead, alert a server that the item needs to be replenished, and wait for the refill before serving yourself. It's the polite thing to do.

 

8. Thou Shalt Use a New Plate Each Time: If you go back for seconds, leave your dirty plate at the table and get a fresh one each time. Your fork has touched the dirty plate, so you don't want the serving spoon or tongs to touch it.

 

9. Thou Shalt Wash Thy Hands: Sticking with the hygiene theme, always wash your hands before getting in the buffet line. You might not be touching the food directly, but you will be handling the serving utensils. You wouldn't want the person in front of you touching everything with dirty hands; don't be that guy to the person behind you.

 

10. Thou Shalt Not Make a Doggie Bag: There are no doggie bags at buffets, no exceptions. On a cruise ship, you can make a phone call to room service 24/7 and get food, so there's never a need to bag anything.

 

If you don't follow these commandments you will be sent to a place full of fire where you will be tortured and burn until the end of time......but Carnival loves you!

[BeachChik]

What we have learned from this thread is that everyone has different opinions and views on what is considered polite or rude. So the key is to go and understand everyone is different and to be a little more tolerant when you see something you consider inappropriate behavior.

[Rottweiler Puppy]

I hate it when folks eat in line then lick their fingers and use the tongs.