The Izumi menu has been updated again following feedback from guests.
Just weeks after Royal Caribbean altered the menu to no longer include vegetables as part of its hibachi meal, it appears the "undo button" has been hit.
Izumi is a specialty restaurant that offers hibachi dining in addition to sushi. It's a very popular choice among cruisers.
However, during the holiday season a new menu listed vegetables were no longer included with the cost.
That meant the hibachi meal only included fried rice and two proteins. Grilled vegetables were available for $5 extra (or as one of the proteins).
The good news is the revised menu includes vegetables once again.
Back on the menu
Laurie Olivieri boarded Utopia of the Seas on Monday and noticed the menu has been changed.
It now says, "All entries come with vegetables and fried rice" above the list of proteins.
Previously, it said "All entries come with fried rice" only.
There's been no change to pricing.
Carol M. was also on Utopia and shared what she heard from a crew member that was preparing her food, "We had lunch at Izumi on Utopia today and every guest got veggies."
"When I asked the chef, he said they got so many complaints, especially from returning cruisers, that they are starting to give everyone veggies again."
"He said they were not serving everyone veggies last week, but it came down from headquarters to bring them back."
The cost to dine at Izumi hibachi is listed at $70 per adult for dinner, and $45 per adult for lunch. Both meals are the same menu.
You can usually reserve Izumi hibachi for less when pre-booking prior to the start of the cruise. For example, on an upcoming Utopia of the Seas cruise, the cost is $55.99 per adult for dinner and $35.99 per adult for lunch.
Controversial change
When vegetables were removed suddenly, it caught a lot of cruisers off guard as to why it would have been done in the first place.
"Most ridiculous thing I have ever seen from Royal and they do a lot of crazy things," wrote Jeff Whiting on the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook page.
Jessica Gomez added, "I would strongly urge [Royal Caribbean] to reconsider this decision. Continued price increases combined with reduced offerings risk alienating loyal customers."
"I usually stand with Royal’s decisions, but this one is just blatant cost cutting and is very disappointing," wrote Chris Barnes.
Why Izumi is so popular
Izumi hibachi is usually sold out on most sailings and it's largely because of how much of a crowd pleaser it is.
It's a fun experience where the chef cooking in front of you puts on a show that adds an entertainment factor. Plus, the menu appeals to even the pickiest of eaters: chicken or beef (along with seafood options).
In addition, hibachi has a fixed cost that includes appetizers, main course, rice, and dessert.
A quick fix
Ultimately, Royal Caribbean made a quick change to remedy the situation.
Guest feedback may have played a role in the menu rollback. Even small tweaks can alter the perception of any venue, leading to brushback.
Going forward, we can expect the veggies back as part of the meal.
