Because a proper buffet (and I mean a proper buffet) the kind that’s a little overwhelming, with more options than you know what to do with, the kind that makes you feel like a kid in a sweet shop being told, “Go on then, have what you want”… that might just take the top spot.

Now, I know admitting that might get me blacklisted from some social circles. I can already hear the gasps from those who treat “buffet” as a dirty word. But I’ve made my choice. I stand by it.

Buffets divide opinion. Some people love the variety; others can’t stand the chaos. But for me? There’s something joyous about wandering past a long line of dishes and realising, with genuine delight, that you don’t have to choose just one.

And I’m not talking about a sad salad bar and a few potatoes that look like they’ve been under a heat lamp since 1996. I’m talking cruise buffets — the good ones. Carving stations. Slabs of roast beef. Chefs flipping fresh stir fry to order. Fruit you won’t find in your local Tesco. A dessert table that could bring you to your knees.

Now, when it comes to buffet psychology, people tend to fall into one of two camps.

You’re either the methodical planner: full rekkie first. You do a lap (or two), assess the terrain, mentally map your moves. Every plate is a strategy.

Or, you’re in the ‘grab and go’ brigade. No plan. Just vibes. Lasagne next to spring rolls? Fine. Carved beef next to a rogue prawn? Also fine. Stack it high. Live with your choices.

The first time I went on a cruise, I was very much the kid in the sweet shop. I tried to play it cool, did the full walk-through, made mental notes, only to panic-grab a random selection that absolutely didn’t belong on the same plate. Sushi next to roast pork next to something that may have been Mediterranean stew. But with no regrets.
That’s the joy of it. Cruise buffets aren’t just about what you eat, they’re about how you eat. The choice is yours. Go big. Go back. Go rogue. Curate a plate of elegance or build a monstrosity and call it ‘global fusion’. It’s your holiday. No one is judging.

These days, I’ve got a few cruises under my belt, and I approach the buffet with a little more strategy.

Don’t panic. Walk the floor. Clock the layout. Think of it as eclectic tapas, try a bit of everything, but keep portions small. Go back as many times as you like (in fact, it’s expected).

Some cruise lines fully commit to the buffet life. You could lose an afternoon just navigating Celebrity Cruises’ Oceanview Café. Others  (like Virgin Voyages) don’t do buffets at all, which for people like me, is frankly a tragedy.
Of course, if buffets aren’t your thing, there’s always à la carte. More and more cruise lines now offer multi-restaurant options, each with a distinct vibe, from fine dining to experimental. You won’t run out of choice.

But I say this: hail the buffet. Embrace it.

It’s spontaneous. It’s indulgent. It keeps you guessing. One minute you’re coasting past the pasta station, the next you’re face to face with a warm apple crumble and perfect custard just… waiting for you.

So yes, I love a beef Wellington. But it’s one plate.

A buffet? A buffet is an experience. It’s curiosity, freedom, and glorious, slightly chaotic joy.
Honestly, I’ll take that any day.