It's no surprise that cruise lines have been making cuts over the past few years. Royal Caribbean, for example, no longer offers twice-daily housekeeping in standard cabins.
Sometimes, supply chain issues might also mean a beloved favorite is unavailable or replaced. For instance, last year, reports were circling that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity were replacing the popular triangle hash browns! However, they're still available on certain ships.
Recently, one passenger called out Carnival Cruise Line for removing fresh fruit from its fleet of "FUN" ships.
"...We've noticed that ships do not serve grapes on the buffet or in the restaurants. They have them onboard, as we have seen them used [in] fruit baskets. Just curious if there is an operation reason," wrote the cruiser.
John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, gave a straightforward answer, claiming it's all about hygiene.
"...the problem with grapes is the communal picking of them off the vine. It's not very hygienic," he said.
"We have shared them in bowls before but at the moment we don't have them on the buffet line. I'm not sure if it's something [that will return this year]."
Despite grapes not being available, Carnival offers a wide variety of fresh fruits in the buffet and other restaurants.
Still, the noticeably absent grapes may disappoint future Carnival cruisers, as they're one of the most popular fruits in the world! With grapes unavailable on Carnival ships, passengers will want to get their fix before embarkation day or seek them out while ashore.
However, other cruise lines haven't reported the same issues with grapes. Matthew Hochberg, founder of popular website Royal Caribbean Blog claimed he had seen grapes in the Windjammer Buffet during Icon of the Seas' Mar. 15 sailing.
Not the only food concern on Carnival ships
Heald also took to Facebook to address an outrageous rumor that Carnival ships were battling an egg shortage. Unlike places across the United States, Carnival isn't experiencing the same supply chain disruptions, so you don't have to worry about having to substitute your morning omelet for something else.
"This is of course utter nonsense," Heald shared on Facebook, "I know there is an egg shortage in parts of the United States but we still offer all the egg options we always have."
"That’s because we source all our eggs from a farm in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s called Old Macdonald’s Chicken Farm and the Beards have a brilliant relationship with Mac who is the EIEIO of the farm."
Carnival cruisers flocked to the comments to reassure others that eggs were available onboard instead of trusting they'd take Heald's word for it.
"I was delighted to see eggs Benedict each morning earlier this month on the Venezia and the omelet station was always busy. No lack of eggs there," said Nicki Gardepe.
Donna Graham Caliendo added, "I am on the Legend this week and have had eggs every day, fried, omelettes, and scrambled. Zero egg issues here."
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 traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
