Cruise lines rolling out room service upgrades — for a charge

Two cruise lines recently announced they’re sprucing up their room service offerings for a fee.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line are both rolling out expanded room service menus on some ships that will cost guests more.

Miami-based Norwegian said has introduced the upgraded menu on Norwegian Getaway and Breakaway, which includes an expanded breakfast selection and more options available 24 hours. A “convenience charge” of $7.95 per order will be added to each order, a spokeswoman said, though that will not apply to coffee or continental breakfast.

Passengers in suites and The Haven will not have to pay the charge.

On Sunday, Doral-based Carnival will start piloting its new menu on the Imagination, Conquest and Pride. The menu will still offer several free items such as hot and cold sandwiches, continental breakfast and salads. Several items will be offered for an extra charge, including spicy fried shrimp for $6, chicken wings for $5 or pan pizza for $5.

“The expanded room service menu is designed to significantly broaden and upgrade the line’s culinary choices available for in-room delivery,” the cruise line said in a statement. Based on how passengers react, the cruise line may expand the pilot to other ships.

Hannah Sampson

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Cruise lines rolling out room service upgrades — for a charge."