Carnival’s New Menu Change Is Sparking a Massive Backlash From Loyal Cruisers
Carnival Cruise Line built its name on being the easy, affordable option for fun at sea, with food always at the center of the promise. Buffets, pizza, burgers, and pastries were part of the bargain, and small changes to menus in the past rarely stirred much attention.
This latest update has been different. The rollout struck a nerve with loyal passengers who see it as more than a menu tweak. Many read it as a shift in values, and the sharp online response showed how sensitive cruisers can be when the experience they rely on takes an unexpected turn.
The Donuts And Beignets Rollout
Carnival introduced a “Donuts & Beignets” menu this summer, rolling it out across the fleet. The list included warm donuts, churros, and beignets, all served fresh and packaged in mix-and-match combos. Brand ambassador John Heald announced the change on Facebook and connected it to New Orleans street food and Emeril Lagasse’s influence on the line. At first glance, it looked like a playful, nostalgic addition.
The surprise came with the bill. The treats weren’t part of the usual all-inclusive dining but priced separately: two donuts for $4, four beignets for $3.50, churros starting at $3, and combo boxes from $7. On shore, those numbers might seem modest. At sea, where the expectation is round-the-clock food without extra charges, the move stirred frustration.
Why Loyal Cruisers Pushed Back
The rollout drew an immediate wave of criticism online. Within hours, thousands of comments appeared, many from longtime passengers who saw the new charges as breaking with the “all-inclusive” promise they associated with Carnival. To them, pastries had always been part of the baseline experience—pay once, settle in, and eat without thinking twice. The new price tags felt like a departure from that bargain.
There was praise as well. Some guests welcomed the menu and noted that Carnival still provides a long list of free dining options, from Guy’s Burger Joint to BlueIguana Cantina. For that group, the new sweets were an optional treat rather than a change in philosophy. Even so, the scale of negative reaction showed how sensitive many passengers remain to anything that looks like charging extra for basics.
Part Of A Larger Shift
The donut debate is part of a wider pattern. In the past two years Carnival has tested new dining formats, added steakhouse extras, and brought in celebrity chefs to update menus. At the same time, supply issues have forced adjustments that frustrated some guests, from missing fruit to changes in late-night pizza service.
Next comes Carnival Rewards, a loyalty program launching in 2026. Its early focus on passenger spending set off backlash, leading the company to revise the plan and protect lifetime Diamond status. Against that backdrop, charging for donuts looks less like an isolated move and more like another step toward squeezing revenue at the expense of tradition.