Carnival Cruise Line Changes Late-Night Pizza Options

Carnival Cruise Line Changes Late-Night Pizza Options

Carnival Cruise Line has stirred up conversation with a recent change to its late-night dining lineup—specifically, how it serves pizza after midnight. Known for its nearly round-the-clock pizza availability, Carnival has now shifted its late-night pizza service to the buffet starting at midnight.

What’s Changing?

Essentially, the pizza counter will now close at midnight, but that doesn’t mean pizza disappears. Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, shared the update, explaining:

“Over the years, many of you have written and spoken to me about food options and the wait time for pizza when you’re looking for a late-night snack. Now around midnight, our fabulous team on Lido will take over from our wonderful pizza chefs as our service moves from the counter to the buffet line. You can find delicious pizza still, but also other options like chicken tenders, hot dogs, sandwiches, cookies, and other desserts.”

This shift is designed to streamline operations and better utilize staff during quieter hours. On Carnival’s Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee), the late-night buffet—including pizza—will be served in Guy’s Pig & Anchor on Deck 8.

To sweeten the deal, Carnival has also announced that its pizza stations will open an hour earlier, running from 9:00 a.m. to midnight instead of the previous 10:00 a.m. start time.

Mixed Reactions From Guests

Not all passengers are thrilled with the change. One recent guest on Carnival Panorama described the late-night buffet offerings as “lackluster,” adding that while pizza was available, it wasn’t the “good kind” typically found at the pizza counter. Another traveler noted that pizza has always been part of the buffet’s offerings but found the menu underwhelming.

On the flip side, many guests appreciate the convenience of having pizza alongside other late-night favorites like chicken tenders and desserts. Carnival’s move aims to reduce wait times and simplify late-night dining.

Can’t Do Without Pizza?

For guests who still crave the pizza counter experience after hours, Carnival has you covered—24/7 pizza is available via room service.

This change might not please everyone, but it’s clear that Carnival is experimenting with ways to make late-night dining faster and more accessible. What do you think? Will this new system improve the midnight munchies experience or leave you longing for the classic pizza counter?