Buffet- Symphony of the Seas

[Domiknow]

Are the buffet items self serve, or are there staff there to serve?  (Basically wondering how many hands are on the serving utensils.)

[firefly333]

Might be a meat carver or someone making something but it's basically self serve. 

[Sunshine3601]

I do miss the days when they served (sometimes).

Some people do gross things without even thinking about it.  Unfortunately majority of items are self serve.

[neverbeenhere]

Grab paper hand towels and bring hand sanitizer. 

[Merion_Mom]

56 minutes ago, Domiknow said:

Are the buffet items self serve, or are there staff there to serve?  (Basically wondering how many hands are on the serving utensils.)

 

Hundreds and hundreds.

[Domiknow]

That’s what I figured.  Thank you.

[smokeybandit]

No different than elevator buttons, door knobs and about anything else.

[Domiknow]

15 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

No different than elevator buttons, door knobs and about anything else.

Except that I wouldn't think any staff members might be doing those things.  🙂

[ARandomTraveler]

ALL THE HANDS will be on the utensils 

[Cruise a holic]

On 7/31/2024 at 11:45 PM, smokeybandit said:

No different than elevator buttons, door knobs and about anything else.

Very different IMO.  People sometimes do not wash before using utensils.  Pick and eat food on line then grab utensils for more food- Kids sometimes put thing back and grab food with their fingers.  We either try to be the first on line for a buffet or avoid completely.  With door knobs and elevator buttons, you can use wipes after.

[Ocean Boy]

I have no idea how I've survived so many trips through the Windjammer without getting sick. Well, actually I do know but I'm not inclined to post an immunology lecture.

 

Grab an extra napkin on the way in and use it to handle the utensils if you'd like. Navigating the Windjammer without ending one's cruise in the ship's medical center is not difficult.

[silentbob007]

The worst part of the buffet is an active imagination. 🫢 Or maybe it's when you don't have to imagine ....

[smokeybandit]

39 minutes ago, Cruise a holic said:

Pick and eat food on line then grab utensils for more food- Kids sometimes put thing back and grab food with their fingers.

I have never seen anyone do any of this.

[Cruise a holic]

42 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

I have never seen anyone do any of this.

Have been on over 50 cruise.  Have seen many times

[smokeybandit]

I've been on 20, never seen it once.

Maybe that's only after my 21st cruise that I see that behavior.

[Cruise a holic]

On 8/2/2024 at 8:37 AM, smokeybandit said:

I've been on 20, never seen it once.

Maybe that's only after my 21st cruise that I see that behavior.

Look closely- you will definately see.  Watch for the people licking their fingers on line!

[Ocean Boy]

2 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Look closely- you will definately see.  Watch for the people licking their fingers on line!

You don't have to look closely to see it.

[smokeybandit]

I'm sure it happens. I'm just not on the lookout for it and not at all concerned about it.

Edited August 4 by smokeybandit

[S.A.M.J.R.]

On 8/2/2024 at 7:13 AM, Cruise a holic said:

Very different IMO.  People sometimes do not wash before using utensils.  Pick and eat food on line then grab utensils for more food- Kids sometimes put thing back and grab food with their fingers.  We either try to be the first on line for a buffet or avoid completely.  With door knobs and elevator buttons, you can use wipes after.

So get your food in the buffet, take it to your table, use wipes on your hand, eat.  Or as someone said, use napkins to grab the tongs. 

 

Yes, it is the same as elevator buttons, hand rails, door handles, chair arms, etc.  You have no idea if the person before you washed their hands or not. 

[TeeRick]

On 8/2/2024 at 7:13 AM, Cruise a holic said:

Very different IMO.  People sometimes do not wash before using utensils.  Pick and eat food on line then grab utensils for more food- Kids sometimes put thing back and grab food with their fingers.  We either try to be the first on line for a buffet or avoid completely.  With door knobs and elevator buttons, you can use wipes after.

Going on as long as there have been buffets.  On land and sea.  

Edited August 4 by TeeRick