After removing a popular appetizer from its Main Dining Room menus in 2023, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the return of escargot.
Whether you're an adventurous eater or want to step outside your comfort zone at least once, cruising lets you explore different cuisines without the fear of commitment. If you order a dish you don't like, you can simply order something else for no extra charge.
Carnival's menus include frog legs, roasted duck rolls, braised lamb, tuna tiradito nikkei, a variety of Indian dishes, and more. In short, there are options for those seeking familiar favorites and cruisers with a curious palate.
One popular item many opt to try on a cruise ship is escargot, snails baked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Though I tried the French delicacy in middle school on a beach vacation with a close friend, I've been with multiple people who've tried escargot while on a cruise.
Though they're a fan-favorite (albeit not as popular as the cruise line's must-have chocolate melting cake), Carnival dropped escargot from its menus in 2023 for new dishes curated by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse. While they removed some items from the menu, they didn't simplify the offerings. Instead, Carnival added over 60 new rotating entrées to its Main Dining Room menus.
Recently, Carnival's Brand Ambassador John Heald confirmed escargot's return on his Facebook page. Over 8,000 people responded to his poll indicating they were happy about the decision.
"I’m one happy camper! Love that the escargot [is] back on the menu for 6+ day cruises. We have 3 booked for 2025 with possibly one more being booked," commented Sonia Lirette Dumont.
Rusty Matthew Spinelli added, "I will be ordering 2-3 orders of the escargot for my apps."
"Escargot is my favorite cruise food. When it stopped being served all the time I would search each [night's] menu to see any night it would be served and plan around that night. Not kidding it is the one thing that has been missing for me," said Julia Trumpe.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line: Ultimate Food Guide
Despite the excitement surrounding the return of escargot, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Over 16,000 Facebook users said they wouldn't order the dish on cruises 6 nights or longer, but many commented they weren't bothered by escargot on the menu if it made other passengers happy.
Steve Harrison wrote, "Though the thought of having snails for dinner doesn’t sound appealing to me, to each their own. I’m not a fan of fish either, but it’s on the menu for those that are."
"I do not care for escargot but definitely don’t care if they are on the menu for those who love it," echoed Patrice Trisey Cupp Eubanks.
Other dining changes
In a separate post, Heald confirmed that Carnival Cruise Line's beloved pizza joint would close at midnight. Those seeking a late-night snack are now redirected to the buffet, which serves everything from chips and salsa to Chicago-style pizza, french fries, cookies, and more.
"Now around midnight, our fabulous team on Lido will take over from our wonderful pizza chefs as our service moves from the counter to the buffet line," Heald explained, "You can find delicious pizza still, but also other options, like chicken tenders, hot dogs, sandwiches, cookies and other desserts."
Many were disappointed by this change, claiming that the pizza counter had become a late-night tradition for cruisers who loved the convenience and quality of a freshly made slice after spending the evening drinking at the bar, watching a comedy show, or gambling in the casino.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line shares why popular dining venues close early
Melissa Hackett Fox said, "The late buffet hasn’t been good in our experience. The pizza saves the day with kids and teens who don’t love MDR food. It’s great after the casino and the line moves quickly. I think the pizza needs to stay open."
"Please keep the pizza place open late! It's my favorite thing to grab before heading to bed. I strongly dislike the 'Chicago' style pizza and most of the other options are unappealing as well," added Paige Erickson.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
