Carnival Cruise Line tests free chicken and waffles lunch on some ships
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Dining on a popular cruise ship is getting a makeover from comfort food, and passengers are divided on the change.
Carnival Cruise Line is testing a new complimentary lunch menu called “Chicken, Waffles and 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 venue 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 wider range of comfort food options, although some barbecue will still be available.
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“We’re testing some new food options,” said Carnival brand ambassador John Heald. a Facebook post this week he added: “Some very, very exciting new dining options.”
Cozumel, Mexico – March 21, 2011: Passengers disembark from the Carnival Dream during a port stop on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise (iStock)
He also noted that testing extends beyond lunch to new dinner menus, noting that Carnival Liberty is a ship offering lunch offerings on Deck 10.
As the name suggests, the lunch menu focuses on chicken and waffles, but the items are served individually, allowing guests to mix and match. Options include classic fried chicken, spicy variations and hot honey-glazed versions, as well as chicken fillets in flavors like buffalo and Korean gravy.
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On the barbecue side, guests can choose from slow-cooked pork or beef paired with sides like macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and potato salad.
The new lunch concept has been introduced on several Conquest-class ships, including Carnival Freedom, Liberty, Glory and Valor, in recent weeks as part of ongoing testing. (Pedro Portal/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service)
The concept blends elements of Carnival’s existing food partnerships, including Guy Fieri’s Pig & Anchor BBQ and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, but is not officially affiliated with either brand.
The new venue, like most of Carnival’s other casual dining options, is free to guests, a major selling point for budget-conscious travelers.
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But initial reactions suggest the concept is a work in progress.
In Reddit threads, some passengers praised the variety and convenience, noting short lines and easy access compared to busier buffet areas. But others say the menu focuses too much on fried foods and calls for healthier alternatives.
The free lunch spot offers a mix of Southern comfort food and barbecue. (iStock)
“I can find deep fried food on land,” one woman commented on Heald’s post. “Can’t they try something that isn’t cooked in oil? Something Mediterranean style would be great,” he added.
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Others who have tried the new options since their launch were less positive. “Didn’t like the chicken,” one person wrote on Reddit, adding, “Overcooked and dry.” Someone said the waffles could be crispier.
But longtime Carnival cruisers were already divided over the old BBQ; some called it delicious, while others said it was a “fail” or even “terrible.”
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Some Reddit users suggested that the new chicken and waffles option could be an upgrade from the old barbecue setup, especially if it offers a Shaq’s Big Chicken-style experience.
As traditional onboard food offerings evolve, cruise lines are shifting toward fast-casual dining options. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)
Others can’t wait to try it. “This looks like an amazing brunch spot,” one Reddit user said.
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The cruise line has taken a similar approach with other express concepts, including a “Bagel at Sea” breakfast option that started as a trial and has since been expanded to more ships. Industry experts say the move reflects a growing emphasis on fast-casual dining that better suits modern travel habits.
recently Cruise Critic report “The days of buffets and dining only in the main dining room are long gone.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Carnival for comment.
