Carnival Rolls Out Made-to-Order Breakfast Pastries Across Its Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing freshly made-to-order breakfast pastries, donuts, beignets, and churros, across its fleet as a new premium offering. These sweet breakfast treats come at an additional cost and are available at select dining venues on board. Catering to the growing demand for diverse dining experiences, Carnival aims to enhance their culinary options with this latest initiative.

Details and Pricing of Carnivals Breakfast Pastries

The new menu features an assortment of sweet pastries, each prepared fresh onboard and available with a variety of flavors, fillings, and toppings. Donuts come in four options: cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, Boston cream, and glazed. Beignets are served powdered with optional strawberry or chocolate sauce, while the churros are coated in cinnamon sugar. The pricing is as follows:

• Two donuts: $4
• Five donuts: $8
• Four beignets: $3.50
• Five churros: $3
• Ten churros: $5
• Breakfast combo (two donuts and four beignets): $7

While soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, pizza, and breakfast pastries such as croissants, muffins, and danishes remain complimentary, these made-to-order items are part of a growing category of premium food experiences at an extra charge. Notably, Carnival has been charging for beignets in dining rooms on certain ships even prior to this new rollout.

Availability Across Carnival Ships

Currently, the breakfast pastries are available on 11 Carnival ships, including the Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Breeze. A fleetwide rollout is expected in the coming weeks across North American vessels. Provisions and onboard equipment availability are determining factors for the timeline.

Each ship features one or more specific venues for the sale of these pastries. On Excel-class ships like the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, guests can find the pastries at Street Eats, a grab-and-go quick-service venue. On other ships, the treats are available at Sweet Spot, a dessert corner in the Lido Marketplace, or the Seafood Shack. Passengers are encouraged to consult the Carnival HUB App or their FunTimes journal for precise locations and serving hours during their voyage.

Guest Reactions to Paid Treats

Since their launch, initial guest reactions to the pastry program have been mixed. While many passengers appreciate the fresh and customizable nature of these desserts, others have expressed frustration at the additional costs, especially since complimentary breakfast options such as muffins, croissants, and cinnamon rolls are already provided. Guests paying extra for the indulgence argue that the superior quality and reasonable prices justify the added expense, with donuts costing as little as $4 for two pieces.

The introduction of premium food items at an added cost reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry. For instance, Celebrity Cruises recently began charging for its premium cookies, indicating the growing demand for specialty dining options even at an extra fee.

Future Developments in the Breakfast Offerings

According to John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, the new pastry rollout underscores the cruise line's commitment to catering to evolving guest preferences. Carnival may explore menu expansion in the future, possibly adding seasonal or holiday-themed flavors depending on passenger feedback and demand. Despite mixed opinions, many guests are excited about the new breakfast options, viewing them as a worthwhile upgrade to the overall onboard dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Carnival ships currently offer the new pastries?

The breakfast pastries are currently available on 11 ships, including Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Magic, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Breeze. A rollout to the full North American fleet is planned in the coming weeks.

Where can passengers find the new pastries onboard?

Depending on the ship, guests may find the new breakfast items at Street Eats, Sweet Spot in the Lido Marketplace, the Seafood Shack, or other designated counters. Detailed information on availability, locations, and serving hours can be found on the Carnival HUB App or in the FunTimes journal.

How much do the new breakfast pastries cost?

Pricing is as follows: two donuts for $4 or five for $8; four beignets for $3.50; five churros for $3 or ten for $5. A breakfast combo option is available, offering two donuts and four beignets for $7.

Are any breakfast pastries still complimentary?

Yes, classic breakfast items such as danishes, croissants, muffins, and cinnamon rolls remain free of charge at the buffet alongside staple items like soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, and pizza.

Why is Carnival charging for these pastries?

Carnival states that the pastries are made fresh to order daily, offering a premium product that justifies the modest additional fee. This model aligns with industry trends toward offering specialty food options at extra cost to enhance the overall guest experience.