Five Best BBQ Spots at Sea

Barbeque fans rejoice! It is now easier than ever to get your favorite dishes while on a cruise ship. What could be better than enjoying a plate of ribs or brisket with an ice-cold beer as you sit outside and watch the waves roll by? 

Several cruise lines now have barbeque restaurants on their ships. These palate-pleasing eateries are a great casual option and a hit for every family member. We’ve shared our picks for the top five BBQ spots you can find on cruise ships. 

1. Q Texas Smokehouse - Norwegian Cruise Line 

Q Texas Smokehouse is a specialty eatery found on several Norwegian ships. The Texas-inspired menu features smoked meats - beef brisket, short ribs, pulled pork, pork spare ribs, turkey breast, smoked chicken, and two kinds of smoked sausage. On the side, guests can enjoy traditional BBQ staples like mac-and-cheese, corn, coleslaw,  jalapeno grits, and baked beans. Each Q location features honky-tonk style decor and live country/rock music.  

Must-Try Dish: Pork Spare Ribs 

Offered on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy (Extra Cost)

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2. Portside BBQ - Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s Portside BBQ restaurant’s motto is ‘Always cooked low, slow, and good to go,’ so you know it's got to be tasty! Portside is a quick-serve, a-la-carte eatery that is open daily for breakfast and lunch. Meat options on the menu include St. Louis-style ribs, Texas beef brisket, bbq half chicken, pulled pork, smoked turkey, sausage links, burnt ends, and chicken wings. To round out the delicious selections, corn on the cob, baked beans, mac-and-cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, or fries pair perfectly as a side item. End your meal with a Chocolate Brookie (half brownie, half cookie) or the Banana Dream dessert.  

Must-Try Dishes: Jumbo Smoked Turkey Legs and the Portside Spiked Palmer (Featuring bourbon, iced tea, lemonade, and a touch of mint)

Offered on Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas (Extra Cost)

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3. Guys Pig & Anchor - Carnival Cruise Line

With a menu curated by Chef Guy Fieri, you know this barbeque spot will be packed with flavor! Pig & Anchor locations can be found on several Carnival ships. Most feature open-air spaces serving lunch daily. Staple dishes include Blue Ribbon chicken, smoked andouille sausage, and a smoked round of beef or pork butt. All meats can be topped with Fieri’s signature line of flavorful BBQ sauces. Don’t forget about the sides! Guest favorites are the collard greens, ‘Mac Daddy’ mac-n-cheese, and the ‘Old Skool’ potato salad. 

Must-Try Dish: Trash Can Nachos - This pulled pork and nacho combo is tastier than the name implies! 

Offered on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Vista, and Mardi Gras. Coming soon to Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Celebration. (Included) 

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4. Planks BBQ - Princess Cruises

Planks BBQ is a casual eatery on select Princess ships that serves traditional American barbecue with a price-fixed menu. Each meal comes with a starter of chipotle BBQ meatballs and a basket of honey-baked and bacon-cheddar cornbreads. Featured entree dishes are called ‘Planks’ that come with meat, fries, chili, coleslaw, toast, and dill pickles. Barbeque options include pulled pork, chili-spiced tri-tip, Caribbean island drumsticks, or cider bbq pork ribs.

Must-Try Dishes: Hard Cider BBQ Pork Ribs and the King Plank Chocolate Cake

Offered on Grand Princess and Regal Princess (Extra Cost)

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5. Gunbae Korean BBQ - Virgin Voyages

Although this cruise ship eatery does not serve traditional barbeque, its meat-focused menu has earned it a top spot on our list. Gunbae is one of the restaurants on cruise line newcomer Virgin Voyages ships. This Korean BBQ joint is a meal and entertainment all in one - all tables include a flameless grill where guests cook their own meat. Main course grilling options include short ribs, wagyu, seafood, pork belly, and veggies. The menu includes small bites (like Dakgangjeong - crispy chicken and chili sauce) and rice and noodle dishes. 

One of the most fun parts of Gunbae is the fun, community-driven atmosphere of the restaurant. Depending on your party’s size, you will likely be seated with fellow patrons. Staff members lead and encourage a round of during-meal drinking games serving soju, a Korean liquor. Apropos, as the word ‘Gunbae,’ is Korean for cheers! 

Must-Try Dishes: Spare Ribs and Wagyu Beef

Offered on Scarlet Lady (Included)

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BONUS: Cookie’s BBQ on Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay

We’re giving this BBQ spot a bonus nod, as it's technically only accessible via a cruise ship! Located on Disney Cruise Line’s private island Castaway Cay, Cookies BBQ serves up tasty American-style dishes in a buffet setting. Featured menu items include St. Louis BBQ-style pork ribs, Cajun-spiced rotisserie chicken, honey and bourbon-glazed salmon, hamburgers/hotdogs, and veggie chili. In addition, Cookie’s is a family-friendly spot to grab a quick bite in-between character meet-and-greets and pool time. 

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