‘Strictly forbidden’: Sneaky cruise ship act could now get you into trouble
Popping to the buffet for a snack and taking it back to your room or to the pool is common practice for many cruisers.
But now the somewhat sneaky cruise act has been banned on one cruise line, with passengers warned they may be fined if they do it.
A cruise ship buffet is a popular place to eat - but one company is cracking down. iStockphoto
While there are usually plenty of seats to eat a full meal, sometimes cruisers don’t want to stay there to eat.
However, if they can’t resist it they could face a fine of almost $100 (€60.)
Costa Cruises, has issued a letter to passengers on one of its ships.
It warns it is “strictly forbidden” to take food from the buffet or other restaurants to eat in public areas, around the pool, or in cabins.
Costa Cruises issued the buffet ban letter on one of its ships. iStock
The rule is to stop “food contamination, the presence of pests, and to maintain high standards of cleanliness on board”.
It warns a €60 may be issued.
However, room service is still allowed to be delivered to cabins by crew.
“For health and hygiene reasons, we wish to inform you that it is strictly forbidden to take food from the buffet areas and restaurants for consumption in public areas of the ship, in the pool areas, in the cabins, or in other indoor areas,” the letter, in Italian, posted on a Costa Facebook group said.
“All food must be consumed exclusively in designated dining areas.
“Please note that failure to comply with this regulation may result in a €60 cleaning fee charge.”
Many cruisers like taking food from the buffets to eat in other areas. iStockphoto
Cruisers had mixed views on the measure in the comments on the Costa Deliziosa Facebook group.
One said it was “inappropriate” and another said, “Costa is doing everything to lose customers.” A third wrote: “sounds good to me” and another agreed saying: “good job! It was time that they took measures.”
Costa Cruises, which is Italian, is owned by Carnival Cruise Lines and is known for bargain holidays.
The company told USA Today the rule was only announced on “a limited number of specific sailings.”
“An onboard communication was shared as a preventive and deterrent measure, in line with our existing policies, to encourage guests to a responsible behaviour.” it said in a statement shares with the publication.
“Costa Cruises remains committed to ensuring a high-quality, safe and enjoyable experience for all guests on board. Room service remains available upon request.”
The rule is to stop “food contamination, the presence of pests" among other things. Getty
The spokesperson added it had not yet charged anyone for breaking the rules.
Meanwhile, don’t be tempted to rush to the buffet and pile the food high as soon as you get on, one cruise worker has warned.
Melissa Cabey has worked on hundreds of cruises as an entertainer, and she warned passengers to avoid the buffet in the first few hours after boarding.
“For the few times that I did brave the masses and go, I immediately regretted it,” she previously said.
“This is simply because it’s immediately the busiest place on the ship. People are hungry after travelling plus they’re excited to scope out the buffet situation.
“To make matters worse, they likely have all their carry-on luggage with them, too.”
A similar tip was shared to TikTok by That Cruising Couple, who wrote, “there’s nothing more jammed than a cruise ship buffet on embarkation day”.
