Are Cruise Ships Eliminating Buffets?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ships have been known for their extravagant buffets, featuring a wide variety of cuisines and delicacies. However, with the ongoing pandemic, many cruise companies are rethinking their buffet offerings and some are even considering eliminating them altogether.

Buffet Elimination:

Royal Caribbean, one of the leading cruise companies, has already announced that they will be eliminating buffets on their ships. Instead, they will be offering guests a new dining experience called “Windjammer Marketplace”. This new concept features staff serving guests directly, thus reducing contact between passengers and food.

Why Eliminate Buffets?

The decision to eliminate buffets comes as a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Buffets have been identified as potential hotspots for spreading the virus due to the high number of people touching utensils and serving themselves.

By eliminating buffets, cruise companies aim to reduce contact between passengers and food while also ensuring better hygiene standards. This move is likely to reassure passengers who are hesitant about traveling during these uncertain times.

New Dining Options:

With buffets being phased out, cruise companies are introducing new dining options that focus on individual servings. These include à la carte restaurants, cafes, and take-out counters that offer pre-packaged meals.

Some cruise lines are also implementing technology-based solutions such as QR codes that allow guests to view menus on their smartphones while reducing physical contact with menus.

The Future of Buffets:

While it’s unclear whether buffets will ever make a comeback in their previous form on cruise ships or not, it’s certain that they will be significantly impacted by the pandemic going forward.

If buffet dining does return in the future, it is likely that it will look very different from what we’re used to seeing. Cruise lines may need to implement additional safety measures such as increased sanitization stations or even mandatory glove and mask usage for passengers.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the elimination of buffets on cruise ships is a necessary move to ensure the safety of passengers during the current pandemic. While it may take away from the traditional cruising experience, it’s important that cruise companies prioritize the health and well-being of their guests. With new dining options being introduced, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious meals while cruising.