Norwegian Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruise Lines have announced that they will be introducing new premium room service options onboard select ships – but it comes at a cost. Norwegian will roll out a per order charge of $7.95 onboard Norwegian Breakaway and $4.95 onboard Norwegian Getaway, but does promise an enhanced menu for the extra cost. Guests staying in suites or the Haven complex do not have to pay the fee.
Carnival is taking a different approaching, keeping a basic room service menu available for free but introducing new menu items for an additional charge of $4-7 each. Chicken wings, fried shrimp, quesadillas, personal pizzas and sushi will be part of the new offering to be introduced on the Carnival Imagination, Conquest and Pride on April 12.
The response on cruise forums has been mixed, with some saying that they would be happy to pay for improved menu options while others fear that this is the first sign cruise lines are going the way of airlines and will begin charging for all extras. Both lines are waiting to see the response from passengers before making the changes permanent or introducing them across the rest of the fleet.
Room service charges by line
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Breakaway: $7.95 per order
Norwegian Getaway: $4.95 per order
Rest of fleet: Free from 5am to midnight, $3.95 charge per order from midnight to 5am. Pizza delivery available anywhere on the ship 24 hours a day for $5 per pizza.
Carnival Cruise Line
Free 24 hours a day (excluding expanded menu items onboard Imagination, Conquest and Pride)
P&O
Charges range from $6-9
Royal Caribbean
Free from 5am to midnight, $3.95 charge per order from midnight to 5am.
MSC Cruises
Breakfast is free but there is an in-room menu with a per item charge for any other orders.
Princess Cruises
Free, except for pizzas which are charged at $3 per order.
Cunard Cruise Lines
Free 24 hours a day
Azamara Club Cruises
Free 24 hours a day
Crystal Cruises
Free 24 hours a day
Celebrity Cruises
Free 24 hours a day
Holland America Line
Free 24 hours a day
Seabourn
Free 24 hours a day
Regent Seven Seas
Free 24 hours a day