Planning A Costa Cruise? Taking Buffet Food To Your Cabin May Now Cost You 60 Euro

Cruise travel is often sold as the ultimate all-inclusive escape where endless buffets and ocean views set the tone for a relaxed journey at sea. But one cruise line is now drawing attention for a new onboard policy that could change how passengers enjoy their meals.

Costa Cruises has introduced a rule stating that buffet food taken back to cabins may come with additional charges. Passengers could face a cleaning fee of €60, reported Fox News. 

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Taking Food From The Cruise Buffet Might Cost You Extra

Room service remains available for suites and premium cabins, but the food can only be delivered to guests exclusively by staff trained in sanitation and hygiene procedures. The objective is to protect passengers from potential health risks, prevent pest-related issues, and keep the ship spotless. 

"Guest safety and well-being are our top priority. On a limited number of specific sailings, onboard communication was shared as a preventive and deterrent measure, in line with our existing policies, to encourage guests to have responsible behaviour," a Costa Cruises spokesperson shared with Fox News.

Costa Cruises, based in Genoa, operates extensively in ports throughout Italy, Spain, France, and other European destinations.

According to Travel and Tour World, European cruise passengers have had a mixed reaction to the new rule. Many welcome the focus on hygiene and order, especially on crowded Adriatic mini-cruises stopping at Venice, Dubrovnik, or Santorini. Reports of unattended food in public areas have led some to support fines that enforce discipline and cleanliness. 

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Others, however, are frustrated because room service charges or limited buffet hours restrict access to snacks, which affects passengers with medical or dietary needs. Guests from France, Spain, Italy, and the Adriatic region also pointed out difficulties getting timely meals during peak dining times. 

Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation's other brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise, and Holland America Line, maintain more flexible dining rules. Passengers can collect meals and leave trays outside their cabins for steward pickup. These lines focus on convenience and managing hygiene with routine inspections.

Costa remains the sole brand under Carnival Corporation to impose a fixed cleaning fee for violations, potentially setting a standard for future European and Mediterranean cruises.