Food is a big factor in deciding where I vacation, and unfortunately, I've found the meals to be largely underwhelming across most major cruise lines.
But from poolside bites to sit-down meals, I've found the food quality on Disney and Royal Caribbean to be better than what I've found at competitors.
I also love the variety of food offerings, like Disney's 24-hour room service, which includes Mickey ice cream bars.
Disney's theming is also excellent and extends to its dining spaces. For example, certain ships have an animation-themed restaurant and an immersive-dining show themed to Marvel.
I've found Royal Caribbean ships to have high-quality buffets and unique cruise offerings. For example, Icon of the Seas has a unique, globally inspired food hall. It also has unique dining experiences, like an Alice in Wonderland-themed, multi-course restaurant on Wonder of the Seas.