Moo-ve over: Carnival stirs meaty debate
Royal Caribbean two years ago introduced for-fee steak options and Carnival started trying the same on three of its ships, leading some observers to wonder whether cruise passengers in the future will start having more choices.
The Royal Caribbean for-fee steaks are being offered on three ships, the Paradise, Triumph and Inspiration. The four entrees in addition to a nine-ounce filet offer lobsters choices. The entrees are US$18.
According to a company statement, "The beef is USDA prime, dry aged — the same beef that is served in Carnival’s steakhouses." About half of Carnival’s 24 ships feature stand-alone steakhouses; diners pay a surcharge of $30 per meal, which includes an appetizer, soup, salad, entree and dessert, served in a relatively intimate venue.
Those who prefer their cow included in the cost of the cruise will still be able to opt for a "flat-iron steak," which is offered nightly on the line’s always-available menu, along with the prime rib and broiled Caribbean lobster tails that are served at least once every voyage.
"This is the first test in the main dining room that incorporates an additional charge," Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen told Cruise Critic. The latest testing is expected to run three months.
A storm of controversy was ignited in fall 2008 when Royal Caribbean began offering a for-free steak in several main dining rooms.
“Many had a beef with the very idea of charging for food items in the main dining room,” said Cruise Critic.
“With the explosion of for-fee alternative dining venues, banquet-hall-style main restaurants are fast becoming a last bastion for free dinner (alongside the buffet, of course). Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, for instance, has more than 10 for-fee dining options,” the site says.
By David Wilkening
David
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