Cruise ships have limited space, so in many cases adding something new means getting rid of something old.
Those decisions can be tough because many cruisers like things to stay the same even if they no longer use parts of the ship as much as they once did.
Royal Caribbean, for example, has taken libraries off some ships and not added them on newer ones. That’s likely because many people read books on their phones and other devices, so even a small selection of books for passengers to borrow no longer fills a need.
Related: Carnival Cruise Director shows off new onboard activities
Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line no longer offer internet lounges, where you can borrow a computer and buy internet by the minute or hour. Those spaces may have been converted into business centers or been repurposed entirely.
Cigar lounges on cruise ships are also largely a thing of the past, and escape rooms, something that barely existed 10 years ago, have become common.
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald, however, recently responded to an angry passenger about one area that has slowly and quietly been removed from most Carnival ships.
“I am shocked that Carnival Cruise Line has taken away the chapel from their ships,” an unidentified passenger wrote. “You have taken away time spent with God and replaced it with games in the arcade. Every new ship you are building now should have a chapel.”
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Heald did not comment on the chapel issue.
Image source: John Heald/Facebook
Carnival has eliminated most chapels
Heald did not directly respond to the question about chapels. Instead, he asked his followers to share their opinions.
Most passengers don’t seem to see the need for a dedicated chapel.
“I’ve never used the chapel on a ship but I’d think there would be many places one could find some peace and pray. I have never used the game room, but my kids love it,” posted Lisa Beary Fuhremann.
More Carnival:
Carnival Cruise Line takes on main dining room controversyCarnival Cruise Line adds a new homeport, shares new itinerariesCarnival Cruise Line shares a passport rule for most portsCarnival Cruise Line defends its beloved towel animals
Wendi Lichwiarz shared a similar sentiment:
“I believe God can be worshipped anywhere. It doesn’t have to be a specific chapel. I think having a “church” service onboard would be nice for those who go to church every week. And as far as the arcade goes…keep it for the kids. They need a place to have fun.”
Others miss the dedicated chapel space.
“I am not an overly religious person, but I liked the feel of the chapel, and I wished it was available to passengers,” wrote Jodi Tartick. “A connection with God is, unfortunately, what’s missing in a lot of lives who could benefit greatly from that connection. They were never that large, so they really didn’t take up that much space.”
Carnival supports on-board worship
“Carnival respects our guests’ religious beliefs and invites them to practice on their own or with other members of their group,” the cruise line says on its website. “However, we do not place clergy on board our ships.”
It does sometimes offer services if clergy happen to be on board.
“Clergy traveling as guests onboard our ships are welcome to volunteer to conduct services while sailing,” Carnival says. “They should leave their name, cabin number, and services offered at the Guest Services Desk, and they will be contacted by a member of the Cruise Director’s Staff.”
Some respondents to Heald’s post did suggest that a special space for worship could be provided.
“Maybe not a chapel (which denomination should it be set up for?). But a quiet space, a meditation room that could be used for services as well as other things might be appreciated,” Pat Woods posted.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Judy Johnson lamented the loss of the chapels while also sort of backing up why they have gone away:
“I never knew there was a chapel on some ships until I found the chapel on Miracle by accident. It was just so beautiful and serene. I later learned they had done away with the chapels on the ships. Was sorry to hear.”
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
