Cruise passenger argues they're helping others by skipping the buffet queue

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The buffet canteen can be a place of great tension (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The buffet canteen can be a place of great tension (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A cruise passenger skips the line on the ship's buffets and has urged others to do the same.

On most cruises the daily buffet is one of the most important events on the ship, especially if you have the cost of the meal included in the price of your cabin. However, whether it's people wearing 'tacky outfits' or making a common mistake when getting their food, the busy dining room can be a minefield.

While cutting in line might sound like a huge buffet faux pas and at odds with everything British children have been taught, one guest has said they think more people should do it. In fact, they've argued that it could actually make the experience better for everyone, reports the Express.

Cruise passenger argues they're helping others by skipping the buffet queue eiqduixuiqerinvThe Reddit user approves of skipping the buffet queue (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“There are a variety of choices and different sections to the buffet. I’m not waiting for the person in front of me to go through the pasta, salad, hot dishes etc. just to finally get to the section that I’m actually getting food from," Reddit user ‘Ok-Opportunity-574’ explained.

“Nope. I will happily skip right in front of them to grab food. When everyone waits their turn you end up with one person getting food and multiple others just standing there. Go around the stopped person and keep it moving.”

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Buffets will usually have several different sections and it may be more efficient for guests to go straight to the one they need rather than wait in line. However, this could cause issues if other passengers believe someone has cut in front of them, especially if the food they're waiting for appears to be in short supply.

Such tensions are easily further inflamed by time pressures to get out of the canteen and onto an excursion, or low level sea sickness caused by the gentle rocking of the boat. Despite the potential to wind up fellow passengers, other Reddit users agreed line cutting was the way forward.

“Yes, it seems to flow better when treated as stations and most are set up that way anyway," one person wrote.

Another commenter said they found people “not looking where they’re walking” very annoying at the buffet. They wrote “I’ve literally had people walk into me while standing still.”

Cruise ships usually have a variety of restaurants for guests to choose from and some will incur an extra charge. If guests want to dine at a specialty restaurant during their voyage, it may work out cheaper to book it before the holiday.

Guests can book excursions, drinks packages and exclusive experiences before their cruise, which may end up being cheaper than the ones available onboard. However, guests should be careful booking excursions as they might be able to save money booking with a third party operator rather than the cruise line, or simply by making travel arrangements themselves.

Esther Marshall

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