British holiday makers have been taking to the high seas in ever increasing numbers as more and more of us become converts to cruising, one of the most sociable ways to travel. Strange then that most British cruise travellers seem to want to avoid company during that most companionable of cruise occasions – mealtimes…
British holiday makers have been taking to the high seas in ever increasing numbers as more and more of us become converts to cruising, one of the most sociable ways to travel. Strange then that most British cruise travellers seem to want to avoid company during that most companionable of cruise occasions – mealtimes. This was the finding of a survey among British cruise travellers conducted by the cruises news and reviews website CruiseCritic.co.uk In fact respondents said that company of fellow passengers was the least favourite thing about dining on board and the worst – having to eat with people they might not like.
Dining however is an important component of a cruise experience. British cruise travellers sail on their stomachs. Sixty percent of those taking part in the survey said that a cruise line’s overall reputation for quality cuisine would affect their choice of cruise and 97 percent said dining was important or very important as part of the overall ambiance on a cruise ship.
And here’s a myth-buster: if cruise food has traditionally been known more for quantity than quality, 63 percent of Cruise Critic respondents said that the best thing about dining onboard is the quality of the food. Expanding on that, 53 percent said that they would use a gourmet specialist restaurant as an alternative to the main dining rooms at least once or twice during a week’s cruise.
James Martin was top choice of celebrity cruise chef followed by Marco Pierre White and Gary Rhodes. And although buffet style dining has become increasingly available, most respondents (60 percent) said that traditional silver service was their favourite type of dining on board a cruise ship.
Health and fitness cruises may have increased in recent years but fifty two percent of respondents said that they would eat more than normal and put on weight during a cruise holiday.
Meanwhile, it seems that what was once a pinnacle of cruise social standing – to dine at the captain’s table – is no longer so desirable. When asked their first thoughts if invited to dine with the captain just over a fifth (22 percent) said “how can I get out of this” and concerned about conversation, the same number thinking “what shall I say”.
Two British cruise lines topped the list for best cruise cuisine. Cunard was voted fine food flagship (21 percent) followed by P&O (15 percent). Said Cruise Critic editor-in-chief, Carolyn Spencer Brown, “I don’t think British cruise travellers are especially antisocial. It is more a case of priorities and for you Brits it is certainly fine food first!”
CruiseCritic.co.uk Top Five Cruise Lines for Dining
- Cunard
- P&O Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity
- Princess Cruises
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
