For those of us in the United States, the Memorial Day weekend is upon us. First and foremost, we should take this long weekend to honor those who have served our country in the armed forces. As the unofficial start to the summer, Memorial Day is also the time to break out the charcoals and propane and fire up those grills for the first cookout of the season.
If the thought of flipping patties and turning dogs this Memorial Day has you wishing someone else was doing the cooking for you, here are our six favorite cruise ship grills that are the perfect spot for your next vacation cookout.
Our Six Favorite Cruise Ship Grills
Guy’s Pig and Anchor BBQ
Ships: Carnival Magic | Dream | Vista | Breeze
This new venue on Carnival Cruise Line, in partnership with Guy Fieri, brings Southern-style barbeque grilling to you pool side. A complimentary venue open during the afternoon, the Pig and Anchor serves some mouthwatering meals. With authentic flavor and a variety of beef, pork, and chicken, there are plenty of smoky, carnivorous treats to go around. Add on some comfort food sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, and cornbread, and this might be your favorite meal of the cruise. You may need a few extra napkins for this sea day lunch though.
Our Six Favorite Cruise Ship Grills – Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
Dive-In at the Terrace Grill
Ships: Most Holland America Ships
While you can get an ordinary hamburger on any cruise ship, you will be hard pressed to find a made to order hamburger poolside. That is why the custom burgers of the complimentary Dive-In Terrace on Holland America ships are a welcomed surprise. Mounds of meat topped with melting cheese, fresh veggies, and special sauce, served on a buttery brioche roll, are only the beginning. A variety of specialty hot dogs, featuring Nathan’s Famous All Beef hot dogs, and crispy French fries can also be yours as you relax near the pool.
Our Six Favorite Cruise Ship Grills – Courtesy of Holland America Line
Lawn Grill Club
Ships: Celebrity Silhouette | Reflection
What cookout would be complete without lounging on the grass or playing some lawn games? Just because you are grilling on a cruise ship doesn’t mean you have to forgo these pastimes. On select Celebrity ships, you can dine al fresco on a natural lawn that is grown on the outdoor decks. At this specialty restaurant, you and your table mates will be in charge of the grill as your own personal chef is there to sear up your selections. Choose from flatbreads, steaks, seafood, and more, all cooked tableside. You might learn a thing or two from these grill masters or just enjoy their craftsmanship.
Our Six Favorite Cruise Ship Grills – Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises
Waves Grill
Ship: Most Oceania Ships
Who said a cookout couldn’t be fancy? The Waves Grill on Oceania cruise line adds a slice of flame-grilled luxury to your vacation. This open air restaurant, located near the pool, serves up premium selections not found on contemporary cruise lines. Indulge in a surf and turf sandwich (a combination of lobster medallions and filet mignon) or your choice of five different burgers, including a Kobe Beef burger topped with a black truffle sauce. When you are done, wash these delights down with a homemade milkshake from this one of a kind cruise ship restaurant.
Our Six Favorite Cruise Ship Grills – Courtesy of Oceania Cruises
The Boardwalk Dog House
Ships: Allure of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas | Harmony of the Seas
Cookouts aren’t just about hamburgers. Who doesn’t love a good hot dog too? The Boardwalk Dog House on select Royal Caribbean ships serves up much more than just your typical Coney Island frankfurter. Located in the Boardwalk and open throughout the day, the Dog House offers a wide selection of sausages from Poland, Germany, Italy, and the U.S. Don’t forget to pile on the fixings, including sautéed peppers and onions, sauerkraut, mustard, and ketchup. When you are done, a trip around the nearby carousel is almost mandatory for the full Boardwalk experience.
Our Six Favorite Cruise Ship Grills
The Salty Dog Gastropub
Ships: Crown Princess | Emerald Princess | Ruby Princess
While this might not be a true grill experience, the Salty Dog Gastropub on select Princess ships is a must try restaurant for those who love a good burger. Princess Cruises’ partnership with award-winning chef, Ernesto Uchimura, elevates pub fare to the next level. This restaurant offers gourmet comfort food, including “The Ernesto” burger created exclusively for Princess, in a relaxed pub atmosphere for an affordable price. Pair this juicy rib eye burger with a craft beer or whiskey cocktail for one unforgettable dining experience. This might just be the best burger you will find on a cruise ship, but we’ll let you be the judge.
Our Six Favorite Cruise Ship Grills – Courtesy of Princess Cruises
Get Cruising and Grilling
While you are probably at the helm of this year’s Memorial Day cookout, you may want to consider spending next year onboard a cruise ship. You can enjoy the ocean air, cool breezes, and plenty of home-style grill selections as you sail the Caribbean, Europe, and other corners of the globe. Why not trade in your apron and tongs and let someone else do the cooking for you? With no dirty dishes or cleanup afterwards, all you have to do is sit back and relax!
