captain cook cruise dinner

FIJI SUNSET DINNER CRUISE

Our day cruises are designed to give you a taste of the real Fiji; it’s great food, spectacular scenery, friendly people and the opportunity to be as active or laid back as you want. From our Tivua Island Day Cruise and Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise to our Private Yacht Sailing Adventure Cruises, there’s something for every traveller. So if you’re staying at a resort and want to explore the real Fiji by yacht, read on to find your perfect day in paradise. ‍

Enjoy the Romance of a Fijian Sunset with a tropical BBQ Dinner

Welcome aboard the Fiji One, Fiji’s most prestigious charter vessel and one of the largest sailing catamarans in the Southern Hemisphere. From 5:30pm it's time to sit back and relax with a complimentary welcome drink and take in the spectacular views, while our team of local chefs prepare a sumptuous tropical buffet feast from fresh local ingredients. As we cruise amongst the magnificent Mamanuca Islands, you’ll be treated to traditional Fijian cultural entertainment, including the song and dance Fijians are famous for and dine on a superb buffet dinner, which includes the option to upgrade to whole lobster if desired (pre-bookings required). A typical dinner cruise menu would include a choice of steak, chicken and fish of the day, accompanied by vegetables and salads and followed up with a mouth watering tropical dessert. Our chefs are also able to cater for most diets and food allergies, providing plenty of notice is given prior to the cruise.

The Mamanuca Islands are a stunning volcanic archipelago west of Nadi comprising around 20 palm fringed islands which contain some of Fiji’s most well known resorts. Their crystal clear waters, pristine coral reefs and white sandy beaches form the perfect backdrop for our idyllic evening on the water. Our Sunset Dinner Cruise is 3 hours and departs between 5 pm and returns 8 pm (seasonal) from Tuesday to Sunday and the cost includes complimentary transfers from Nadi and Denarau hotels. So if you’re staying at a local hotel or resort and would like to experience the beauty of Fiji from the water, this romantic sunset cruise is not to be missed.To make it even easier to decide, the cruise can be booked open dated and there is no charge for date changes up to 12 hours prior, so you can choose when you’d like to go. You also have the option to combine our Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise with our Tivua Island Day Cruise and save 25% off one of them.

Activities & Inclusions

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Food & Beverage

Complimentary welcome drink while you watch the sunset

Delicious Buffet dinner onboard prepared with local produce

Lobster main course (pre-booking required)

Entertainment

Music and entertainment

Fijian Cultural Show

Spectacular scenery as the sun sets over Nadi Bay and the Pacific

Your Sailing Catamaran

Relax on deck aboard the Fiji One - the South Pacific’s largest sailing catamaran as you watch the sunset

Enjoy dinner in the comfort of air conditioning

Complimentary transfers to and from Nadi or Denarau hotels

Optional Extras

Leave the tourist trail behind and experience the ‘real Fiji’ on a Captain Cook Cruises adventure and discovery small ship cruise.

Day and Dinner Cruise Combo

Combine the Tivua Island Day Sail with the Sunset Dinner Cruise and Save 25% off the one of lesser value. Cruises can be booked open dated and on different days.

Romance Package

You will receive, a bottle of sparkling wine, His and Hers sulu's (sarongs) and choose between a window table or a table enjoying the view in our Captain’s Lounge for 2.

Renewal of Vows

Why not renew your vows with our Captain and receive all the inclusions of our Romance Package? As well as, flowers for the ceremony performed either aboard, at Tivua Island or a deserted beach on a 3-11 night the MS Caledonian Sky Discovery Cruise.

Celebratory Cake

If you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or wedding anniversary, a delicious cake made with love can be organised. Larger cakes for groups of more than 6 people are available on request.

Window Table Upgrade

Pre book a window table for your sunset dinner cruise.

SAMPLE MENU

Leave the tourist trail behind and experience the ‘real Fiji’ on a Captain Cook Cruises adventure.

From the Buffet

Freshest fish, beef fillets, marinated chicken, local vegetables

Tropical fresh selection of salads

Tropical fruit salad, baked banana in coconut cream

Combine the Tivua Island Day Cruise with the Sunset Dinner Cruise and Save 25% off the one of lesser value. Cruises can be booked open dated and on different days. ‍

one last remote fiji adventure

We know Fiji and our fabulous Fijian crew and Expedition team want to share these unique destinations and cultures with you one last time.  Join us before October 2024 on a remote expedition on the gorgeous MS Caledonian Sky.  After October we can still share the wonders of Fiji with you by welcoming you on board a Day Sail to Tivua Private Island or Dinner Cruise experience on board one of our gorgeous sailing vessels. 

Questions? We have answers

Tivua Island Day Cruise FAQS

Where are the Mamanuca Islands?

Situated on the island of Viti Levu, Nadi International Airport is the main gateway to Fiji for the majority of visitors and the Mamanuca Islands are just off the west coast of Viti Levu, within clear sight of the mainland. This close proximity makes them easily accessible by small boat, ferry or chartered seaplane or helicopter. As well as being the closest island group to Nadi, the Mamanuca Islands are also arguably the most beautiful, with their palm fringed white sand beaches and crystal clear waters making them the logical choice of location for some of Fiji’s most popular resorts.

What is included in the menu?

The fresh, tropical buffet dinner on our Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise is prepared on-board by a team of local chefs using fresh local ingredients to be enjoyed buffet-style in Fiji One’s air-conditioned dining room in front of a stunning sunset backdrop. The menu will typically consist of a choice of chicken, steak and fish of the day, accompanied by salads and fresh vegetables and followed by a delicious tropical dessert. Or for an additional cost, you can upgrade your culinary experience to a whole lobster (pre-bookings required). Our chefs can also cater for most special diets and food allergies, as long as they receive enough notice.

How many passengers are on board the dinner cruise and is it suitable for kids?

Fiji One is one of the largest sailing catamarans in the Southern Hemisphere and has a maximum capacity of 220 passengers, although, on our dinner cruises, around 100 guests seated at tables is a more typical number as each group has their own table. It is fully air-conditioned and boasts an upper deck,  main deck dining saloon and spacious foredeck with outdoor seating and viewing area. Along with our Tivua Island Day cruise, the dinner cruise is suitable for children, although no kids activities are provided due to its more relaxed, laid back nature. While onboard, children must be under the supervision of an adult at all times.

What is included in a dinner cruise?

Our Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise includes a complimentary welcome drink when you board our luxury catamaran, Fiji One. Also included in the price is a delicious tropical buffet dinner prepared from fresh local ingredients by our team of local chefs and Fijian cultural entertainment, including the wonderful singing and dancing that Fijians are famous for. Our dinner cruise also includes complimentary transfers from your Nadi or Denarau hotel plus the ultimate inclusion, some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. For an additional cost, you can also upgrade your dinner experience to include a lobster main course, although you will need to pre-book ahead of time.

What are the key differences between a day cruise and a dinner cruise?

The difference between our Fiji Sunset Dinner Cruise and our Tivua Island Day Cruise is that our dinner cruise is all about relaxation, great food and stunning views, while our day cruise is about fun water based activities such as snorkelling, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and glass bottom boat tours. While both cruises include a sumptuous buffet meal and plenty of our famous Fijian hospitality, our day cruise is particularly family-friendly, with a Captain’s Kids Club on Tivua Island. The main thing they both have in common though is that whichever cruise you choose, a wonderful time is guaranteed.

What time and duration is the Sunset Dinner Cruise?

The Sunset Dinner cruise departs at 5.30pm for 3 hours. May to September the departure is 5pm due to an earlier sunset.

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Amazing service and fantastic food

Beautiful Sunset, amazing variety of food and awesome staff!

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Gold Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour

The Gold Dinner Cruise is the quintessential Australian gourmet food experience on Sydney Harbour.

This cruise will leave you and your guests breathless as you are treated to spectacular scenery and a carefully crafted six-course degustation menu.

Recommended departure from Darling Harbour on Friday and Saturday nights at 7.00 pm for up to three hours of cruising pleasure.

Accessibility

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Harbour Story Cruise on Sydney Harbour

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Captain Cook Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

Activity times, what's included, description.

Everything has been designed with you in mind, from the initial complimentary cocktail to the delicious buffet-style Hawaiian dinner at Kealakekua Bay with the amazing sunset as a backdrop. Adding to the charm of this tropical experience is live entertainment, making your cruise even more special. This is an excursion that is great for couples, families, and groups vacationing in Hawaii.

The Kona side of the Big Island is one of the most popular areas in Hawaii, due to its breathtaking landscapes and brilliant waters. Along the way, you catch some stunning views of some of the most fertile coffee plantations in the world. Resorts and other prime pieces of real estate share the coast and showcase the history and beauty of Hawaii. Throughout the cruise, your guide shares lots of details about Big Island traditions and culture, as well as stories of the Polynesian voyagers who first sailed to this remote island chain.

Nearly ten million visitors came to the state in 2018, seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture that makes this place a unique paradise. Our Captain Cook Dinner Cruise is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. We know that getting the most out of your time is important, so we’ve planned a cruise that's filled with music, delicious cuisine, and nautical sights that can only be seen on Kealakekua Bay!

The Captain Cook Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay has been voted Best Cruise on the Big Island for a reason! Our attention to even the smallest details is what make this trip so special. Everything works together to help you make beautiful memories of your time with us. You can see this attention to detail in our cruise boat, Kanao II. The 65-ft catamaran has two separate decks, a 15-ft high dive platform, and even a thrilling water slide! The vessel is also wheelchair-friendly with a customized boarding ramp.

This is one of the most popular activities in Kailua-Kona, which is why reserving your spots well in advance is a must. We recommend that you arrive at check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. There is a 48-hour cancellation policy in effect for this cruise experience. Let us take you on a journey you'll never forget!  

Here are some of the things you see on the cruise:

• Holualoa Bay
• White Sand Beach
• Keauhou Bay
• Kealakekua Bay  
• Captain Cook’s Monument

Maintained by the British Navy, Captain Cook’s Monument sits on over five thousand square feet at Kealakekua Bay. Throughout the cruise your guide and history expert share surprising facts about Hawaiian landmarks, attractions, and history.

Unique Hawaiian Landscapes

Along the way to Kealakekua Bay you see lush landscapes that are part of what makes the area unique. Included in these are sacred lands where major archeological finds have been discovered, as well as more recent historic landmarks. Kealakekua Bay is probably best known as the place where Captain James Cook first came ashore in Hawaii and later lost his life in a skirmish with the natives. The monument dedicated to Cook is not accessible by road, so a cruise is a perfect solution for seeing this landmark.

The cruise departs in the mid-afternoon, giving you plenty of opportunity to see the open waters and the stunning coastline. These are terrific places to take lots of photos to commemorate your time in Hawaii.  

We’ve thought of all of the amenities you would expect from a premier dinner cruise. After enjoying your welcome cocktail, feel free to sit back, relax, and enjoy the lush, tropical surroundings. Sample our selection of refreshing beverages, such as local craft beers and tasty tropical drinks.

A Rich Hawaiian History

We’ve designed this cruise to include not just a tour narrator, but a true historian of the area. You'll be transported back in time to the times of King Kamehameha the Great. This rich recounting of the history of the area is sure to make you feel immersed in the culture of our beautiful state. In addition to Captain Cook’s Monument, guests can also capture shots of awe-inspiring lava tubes, royal burial caverns in the sheer sea cliffs, and much more during the cruise.

Know before you book:

• Passengers should bring all necessary supplies, such as medication or baby formula, that will be required during the three-hour trip. You're going to be seeing some stunning views on your cruise, so be prepared to capture loads of great shots. Make sure your camera is charged up, and consider bringing a spare memory card!
• Here are a few basic things to bring with you:
• Any necessary medication
• A wide-brimmed hat or sun visor
• Book today, and get ready to enjoy an amazing Hawaii dinner cruise experience!

When booking your dinner cruise, you can choose a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday sailing to fit your schedule.  

One of the most essential details of this once-in-a-lifetime cruise is the delicious buffet dinner! What better way to enjoy the stunning sights of Kealakekua Bay than to do so while feasting? The buffet offerings are designed to accommodate all diets. In addition to succulent meat choices, there is a wide variety of dishes that are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.

Here are some typical menu choices for your dinner cruise experience:

Mauna Loa Big Island Macadamia Nuts

Main Course

(Vegan/vegetarian entrée is available on request at the time of booking)

Kiawe Mango BBQ Pork short ribs served with a Papaya Salsa (GF)

Thai Coconut Curry with Hamakua Sweet Potatoes, Hawaiian Breadfruit, Carrots, & Bell Peppers (Vegan/GF)

Steamed Jasmine Rice (Vegan/GF)

Island Baked Coconut Dinner Rolls served with Butter (Vegetarian)

Graham cracker crust cheesecake, topped with lilikoi glaze.

*Vegan/GF dessert option available upon request

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11 cruise dining hacks to enhance mealtime at sea

You can hack your way to better cruise dining no matter which cruise line you choose. You just need to be clever and use smart strategies to create your own best food experiences.

Knowledge is key. Sometimes it's as simple as knowing where to find the best ice cream and toppings – even when the two aren't located in the same place. It might be watching for special food events and organizing your schedule to access the best dining opportunities.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

And never be afraid to ask for what you want so you get the best vacation meals. The worst anyone can say is no. With that in mind, here's my list of 11 cruise dining hacks to help you eat your way to cruise food nirvana.

Upgrade your ice cream

Finding the ice cream station — be it a soft-serve machine or a hand-scooped gelato bar — is a high priority for me and many cruisers. One of the easiest and most rewarding cruise dining hacks is figuring out creative ways to upgrade your frozen treat on the cheap.

Create DIY ice cream sandwiches using cookies from the buffet or snack counters. If brownies are on the buffet, a brownie sundae could be in your future. Just put your treats in a bowl and take them to the self-serve station to top with a creamy swirl.

Have your kids save Froot Loops from the breakfast buffet to crunch up and sprinkle over a midday ice cream snack. Your adult cruise mates might like a shot of Bailey's drizzled over their cup of vanilla; the pool deck bar is often conveniently located near the soft-serve machines.

Plus, on some cruise lines, the ice cream served in the main dining room is a cut above the soft serve and might include flavors you can't get anywhere else on board. I've been known to pop into the main dining room after I've eaten elsewhere to see what the flavors are. Servers will happily bring you a dish to go if one sounds tasty to you.

My mom recently discovered a fun Carnival Cruise Line ice cream hack in the main dining room: She orders the cute little banana splits from the kid's menu. No one thinks to ask her age.

Related: Best cruise ship desserts to tempt you at sea

Make friends with a bartender

Nobody ever said bars on cruise ships were just for alcoholic beverages. I drink Sprite, but I like it topped with lime and cherries. Whether you buy a soda package or pay by the glass, order your soft drinks at a bar, and you can have all the add-ins you want. I also enjoy orange slices in my water bottle. Bartenders will happily provide these at no charge.

Who has most of the ingredients and blenders needed to accommodate well-deserved vacation whims like milkshakes or root beer floats? Most often, it's the poolside bartenders. My go-to is the solarium bar because it's usually less busy. You might need to bring your own ice cream, but the bar should have the rest.

I keep my first weird requests simple and always ask with a smile and a "would you mind?" Pleasant banter goes a long way, as do tips. By the end of the cruise, they'll whip up almost anything for you if you've been asking nicely the whole cruise.

Research your way to a better dining experience

Knowledge is power when it comes to thoroughly hacking your cruise dining experience. Sometimes the best meals are easily missed unless you're trying to learn about all the available dining options.

Check out the cruise line app and the interactive TV screens in your stateroom to browse menus and hours of operation for the week. You want to know when the best dishes will be served so you don't miss lobster night in the main dining room because you reserved a specialty dinner on the same night.

Scour the daily newsletter (or schedule on the ship's app), and check signs around the ship for pop-up food and beverage events. These will alert you to various options like brunch or afternoon tea, some of which are only available on sea days.

Related: 12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

Once, on a Viking cruise, I noticed the head chef buzzing around the poolside burger bar late one afternoon. I promptly made my way over to investigate. Apparently, I had missed a tiny notice in the daily briefing about a poolside surf-and-turf dinner. It was one of the best dinners I've ever had on a cruise, accompanied by a live band and a fabulous dessert bar, but it was only attended by about a hundred lucky people in the know.

Enjoy specialty dining at a discount

If you want to try specialty restaurants but don't like the hefty price tags, it is possible to get a reduced-rate reservation.

Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises , offer discounted specialty dining reservations on the first night of the cruise when most people go to the main dining room. Carnival keeps the cover charge the same but offers free or half-priced wine with your meal. You might need to reserve your spot pre-cruise through your travel agent or the cruise line's website to get the best prices.

Lunch in select specialty food venues also costs less than dinner, even though the menu and portion sizes vary only a little. Specialty lunches are often served only on sea days, and reservations are almost always required. If you don't book pre-cruise, do so soon after you board. Holland America 's Pinnacle Grill and Royal Caribbean's Chops Grille are among the specialty restaurants offering discounted lunch.

Some cruise lines sell specialty dining packages for a select number of nights at a discounted price from the full daily rate. Again, these rates could be even lower before your cruise begins. You should be able to shop for them along with excursions and beverage packages. Or, look for booking promotions offering free meals in these extra-fee dining venues.

Discover the secret breakfast venues

Some cruise ships have an almost secret breakfast venue beyond the main dining room or buffet. These hidden gems are typically less crowded than the main morning venues, so you get your food more quickly and with less stress.

On a coastal cruise with American Cruise Lines , I discovered the Back Porch Cafe has a short-order cook who can whip you up an omelet or breakfast sandwich on the ship's back deck. Celebrity has the AquaSpa Cafe in the Solarium for healthy breakfast treats, and Carnival dishes out spicy breakfast tacos at Blue Iguana each morning.

Viking offers Scandinavian breakfast fare at Mamsen's in the Explorer Lounge, while Norwegian Cruise Line offers complimentary alternative breakfasts in a pub atmosphere at The Local and O'Sheehan's.

It's not complimentary, but on select MSC ships, the Butcher's Cut steakhouse serves an a la carte brunch with some fabulous items you won't find elsewhere on board.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

This cruise dining hack works best early in the cruise before the rest of your shipmates stumble upon these lesser-known breakfast venues.

The same principle applies to lunch options on embarkation day . Check for quieter choices in lounges and specialty venues before you head to the buffet for your first meal of the cruise.

Don't skip the snack counters

You won't always find the best snack locations on the ship's app. When you're looking for a mid-afternoon snack, you might need to do a little undercover snooping to find the best options.

Check the specialty coffee counters, bars that offer daytime coffee service and health food eateries near the spa. I've scored free treats at the Viking Bar on Viking cruise ships and the Yacht Club bar on Windstar Cruises ' ships.

Snacky spots are likely to have food and beverages that cost extra, but additional snacks, ranging from gooey cookies to tasty sandwiches, are often complimentary. If there's a charge, they will usually have prices listed either on the menu board or in the case next to the food.

Examples on mainstream lines include the free sandwiches, cookies and pastries at Carnival's Javablue Cafe, Royal Caribbean's Promenade Cafe and Celebrity's Cafe al Bacio.

Take advantage of free room service

Mainstream cruise lines charge for most room service orders, but Continental breakfast delivered to your stateroom is often yours for a simple cash gratuity. I like to call it "first breakfast." Sometimes you need a cup of tea or coffee, along with a flaky pastry and a bite of fruit, to start your day before you're ready to leave your cabin.

Free room service extends to other meals on luxury lines and in upper-level suites on the mainstream lines. It's an ideal way to add a bit of decadence to your cruise. In these cases, it pays to check out the room service menu at the start of your cruise. There are almost always items on the menu you won't find elsewhere. But I'll let you in on a secret: You don't have to be in your cabin to order them.

I once ordered a slice of chocolate layer cake for dessert in the main dining room that I'd only seen on the room service menu. It caused a tiny bit of a "don't-tell-anyone" fuss, but I got my cake. My husband has done the same with a chef's salad from a room service menu.

Plus, if you're sailing on certain lines — like Princess, which offers food, drink and gift shop item delivery anywhere on board for a fee; Carnival, which offers anywhere-on-the-ship pizza delivery; and Virgin Voyages, which allows you to shake your phone to have Champagne brought to wherever you are while you're on the vessel — you can have food and drinks delivered to you in various onboard locations.

Hack the main dining room menu

You don't have to order three courses every single night or follow the menu's suggestions for what to eat first. Hack the menu to create the meal you want.

Try a selection of appetizers, or ask for a half portion of an entree. Soup and salad is a fine meal if it suits your mood. Most cruisers know they can have two desserts, but consider taking one with you for a midnight snack. As long as it won't melt, it's perfectly fine.

You can also reorder a dish you particularly enjoy for another night. Sometimes your wish will be granted but not always. It's easy with appetizers, but if you ask a day ahead, you might even be able to order a rerun of an entree or a dessert.

I once had Grand Marnier souffle served three nights in a row on a Celebrity ship, and I've heard of people requesting that a specific type of bread be served every night. It never hurts to ask, but keep your special requests in mind when it comes to extra tips at the end of your cruise.

Dining room hacks also apply to breakfast. On a recent Royal Caribbean cruise, I inquired in the dining room about the sticky buns they serve in the buffet and was treated to a plate of them every time we ate breakfast in the dining room.

I've also witnessed cruisers ordering things that don't exist on any menu on board. Several cruise lines are known to happily prepare Asian or Indian meals. I've seen it happen on Carnival and Viking, as well as on AmaWaterways river cruises . Speak to the head waiter for special requests; he'll need a couple days' advance notice.

Save your wine, or take it with you

Experienced cruisers know it's cheaper to order a bottle of wine than several individual glasses. If you want the savings but can't finish a bottle in one sitting, try one of these two cruise dining hacks.

Ask to have an opened bottle of wine held for you by dining room staff, and you can finish it another night, even in another dining venue on board. Just ask your waiter the next night to find the bottle for you.

Alternatively, you can take the rest of the bottle back to your stateroom. It's nice to have a nightcap on the balcony or a pre-dinner glass of wine while you get ready for the evening. Your room steward will be happy to supply glasses if there aren't any in your cabin already.

Related: Cruise ship drinks packages: A line-by-line guide

Dress up that cruise burger

Cruise ship hamburgers have improved a lot over the years, but in most cases, there's quite a bit you can do to improve the basic burger from the poolside grill. The trick is to hit the buffet salad and sandwich bars after snagging your burger.

Why? You've got more options for burger toppings. The buffet will usually have better choices of cheese, a variety of lettuce and bacon bits. You can find sauces like ranch, bleu cheese or thousand island dressing, as well as barbecue sauce. Do you adore hot peppers or relish? Snatch them from the buffet, and have your burger your way.

Bring your own mixers

Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can blow up your cruise tab in a hurry. One hack is to bring items from home to spiff up the free beverages so you don't need to pay extra for specialty drinks.

If your cruise line allows it, you can bring your own soda or juice to avoid purchasing soft drinks at inflated prices on board. You can also lower your overall costs by packing flavored drink packets and powdered sports drink mixes to combine with tap water.

Plain drip coffee and a variety of tea bags are readily available on board most ships at no cost. If you have a favorite, don't waste your vacation budget on trips to the extra-fee specialty coffee counter. Instead, bring your own tea bags, powdered sweeteners, flavored instant coffee or even ground coffee and a French press. (Electric coffee makers are a no-no and fall on cruise lines' lists of banned items .)

Bottom line

Everyone has their own idea of how to best eat their way through a cruise. You might love the buffet or hate it, prefer complimentary dining venues over the added costs of specialty restaurants, or perhaps you like a smattering of all of those.

Any way you slice and dice it, food plays an important role on any cruise. Cruise lines want to satisfy your every craving — even if it means crew members going out of their way to serve you something different. The best cruise food hack is arming yourself with the knowledge to find what you want when you want it.

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