In an email sent to booked passengers, Carnival Cruise Line announced that starting Nov. 7, it will increase specialty dining prices on some occasions. In addition, the line is making other changes to its food offerings, including limiting ice cream hours and charging for third servings in the dining room.
“We have all experienced the impact of inflation, higher fuel prices and supply chain challenges. The challenges of the food supply chain are further complicated by global politics and a host of laws regarding how we obtain products and how crops and animals are grown and treated. said the letter from carnival president Christine Duffy.
“However, we have reached a point with our food costs where we need to take some modest but specific actions, which we know most of you have already done yourself, whether it’s with eating patterns or shopping to stock the fridge or the pantry.”
A number of new dining changes on Carnival ships
The letter explains numerous specific changes that will take place starting this month…
Increase in prices of specialized restaurants
The first change mentioned is that the price of steak across the fleet will increase from $42 per person to $48 – an increase of about 14%. Also, Carnival says the prices at “Specialty food restaurants on select ships, eg Rudi’s Seagrill and Bonsai Teppanyaki will also be increased.” However, specific price increases for those other restaurants were not mentioned.
Carnival says passengers who have already paid for these restaurants will be grandfathered in at the current price.
Lobster night turns into the second elegant night
In addition to the price hike, the cruise line says lobster served on a posh night will also see a change.
“In the main dining room, we will continue to offer lobster on itineraries of six days or more, but we will switch to the second elegant evening (rather than the current offering on the first elegant night). The lobster will not swim away, we simply ask you to wait for it further on your journey.”
No more ice cream 24/7
The cruise line says it’s also trying to limit food waste, and to that end it will no longer offer free 24/7 self-serve ice cream on ships.
Instead, the hours will change from 11:00 a.m. to midnight.
“While ice cream for breakfast or at 2 a.m. sounds like a great idea when you’re on vacation, the truth is we’re seeing a lot of waste and this is one of those times when we ask our guests to join us in our efforts to reduce food waste in a way that will have a negligible impact on the overall vacation experience,” the letter said.
New fee for third entry
There is another change being implemented to reduce waste. In the main dining room, it’s a well-known secret that you can order multiple meals. So if you want to try two or three dishes, then that’s fine.
This will still be allowed, but Carnival says so “guests can continue to order a second entrée for free if they wish; however, effective immediately, a third entry will incur a fee of US$5.”
The letter also encouraged guests to “Take what you want, but eat what you get.”
Are there more changes on the horizon?
One thing to keep in mind is that the changes may not be the last we’ll see. Some language in the letter leaves the door open for further changes to what is offered on the ship.
Specifically, Carnival says that it “We will continue to look closely at consumption habits and guest preferences so we can meet our food waste reduction targets.”
“If we see a menu item that isn’t popular or think of a better way to serve a food item that can reduce waste, we owe it to our planet to make the right change while still providing you with plenty of food and delicious cakes. “ the letter said.
