10 Cruise Lines Ranked by Included Food (2026)
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
The best food isn't always about what's served on the plate. It's about how many extra charges stand between you and that plate.
Some are still delivering incredible value. Others seem determined to charge extra for things that used to be included.
Passengers consistently say they feel respected instead of monetized.
The gap between cruise lines is much bigger than most people realize.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
About our Bacon Score methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Which Cruise Line Has the Best Included Food? Most cruise passengers assume complimentary food is basically the same from one line to another. It isn't — and the gap is bigger than most people realize. We analyzed hundreds of recent passenger reviews, cruise community discussions, and real-world feedback to compare included dining across the 10 biggest cruise lines: Costa, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, and Virgin Voyages. Some lines charge extra for things that used to be included — like $5 second-entree fees or premium venues locked behind fare upgrades. Others have redefined what "included" dining can look like at sea, with high-concept restaurants built directly into the base fare. If you're planning your next cruise, this comparison breaks down exactly what's included, what isn't, and which line gives you the most value without extra charges. 👇Have you sailed any of these lines recently? Let me know in the comments if you agree with our #1 pick! ⏰ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The Free Food Illusion 00:51 - #10: Costa Cruises 02:38 - #9: MSC Cruises 04:30 - #8: Norwegian Cruise Line 06:36 - #7: Royal Caribbean 08:45 - #6: Carnival Cruise Line 10:44 - #5: Princess Cruises 12:44 - #4: Celebrity Cruises 14:41 - #3: Disney Cruise Line 16:38 - #2: Holland America Line 18:59 - #1: Virgin Voyages 21:37 - Final Verdict & Viewer Poll 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more cruise news, tips, and travel guides to help you cruise smarter: https://www.youtube.com/@CruiseInsider?sub_confirmation=1 WATCH NEXT: ▶️ The Ultimate Cruise Guide: Tips, Secrets & Mistakes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0kY1ppZnLN1QaqjkgePJwdMcRx6Yi8th Disclaimer: Cruise line policies can change. This information is accurate as of JULY 2026 but you should always check the official website for your specific cruise line before you pack.