Added pcur, "So, I'll go back to handling the serving utensils and using hand sanitizer when I sit down to eat. "I am on a cruise so it is OK for the staff to put items in my plate. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. So far this week, I have had no trouble entering the buffet without a reservation. Started June 21, 2021, By "It was nice not having to deal with people hovering over food and hundreds of hands (in various stages of cleanliness) touching serving utensils.". Many cruisers said they would change their own behaviors to compensate for the return to self-serve, though few said they would skip the buffet. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. There are some self-serve, "grab and go" options like little salads and such. But the bottom line is that, whatever the method that the food gets on your plate, via your own hands or the crew's, the cruise ship buffet is back. Enjoy a juicy cheeseburger, perhaps a brat with sauerkraut, or even a grilled chicken sandwich and other cruise food daily specials. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Even if buffets turn to crew-served counter service, where cooks plate items for passengers, it is unlikely to greatly increase the number of staff needed to maintain efficiency. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Started June 21, 2021, By //