It seems like The first thing we decide on when choosing a cruise has to do with the itinerary, and in this I include the dates, and their price. However, whether or not we make a good choice depends in addition to the shipping company with which we decide to travel, In this, their nationality is decisive, because that way we will know what type of service we are going to have in terms of food, or languages, for example.
One thing that is clear, the nationality of the shipping company determines the currency on board, And this is not a small matter, remember that for example the tips will be charged in that currency.
Most shipping companies are making a policy of distinguishing themselves from their competition through gastronomy, and there is like a well-established base that those of Italian nationality are excellent in pastas and risottos, and the American ones with their meats.
Regarding meal times American flag ships operate on the principle that the buffet is always open, On the other hand, on ships under the European flag the buffet is only open for main meals.
My opinion is that in general, the buffets of the American companies have better quality and variety than those of the European ones, that sometimes seem very unimaginative to me. In this sense, there are some details that are usually appreciated, such as the open and free ice cream parlor areas, the free self-service ice cream dispensers in the pool ... and those little things that parents make us feel like children.
Be careful, with everything included, ask the agency well why sometimes non-carbonated and non-bottled drinks are not included. If the buffet is always open you can request whatever you want, you always have juices, water, ice, and herbal teas at all times; if instead it closes, you will have to go to the bar and ask for it and have it added to your on-board card. Then according to which areas there are drink carts with juices, sodas and water, which depending on the staff is kept more or less replenished.