Norwegian expands extra charges for room service

Get ready to pay extra for room service on all 13 of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships.

The Miami-based cruise company is adding a $7.95 charge for in-room dining orders across its fleet after testing the concept in April on two vessels.

In an exception to the charge, cruisers still will be able to order coffee and a continental breakfast in the morning for free. Passengers in suites and the upscale Haven enclave on ships will be exempt from the fee for any item at any time.

The new charge brings to an end a tradition of free room service at Norwegian that dates back to its founding nearly 50 years ago.

As it adds the fee, Norwegian says it also is expanding its room service menu on vessels to include more hot choices for breakfast and a wider selection of items available 24 hours a day.

The new fee is a milestone of sorts for the North American cruise industry. Along with such things as free children's programs and nightly entertainment included in the fare, room service at no extra charge has been one of the core amenities that many cruise operators long have touted as an example of how cruise ships offer more value than land-based resorts. But the days of free room service on ships appear to be waning.

Carnival last month also began testing extra charges for room service items on three ships, and Royal Caribbean last fall began charging for some room service items on its new Quantum of the Seas. Royal Caribbean added similar charges on its just-unveiled Anthem of the Seas.

Both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean in recent years also have added fees for room service ordered late at night.

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