Now, when a passenger gets up from a table in the buffet, at the coffee shop or elsewhere on the ship, a crew member quickly cleans that spot for the next person. It's a labor-intensive process designed to kill germs and stop illness from spreading.

In 2023 both Carnival and Royal Caribbean overhauled their main dining room (MDR) menus. The two companies, however, took very different approaches. Royal Caribbean shrunk its menus and gave each night a theme.

In 2023 both Carnival and Royal Caribbean overhauled their main dining room menus. The two companies, however, took very different approaches. Royal Caribbean shrank its menus and gave each night a theme.