Self-serve Lido Buffets return to Carnival Cruise Line’s ships

   July 2, 2021 ,   Cruise Industry

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line' Ambassador John Heald said in a Facebook video posted on Wednesday, June 30, that self-serve buffets would return to the cruise company’s ships.

Heald revealed the cruise company had decided to reinstate self-service at the Lido Marketplaces on ships sailing in July-August 2021, a decision the brand ambassador said had been made based on research and guidance from the CDC.

The CDC revised its COVID protocols for cruise ships last month, saying the elimination of self-service drink stations and buffets were now only recommendations instead of mandates for liners sailing with at least 95% of guests fully vaccinated.

During the Facebook video, Heald said:

“Because the crew are all vaccinated and because 95 percent of guests are double vaccinated as well, and after all the professional advice we have taken, the buffets are going to be exactly as they were, meaning you will serve yourself.” 

While Heald shared excitement about the return of the self-serve policy in place for the first batch of restart cruises, he said changes in health & safety recommendations could result in the company making changes at a later time.