As of last week, Disney Cruise Line has suspended cruises through July 27th for the fleet of four ships. These cancellations are made to promote guest and crew safety in light of the current global situation and in response to an extension of the “No Sail Order” issued for cruise ships by the CDC.
That said, we’re also looking towards the future of the cruising industry, not only surrounding the Disney Cruise Line fleet but also other cruise lines as they consider moving forward. An article by cruisecritic.com sheds some light on a popular aspect of cruising: buffet dining.
Guests who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line will be familiar with Cabanas — the restaurant which offers buffet service for breakfast and lunch on all four ships.
The Royal Caribbean cruise line also has a buffet restaurant called Windjammer on its ships. And in a recent “Coffee Chat” conference call — according to cruisecritic.com — the status of traditional buffet service upon the return to sailing was discussed by Royal Caribbean executives.
Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley spoke to changes that might be implemented with regards to safety and hygiene, and is quoted: “I think in the beginning, there will not be a buffet…that’s how I see it. We will utilize the space, we will utilize the Windjammer, but in all probability, it won’t be a classical buffet. It will be something more akin to a restaurant.”
Bayley is also quoted as saying: “I think the key focus on dining is making sure that our guests have plenty of choices. That choice has to be put through the lens of distancing, and safety and health.” Additionally, travelpulse.com noted that Royal Caribbean is working with the CDC on enhanced safety measures to protect guests and crew.
Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke to the status of Disney Cruise Line, commenting that cruises will probably be the last of the company’s travel oriented businesses to come back online. You can read more about that here.
Sources: CruiseCritic.com and travelpulse.com
We’ll continue to keep you posted on the status of Disney Cruise Line and Disney parks on land around the globe. In the meantime, you can visit any of the links below to learn more.
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Disney’s Closure Timeline and What It Could Mean For Disney’s Reopening
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What are your thoughts on possible changes to buffet dining? Please let us know with a comment!
Judy meadows says
If u all take out the buffet and add restaurants instead will u have to pay more for that or will be included with the cruise
Howard Shepherd says
If the buffet is taken away I will no longer cruise again. The buffets are what makes cruising special as they enhance the cruising experience.
Anonymous says
We have a cruise for Royal Carribean booked on June 22nd. Has not canceled yet. If you cruise how can Royal Carribean get away with it when there is a no sail order until July?
Brenda Jones says
No buffet, no cruise for me.
Linda Seligman says
I think they should still have buffets and let staff serve the passengers like they do during the norovirus. Also in addition to that the food should be behind a plastic shield so passengers aren’t tempted to serve themselves. The servers will need to wear masks and make sure they don’t have a temp before the shift starts and wear gloves
Jerri Stobinski says
I loved the buffets.we never go to other eating places. Like the salads and fruits
Terrenia says
I feel they should keep the buffet and have it served and yes plastic shields in front of the food. And I agree with previous remark that they should monitor for temps and symptoms each shift of the servers. Maybe they should try to control the count of how many people are there and only have one way in and out of area to try to control too many people in the space at a time.