After a long day ashore, exploring a new exciting destination, room service may be just the thing you need so you can kick back and relax in your cabin. Or perhaps you’ve planned an early excursion and would enjoy a few minutes extra in bed rather than making your way down to the breakfast buffet. Whatever the reason, room service is a handy way to enjoy a meal or snack when it’s preferable to stay in your cabin.
Traditionally, most room service options have been included in your cruise fare, but recently cruise lines have tweaked their offerings, meaning you may find a charge added to your bill that you perhaps weren’t expecting. Below, we share our guide to room service costs across the leading cruise lines – what’s complimentary and what you will be charged for.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean’s continental breakfast is a good option if you just need a quick bite before leaving for the day. It’s complimentary, and items on the menu include toast, muffins, cereals, tea, coffee and juices. These can be ordered via the door hanger menu and placed outside your cabin the night before.
American breakfast items and room service throughout the rest of the day and night incur a $7.95 charge. This cost is per order, per room, so it remains the same no matter the number of dishes or people ordering.
An 18% gratuity charge will also be added to the bill, bringing the total to $9.40. It is also a convention, but not mandatory, to give a small cash tip to the crew person delivering your order.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers 24-hour complimentary room service for all their Princess Plus and Princess Premier package guests. There is also no delivery charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 USD per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a $5 USD room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone.
On their room service menu, you’ll find breakfast items, club sandwiches, a selection of evening meals, snacks and desserts. You can even add a cocktail or two.
For an extra special treat, you can upgrade your room service to their Ultimate Balcony Dining option, either at breakfast or dinner. Enjoy the glorious sea views while a dedicated waiter serves up fine dining treats, champagne and cocktails. At $100 for two at dinner or $45 for breakfast, the Ultimate Balcony Dining is perfect for a special occasion.
Celebrity Cruises
You can enjoy complimentary room service with Celebrity Cruises for free for continental breakfasts anytime between 6 am and 11 pm.
Outside of these hours or food options, a service charge of $9.95 is issued. However, this fee does not apply if you are a suite guest.
P&O Cruises
Room service with P&O Cruises is available throughout the day and night. Breakfast, which is served from 7 am to 11 am, is complimentary. Just hang your order card on the door the night before. At other times, there is a charge per item.
The breakfast is continental and includes items such as cereals, fruits, pastries and juices. Suite guests can also order a complimentary cooked breakfast.
The ‘Daytime bites’ and ‘Night time nibbles’ menus have a wide range of options, including sandwiches and baguettes, larger hot dishes, desserts and sharing plates. Expect to pay between £1.00 to £10.00 per item.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Morning coffee and continental breakfast items, such as fruit, cereal, bread and pastries, remain complimentary for all guests sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line.
A convenience charge of up to $9.95 is issued on orders placed for room service from their enhanced menu, with a 20% gratuity charge added to these non-complimentary items. However, these charges do not apply if you are a guest staying in The Haven.
Items from the enhanced menu include breakfast specials, such as omelettes, eggs and French toast. It also comprises items from their All Day Menu, which offers salads and sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, pizzas and pasta, and special occasion chef’s selections at an additional charge.
MSC Cruises
On MSC Cruises’ room service menu, you’ll find dishes for any time of the day, including breakfasts, sandwiches, hot plates and snacks. They also offer dining experiences for special occasions. These Romantic Moments packages include Chocolate Strawberries, Wine Connoisseurs’ Treat and an Anniversary Package.
Their room service includes complimentary items and those with a charge. However, there is a minimum delivery charge of $4.99 unless you have opted for the Fantastica or Aurea Experience cruise packages or are a Yacht Club suite guest.
With each cruise line offering a slightly different package when it comes to room service, it can be a little confusing. If you have any questions or would like more information on the room service charges on your cruise holiday, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
