Carnival cruise fans are fuming over a major change to the dining experience at the line's brand-new private destination in the Bahamas.
Carnival offers unlimited dining onboard, so guests can order as many poolside tacos and burgers as they want. Naturally, passengers would expect the same freedom and variety at Carnival-branded destinations, including Celebration Key.
However, instead of the traditional all-you-can-eat beachside buffet, Carnival has allotted everyone just one complimentary meal that can be redeemed at one of 14 quick-service locations.
The options are varied, though. The included food ranges from Jerk chicken tacos to Caesar salads, chicken wings, savory fritters, pizza, and build-your-own Mediterranean bowls.
Still, guests are unhappy that they're limited to just one meal when there's unlimited food steps away that's provided by Carnival.
Read more: Carnival Celebration Key Menus
"Celebration Key Menus are making me not want to go there"
Carnival is facing a lot of backlash on social media about Celebration Key's dining.
"One 'free' (included) meal, then I have to buy more? Even the [Main Dining Room] gives you a second meal 'free' before you have to purchase. I'm not a giant eater, but come on. Over the course of several hours [on] the island, you will probably get hungry twice," wrote on cruiser on Reddit.
Others echoed the frustration, calling Carnival "too money hungry." Not only that, but some took issue with the portion sizes. For example, at Mini Donut King, a "meal" consists of just four donuts.
Moreover, Carnival's popular CHEERS! drink package won't work ashore. Those who have paid over $80 per day for a more inclusive experience will have to shell out extra money for beverages at Celebration Key, ranging from soda to cocktails and beer.
It's not just the food and drinks, either. Carnival has been under fire for other outrageous add-ons, including the $14.99 waterslides.
Although there's a lot included ashore — from more than 275,000 square feet of swimming areas to beachfront lounge chairs — Carnival revealed that many amenities will come with an extra charge.
The 10-story Suncastle, for instance, features two massive waterslides that measure over 350 feet long. Unfortunately, these slides aren't included. An all-day pass with unlimited rides on the Flash Flamingo and Mach 3 Marlin costs just shy of $15 per person.
Initially, Carnival was also charging $19.99 for a daily pool noodle rental. It was decreased to $10.99 before being removed from the cruise line's website as an option, presumably because of the negative feedback received.
Read more: "Done with Carnival": Cruise fans call foul for new extra costs at private destination
Included food at Celebration Key
Ashore, guests are given just one complimentary "Island Eats" meal. It can be redeemed at one of 14 quick-service locations, ranging from "Beachside Burgers and More" to "Grand Bahama Taco." After it's been used, any other food must be purchased.
Alternatively, the dining voucher can be redeemed at one of Celebration Key's sit-down restaurants — Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews, or Gill’s Grill — for a 25% discount. The discount doesn't apply to the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant.
Here's a look at the Celebration Key's menus that offer a mix of local flavors and classic favorites (everything outside of the designated "Island Eats" boxes is an extra cost):
Beachside Burgers and More: Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Island Spiced Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken Tenders, Caesar Salad (all come with a chocolate chip cookie)
Streatery Sushiva: Orange Chicken Roll, Crazy California roll (all come with a chocolate chip cookie)
Fowl Play: 4 Piece Chicken Wings OR 4 Piece Boneless Wings. Available flavors are Original, Bahama Buffalo, Korean B, Lemon Pepper, Pineapple Rum, & Garlic Parmesan (all come with French fries and a chocolate chip cookie)
Mini Donut King: Four Mini Donuts — Choose 2 Specialty Flavors (Strawberry Cheesecake, Guava Cheesecake, Oreo, Pina Colada, Maple Bacon, Pink Flamingo, S'mores, Sprinkles) and 2 Classic (Plain, Glazed, Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar)
Calypso Chicken Co.: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken Tenders, Cheesesteak Sandwich, Grilled Chicken & Cheese Sandwich, Caesar Salad (all come with a chocolate chip cookie)
Seaside Shack Subs & Tenders: Cheesesteak Sandwich, Grilled Chicken & Cheese Sandwich, Fried Chicken Tenders, Fried Mozzarella Sticks, Caesar Salad (all come with a chocolate chip cookie)
Seaside Burgers & Dogs: Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Quarter Pound Beef Hot Dog, Caesar Salad (all come with a chocolate chip cookie)
Grand Bahama Taco: Jerk Chicken Tacos, Fried Fish Tacos, Steak Tacos, Jerk Chicken Quesadilla, Steak Quesadilla, Cheese Quesadilla (all come with a chocolate chip cookie)
Flippin Fritters: 6 Piece Fritter Meal with 2 Conch, Shrimp, and Corn Fritters (comes with sweet potato fries, Caribbean coleslaw, and a chocolate chip cookie)
Pizzas & Subs: Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza (all come with a chocolate chip cookie)
Taco, Burrito or Bowl: Base (Burrito, Taco, Mexican Rice, White Rice); Protein (Sautéed Vegetables, Grilled Chicken, Pork Carnitas, Grilled Beef); Toppings (Black Beans, Cheese, Guacamole, Corn, Queso Fresco, Romaine Lettuce); Sauce (Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Tomato Sauce, Green Tomatillo)
Mediterranean Flavors: Base (Pita Bread, Herbed Rice, Mixed Greens); Protein (Falafel Shawarma, Beef Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Shawarma); Toppings (Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Zucchini, Corn, Carrots, Cabbage, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Kalamata Olives, Goat Cheese, Feta Cheese, Pita Chips); Sauce (Garlic Sauce, Tzatziki, Hummus, Harissa Hot Sauce, Greek Vinaigrette, Tahini, Caesar)
Snack Shack: Caesar Salad, Hot Dog, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Turkey Club Wrap, Hummus Vegetable Wrap (all come with potato chips and a chocolate chip cookie)
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 over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
