Every cruise line has menu items that passengers really like and look forward to on their cruises. It might be a favorite on the buffet, a snack from the coffee shop, or something in the main dining room that they ask their waiter to bring every night.
Some people, for example, head right for Cafe Promenade on Royal Caribbean (RCL) ships just for the coconut cookies. There are other passengers who swear by Carnival’s cold soups or Celebrity’s escargot.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line quietly brings back a popular food item
Carnival Cruise Line quietly brings back a popular food item
Carnival (CCL) has a strong reputation for its desserts. The cruise line may be behind its chief rival, Royal Caribbean when it comes to the quality of its main dining room (MDR) menu (although some will disagree) but it’s famous for its desserts.
The most popular item on its dessert menu may be its Melting Chocolate Cake. That’s an item that’s offered in the MDR every night and some passengers actually order it after every dinner. Some passengers, however, would argue for the Grand Marnier Souffle with orange creme anglaise — an MDR dessert that tops many, if not all the offerings in specialty restaurants.
Carnival, however, has not limited its dessert prowess to the MDR. It also has some favorites that it offers in the Lido buffet. One of those beloved dessert items has been added to the embarkation day menu permanently after passengers demanded it.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
The Melting Chocolate Cake is Carnival’s signature dessert.
Image source: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival embarkation menu adds a fan-favorite
Many Carnival passengers head right for the Lido buffet as soon as they get on the ship. That’s sort of a cruise ship tradition since most people board around lunchtime, and while there are some other venues open, a meal at the buffet is a very traditional way to kick off a cruise.
Eating at the buffet sort of tells your brain, “I’m on a cruise,” and many cruisers have a favorite food they want to eat every time. One of those popular items was not available at Lido Marketplace on every Carnival cruise on embarkation day, but that has changed due to popular demand, according to a post on Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald’s Facebook page.
“You will, I am sure, be pleased to know that our Executive Chef Roshan has read the comments I sent him showing that this Funfetti Cheesecake has become an iconic Lido deck favourite on embarkation day,” Heald posted. “Chef informed me that this will now be available every embarkation day on every ship (including Excel ships) for Lido embarkation day lunch.”
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Carnival passengers have their cake
Heald’s post garnered over 700 responses and many were excited that the Funfetti Cheesecake would become a permanent embarkation day buffet choice.
“I love the Funfetti cheesecake! I don’t eat a lot of sweets until I’m on a ship Everything that my husband and I have had been good. For those who don’t think so I believe it’s a matter of different taste buds,” shared Sandra Battle.
“I was one nine cruises in before I found out about this gem. OMG it is so good, I don’t eat sweets very often but now I run to this first, even Before Guy’s burgers,” added Christy Parker Litton.
Some passengers were really excited about the news.
“Now THIS is the most exciting news I’ve had all week! I was very sad not to see it on my last couple of cruises on embarkation day as it is the only sweet dessert I eat the whole cruise. The rest of the time, it’s the cheese plate for me,” wrote Michelle Khlare Turner.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
There were, of course, a few people who enjoy being negative.
“I’ve found that most cakes on Carnival look much better than they taste,” Barbara Morisson Vanlandingham shared.
A few posters also took the time to thank Heald for being an advocate for Carnival passengers.
“Just another great example of you taking the people’s feedback and getting something done. Thank you for all you do sir,” posted Shawn Caccia.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
