Cruising is all about making memories—whether it’s sipping cocktails on the Lido Deck, nailing that perfect sail-away selfie, or capturing those formal night photos that make everyone look like red-carpet royalty. For many Carnival Cruise fans, collecting photos from each trip is part of the fun. These cherished snapshots often end up displayed in creative ways—on gallery walls, in scrapbooks, or, for some, in unique, branded photo frames sold onboard.
But alas, one particular photo frame has sailed off into the sunset for good, and cruise lovers aren’t too happy about it.
Say Goodbye to Carnival’s Iconic Porthole Photo Frame
If you’ve been on a Carnival cruise, you may have spotted those cool, round porthole photo frames in the Pixels Gallery. With rivet details and the Carnival logo proudly displayed, they were the perfect way to showcase those cruise pics. Whether it was a shot of you conquering the buffet or a formal night photo that made you question why you don’t wear tuxedos more often, these frames were a fan-favorite.
So, it’s no surprise that when Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, confirmed the discontinuation of the porthole frames, the internet lit up like a Mardi Gras sail-away party.
One fan took to Heald’s Facebook page to ask, “Has Carnival discontinued the sale of the portholes in the Pixels Gallery?” The answer, unfortunately, was not what they wanted to hear.
“I did check, and yes, unfortunately, you’re right. We have stopped selling them around the ships,” Heald responded. “Sadly, not too many people were buying them. There are no immediate plans to bring them back.”
Cue the collective sigh from loyal Carnival cruisers.
What’s Left for Souvenir Shoppers?
Before you start angrily packing away your Hawaiian shirts, rest assured—Carnival Cruise Line hasn’t abandoned its photo-loving passengers. The Pixels Gallery still offers a variety of frames, including fun-themed, laser-cut wooden frames, and elegant metal options. Some even have the ship’s name etched into them, so you can relive that moment you mispronounced “Guy’s Burger Joint” for the tenth time.
Of course, the most sought-after souvenirs in the Pixels Gallery are the photos themselves. From formal portraits taken against glamorous backdrops to candid shots of you trying (and failing) to win at trivia, these pictures are the real treasures. You can choose between prints or digital versions, with pricing depending on size, package deals, and whether or not you blinked in every shot.
If you’re a photography enthusiast or just someone who enjoys snapping pics of your food, the gallery also offers related items like SD memory cards and underwater cameras, perfect for capturing that one time you went snorkeling and definitely didn’t panic when you saw a fish.
What Can You Do if You Miss the Porthole Frames?
Don’t despair if your heart is set on that porthole photo frame! All hope is not lost—yet. While Carnival no longer stocks these iconic frames, savvy shoppers have found them on resale sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Sure, you might end up paying a bit more than the original price, but isn’t a small bidding war worth it to keep your gallery wall consistent?
Alternatively, you can snag generic porthole frames from various online retailers. They may not have that official Carnival logo, but hey, they’re round, they have rivets, and they’ll still show off your cruise pics in nautical style.
Change Is Constant in the Cruise World
It’s important to remember that the discontinuation of a souvenir is just part of the ever-changing world of cruise lines. Carnival, like other retailers, frequently adjusts its merchandise based on guest feedback, sales performance, and—let’s face it—trends. The same goes for onboard activities and amenities. Remember the Hairy Chest Contest? It was once a staple of Lido Deck entertainment but has since been scrapped in favor of… well, more family-friendly fun.
In fact, there was a time when Carnival even offered skeet shooting at sea. Yes, you read that right—passengers could stand on deck and shoot clay pigeons launched off the side of the ship. But times have changed, and skeet shooting now falls under the “probably not a great idea anymore” category, thanks to safety concerns and environmental regulations.
Carnival has also made adjustments to dining menus, entertainment options, and even ship layouts. Just a year ago, they made waves by announcing that libraries would be removed from ships due to low demand. It turns out passengers would rather use the space for a more exciting purpose—like another bar or lounge (and honestly, who can argue with that?).
Even the iconic “ship-on-a-stick,” the coveted trophy handed out during onboard competitions, has received a redesign. Carnival is all about keeping things fresh, after all.
What’s Next for Carnival Fans?
While the loss of the porthole frames might sting, it’s just another reminder that the cruise industry is always evolving. Whether it’s updating menus, tweaking entertainment, or phasing out old souvenirs, Carnival Cruise Line is committed to keeping the experience fun and fresh for its passengers.
For die-hard fans, it’s all about rolling with the changes—and maybe checking eBay for a sweet, vintage porthole frame while you’re at it.
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