Norwegian Cruise Line has rolled out another policy change with its dining experience, but this time affecting room service. Norwegian’s room service has always required a flat fee, but guests were not limited on what they could order.
Now, the cruise line is apparently limiting the number of room service items that guests can order at one time, and frequent cruisers aren’t happy about it.
As of this week, Norwegian Cruise Line has implemented a new room service policy allowing each stateroom occupant to order just one hot item and one cold item (bento box) per delivery. Previously, guests could order unlimited items under a single flat delivery fee, making this a notable change to the line’s in-room dining experience.
The change was reported on a Norwegian Cruise Line Facebook page, with one cruiser reporting, “Just tried to place a room service order on NCL Sun and was told it’s now 2 items per person (so 4 total for two people).
“For me, room service has always been worth the delivery + tip because I usually do a salad, a PB&J (can’t get it anywhere else onboard), a flank steak, and a pot of coffee—no problem as recently as September on this same ship.
I know NCL just changed main dining room rules so a second entree is $5, so maybe this room service cap is another part of that tightening. Has anyone else run into the 2-item limit on Sun or other NCL ships?”
In an update, the cruiser shared, “Update: It was confirmed by room service supervisor. Have not heard from restaurant manager.”
Under the updated rules, each order is still subject to a service charge of $4.95 (for continental or breakfast menu) or $9.95 (for the all-day menu), plus 20% gratuity. But now, passengers will be capped at just two total items per person.
Another NCL cruiser confirmed the room service changes
In the comment section, one cruiser posted an updated room service menu that reflects the change and stated, “Just started this week.”
The room service menu now reads, “Each stateroom occupant may order 1 hot item and 1 cold item (bento box) per delivery.”
For years, Norwegian’s room service option was one of the more flexible choices at sea. Guests could order multiple entrees, sides, and desserts under one flat delivery fee. This was a popular choice for those wanting to dine in their cabin, especially on longer cruises or during late-night hours.
Passenger reactions: “It defeats the purpose”
The change has caused an uproar among loyal NCL cruisers across social media. Many guests shared their disappointment and confusion with the new policy. For example, some are wondering whether certain drinks, such as hot coffee, will count as one item on the menu.
The frustration follows Norwegian’s recent dining room change where guests must pay $5 for a second entree.
“I eat room service more than anywhere… another thing I love to do [is getting] cut down. What’s next? Definitely not lower prices,” one cruiser commented.
Another guest, who frequently orders breakfast in bed, expressed frustration. “My son and I wanted to have a lazy movie night in our room. It just defeated the purpose.”
“Room service was one of the small luxuries worth the $10 fee,” wrote another guest. “We’d order a Thanksgiving-style feast and tip the delivery person well.”
Others pointed out that the delivery fee remains the same, despite the new restrictions. “Did they reduce the delivery fee now that they’ve capped the limit to two items?” asked one passenger. Another replied that NCL did not lower the room service price with the policy change.
NCL’s room service change follows another unpopular dining change
This new room service cap comes shortly after NCL made adjustments to its main dining room (MDR) policy, limiting guests to one entree per person and charging $5 for each additional entrée.
Previously, guests were not limited on the number of entrees they could order in the main dining room.
Some passengers believe both changes are part of a broader cost-control effort following recent cutbacks in menu variety and food service operations across the fleet. Others argue this is another instance of Norwegian Cruise Line nickel-and-diming customers.
