11 Things Carnival Has Quietly Taken Away

Carnival has always been about fun, value, and a laid-back good time, but long-time cruisers know it used to come with a few extra perks that made the experience feel a bit more thoughtful. Over the years, many of those little touches have quietly disappeared, and guests feel the difference.

I asked fellow Carnival fans to share what they miss most — and the responses poured in. Some of the changes might surprise you. Others will have you nodding along thinking, “I remember that!” Let’s take a nostalgic look at the small (but meaningful) extras Carnival used to offer — and why so many cruisers still want them back.

1. Free Room Service – The Perk Everyone Misses

A waiter in a red vest and white shirt serves a breakfast tray featuring a freshly baked croissant, a cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice, and a French press, exemplifying a luxurious and comfortable room service experience with a bright, modern backdrop.

If there’s one thing that really hits a nerve with Carnival fans, it’s the loss of free room service. Over and over, cruisers mentioned how much they miss the luxury of ordering snacks or breakfast to their cabin without having to weigh up the cost. For many, it wasn’t just about the convenience — it was part of what made the cruise feel like a proper treat.

Guests fondly recalled lazy mornings with breakfast on the balcony or late-night comfort food after a long day in port. Now, with most room service items coming with a price tag, the magic feels a bit more transactional. As one commenter put it, “Free room service was the best part of finally splurging for a balcony!” — and judging by the number of similar replies, they’re far from alone.

2. Tablecloths in the Main Dining Room – A Surprisingly Big Deal

This image captures an exquisite culinary presentation from the Chef's Table on a Carnival Cruise, featuring a beautifully caramelized piece of meat paired with delicate cheese slices and a savory spread. The composition is sophisticated yet inviting, with a glass of white wine in the background that complements the dish, all set against the soft focus of an elegantly laid dining table.

It might sound trivial at first, but the absence of tablecloths in the Main Dining Room came up a lot. What was once a simple but elegant touch has clearly left a lasting impression, so much so that it even sparked a mini-debate in the comments. For some, tablecloths symbolised a more refined dining experience and set the tone for evenings that felt just a little more special.

One guest reminisced about how stewards would gently sweep away crumbs between courses, while others just missed the visual elegance it brought to the space. Of course, not everyone mourns their absence — a few pointed out they didn’t even notice they were gone. Still, it’s clear that for many long-time cruisers, tablecloths were a small but meaningful detail.

3. Twice-Daily Room Cleaning

The image shows a room steward in a blue uniform meticulously preparing a towel animal on a neatly made bed in a Carnival Breeze stateroom. The cozy and well-appointed room, with its warm lighting and inviting decor, offers a glimpse into the attentive service and charming touches that enhance the cruise experience for guests.

Many regular cruisers fondly remember the days when their cabin was refreshed not once, but twice a day. You’d leave for breakfast and come back to a tidy room, then return from dinner to find your bed turned down, lights dimmed, and maybe even a towel animal waiting to greet you. It was the kind of subtle service that made you feel truly looked after.

Although a few people commented that once a day is perfectly sufficient, the majority seemed to view this change as part of a broader decline in personalised service. It’s not just about the cleaning — it’s about the care and attention that came with it. As one guest put it, “They used to check the room every time you left — it felt like magic.”

4. Turn-Down Service with Chocolates

A hand gently places a small gold-wrapped piece of chocolate on a white pillow, likely part of a turndown service in a hotel room. The background shows a textured, neutral-colored headboard, adding to the clean, welcoming feel.

Few things say “you’re on holiday” like coming back to your cabin at night to find the lights low, your bed turned down, and a little chocolate waiting on your pillow. For many Carnival cruisers, this nightly ritual was a small but cherished touch that added a sense of care, indulgence, and a bit of whimsy to the experience.

Several commenters brought it up with real affection, describing it as something they genuinely looked forward to. It wasn’t about the chocolate itself (though no one’s turning that down); it was about the gesture — a signal that you were being looked after.

5. Midnight Extravaganza Buffet

A chef in a white uniform and red neckerchief seasons a stir-fry dish at a live cooking station, surrounded by a colorful array of fresh vegetables including bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and greens. Another chef in the background prepares food at a separate station, highlighting the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of a buffet-style kitchen.

Ah, the Midnight Extravaganza — the stuff of cruise legend. This late-night buffet wasn’t just about grabbing a snack; it was a full-blown spectacle. For many longtime Carnival fans, it was a magical tradition that marked the midpoint of the cruise with flair.

The comments were filled with nostalgia for this over-the-top event. Some remembered lining up just to admire the artistry before eating a single bite. Others missed the sense of celebration it brought—a moment when the ship transformed into something out of a fantasy. While the extravaganza may have been more visual than practical (plenty admitted they weren’t even that hungry), it was memorable.

6. The Decline of Personalised Service

Beyond the specific perks and freebies, many cruisers voiced a deeper concern: the overall shift away from that pampered, personal touch that once defined the Carnival experience. It’s not just about chocolates on pillows or towel animals — it’s about how those gestures made people feel. Stewards used to anticipate your needs, shoe shines were part of the package, and staff seemed genuinely focused on making your cruise feel effortless.

Several commenters summed it up simply: “It used to feel luxurious.” That sense of being catered to, of small, thoughtful touches throughout the day, has gradually faded in favor of efficiency. While today’s cruises still offer fun and value, there’s a growing sentiment that something human and heartfelt has been quietly left behind.

7. The Rise of Nickel-and-Diming

A close-up view of dozens of white bowls filled with freshly popped popcorn, arranged in neat rows on a colorful red table, likely set up for a festive or carnival-style event. The warm lighting enhances the cozy, snack-ready vibe.

One of the strongest frustrations echoed by cruisers was the growing feeling of being nickel-and-dimed. Perks that used to be complimentary — things like popcorn during movies and bottled water in your cabin, which now often come with a charge. While none of these are expensive on their own, it’s the principle that stings: once-free comforts now feel like sneaky extras.

Cruisers remember a time when you didn’t have to think twice about ordering room service or enjoying a snack by the pool. Now, there’s a sense that every little convenience has a price tag attached. As one guest put it, “It’s not about the popcorn. It’s about knowing they cared enough to give it to you.”

8. Plastic Straws and the Great Coke vs Pepsi Divide

Close-up image of a fizzy dark soda, possibly Coke or Pepsi, being poured over ice cubes in a glass, with droplets of condensation forming on the outside. Scattered ice cubes on a dark surface add a cool, refreshing vibe to the scene.

You wouldn’t think straws and soft drinks could stir up such strong opinions, but they did. Multiple cruisers brought up the controversial switch from Coca-Cola to Pepsi products.

Comments ranged from humorous to downright passionate, with one person exclaiming, “Who’s ever heard of a Jack Daniels and Pepsi?!” While often tied to environmental goals, the lack of plastic straws left some frustrated with soggy paper alternatives or no straws.

9. Real Menus vs QR Codes

A person holds a smartphone near a tabletop QR code sign labeled "Payment Accepted Here," indicating a contactless digital payment setup in a café setting. A to-go cup with a straw and a payment terminal are visible in the background, reinforcing the casual, tech-savvy vibe.

One more subtle but repeatedly mentioned change was the disappearance of traditional paper menus in favour of QR codes. For many cruisers, this switch feels like a step backwards rather than forward. Fumbling with phones, unreliable Wi-Fi, and the simple inconvenience of squinting at a screen during dinner all add up to an experience that feels more like a high-street café than a holiday escape.

Guests miss the physical act of holding a menu, or browsing at their leisure without needing tech at the table. It’s a tiny ritual that used to signal, “Relax, you’re being served.” Now, some feel that being handed a printed menu is an unexpected luxury rather than the norm. As one person put it, “I’m on a cruise to unplug — not to scroll through dinner.”

10. Lobster on Elegant Night

A gourmet lobster tail dish is elegantly plated atop seasoned mashed potatoes and garnished with a sprig of rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and a lime wedge, as a chef adds final touches in the background. The upscale presentation suggests a fine dining experience, likely aboard a cruise or in a high-end restaurant.

For many Carnival cruisers, Elegant Night wasn’t just about dressing up — it was about lobster. The once-standard highlight of the Main Dining Room menu has now become a rare treat, often only available on longer sailings or at an extra cost. This change didn’t go unnoticed, especially by those who fondly remember savouring lobster tails as part of the cruise experience, not as a paid upgrade.

It wasn’t just about the dish itself, but about the sense of occasion. Lobster felt like a reward, a little indulgence that made the night feel special and celebratory. Without it, Elegant Night still has charm, but it feels like it’s lost its sparkle to some.

11. Not-So-Quiet Changes to the Loyalty Program

Okay, so this one wasn’t exactly “quiet” – Carnival cruisers made sure of that. In 2024, the cruise line overhauled its VIFP loyalty program, and let’s just say the reaction was… spirited.

The biggest shake-up? Milestone rewards like the free cruise at 200 days have been scrapped in favour of tier-based benefits. Some perks got an upgrade (hello, faster Wi-Fi), but many guests feel the heart of the program – rewarding loyalty with real value – has been watered down.

If you’ve sailed with Carnival for years, expecting a certain perk at your next milestone, it’s worth double-checking the new structure. You can read the full breakdown here: Carnival Loyalty Program Overhaul

Final Thoughts – It’s the Little Things That Made It Magic

While Carnival still delivers fun, value, and unforgettable destinations, many long-time cruisers can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the little touches that once made their trips feel extra special.

Other well-loved touches also came up time and again: things like welcome baskets with fun extras, loyalty pins and gifts left in the cabin, the “Didja” adventurous menu items, towel animals on the pool deck, and even free casino lanyards. Guests miss trays in the Lido buffet, and the now-elusive cranberry bread.

Of course, times change — and so do budgets. But if there’s one thing these memories reveal, it’s that small gestures go a long way. Here’s hoping the spirit of personalised service finds its way back to sea. Because for many loyal cruisers, it’s the little things that made Carnival feel like home.

What do you miss most about cruising with Carnival?
Comment below and share your favourite throwback perk — we’d love to hear your memories!