Cruise line passengers are facing a surprising fee for taking food from buffet and restaurant areas back to their cabins. Costa Cruises, an Italian company owned by Carnival Corporation, has introduced a cleaning charge of €60 (approximately $70) for guests who remove food from designated dining areas on select sailings. The policy, reported by the cruise blog Crew Center, aims to address sanitation and hygiene concerns.
Company Statement and Policy Details
A Costa Cruises spokesperson told The Independent: “Guest safety and wellbeing are our top priority. 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 behavior.” The spokesperson added that the cruise line remains committed to ensuring a high-quality, safe, and enjoyable experience for all guests, noting that room service remains available upon request.
According to Crew Center, the letter received by guests stated that “all food must be consumed exclusively in designated dining areas” and that only room service workers trained in sanitation and hygiene procedures are permitted to deliver food to cabins.
Passenger Reactions and Online Debate
The new fee has split cruise enthusiasts online. Supporters argue it prevents dirty dishes and leftover food from cluttering hallways. One commenter on the @unrealcruises Instagram page said: “Umm, I say good, nothing worse than plates and cups lining the hallways, it's not a good look. Never ever in 47 cruises needed to take food to my cabin…” Another added: “I have no issue with this.”
However, critics contend the policy is excessive. A frustrated passenger remarked: “They just be making up rules as they go.” Another noted: “This is not room service if you are getting it yourself. I do it all the time and take back to my balcony room so I don’t have to sit with loads of people coughing everywhere and just have a relaxed meal. PLUS sometimes there are no decent seats free.” One cruise fan declared: “Zero chance I’d pay that fine,” adding, “Make breakfast in bed for my wife every morning by bringing food back. Who cares where you eat the included food.”
The policy applies to Costa Cruises, which operates voyages in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and South America from its base in Genoa, Italy.
