The all-you-can-eat buffet is a staple venue aboard many large cruise ships, but do the dishes match up with guests’ appetites and serving preferences?
Some guests might prefer a one-and-done trip with a larger plate, while others are more inclined to nibble and might return to the serving lines several times to sample different treats. One Carnival Cruise Line guest, however, is convinced that bigger dishes are the best – and essential – for all guests.
The disgruntled (and presumably hungry) guest reached out to John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, with their request, though it was more of a demand, for more spacious dishes.
“Trays!! Where are the trays!!!” the guest exclaimed. “Even our [local buffet restaurant] has trays to use for the salad bar. We need trays which will, John, be unanimously welcomed.”
Will, first of all, the idea of “unanimously welcomed” would by definition mean that every single person agrees. This is therefore another of those guests who claims to know everyone’s mind and preferences, but without any petition or data to back up their assertion.
“I think the big plates are fine,” Heald responded with just as much bluntness as the guest expressed their thoughts.
To be clear, the guest did not offer any explanation for why, exactly, trays would be preferred. This doesn’t take much imagination and it is true that many guests would appreciate trays. In fact, Heald himself understands some of the best reasoning for wanting trays, even though there is another solution.
“Trays are useful for some perhaps who have walking challenges. Remember to always ask any of the crew members working on Lido if you need help carrying something back to your table,” he suggests.
I do happen to remember when, years ago, Carnival Cruise Line did have trays available for guests. In truth, there was some convenience to it, because a dinner plate, small dessert plate, silverware, condiments, and drink cup could all be put on the same tray to be carried at once.
Trays have long since vanished from the Lido Marketplace buffet, however. Now, guests use regular dinner plates to serve themselves however much or little they wish.
Depending on how an individual guest may fill their plate, there may still be room for plenty of food choices, but it can be challenging to balance everything in one trip.
Why Not Have Trays?
Still, there are reasons why the cruise line may have discontinued trays. First and foremost, the hundreds of trays would simply be more dishes that would need to be appropriately washed and sanitized after every use, along with all the regular plates, cups, bowls, and silverware.
Piles of trays would take up valuable real estate in serving areas, as well as on already crowded tables.
Some other guests responded to the discussion noting that larger trays could contribute to food waste with travelers perhaps overestimating their appetite based on the surface availability of a larger tray.
Of course, trays can be helpful for those guests who may have mobility concerns, when multiple trips to the buffet with smaller plates might be challenging.
As Heald noted, however, there are always crew members ready and willing to help any guest with difficulties.
“I use a wheelchair and have always been greeted by at least one crew member on Lido offering assistance to not only carry my plate, but assist with selections as well,” one guest described. “They are most accommodating.”
Other guests note that trays are very useful for families with young children, or to avoid multiple trips to the buffet to complete a meal – which can make the already long serving lines even longer.
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Multiple guests even note that because trays permit one person to carry all their food – plus drink, silverware, etc. – at once, it is easier to avoid having one’s plate of food prematurely cleaned up by enthusiastic crew members if you have to go back for a second trip.
Of course, some frequent Carnival cruisers, especially solo travelers, have an easy solution – they pack along a tray of their own. As these items are not prohibited by the cruise line, it might be something to add to the packing list!
