Carnival Cruise Line Defends Self-Serve Ice Cream Policy After Passenger Speaks Out

Photo byCruise Fever

A recent online discussion about how ice cream is served on Carnival Cruise Line ships has sparked conversation among passengers and the cruise line itself.

The debate which was picked up by news outlets was started by a passenger who questioned why Carnival requires passengers to serve their own soft serve ice cream, unlike other cruise lines where crew members handle the process.

The passenger questioned the cruise line's policy of self-serve soft serve ice cream, asking, "Why is Carnival stuck in the past making their passengers pour their own ice cream?"

"On all the other cruise lines it is poured for you. Just back from a Disney cruise and the cast members do it. There is no mess, no greed, and no chance of germs. This is the policy that would be applauded should you decide to change to what the upscale cruise lines have as policy," the passenger stated.

Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both have crew members serving soft serve ice cream to guests on board.

In response to the passenger's query, John Heald, Carnival Brand Ambassador, posed the question of whether passengers really want the ice cream process to be changed.

"Now, of course, if needed and we have health reasons to do so we will do this but really, do people want this? I think that the joy of being able to fill your own cone, bowl, or bucket with ice cream is one of the reasons it is so popular. Yes, it can get messy but our brilliant crew are there to take care of this," Heald said.

Heald did clarify that Carnival will accommodate guests with specific health concerns who require assistance with serving their ice cream.

Lido MarketplacePhoto byCarnival Cruise Line

The online discussion recieved a lot of interest on Heald's Facebook page, with over 3,400 comments expressing a variety of viewpoints on the matter.

While some passengers supported the current self-service system, citing its convenience and the opportunity for personalization, others expressed a preference for crew-served ice cream, mentioning cleanliness and efficiency.

Carnival Cruise Line has not indicated any plans to alter its ice cream serving policy at this time.