After a year of articles in the general and travel press proclaiming that the pandemic had put a permanent end to self-service cruise ship buffets, it appears the obituary was premature, as Carnival says it is returning to the service.
Carnival made the announcement last week in a Facebook post by ‘brand ambassador’ John Heald, who said that “Because the crew are all vaccinated and because 95% of guests are (vaccinated) as well, and after all the professional advice we have taken, the buffets … are going to be exactly as they were, meaning you will serve yourself.”
And, in fact, the strong CDC recommendation against self-service and open food displays is just that when crew and passengers are fully-vaccinated. Other lines have so far not returned self-service, but have maintained buffets with service. Over time, they are likely to follow Carnival’s direction—if it proves safe and successful.
