Cruise guests urged to avoid 'worst buffet mistake' everyone makes on the first day

A appeals to many people, not least because it offers the chance to visit various exotic places in one trip. The convenience, with , is another major attraction for holidaymakers. However, cruise passengers often overlook some of the ship's best features, primarily because they fail to utilise them on the quietest day: embarkation day.

Clueing up on some savvy can help passengers maximise the first few hours on board and avoid the crowds. When packing, passengers should remember to include essentials in their hand luggage for the first few hours. Usually, suitcases must be dropped off before boarding, and it can take hours for them to reach .

The same goes for bedrooms, which usually aren't ready immediately for guests to settle in. That's why most people make a beeline for the buffet.

However, a former cruise ship worker who spent nearly seven years onboard says this is a big mistake. Writing for Tasting Table, Melissa Cabey said that grabbing a bite to eat the buffet in the first few hours is "one of the worst mistakes that you can make".

She noted that the buffet "will be filled to the brim with tons of guests lugging their carry-ons, backpacks, and children in strollers".

If that's not enough chaos, add that nobody knows their way around the ship yet, which makes it more overwhelming.

Not only is it difficult to dodge a mass of people walking aimlessly, but you may also struggle to find a table.

The cruise expert recommends eating a proper meal before boarding the ship to avoid the buffet. This allows guests to explore other parts of the ship while most people are navigating a busy dining hall.

If you must eat immediately on embarkation day, most ships serve lunch in a more formal restaurant outside the buffet, offering a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Some non-buffet dining options may be more casual, like sports bar-type venues and bars located around the pool deck to offer quick bites.

Alternatively, a leisurely walk around the ship or studying a deck plan can help travellers discover other hidden gems hours, if not days, before other passengers stumble upon them.

Melissa said the buffet is not going anywhere and is best explored later in the day. "A great time to check out the buffet for the first time is about an hour after the ship sails away.

"Many guests retreat to their rooms during this time to freshen up and get organised, so it's less likely to be crowded", she noted.

Perhaps the easiest way to determine the quietest buffet hours is to ask the crew members to greet the guests entering the buffet on the first day.

According to the former cruise workers, these crew members are experts on guests' habits and can determine the best time to visit.

When loading a plate, Melissa suggests walking around the buffet first to see what's on offer. Cruise ships offer a huge spread of cuisines, and you'll often find designated stations for certain meals.

Be mindful of taking portions you know you can finish. Cruise ships waste a lot of food, and overfilled plates only make it worse.