No 4th of July Feast? Carnival Guest Left Disappointed by Dining Menu
While millions of people across the United States celebrate Independence Day with special barbecues, treats, and holiday meals, guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships won’t be having a special menu to mark the occasion.
One guest aboard Carnival Conquest is upset at the lack of a special menu, though the cruise line has offered themed holiday meals in the past, including for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter.
The guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, to voice their frustration.
“Our waiter told us there would not be a special 4th of July dining room menu to celebrate America’s birthday. I spoke to everyone about this in the piano bar last night and everyone was shocked and upset,” they said. “Why is there no special menu!”
While the claim that this guest spoke to “everyone” and that “everyone was shocked and upset” seems exaggerated, it is an interesting question.
Of course, many travelers have noted that the 4th of July is a uniquely American holiday. Other holidays with special menus, such as Christmas and New Year’s, are celebrated more universally worldwide and would appeal to the diverse guests who set sail with Carnival Cruise Line.
Of course, Carnival does offer an elaborate Thanksgiving holiday menu, which is another uniquely American holiday.
Furthermore, Carnival often describes itself as “America’s Cruise Line” and emphasizes its support of veterans and military personnel. Celebrating Independence Day would seem to go right along with those connections.
Many guests responded to the original poster discussing what the traditional food for the 4th of July should be. The general consensus is that hamburgers and hot dogs are the most popular summer holiday foods.
With Guy’s Burger Joint and the Carnival Deli available all day, it’s easy for travelers to enjoy their favorite Independence Day foods without the need for a special Main Dining Room menu.
Many other people had different ideas for what a good menu for the holiday might be. Suggestions such as steak, fresh-caught fish, potato salad, barbecued ribs, fried chicken, and corn on the cob were all popular.
Of course, we can’t forget about desserts. There is no dessert more American than apple pie, but any variety of red, white, and blue desserts – how about berries topped with whipped cream? – could be considered patriotic.
Other menu options might be highlighting different regional dishes from all across the country, such as lobster tail (Maine), cheddar cheese (Wisconsin), gumbo (Louisiana), country ham (Virginia), clam chowder (Massachusetts), or barbecue brisket (Texas).
Follow up such an iconic meal with desserts like peach cobbler (Georgia), Hershey’s chocolate (Pennsylvania), or key lime pie (Florida). Yum!
How Is Carnival Cruise Line Celebrating Independence Day?
Though Heald was unable to confirm a special holiday menu for the evening, but he did mention other special activities that are waiting for guests.
“The waiters will have a special song for you tonight and there will of course be a big party on Lido Deck,” he said.
The “special song” undoubtedly refers to the sometimes controversial “Shooooooooowtime!” performances by the dining teams each evening.
But what song could be in store for guests? Patriotic songs like “God Bless the USA,” “America the Beautiful,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” “American Pie,” and even “Party in the USA” could all be fun choices.
Read Also: Holland America Unveils July 4th Cruise for America’s 250th Anniversary
These same tunes, as well as plenty of other amazing music, may well be part of the Lido Deck party as well.
What Carnival Cruise Line certainly won’t be offering for the 4th of July, however, is fireworks. Only Disney Cruise Line has the patents on specific firework designs that don’t cause environmental contamination when launched at sea, which is a staple of their Pirate Night parties.
No 4th of July Feast? Carnival Guest Left Disappointed by Dining Menu