Carnival Cruise Line is testing a free chicken and waffles lunch on some ships
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Dining on one of the most famous cruise ships gets a shake-up of comfort food – and passengers are divided for a change.
Carnival Cruise Line is testing a new free lunch menu, “Chicken, Waffles & Waves,” on select ships, offering a mix of fried chicken, waffles and classic barbecue in one place, according to Cruise Hive and other reports.
The new space has been seen on several Conquest-class ships, including Carnival Freedom, Liberty, Glory and Valor. It replaces the previous barbecue-focused station, expanding the menu to include a variety of comfort foods, although some BBQ will still be available.
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“We’re exploring some new food options,” Carnival brand ambassador John Heald said on Facebook this week, adding, “Some new options are very exciting.”
Cozumel, Mexico – March 21, 2011: Passengers disembark the Carnival Dream during a port stop on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise (Stock)
He also noted that the test extends beyond lunch to new dinner menus, pointing to Carnival Liberty as one ship featuring lunch offerings on Deck 10.
As the name suggests, the lunch menu focuses on chicken and waffles, although the items are served separately, allowing guests to mix and match. Options include classic fried chicken, spicy varieties and hot honey-glazed versions, and buffalo chicken tenders with Korean-style sauce.
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On the barbecue side, guests can choose from slow-cooked pork loin or beef brisket, paired with sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw and potato salad.
The new lunch concept debuted in recent weeks on several Conquest-class ships, including Carnival Freedom, Liberty, Glory and Valor, as part of an ongoing test rollout. (Pedro Portal/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service)
The concept incorporates elements of Carnival’s existing food partnerships, including Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor BBQ and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, although it is not officially tied to any brand.
The new location is free to guests, as are other regular Carnival dining options, which is a key selling point for budget-conscious travelers.
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But early reactions suggest the concept is a work in progress.
In a Reddit thread, some passengers praised the variety and ease of use, noting the short lines and easy access compared to the busy buffet areas. Others, however, say the menu focuses too much on fried foods, with calls for healthier alternatives.
The free lunch area serves a mix of Southern-style comfort food and sauce. (Stock)
“I can have the best deep fried food in the world,” one woman commented on Heald’s page. “Can’t they try something not cooked in a vat of oil? The Mediterranean thing would be delicious,” he added.
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Others who tried the new options since the release were not so satisfied. “I didn’t like the chicken,” one person wrote on Reddit, adding, “It was overcooked and dry.” Someone said the waffles could be crispier.
But longtime Carnival riders were already divided on the old BBQ, with some calling it delicious and others saying it was “hit or miss” or “very bad.”
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Some Reddit users have suggested that the new chicken-and-waffles option could be an upgrade from the old BBQ setup, especially if it delivers Shaq’s Big Chicken-style cooking.
Cruise lines are shifting to fast-casual, casual dining options as the traditional on-board food offerings evolve. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)
Others are looking forward to trying. “That sounds like a great place for brunch,” said one Redditor.
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The cruise line has taken a similar approach with other fast food concepts, including its “Bagels at Sea” breakfast option, which began as a trial and has been expanded to more ships. Industry insiders say the move reflects a growing emphasis on fast, casual food that better suits modern travel habits.
A recent Cruise Critic report noted, “The days of buffet- and main-dining-room-only dining are long gone.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Carnival for comment.
