royal caribbean (RCL) – Get a free report began rolling out its new Main Dining Room (MDR) menus earlier in the year. Changes include making all nights follow a theme (including Welcome Aboard, American, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean and Mediterranean) and removing the “classics” section from the menu.
That change could be even bigger than moving to theme nights, as staples that used to be offered every night now only appear once or twice during a seven-night cruise. Diners will feel that impact in two ways. First, some passengers had a favorite appetizer on the “classics” list: escargot and French onion soup, for example.
Second, the “classics” section offered basic items including New York strip steak, spaghetti bolognese, salmon, and basic chicken. That was some comfort to picky eaters or parents of teens who might not be culinary adventurers. Those items still appear, but not every night, and that could push some passengers to opt for a specialty restaurant or the Windjammer buffet on nights when the menu doesn’t suit their tastes.
But while the new menus have gotten the lion’s share of media (and social media) attention, that’s not the only change the company has made. Royal Caribbean has also changed its lobster tail policy, and many passengers won’t be happy.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival make changes to lobster
Royal Caribbean ships on voyages of 6 nights or more offer a formal night (actually called “Dress Your Best” night) where lobster tails are served in the main dining room on the complimentary menu. It is always possible to purchase a lobster tail. Lobster at MDR on Chops Steakhouse’s small list of menu items nightly, but on formal night, they’re included.
Previously, Royal Caribbean offered passengers as many lobster tails as they wanted (and actually ate). The servers sometimes even went around the dining room bringing them to the passengers before they ordered them.
Now, under the new rules, passengers who want a second (and subsequent) lobster tail will pay $16.99 plus an 18% tip for each one they order.
It should be noted that passengers can still order a second entrée along with their lobster tail (and many opt for a steak to make it surf and turf) at no charge. You can also have seconds, or even more servings of any other entrée, but lobster tails are limited to one complimentary tail per seat.
Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) – Get a free report has enacted its own entry policy that also affects lobster lovers. You now charge $5 per ticket after a passenger has had two tickets. That also counts toward lobster tails, which means that a Carnival cruise ship could have 5 lobster tails (two free and three at $5 each) for slightly less than Royal Caribbean’s charge for a second tail.
Royal Caribbean, Carnival changes aren’t just about money
While passengers are quick to blame any change on financial cuts, that’s not the only thing motivating Royal Caribbean and Carnival. They both want to reduce food waste, and having a smaller menu makes people think twice before ordering an entree they might not want.
In addition, Royal Caribbean Group Chairman Michael Bayley has said that many passengers have said that dinner takes too long. In the past, dinner could be a two-hour affair. Now, the cruise line is targeting 75 minutes for dinner.
The new menus are already beginning to appear on some Royal Caribbean ships. Its full rollout is expected to be completed sometime in February. Bayley has said the cruise line may continue to make adjustments based on customer feedback as changes to Royal Caribbean’s fleet are implemented.
