Royal Caribbean confirms plans to ditch the onboard buffet

Cruise lines are expected to ditch the popular buffet dining concept when sailing resumes.

Royal Caribbean said new health and safety measures being introduced to avoid the spread of coronavirus will see the end of self-serve dining, at least initially.

President and CEO Michael Bayley said: "I think in the beginning there will not be a buffet, that's how I see it.

"We will utilize the space, we will utilize the Windjammer (buffet venue) but in all probability, it won't be a classical buffet. It will be something more akin to a restaurant."

Cruise lines are still waiting for the end of the US Center for Disease Control's 'no sail' order, set for mid-July.