Carnival Cruise Line added a menu item to a popular onboard restaurant, sparking a debate about how healthy cruise ship food really is.
John Heald, Carnival's social media-famous Brand Ambassador, took to Facebook to share Guy's Burger Joint's new burger.
"[H]ere is that brilliant new burger from the Burger King himself Guy Fieri. This is available on every ship that currently has a Guy Fieri burger joint," Heald posted.
Dubbed the "BBQ Rum Rummer," the new burger features a juicy beef patty topped with S.M.C (super melty cheese), jalapeño-pineapple salsa, rum BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, shaved onion, pickle, and Fieri's secret Donkey Sauce.
While many Carnival guests are excited about the new addition, others raised concerns about the lack of healthy food options on cruise ships.
"Some of these burgers are just a heart attack waiting to happen"
Guy's Burger Joint debuted on Carnival Liberty in 2011 as part of Carnival's Fun Initiative 2.0 refurbishment program. The now-staple is found on nearly every ship in the fleet, from Carnival Elation to the brand-new Carnival Jubilee, and has become a fan favorite.
The poolside joint dishes up juicy smash burgers and seasoned fries. Guests can order one of the signature burgers, like the Pig Patty or Chilius Maximus, or build their own thanks to an expansive toppings bar.
While many cruisers count down the days until their next Guy's burger, others find the calorie-laden delicacy appalling. Following Heald's announcement of the new BBQ Rum Runner, he received concerns about the lack of healthy dining options on Carnival cruises.
"I am so disappointed with yet another photo...of unhealthy food promoted by Carnival’s very overweight ambassador.
On my last cruise which was on [Carnival's] newest ship Jubilee it was just about impossible to eat healthy," wrote an anonymous cruiser nicknamed "C."
"I would like my food to have a lot of proteins and fibers and I like to eat fruit and vegetables as well as [low-fat] meat, only fish and chicken. The bread was either white or wheat and there [were] no [fiber-rich] cereal choices...Shaq’s Big Chicken catered to your followers John because they all looked like you or much worse."
"The choices were very narrow, no meat or protein there, no low fat cooked vegetables either. Only at dinner was I able to order fish – only one choice each night. What happened to the salmon? For the side I had to order separate broccoli every night except one night they had beans and asparagus - other nights only potatoes, rice and pasta. Obesity kills more Americans [than] smoking. How do you like them apples?"
Another cruiser shared a similar sentiment about the brand-new burger, stating, "Does this yumminess come with a side of defibrillator?"
Heald responded, "[H]onestly I do believe that we have many healthy choices including wheat bread at breakfast on Lido and I know Chef Roshan and the beards will continue to offer more and more healthy options for our guests."
Acknowledging that not every cruiser wants to restrict themselves on vacation he said, "[T]here is also a need..to offer the comfort food that compliments being relaxed and having fun on your cruise."
Users flocked to Heald's defense, asserting that Carnival has plenty of healthier options onboard
"[T]here [are] a PLENTY of healthy options!!!!! my mom cruises regularly and she eats healthier than most people. she has not once had this complaint. some people just love to whine, cry and complain," said Rachel Yvonne.
Delena Nash commented, "Dear C …I hate that you were unable to find Healthy options. May I suggest a spa retreat that focuses on diet and [a] healthy lifestyle and not a FUN SHIP."
"As someone who follows a weight watchers diet I have no problem staying on track while on a cruise. There are plenty of options, lots of fruit and veggies, and tons of seafood which I am allergic to!! But I always find options. Bring your own cereal!!" added Pam Mccrum.
Can you eat healthily on a cruise ship?
While there's no denying that eating healthy on a cruise can be a challenge with all the indulgent options, ranging from Guy's Burger Joint to BlueIguana Cantina, Big Chicken, and Carnival's infamous melting cake, it's possible with a little planning and mindful choices.
For example, instead of constantly going for fried foods, mix up your order with something grilled, baked, or steamed. You can also make use of the salad bar for fresh vegetables and lighter servings of dressing.
Additionally, keep portion sizes in mind, as cruise ship servings are often bigger than what you'd typically eat at home. Unless you're really hungry, you don't have to order three courses in the Main Dining Room each night!
If you're in the mood for something sweet, consider enjoying a slice of cake or a scoop of ice cream one night, and opting for a fresh fruit cup the next.
Finally, stay hydrated and limit sugary alcoholic drinks. While there's nothing wrong with sipping on a poolside piña colada, liquid calories add up quickly and can derail your fitness goals quicker than you think.
Read more: 6 Carnival foods that cruisers swear are the line's best-kept secrets
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.
