Room service and to go food

Can you share these facts with us? :)

Yes please. :confused:

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Because of the rules of Cruise Critic, I cannot reference the Facebook pages. I would be glad to if I could, but rules are rules.

I can share with you that food from the buffet can be taken to the pool area and going to cabins. NCL has stated the buffet food can go to the pool area and no one is preventing food from leaving the pool area and to the cabins. On the BA and GA, people are able to use the elevator in the buffet area to take food to their cabins. Bottom line is you can still bring food from the buffet to your cabin.

Some people have posted that desserts from speciality restaurants were being delivered to their cabins. However, to be fair, that was not as loud a message as food from the buffet.

The increase in room service charge is being imposed along with an enhanced room service menu.

All in all, this seems a lot better than what I have read here by the very frequent posters. Seems to me there are a few hidden agendas.

Because of the rules of Cruise Critic, I cannot reference the Facebook pages. I would be glad to if I could, but rules are rules.

 

I can share with you that food from the buffet can be taken to the pool area and going to cabins. NCL has stated the buffet food can go to the pool area and no one is preventing food from leaving the pool area and to the cabins. On the BA and GA, people are able to use the elevator in the buffet area to take food to their cabins. Bottom line is you can still bring food from the buffet to your cabin.

 

Some people have posted that desserts from speciality restaurants was being delivered to their cabins. However, to be fair, that was not as loud a message as food from the buffet.

 

The increase in room service charge is being imposed along with an enhanced room service menu.

 

All in all, this seems a lot better than what I have read here by the very frequent posters. Seem to me there are a few hidden agendas.

I don't think there are hidden agendas. :confused:

Up thread (I have no idea where) there was an article posted that had NCL SAYING no food to the room except room service. This is why we are all reacting-so if that has been changed then good for us-but I would love to see an OFFICIAL announcement. If I have time I will look for the link.

Because of the rules of Cruise Critic, I cannot reference the Facebook pages. I would be glad to if I could, but rules are rules.

 

I can share with you that food from the buffet can be taken to the pool area and going to cabins. NCL has stated the buffet food can go to the pool area and no one is preventing food from leaving the pool area and to the cabins. On the BA and GA, people are able to use the elevator in the buffet area to take food to their cabins. Bottom line is you can still bring food from the buffet to your cabin.

 

Some people have posted that desserts from speciality restaurants were being delivered to their cabins. However, to be fair, that was not as loud a message as food from the buffet.

 

The increase in room service charge is being imposed along with an enhanced room service menu.

 

All in all, this seems a lot better than what I have read here by the very frequent posters. Seems to me there are a few hidden agendas.

Some people have posted that desserts from speciality restaurants were being delivered to their cabins.

Really, is this true or just for the 'Suite Life' folks since they're exempt from the $7.95 RS charges?

Seems to me there are a few hidden agendas?

They deliver desserts to your cabin all right and then sneak the $7.95 convenience fee charges to your account? :D

Some people have posted that desserts from speciality restaurants were being delivered to their cabins.

 

Really, is this true or just for the 'Suite Life' folks since they're exempt from the $7.95 RS charges?

 

Seems to me there are a few hidden agendas?

 

They deliver desserts to your cabin all right and then sneak the $7.95 convenience fee charges to your account? :D

NCL needs to officially clarify what is going. Period!

Because of the rules of Cruise Critic, I cannot reference the Facebook pages. I would be glad to if I could, but rules are rules.

 

I can share with you that food from the buffet can be taken to the pool area and going to cabins. NCL has stated the buffet food can go to the pool area and no one is preventing food from leaving the pool area and to the cabins. On the BA and GA, people are able to use the elevator in the buffet area to take food to their cabins. Bottom line is you can still bring food from the buffet to your cabin.

 

Some people have posted that desserts from speciality restaurants were being delivered to their cabins. However, to be fair, that was not as loud a message as food from the buffet.

 

The increase in room service charge is being imposed along with an enhanced room service menu.

 

All in all, this seems a lot better than what I have read here by the very frequent posters. Seems to me there are a few hidden agendas.

AFAIK the rule is no food from the buffet to the cabin except for snacks. That is the rule and that is what I would follow. It matters not that others violate the rule and get away with it. The fact that they would even consider such a rule in the first place is wrong.

I saw many people last week in the halls and elevators with plates of food.

All in all, this seems a lot better than what I have read here by the very frequent posters. Seems to me there are a few hidden agendas.

Agendas by the frequent posters or by NCL? I would assume you mean NCL since they are the ones whose new rule specifically says food cannot leave dining facilities.

I saw many people last week in the halls and elevators with plates of food.

What ship were you on? Did you see anything written about these rules in the dailies? Thanks for a firsthand account.:)

What ship were you on? Did you see anything written about these rules in the dailies? Thanks for a firsthand account.:)

The Gem. I don't recall reading anything about taking food to the cabin.

The Gem. I don't recall reading anything about taking food to the cabin.

Thanks! :)

Thanks! :)

Your welcome. I just looked at day one of the Dallies. No mention of the new rules.

This is what I want addressed-from cruise critic itself:

Norwegian Cruise Line Bans Food Outside of Dining Areas

May 6, 2015

(4:20 p.m. EDT) -- Norwegian Cruise Line has banned "takeaway" food from its ship restaurants, main dining room and buffet areas.

In other words, if you want to bring food to someone in your cabin or bring your dessert back to your room to enjoy later, you won't be able to do so.

The new policy was confirmed in a statement by Vanessa Picariello, senior director of public relations for Norwegian. The line also posted it on the Cruise Critic message boards.

"For our guests' well-being and to maintain a beautiful clean environment for all of our guests to enjoy, we ask that they enjoy their meals while dining at one of our many restaurants."

It's an unusual policy within the cruise industry, which has generally allowed passengers to not only carry drinks from bar to room, but also to bring plates of food to their cabins. Passengers will still be able to eat in the outdoor dining areas.

Passengers are not allowed to carry full plates of food around the ship, which too frequently had led to food spills, dirty plates and food waste in corridors, negatively affecting the passenger experience, Picariello said.

The "takeaway" rule has prompted a rush of comments on the Cruise Critic Norwegian board, from both supporters and opponents.

"No one in their right mind would take a 'doggy bag' back to the cabin after a meal in a specialty restaurant," says user zqvol. "Hopefully this is true and enforcement is easy -- don't have anything to put the leftovers in. You want to haul a dirty plate around the ship like a clown -- have at it."

Other members are not as convinced. "If it is a 'heath & safety' issue then you would of heard it from national TV, etc. And this would affect all cruise lines and not just NCL," says SAILPRO.

Member Wendy&Grumpy questions the timing. "Because if it was truly about 'a beautiful clean environment for all of our guests to enjoy' it would have been done long ago, rather than coinciding with a $7.95 charge for room service."

Trevor Fountain sums up the debate by saying, "I try to stick to the rules and if I don't like them I take my future business elsewhere."

Also key to the discussion: How the line will enforce the policy. "Guests will be asked to enjoy their meal in the restaurant," Picariello said.

Norwegian recently rolled out a $7.95 fleetwide service charge for room service orders, expanded its room service menus, amended its pizza delivery program and reduced many specialty dining prices by a nickel. It also waived the cover charge for 12 of the line's Asian restaurants. Coffee and continental breakfast items can still be ordered from room service without incurring a charge

Why on earth would Cruise Critic need to address that?

There are two, or maybe three issues here.

Number 1 being what NCL has "said" about food outside the dining rooms and buffet. This from head of PR Ms Picariello as reported by Cruise Critic and also in an article in USA Today: "For our guest's well being and to maintain a beautiful clean environment, we ask that guests enjoy their meals while dining at one of our many restaurants. Every ship in the Norwegian fleet offers dining at any time of day or night, with a wide variety of options and cuisines available complimentary. This means that going forward, guests are unable to take full plates of food from ANY of the of the restaurants or buffet back to their rooms. For guests who need a snack, etc throughout the day, they are able to take a piece of fruit or a box of cereal from the buffet. Morning coffee and continental breakfast remain complimentary from room service as well."

Number 2 issue being whether or not it has filtered down to the ships and is being "enforced". We all know how NCL does with enforcement of their own rules. Inconsistent or not at all. But we know they are refusing to allow removal of so much as a piece of cake from specialties and O Sheehans by report of current cruisers. The buffet is certainly a much different animal and will be difficult to enforce, BUT it is not allowed per NCL. Whether or not they will ever TRY to enforce it remains to be seen.

Number 3 issue is whether or not this information is noted anywhere on the website or on the ships at this point. As far as number three, we all know how well and how long it takes NCL to document changes in their website, so no use even discussing this. It may be weeks or months before it happens, if this rule is not recinded in the meantime.

So, the rule does exist. You can draw your own conclusions about whether or not it is good, bad, or is being enforced.

Room Service Charge<------------------------>Ban on Takeouts

If you can draw a straight line, you can draw your own conclusions about the correlation of the two events.

If they enforce the rule or not is not the important point here. The important point is the rule is DUMB! They should not be telling people how to enjoy their vacation. This is all about GREED period.

I have read through some of the comments so my point will most likely have already been cover but I've not had chance to read them all...

I sent an email to Mr Stuart regarding the new policy and asking for confirmation on the 'new rules' as my husband is disabled and sometimes is reliant on me collecting something to eat from the buffet (not a snack) yes, yes, I know I can have room service but as I explained in the email when I booked and paid for my vacation the room services was complementary dining.

The next day I recieved a call for NCL, who have confirmed that yes the rules are now In place and being enforce (hmmmm not sure how this is enforceable) but as I mentioned my husband is disabled so not always able to make it to eat, when I explaines again my situation I was told this is the policy we are sorry you feel let down! The lady told me the reasons for stopping food been taken is to maintain high standards of cleanliness etc...ok ok I get that so how??? Can room service be any different to me collecting food for my husband ..I assume the room service will arrive on a plate?! she was unable to answer this question only kept saying this is the new rule and it is beefing enforced! .... I am now awating a reply from the access desk to where I go from here! I booked and paid in full! in good faith that my husbands needs would be met. Now I am not feeling quite so sure! Any advice welcomed!!

I normally only order room service one night during a cruise and it is usually the last night so I am not bothered by the price hike. The only time I have brought food back to our cabin was on RCCL when my husband did not come down to the dinning room for dinner because of a migraine. The waiter asked where he was and I told him. The waiter said that is was a shame since this is lobster night, so he made a takeout plate for us to take back to the room for him. On NCL I like staying on deck 8 so that if we do get a little hungry at night, we just boggie on over to O'Sheehan's and grab a bite.

I have read through some of the comments so my point will most likely have already been cover but I've not had chance to read them all...

I sent an email to Mr Stuart regarding the new policy and asking for confirmation on the 'new rules' as my husband is disabled and sometimes is reliant on me collecting something to eat from the buffet (not a snack) yes, yes, I know I can have room service but as I explained in the email when I booked and paid for my vacation the room services was complementary dining.

The next day I recieved a call for NCL, who have confirmed that yes the rules are now In place and being enforce (hmmmm not sure how this is enforceable) but as I mentioned my husband is disabled so not always able to make it to eat, when I explaines again my situation I was told this is the policy we are sorry you feel let down! The lady told me the reasons for stopping food been taken is to maintain high standards of cleanliness etc...ok ok I get that so how??? Can room service be any different to me collecting food for my husband ..I assume the room service will arrive on a plate?! she was unable to answer this question only kept saying this is the new rule and it is beefing enforced! .... I am now awating a reply from the access desk to where I go from here! I booked and paid in full! in good faith that my husbands needs would be met. Now I am not feeling quite so sure! Any advice welcomed!!

Why make an issue of this whole thing. Just bring food back to the room if that's what works for you and your husband. If you are stopped by anyone (and I doubt if any staff member will) just explain your situation (husband's disability) and an exception will be made. I find that making accomodations for disabilities and special needs can be accomplished better with the people on the ship than with "head office" people before the cruise. Relax-- nobody is going to "force" your husband to eat in a dining area or pay for room service.:D

Why make an issue of this whole thing. Just bring food back to the room if that's what works for you and your husband. If you are stopped by anyone (and I doubt if any staff member will) just explain your situation (husband's disability) and an exception will be made. I find that making accomodations for disabilities and special needs can be accomplished better with the people on the ship than with "head office" people before the cruise. Relax-- nobody is going to "force" your husband to eat in a dining area or pay for room service.:D

Why make an issue of this whole thing. Just bring food back to the room if that's what works for you and your husband. If you are stopped by anyone (and I doubt if any staff member will) just explain your situation (husband's disability) and an exception will be made. I find that making accomodations for disabilities and special needs can be accomplished better with the people on the ship than with "head office" people before the cruise. Relax-- nobody is going to "force" your husband to eat in a dining area or pay for room service.:D

Why make an issue of it? I would be mad as he**. Because it is very important to this cruiser that she can feel assured that she will have access to the food she expected to have access to at the time of her booking and not be restricted to the same small offering of items on the RS menu for an entire week and pay nearly $25 extra dollars a day for these items she was not expecting to have to buy.

She has contacted the office of the CEO, explained her situation, and was told that "rules are rules". I am sure she would like some assurance that she will not be hassled by staff each time she tries to go out the door of the buffet. Just because it has not happened yet, does not mean that it will not by the time she cruises. The response from the CEO's office could have been, just let staff know the situation, no problem, but it was not. If pre penalty period, she can cancel and that is what I would do. Otherwise she is a "captive audience".

When I called NCL and specifically asked about folks that were sick or had a disability, I was told that it would be handled on a case by case basis on the ship.

By whom on the ship? Do you get to wear a red arm band to indicate you are allowed? Or must you repeat your story 3 or 4 times a day x 7days to several different staff and hope you get a pass? What a relaxing thought! And the CEO's office has said rules are rules, no exceptions. Why then would anyone on a ship over rule the CEO?

I am now awating a reply from the access desk to where I go from here! I booked and paid in full! in good faith that my husbands needs would be met. Now I am not feeling quite so sure! Any advice welcomed!!

When I called NCL and specifically asked about folks that were sick or had a disability, I was told that it would be handled on a case by case basis on the ship.

That is exactly what I mean. The staff on the ship are very helpful and understanding when you explain the need for accomodations (or they can see it for themselves) The vast majority of the people complaining about this new policy are not disabled, just too lazy to get dressed and walk to the dining rooms to eat.

I personally would like to see less spilled food in the corridors and elevators and not see dirty plates at the cabin doors. Charging for room service seems fair given the extra work involved. I happen to support NCL's new policy. :)

That is exactly what I mean. The staff on the ship are very helpful and understanding when you explain the need for accomodations (or they can see it for themselves) The vast majority of the people complaining about this new policy are not disabled, just too lazy to get dressed and walk to the dining rooms to eat.

 

I personally would like to see less spilled food in the corridors and elevators and not see dirty plates at the cabin doors. Charging for room service seems fair given the extra work involved. I happen to support NCL's new policy. :)

So if I want to bring breakfast back to my sweetie I'm lazy? Good thing the rules of CC prevent me from responding to that one;).