When Carnival Cruise Line announced its revamped late-night snack menu at the Lido Marketplace, passengers were ready to cheer. More options! Faster service! What could go wrong? Well, apparently, a lot—especially if you’re a die-hard fan of Carnival’s signature handmade pizzas.
As the clock strikes midnight on Carnival ships, the usual buzz of the Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano has gone quiet. In its place? Thick, buffet-style pizzas that are leaving some guests decidedly unimpressed. Let’s dive into the controversy swirling around this change and why it’s left some cruisers craving a slice of the good old days.
Late-Night Cravings Meet Buffet Blues
For decades, pizza has been the unofficial mascot of cruise ship snacking. After the casino closes or the late-night comedy routine wraps, nothing hits the spot quite like a slice of fresh pizza. But Carnival’s new plan to close its beloved pizza counters at midnight has sparked a sea of criticism.
Instead of the hand-tossed, fresh-from-the-oven pies that guests have raved about, the cruise line now serves a different style of pizza at the Lido Marketplace’s late-night buffet. While the aim was to reduce wait times and complaints about slow service, the new pizza option—dubbed “Chicago deep dish” by critics—has failed to win everyone over.
One particularly passionate guest pleaded with Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, saying:
“Please reconsider having the marvelous handmade pizzas available after midnight. The Chicago deep dish is not the pizza that made Carnival’s pizza the best at sea.”
Heald’s Response: A Hard “No Anchovies”
For those hoping Carnival might reconsider, Heald’s response has been as firm as a well-cooked crust.
“We won’t be changing anything. This is a big decision for us, and we’re going to stick with it,” Heald stated.
His reasoning? The old system simply wasn’t sustainable. Guests complained about long waits between midnight and 2 a.m., leading to a backlog at the pizza counters. The solution: faster service with pre-prepared pizzas that could keep the lines moving.
Heald’s assistant, Jacinta, offered more insight, explaining that nighttime staffing has shifted to the Lido to support the broader snack menu. According to her, this move delivers quicker service and shorter lines—two things Carnival’s late-night snackers had been clamoring for.
What Guests Are Saying: “This Isn’t the Same Slice”
Unfortunately, many cruisers aren’t buying what Carnival is serving—literally. Social media and forums have been ablaze with critiques of the new pizza style.
“The pizza looks like old school lunch pizza. The cheese is hard, and so is the bread.”
“The Chicago style pizza tastes like it came out of a deep freezer and was microwaved. Has no flavor.”
For some, the loss of Carnival’s iconic handmade pizza after midnight has soured their overall experience. Even with other late-night snack options available, pizza loyalists feel like they’re being shortchanged.
Can You Still Get Pizza 24/7?
If you’re on a Carnival cruise and find yourself craving pizza at 3 a.m., don’t worry—you’re not completely out of luck. Carnival’s room service menu still offers pizza around the clock, albeit with some caveats.
The room service menu boasts two choices: cheese or pepperoni pan pizzas made with hand-stretched dough and baked to order. While this might sound promising, there’s a catch. Each pizza comes with a $6 fee, and an 18% service charge is tacked onto every order.
So, yes, you can still enjoy pizza at any hour, but it’s no longer the free, walk-up slice many cruisers have come to expect.
Morning Pizza, Anyone?
Not all hope is lost for pizza fans. Carnival has decided to open its standalone pizza counters an hour earlier each day, starting at 9 a.m. If you’ve ever dreamed of a pepperoni slice for breakfast, now’s your chance!
Why Carnival’s Move Isn’t All Bad
While the pizza controversy is real, the revamped late-night snack menu isn’t entirely a bust. Carnival has added a variety of quick bites to the Lido Marketplace, catering to different tastes and ensuring faster service overall.
Additionally, by consolidating late-night food options, the cruise line can streamline operations and allocate resources more efficiently. And let’s face it—standing in line for 20 minutes for a slice of pizza at 1 a.m. is nobody’s idea of a good time.
A Slice of Advice for Carnival
For those who are heartbroken over the pizza change, here’s a tip: voice your opinion politely but persistently. Cruise lines are known to listen to their customers, especially if feedback is widespread and constructive.
Until then, consider indulging in the new late-night snack options, or pony up the $6 for room service if that midnight pizza craving just won’t quit.
A Cheesy Debate with No Easy Answers
Carnival’s decision to swap handmade pizzas for buffet-style slices after midnight has left some guests hungry for the past. While the change aims to solve long wait times, it’s clear not everyone is satisfied with the compromise.
Whether you’re team “Lido Pizza” or still mourning the loss of Pizza Pirate after dark, one thing’s certain: the quest for the perfect slice at sea is far from over. So next time you’re on a Carnival cruise, remember—your midnight snack is what you make of it, even if it’s not quite as cheesy as you hoped.
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