Carnival Cruise Line Testing New Lunchtime Menu on Select Ships
Key Aspects:
Carnival Cruise Line is testing a new Chicken, Waffles, & Waves lunch venue on select ships.
The new menu has been reported on most Conquest Class vessels on Deck 10.
Guest reactions are mixed to the offerings, but the new menu may yet be further refined.
Guests looking for some southern comfort food will enjoy a tasty new lunch option Carnival Cruise Line is testing on select ships. Chicken, Waffles, & Waves is now available aboard Carnival Freedom, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, and possibly other vessels.
Brand ambassador John Heald confirmed the new menu is being tested, and guest comments note that it has appeared on different ships over the past month.
“We are testing some new food options, some very, very exciting new food options on different ships,” Heald confirmed.
The Chicken, Waffles, & Waves menu is similar to a cross between Guy’s Pig & Anchor and Shaq’s Big Chicken, though the new venue is not specifically branded to either one.
As the name indicates, chicken and waffles are on the menu, albeit separately, so guests can combine the waffles with whatever type of chicken they prefer.
Fried chicken is available with both classic seasoning and spicy flavor, as well as a hot honey glazed variety. Saucy chicken tenders come in either buffalo or saucy Korean varieties. Guests can also have crispy plain chicken tenders, and crispy chicken burger is served with a soft bun topped with pickles, mayo, and lettuce (or just ask for plain!).
On the barbecue side of the menu, there is a choice of slow cooked pork butt or beef brisket, both of which are gluten free. Sauces are available for guests to top their meats however much they wish.
Three different side items are also available: a classic creamy coleslaw, creamy mac and cheese, or a potato salad with crispy bacon.
Where the new venue is already in place, it is located on Deck 10 aft, above the Lido Marketplace buffet space. Guests can reach the venue either from the outer deck entrances or from the stairs across from the buffet.
Previously, the space was the “‘Ol Fashioned BBQ” venue, though that option did not offer the chicken choices on the menu.
As a bonus for Carnival guests in the know about the new space, lines are generally either non-existent or very short, making the venue a great choice to grab a quick, satisfying bite. Seating is also plentiful in the area, even during the lunch rush, though one side of the seating area may be closed off for Camp Carnival diners.
There is no charge for the new venue, though its hours are limited, similar to the lunch buffet hours.
Heald has not indicated when or if Chicken, Waffles, & Waves may be expanded fleetwide or even if it will be featured on all ships. For example, it may be restricted to the Conquest Class of ships that have the convenient barbecue space, and it is unlikely to be added to the Excel Class, where Shaq’s Big Chicken is already a favorite.
Cruise Hive has previously reported on other new menu options Carnival Cruise Line is testing, including the Bagels at Sea now offered fleetwide for breakfast.
Guest Reactions to the New Menu
The Chicken, Waffles, & Waves menu does not change from day-to-day. Therefore, guests have a reliable selection of popular items each day, which can be especially helpful for parents whose children may be in a “chicken tenders” phase (heck, I’m in that phase some days). But what do guests really think of the choices?
Reactions are somewhat mixed from those who have already tried the new menu. Many guests enjoy the variety, but do wish there were a few more options.
“[It would] be nice if there was a grilled chicken option not just all fried,” one guest commented, and several agreed.
A choice of a honey glaze without the heat and additional sides such as baked beans, fries, and collard greens are other popular suggestions. There has also been feedback that the cooking style on the waffles needs to be adjusted for a bit more crispiness.
While Heald has not indicated if the menu will be adjusted in the weeks to come, it isn’t uncommon for cruise ships to test menu selections and make changes after considering popularity and guest feedback.
Carnival Cruise Line Testing New Lunchtime Menu on Select Ships