After annnouncing last week that it would begin charging for room service (except continental breakfast), Carnival Cruise Lines has "put the brakes on" that change -- at least temporarily.
Heald's Announcement
“I had previously told you about changes to our room service offerings that would go into effect in January. I wanted to let you know that we are in the process of making some adjustments to that plan to balance the interests of our guests with our efforts to reduce food waste costs.
Heald continued: “For the time being then, there will be no changes until we finalize a plan that will I will communicate to you all."
Feedback From Followers
More than 750 people had commented on that update by early Monday morning.
One reader called the decision “fantastic,” another “awesome,” and one said “at least it shows that Carnival is listening” to its customers.
Other consumers, though, still weren’t happy, noting that the line was “going to nickel and dime itself out of being the cheaper cruise alternative” or putting the blame back on the line for food waste (one reason the line cited for implementing room service fees).
For some, the initial announcement's timing was the issue, as they didn't like being enticed to book -- then being told they'd have to pay for this and that onboard.
If and when the line moves forward with any charges for room service, one reader suggested that any new policy “should go into effect in 2020 or when the cruises are not available to customers yet,” so the travelers knows what they’re paying for before booking.
Heald followed up on Facebook when asked whether the previous policy of charging after 10 p.m. will still be in effect. To that, Heald said: “As some are asking, ‘yes’… stays as before – no charge until 10 p.m.”
Officially Speaking
On Sunday, Travel Agent reached out to Carnival's corporate office for official confirmation the line was indeed putting the previously announced policy on hold, and when -- and if -- it will be implemented?
Carnival spokesperson Vance Gulliksen responded by email with this statement:
“We had previously communicated changes to our room service offerings that would go into effect in January. We are in the process of making some adjustments to that plan to balance the interests of our guests with our efforts to reduce food waste costs. For the time being, there will be no changes until we finalize a plan that will be communicated to guests and travel agency partners alike.”
So stay tuned here. We'll post any updates.
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